House Humidification

[alpineavenue]

I will be installing a RUUD Model UGRA 92% efficient furnace in a 2200 SQ FT new house and am wondering if I need to install an April Aire whole house humidifier?

I currently have an 80% Carrier with a April Aire 600 that has been very comfortable in the dry winters in the Midwest.

A friend told me that once he installed his Lennox 92% efficient furnace in his house he stopped running his April Aire unit because he felt that the upgrade to the 92% efficient caused his house to feel more humid and comfortable in the dry winters.

Any one have opinions on whether I will need a April Aire with my upgraded efficient furnace?

[otto]

Yes, you need a humidifier. As you heat cold air the relative humidity takes a nose dive. Your friend should get a good hygrometer and see what the actual humidity is. He's probably having to keep the house temperature unnecessarily high to compensate for the dryness.

[otto]

If you still have the owner's info packet for your Aprilaire there is a good explanation on why you need a humidifier. Get it now, you'll appreciate it later.

No static shock
No dry throat
No shrinking woodwork
You'll be comfortable at a lower t-stat settin thus saving money

[Edited by otto on 07-21-2004 at 09:09 PM]

[alpineavenue]

Otto-Thank you for your suggestion and confirmation.

[Green Mountain]

In short tell your friend that he is full of crap.

If you have trouble doing this come back here. We can talk you through it.