Humidity Control

Why Humidify?

  • After air conditioning, winter humidification is the second most requested feature in new homes.
  • Adding humidification will reduce energy costs – homeowners are more comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
  • Proper humidification reduces annoying static electricity and contributes to the well-being of pets and plants.
  • Proper humidification protects wooden floors, cabinets and furnishings.
  • Recommended indoor humidity is between 30% and 50%. More or less can increase the likelihood of bacteria, virus, fungus and mites – which can contribute to respiratory problems.
  • Proper humidification increases indoor COMFORT!

CAPACITY GUIDE

The following table shows gallons per day (GPD) needed for optimum comfort based on various home sizes and construction characteristics:

    • Square Footage
    • Tight House
    • Average House
    • Loose House
    • 1000
    • 0.5 GPD
    • 5.0 GPD
    • 10.0 GPD
    • 1500
    • 3.0 GPD
    • 10.0 GPD
    • 16.5 GPD
    • 2000
    • 5.0 GPD
    • 14.0 GPD
    • 24.0 GPD
    • 2500
    • 7.5 GPD
    • 19.0 GPD
    • 30.5 GPD
    • 3000
    • 10.0 GPD
    • 23.5 GPD
    • 37.5 GPD
    • 4000
    • 14.5 GPD
    • 33.0 GPD
    • 51.5 GPD

Calculations based on:

  • Indoor temperature of 70°F and 35% relative humidity
  • Outdoor temperature of 20°F and 70% relative humidity
  • 8′ ceiling height
  • Internal moisture gain of 1 lb. per hour
  • Furnace on-time of 70%

TIGHT HOUSE

Well insulated with vapor barriers, tight storm doors and windows. Dampered fireplace. Air change rate of .50 changes per hour.

AVERAGE HOUSE

No vapor barriers. Insulated with a dampered fireplace. Loose storm doors and windows. Air change rate of 1.0 changes per hour.

LOOSE HOUSE

Constructed before 1930. Little or no insulation. No storm doors or windows or dampering of fireplaces. No weather stripping or vapor barriers. Air change rate as high as 1.5 changes per hour.

Consumer Literature