How Does a Humidifier in a Furnace Work?

humidifier in furnace

Do you currently have a humidifier in your furnace? If not, you are missing out on countless perks and a healthier, happier home. When cold winter weather strikes and causes you to turn up the furnace, a humidifier can help you cut down on bills and help you and your family breathe easier.

In this guide, we cover how furnace humidifiers work together to make your property more comfortable and save you energy and money. You’ll learn about the types of humidifiers, the many perks of having a furnace with a humidifier, and more.

After gaining more insight into the connection between furnaces and humidifiers, reach out to our JC Mechanical team for top-rated services. We offer the best furnace installation in Denver, Colorado, and also can recommend the appropriate humidifier system for your budget and needs. Give us a call today!

How Furnaces and Humidifiers Work Together

Plenty of energy-efficient residential furnaces are available at fair prices and are excellent at heating your home when cold weather strikes. However, the problem lies with the dryness this warm air brings, keeping you warm but causing health concerns and discomfort in the process. Portable humidifiers distribute moisture into a room, while whole-home humidifiers add moisture everywhere throughout your property.

Humidifiers help your furnace operate better by combating the dry conditions and contributing to a more comfortable environment. You’ll find many types of furnace humidifiers for consideration, including the following:

  • Bypass humidifiers: These units use a furnace’s blower to send air through the water tray.
  • Fan-powered humidifiers: The fans in these humidifiers carry air through the water tray, then send it out in the home.
  • Flow-through humidifiers: These work by using a water pipe and a special screen while your furnace runs. 
  • Steam humidifiers: This type boils water to generate steam and add it to the warm air your furnace produces. You may need to spend a bit more to install this appliance, but you don’t need to perform as much maintenance as the other humidifier types.

No matter which one you choose, having humidified air throughout your property will make a noticeable difference. Furnace humidifiers attach to your furnace system and use some type of power to obtain moisture for the home. Whole-home humidifiers are excellent to add to furnaces.

Benefits of Using a Whole-Home Humidifier With a Furnace

Investing in a whole-house humidifier to work with your furnace is an incredibly wise decision, offering health and financial benefits.

Having the right amount of humidity in your home is key for complete indoor air comfort and staying healthy during cooler months. Having a good balance of not too much and not too little is key to a comfortable home. Consider the following advantages of using a humidifier with your furnace.

Decrease Sickness and Allergens

Many homes experience uncomfortably dry conditions during the winter months. While the furnace may provide your home with warm air, the lack of humidity could lead to coughing, itchiness, dry skin, and heightened allergies or respiratory problems (especially for those with asthma and COPD). The body has a harder time fighting off colds and other illnesses since the dry air is taking away its needed moisture. 

A humidifier will bring in moisture throughout the home and function alongside the furnace. You can use your furnace without worrying about how the dry air will affect you and your loved ones. You’ll feel better and breathe easier by having both of these essential indoor air appliances.

Save Money and Energy

Whole-house humidifiers create better indoor air conditions and temperatures, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. You can then use your furnace at a setting that requires less power, helping you cut down on your monthly heating bills. Your system will become more efficient, which has numerous perks for your property.

Since your furnace is increasing its energy efficiency, this can help it last longer and decrease its chances of needing repairs. 

Create More Comfortable Conditions

Another reason to have a humidifier in your furnace is the unparalleled indoor comfort you’ll experience. You should feel confident using your furnace without the stress of your allergies acting up or the painful dryness of your skin, throat, and more. Whole-home humidifiers connect with your furnace and use a “humidistat” to help both systems work together and achieve warm air with the moisture you require.

Protect Wood Furniture and Floors

Dry conditions can end up damaging your wood floors, cabinets, and furniture. Wood can bend, crack, or shrink, requiring you to shell out money for replacement services. This also may affect wooden musical instruments like guitars and violins or paperwork and books.

It’s extremely difficult to repair wood that has experienced damage from dry conditions. Since you need a healthy amount of moisture, having a whole-home humidifier can help you avoid this damage and keep your belongings in top shape. 

Portable Humidifiers vs. Whole-Home Humidifiers: Which Is Best?

Overall, whole-home humidifiers are incredible investments that improve the performance of your furnace and the safety of your property. These humidifiers will distribute moisture and add to the comfort of your home by working with the furnace. They are a pricier initial investment than portable humidifiers because they have a wider area to cover, but they require less maintenance with a once-a-year inspection appointment.

Portable humidifiers are a good place to start if you are on a fixed budget, but switching to a whole-house system can prove worthwhile in the long run. You can increase your property’s value by attaching a whole-home humidifier to your furnace. Keeping up with maintenance and working with a trusted HVAC professional are the best ways to get the greatest use from your appliances and to save money.

Contact JC Mechanical for Humidifier Installation in Denver, Colorado

Whether you’re curious about installing a new furnace in an old house or considering adding a humidifier to your furnace, our team can help. At JC Mechanical, we have over 30 years of experience serving the good people of Denver, CO, and the surrounding areas. 

Call our JC Mechanical team today at 720-807-8953 or book your HVAC service appointment online. 

Author Bio:
Jimmie Ciccone

Owner of JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning. A small family-owned company with over 30 years of experience dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers. They guarantee 100% customer satisfaction, and if you aren’t satisfied, then you don’t pay them a dime.

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