Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 26, 1995 TAG: 9503300025
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: A-18 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES DULLEY
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Maintaining the proper humidity level is important for comfort and allergy control. A whole-house console humidifier is often more effective than a furnace-mounted one. A console model can be set to run continuously on a low, quiet fan speed, not just when the furnace blower is on.
Generally, 40 to 60 percent relative humidity produces the best indoor air quality. Many bacteria and viruses thrive in both drier and more moist air. Dust mites and mold are worse at higher levels and ozone at lower levels. Not only will your lungs be happy, but your furniture will last longer.
Properly-humidified air cuts your heating bills, too. This allows you to set your furnace thermostat a couple of degrees lower and save energy without feeling chilly. The savings will pay back the $15 to $20 annual electricity cost to operate a humidifier, many times over.
There are six basic types of humidifiers - evaporative (wicking), impeller, steam-mist, warm-mist, ultrasonic and floor register covers.
Evaporative "wicking" designs are most often used for large whole-house console models. These use a special filter-type material which naturally draws up (wicks) water from a reservoir. A fan circulates room air through the damp filters to release moisture and clean the air.
In one model, Moist Air, the wicking filters rest on floats in the water reservoir. As the water evaporates and its level drops, the filter stays in proper contact with it for the most effective humidification.
Some models use filters treated with an anti-bacterial material. Others use a built-in, replaceable high efficiency air filter with a secondary charcoal element to remove odors and carcinogenic volatile organic chemicals.
Be sure to select a model with a built-in "true" humidistat, not just a low/high switch. Without a true humidistat, the output does not respond to changing indoor conditions like cooking or a large group of guests.
A multi or variable-speed fan is best. Combined with a humidistat, this provides complete control over comfort. For nighttime use, select a whole-house model with a special quiet "sleep" setting. For extra bedroom humidity, small steam-mist and floor register designs are totally quiet.
For a buyer's guide listing information on whole-house and room humidifiers write to James Dulley, Roanoke Times & World-News, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45244. Ask for Utility Bills Update No. 679. Please include $2 (please don't send cash) and a self-addressed envelope.
by CNB