Two zone, three-level house, one humidifier or two?

[jbsjbs]

We're building a home, about 4000 square foot total on 3 levels ~1300 sq ft each in basement, first floor living space and second floor bedroom space.

We're planning on using a 2-zone system, Carrier Infinity with a zone damper system to allow separate control of the basement which will be occupied less often.

We asked about a humidifier and were told that we could go with either an AprilAire system or a "steam humidifier" (I think that was the term), but that in any case they would recommend putting one on the lower zone unit in the basement, not the upper zone unit which is in the attic.

Would you tend to agree that one humidifier should be able to keep the whole house at a comfortable level? It seems intuitively like the air being blown into the bedrooms is going to be dry air and especially if the lower zone is turned off at night there's the potential for the sleeping quarters to be very dry.

How many humidifiers would you recommend including in a system like this, and what type of humidifier would you recommend? (I'm just starting my research on humidifiers so I apologize for my ignorance!).

Thanks, all!

--Jason

[dan sw fl]

Do you live in FL, MN, NC or Montana?
FL = No humidifier

NC = One humidifer

MN = Two humidifiers

[browntigerus]

At 1300 sq ft per floor I would go with single 3 zone carrier infinity, + power humidifier.

Two systems with one carrier infinity 2 zone = insane.

[jbsjbs]

Originally posted by dan sw fl
Do you live in FL, MN, NC or Montana?
FL = No humidifier
NC = One humidifer
MN = Two humidifiers

We're in Northern Virginia, near Washington DC, so I suppose that's closest to North Carolina in your example. So if there's a reasonable level of ambient humidity you think that a humidifier in the lower zone will keep the upper level comfortable?

And what about the type of humidifier -- is a steam humidifier a worthwhile upgrade?

Thank you for the info!

--Jason

[jrbenny]

If I'm reading your post correctly, you are using a 2-zone system for basement and 1st floor. There will be a separate system for the 2nd floor.

Is this correct?

[jbsjbs]

Originally posted by jrbenny
If I'm reading your post correctly, you are using a 2-zone system for basement and 1st floor. There will be a separate system for the 2nd floor.

Is this correct?

Yes, a 2-zone (damper) system in the basement to control the basement and first floor, a one-zone system in the attic to control the 2nd floor.

[hvacsmart]

I would have to see the house, but it looks like the solution with two seperate units is better. One zoned and the other for the second floor. Run a Manual J on the house and see what you get. Only than you can decide what you need.

If you decide to go with one system and three zones expect the equipment to be big. Don't get me wrong I would prefer to use one system for everything in life, but here you have to remember the air will travel very far in order to deliver the required CFM. It will lose a lot of temperature, pressure, etc. Expect the trunk to be big too. You basically need somone to at least run a Manual J and give you the numbers.

My house in NJ with a basement, floor 1, floor 2 and a small attic has to have two systems. Follow manual D and RS for different setup combinations.

[Edited by hvacsmart on 11-01-2006 at 10:42 AM]

[jrbenny]

Originally posted by jbsjbs

Originally posted by jrbenny
If I'm reading your post correctly, you are using a 2-zone system for basement and 1st floor. There will be a separate system for the 2nd floor.

Is this correct?

Yes, a 2-zone (damper) system in the basement to control the basement and first floor, a one-zone system in the attic to control the 2nd floor.

Humidifier in the basement/1st floor system. I wouldn't put a humidifier in the attic unless it's an unvented/sealed attic.

[hvacsmart]

jrbenny,

You really believe vented attic does not need a humidifier?
I have seen dry attics vented attics. Just run a "perfect" Manual J on the attic and you will see if you need a humidifier?.

[jrbenny]

I wouldn't put a humidifier in a vented attic because it can get too cold -- freeze the water line.