A furnace does a good job warming the air and making your home comfortable during the winter. However, the procedure also drastically reduces humidity in the air. In this post, we will discuss how to install a humidifier on a furnace.

Low humidity in the air can lead to many health issues such as allergies, respiratory ailments, dry, scaly skin, and asthma flare-ups. Installing a humidifier is an effective way to combat dry air. Why Install a Humidifier? You’ll find out.

By combating dry air in colder months, humidifiers can improve indoor comfort and alleviate symptoms of some health conditions. By installing a furnace humidifier, you can maintain the house’s ideal humidity level of 30%-50%.

Allergy and asthma doctors regularly recommend home furnace humidifiers. Humidifiers can also relieve chronic running noses and improve lung health.

Dry air can be bad for wooden flooring, furniture, window frames, and cabinets. Humidifiers can preserve these wooden belongings.

Furnace humidifiers can make your throat, eyes, and sinus feel more at ease by maintaining optimal humidity.

Energy saving is another reason why so many people are installing furnace humidifiers. By dialling down your thermostat by 3 degrees, you can reduce your heating bill by approximately 5%.

When to Use a Humidifier

Ideally, the relative humidity level should be between 30% and 50%. When your humidity level drops under this range, you should consider installing a furnace humidifier. When that happens, you will notice static electricity issues, and temperatures will drop.

As we have already stated, deficient levels of humidity can lead to a host of health issues. It can also cause your furniture, wooden cabinets, and flooring to crack and split.

How to Install a Humidifier on a Furnace (5 Simple Steps)

Before you dive into action, turn off the furnace and ensure a water pipe nearby to connect to your furnace humidifier. 

Step 1: Mark and cut the hole

You have to install the humidifier in a hole. To map out the hole, use a template and marker provided by the manufacturer. Drill the outline at the corners.

After that, use aviation snips to cut out a hole, according to the instructions by the manufacturer. Make sure the mounting plate is in position. Then use metal screws to attach the humidifier to the mounting plate.

Step 2: Cut outline of your humidistat

To know the exact position of the humidistat, use the instruction manual. On most gas furnaces, the humidistat connects to the cold air return. In most situations, the cold air return is about a foot above the humidifier. Once you have cut out the hole, use the supplied tin screws to secure the thermostat.

Step 3: Install electrical wiring

Connect the furnace control to the humidistat, according to the instructions provided in the manufacturer’s manual. Depending on the model, your unit may or may not require a step-down transformer. 

Before wiring, shut off the furnace. Install wiring for the humidistat and then install the transformer. If you follow the instructions carefully, you may not need the help of a professional.

Step 4: Install the furnace bypass humidifier

Use the right-sized nuts to attach the humidistat. Turn the nuts until you are sure they are tight. To learn how to install a humidifier on a furnace, you have to handle the wire’s ends carefully. Make sure the ends of the wire do not get twisted.

Step 5: Connect the water line

Suppose the direct tapping of a water line is legal as per the local codes. In that case, you have to install a saddle valve and run a water line to your humidifier. To make it speedy, you can use a compression fitting. This water will create water vapour and humidify your interiors.

Does it Cause Mold?

Water and oxygen are necessary for the growth of Mold. It grows and thrives in damp areas such as bathrooms. In general, furnace humidifiers do not cause Mold. However, if you set your humidifier for too much humidity, it may gradually lead to the growth of Mold.

To some extent, it also depends on the type of humidifier you use. For instance, a portable humidifier can cause Mold. Also known as a stand-alone humidifier, it works by plugging into an electrical outlet.

The air close to the portable humidifier is highly moist. The moisture is less as you move away from the humidifier. If you are using this type of unit, it may cause some Mold on the walls and furniture close to the unit.

Important Things to Consider

We have discussed how to install a humidifier on a heating system. If you are installing it yourself, consider the following things during and after the installation process.

First of all, you have to consider the size of the humidifier. It must be proportionate to the area of your interiors. To avoid frequent maintenance issues, choose a high-quality system.

Several different types of humidifiers are available in the market. The right choice depends on factors, such as the type of heating system and the hardness of the water.

If you are going to install a humidifier in a location that is hard to reach, make sure you get the job done correctly. Run a humidifier when required, not depending on the furnace.

In general, furnace humidifiers do not require much maintenance. However, it would help if you cleaned the humidifier periodically, the way you clean any electronic equipment. Preventative maintenance is essential.

Final Thoughts: How to Install a Humidifier on a Furnace

During the winter, the home’s indoor air can be too dry. You can resolve dry air by installing a humidifier. If you carefully follow the above steps, you can have success installing a humidifier on a furnace.