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Humidifier Answers to Common Questions

Humidifier
Although our primary focus, here, is on furnace-mounted humidifiers, much of the information is valid for free-standing units as well.
Does my humidifier need routine maintenance?
How do humidifiers put moisture into the air?
What's the proper humidity level for my home?
How do I clean the water reservoir?
Should I leave my humidifier on all year long?
What type of humidifier is best?
What instrument measures humidity?
Does my humidifier need routine maintenance?
Yes. Please see our "Maintenance Tips" section.
How do humidifiers put moisture into the air?
Through evaporation. Humidifiers expose their stored or flowing water to an air stream that evaporates the moisture. Units mounted to the warm side of a forced-air heating system evaporate more water into the air than other units, because warm air can hold more moisture than cooler air.
What's the proper humidity level for my home?
It depends. Generally, the colder the weather outside, the more humidity you need inside. That's because colder air tends to be drier air and, as the outside temperature drops, the moisture is drawn out of the house. To gauge the humidity level in your home, use an accurate hygrometer. Most people find that humidity levels between 40 and 50% are comfortable during the heating season.
How do I clean the water reservoir?
You need to disassemble your dehumidifier to get the tray out (see your owner's manual for instructions). Then you can clean it with ordinary household cleaners and cleaning tools.
Should I leave my humidifier on all year long?
No. As the outside air warms, the humidity level increases. You generally need to use your humidifier only during the heating season.
What type of humidifier is best?
That depends mostly on the level of humidity you want to maintain. Furnace-mounted units produce humidity only while the furnace blower is on. You may be able to set the blower to run continuously (usually at the thermostat). But if you need greater humidity in only one area of the house, we recommend that you supplement the humidity in that area using a free-standing humidifier unit.
What instrument measures humidity?
An hygrometer, or psychrometer.