What is furnace humidifier?
They are types of humidifier that can’t work independently unless they are being installed to HVAC or duct system. They don’t generate heat rather improve home humidity rate. Also, are mount or installed in a permanent place. This means, not mobile and can’t be carried like the single room units from one place to another. With furnace humidifier types, you don’t have to bother about checking on your unit often. After installation and necessary settings have been determined, only occasional check required to see if there is any part to replace from time to time.
Types of furnace humidifier
There are three types of furnace humidifier which are stated below:
- Steam humidifiers: This one provides warm mist, easy to maintain no risk of bacteria or mold growth but require more energy to function.
- Flow through humidifier: This type allows water to pass through the furnace filter and further evaporates leaving the furnace escaping into your air. Also comes with filters pad that need to be changed at least once in 3 months for effective performance. In addition, flow through unit is generally cheap to maintain.
- Drum humidifier: This type’s uses pulley belts to power the furnace system via a pan of water. When the water pass through the belts it get moisten before evaporating into the air. Drum furnace unit require constant cleaning due to the standing pan of water in order to prevent mold growing inside the humidifier. The good news, they are the cheapest of all types of furnace humidifiers.
How does furnace humidifier work?
The 3 types of furnace known ever work in different ways but the only thing common is that all furnace humidifiers required installation to either HVAC or duct system. More so, furnace models required integration to the home water providing system. After installation is done completely, you can then test-run the unit. Another thing to note, there are some model that require do-it-yourself (DIY) installation but most manufacturer recommend expert installation in order to enjoy their back up warranty. So it pays to adhere to professional installation to enjoy the warranty.
With view of the above discussion, you may further read through the furnace humidifier reviews and discussion to discover the best furnace product on the market
The Best Furnace Humidifier Chart For Consumers
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | REVIEWS |
|---|---|---|---|
 | GeneralAire 5137 1137 Legacy | • 3,000 sq. ft. • Digital control | READ REVIEWS |
 | Aprilaire 500 Humidifier | • 3,000 sq. ft. • Digital control | READ REVIEW |
 | Honeywell HE240A Furnace | • 3,000 sq. ft. | READ REVIEW |
 | Aprilaire 600 Humidifier Auto | • 3,000 sq. ft. • Digital control | READ REVIEW |
 | Aprilaire 700 Automatic | • 4,200 sq. ft. • Digital control | READ REVIEW |
Reviews of The Best Selected Furnace Humidifier
1. GeneralAire 5137 1137 Legacy for Residential and Commercial Unit
This unit from the GenearlAir brand of humidifier is of great concerned if you are living spaces measuring up to three thousand sq. ft. To start using the GeneralAire 5137 1137, it needs to be mounted on a duct system and this will enable it to pull warm air through the furnace via its vapo pad where it absorbs more moisture. After the whole process is complete, the moisten air further return to your home through your furnace system emitting evaporative mist.
According to some users, they said it’s a bit difficult to install while another said it’s easy to install. However if you end up purchasing this ensure to call a professional to carry out the installation process.
Features of the GeneralAire
- For homes up to 3000 square feet
- Should be installed on duct system
- manual-control duct mount Humidistat
- It uses vapo pad that needs to be change 1-2 times per season depending on usage
This GeneralAire system is easy to install from average users reviews compiled and also provide healthy air and last for years. In fact, one user said one of its unit lasted for 15 years before replacing it. You can also use it for commercial purpose as well.
2. Aprilaire 500 Humidifier
I will recommend Aprilaire 500 for those who are knowledgeable on DIY installation to consider this one but if you are not you can call for HVAC professional to install it. For the best home comfort, the whole house aprilaire 500 feature a digital humidity control that regulates humidity level automatically. So no worry about too humid environment, optimal humidity level is what to expect when you invest on the 500 aprilaire unit.
Users of the bypass furnace humidifier said, it is pretty easy to install than expected. It means, this is a friendly product that is easy to install compare to most competitive units. Even as a whole house unit doesn’t mean it’s is very expensive. However don’t be scared, it’s a fairly price unit.
