How to Correct Humidity Levels in Your Home During the Winter with DIY Humidifier Maintenance
What is the correct humidity level for your home during the winter time? The easy answer is around 35%, but in this episode of Everyday Workbench we explain why the correct humidity level is important, how to adjust your inline humidifier for the winter and what yearly maintenance is involved with an inline humidifier.
A correct humidity level is important in the home for both the home's residents and the building materials of the home. If you are noticing cracks and exposed seams in your home's moldings, cabinetry, millwork, and floors, your home's humidity level is probably too low, and you are going to have to add some moisture (humidity) to the environment. Many home owners will notice that they actually own an "inline humidifier" that is connected to their forced air heating and cooling system. This inline humidifier is designed to add moisture to the air that flows through the forced air heating and cooling system.
This humidifier will look like a plastic box attached to the duct work, most likely wherever your furnace is located (mechanicals room or basement). The control for this humidifier is a "humidistat" which is most likely located directly above or below the thermostat for this forced air system. The humidistat is a simple dial in which you turn the dial to the desired percentage of humidity. In the winter months, this should be set somewhere between 30% and 35%, you can go a bit higher, but expect to see some condensation (beading water) on your windows if you get near or above 40% humidity. In the summer months, it is very likely you are achieving the correct humidification naturally, so there will most likely be no need to add additional humidification.
When it comes to regular maintenance for your inline humidifier, there are two things that the homeowner must focus on. About once a year, you will need to change out the "pad" for your humidifier. To do this, you will need to pick up a pad from your local hardware store. In order to get the correct pad, you will need the brand and model from your humidifier, and if it is difficult to get that information, bring the old pad into the store to match it up with the new pad. Replacement of this pad is as simple as opening the "plastic box" removing the old frame and pad, and inserting the new pad into the plastic frame.
The other item to focus on is the drain that runs from your inline humidifier. It is important to make sure this drain is running correctly and efficiently. If this drain clogs up, this draining water can cause water damage in your home. It is somewhat common for this drain line to get clogged by bugs, mold or other debris that makes it's way to the drain or drain line.
Keeping a healthy humidity level in the home is important for the home and the home's occupants. I hope this video helps explain the proper humidity percentages to maintain, and the proper annual DIY maintenance involved with your home's inline humidifier.