The short answer is yes, you do need a humidifier with a high-efficiency furnace. These furnaces may contribute to low humidity levels in the home, but winter humidity levels are already so low that you may need a humidifier with any furnace, not just a new high-efficiency one. But, which whole house humidifier should you choose, how can it benefit you, and might it even save you money?
How Whole House Humidifiers Work
A whole-home humidifier, or a humidifier that works with your high-efficiency furnace may work one of three ways:
- Steam humidifiers: These humidifiers release warm steam or a cool mist into the air to generate humidity.
- Flow through humidifiers: These humidifiers trickle water through the warm air of the furnace, which creates natural evaporation.
- Drum humidifiers: These humidifiers use a pan of standing water to create moisture, but the pan must be cleaned regularly to prevent mould.
As all of these humidifiers use the power of the furnace for at least part of their energy needs, they are very efficient, and they can humidify the whole house, not just one room.
Benefits of High-Efficiency Furnace Humidifiers
Here in Canada, our winter humidity levels drop below what is comfortable. These low levels can impact our health and our comfort in our home. For example, very low humidity can make your home feel less warm. Humid air holds more heat, more easily. So, getting proper humidity levels in your home can make your furnace more efficient and make you feel warmer. This can help you keep the thermostat at a lower setting and therefore save on utility costs.
There are many other benefits of humidifiers that can keep you more comfortable through the winter, and the rest of the year. Low humidity dries out skin, eyes, noses and throats. Those who have skin issues, allergies, or respiratory issues may find that a humidifier makes them significantly more comfortable. If you get static cling, dry skin, or irritated sinuses in the winter, then a humidifier will reduce those problems as well.
Furnace humidifiers can significantly improve your comfort in the winter, and they don’t cost too much on top of the cost of your furnace to do so. The cheapest may be about $200, while the most expensive is over $700. We can help you choose the right one for your budget and needs.
Spending time indoors should be comfortable all year round. A whole-house humidifier can help with your comfort level, it can get you cost savings and it can do more for you. Contact us today to learn more about humidifiers and how they can help your family feel comfortable this winter.