Feature of Aprilaire 500
- Covers space of 3,000 sq. ft.
- Automatic digital control
- Has 3.0 water feeding rate
- And .5 GPH delivery or evaporative rate
- It comes with a built-in bypass damper
Some users actually installed this unit themselves but caution should be taken if you intend doing-it-yourself. Although, the 500 model is digitally design but also have a manual control function of which you can also use.
3. Honeywell HE240A Furnace Humidifier
For those looking for Honeywell furnace humidifier for a whole house, here is Honeywell HE240A. This is a flow through bypass unit and flow through furnace humidifiers are cost effective when it comes to maintenance which will you enjoy from the Honeywell furnace unit.
Also, this HE240A requires optimal access to a return duct and drain for proper functioning. However to use this unit, it require mounting on a return duct or supply plenum. The bypass therefore moves air from the supply plenum via the humidifier to return back into the home.
Feature
- Flow-bypass-through-unit
- 3,000 square feet coverage
- Require duct connection
From consumer’s reports on amazon about this Honeywell whole house furnace, users conclude it’s great for the price and also easy installation following YouTube video guide. On the other hand, they said the 4 ft ducting for the bypass is shorter compare to the actual number stated. All the same Honeywell provides volume air as expected to suppressed winter and its problem of coldness, dry skin, difficult breathing.
4. Aprilaire 600 Humidifier Auto
After the aprilaire 500 which is the previous model, the aprilaire 600 is the next succeeding unit in the series. This Aprilaire will provide your home maximum comfort throughout the winter if you can depend on it.
There is lot of programmable settings available in the 600 aprilaire humidifier. For instance, you can set up the unit to run for 7 days and each day settings can be specified according to your need. I don’t know to anyone but to me, so far, this is the only units I have come across with such settings.
Most relevantly, you will need a HVAC system to power the 600 to put it to use. But it’s quite easy to set-up. However, it should do the installation. The 600 model also is one the simplest and easiest aprilaire unit ever to operate as it comes with programmable features.
Features
- Digital humidistat
- Programmable fan
- 3,000 square feet space coverage
- 5 years warranty
Caution, in order to enjoy the warranty back up, the manufacturer recommends unit installation be done by an expert and if otherwise, you may be devoid of the warranty should anything happen in the course of DIY.
5. Aprilaire 700 Automatic
Although, coming in the lasting position in my furnace reviews but it’s my number one pick and best recommendation. With aprilaire 700 digital controls, you will get fresher, cleaner, breathable and overall a balance of humid environment. While most units are controlled manually, Aprilaire 700 automatic uses its auto-digital control to keep home humidity optimal for comfort living.
Also, the 700 automatic is built for homes measuring up to 4,200 square feet and delivers 50% more moisture compare to competitive units. Furthermore, the 700 unit is one of the highest in the industry when it comes to amount of water it can evaporate per hours which is approximately 0.75. However, if you’re suffering from dry skin, cracked skin and lips or possible battling with allergy symptoms, you can count on this humidifier to deliver the much need moisture to ease the problem drastically.
Features
- 75 evaporation rate per hour
- 4,200 square feet coverage
- Automatic digital humidity control
- Runs quietly with low maintenance needed
In Conclusion
Furnace humidifiers are here to stay longer and durable compare to the single room units. In addition, they are generally low to maintain, it doesn’t matter the model you are using. But in few words to rap the discussion up, below are the basic things to know about furnace humidifiers before you intend buying one:
- They require installation to a duct or HVAC system
- Some models can be DIY installation but others professional hands required (however furnace humidifier installation price are fairly)
- All furnace humidifiers use filters or wick.
- No much hassle in cleaning and also require less checking unlike ultrasonic models that require constant check.
- Mount one permanent location and therefore cannot be move from one place to another.
- Some model can be digital, manual and possible two in one (that is digital and manual control in one unit)
- No refilling, they draw water from the home plumbing system.
- They last for years
However, furnace humidifiers deliver more moisture and more reliable to other forms of humidifiers.