Recommendations on Home Furnace Humidifier

[Leor Amikam]

We have a central forced-air gas furnace in our house. It get real dry at winter time. I have some portable humidifiers in the bedrooms, but am now interested in getting a humidifier. I saw a few models here:

Questions to anyone familiar we/these type of products:

1. Do they work well?
2. Any pros/cons of power fan vs. bypass type? It looks like the bypass type requires more ductwork/installation.
3. What sort of regular maintenance is needed?
4. Can a reasonably skilled homeowner attempt to install this?
5. Since my furnace is in the attic, there is no direct water supply. I was going to run a line from a tap off of out toilet intake in the master bath, because I can up the wall in a closet, and up to the attic. Any possible problems doing this? Also, I assume some sort of drain line is required. I was going to tap into the A/C exhaust/drip pipe. It this a problem?

Thanks for any responses! Leor

[Joseph Meehan]

That is the Aprilair line and yes they are known as the best.

I did the bypass and it was not any problem. I believe they have an on line instillation video to give you an idea.

Replace the media once a year. I also clean out the drain pipe.

I'm not sure about reasonably skilled homeowner, but I did, so I guess anyone that is reasonably skilled should be able to do it.

You may want to opt for a hot water pipe as it increases the capacity. The possible problem I see is the temperature. This thing has water in it. Attics often get rather cold. I don't think it is going to like freezing temperatures. Same for any humidifier in that area. Maybe some heat tape? Hopefully someone who really knows can chime in. Speedy Jim are you there???

I can't answer that one. I can't think of any problem, but I don't know.

[Bubba]

1) Yes 2) Bypass 3) Cleaning and pad replacement 4) Skilled Yes Reasonably skilled I have no idea 5) Yes It depends on how reasonably skilled you are Yes you need a drain. Tap into the line? I dunno. You are only reasonably skilled, remember? Lastly......Attics generally get cold, freezing in fact. Water lines, frozen lines, clogged condensate lines all make for a lovely mess when it comes through the ceiling. Yes, Ive seen it many many times. You be the judge. Bubba