How to Attach a Humidifier to an Existing Furnace
Nothing's better than coming home to a warm house after a day out in the cold. A furnace can lower the humidity so much that it can feel uncomfortable, however. Humidifiers solve this problem by adding moisture to the air. The most economical humidifiers connect directly to the furnace and come with a humidistat, which feeds moisture directly into the warm air flow. Installing a humidifier to an existing furnace is a lengthy process, but well worth it. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
- Humidistat
- Mounting collar
- Standard metal duct with an elbow fitting
- Spirit level
- Paper template of the humidifier
- Tape
- Marker
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Metal shears
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe clamp
- Needle-nose pliers
- Saddle valve
Instructions
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1
Mark the placement of the humidifier by taping the paper template on the main return plenum above the furnace, then mark the position of the humidifier duct on the central supply plenum. Use the spirit level to make sure all the lines of the template are level. Put on your work gloves and safety goggles. Using the metal shears, cut through the template and sheet metal, using the lines on the template as your guide.
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2
Install the humidifier by positioning it in the main return plenum. Once again, use the spirit level to make sure it's level. If the humidifier is not level, it will not distribute water properly. Fasten the humidifier in place using the manufacturer's instructions as a guide.
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3
Using the metal shears, cut a hole for the humidifier supply duct through the main supply plenum. After the hole has been cut, connect the duct using the standard metal duct with an elbow fitting.
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4
Install the solenoid valve that should have come with your humidifier. The valve is actually a small pipe that controls water flow and runs to the distribution tray.
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5
Bring water from your supply piping to the unit by utilizing the flexible copper pipe or hard plastic tubing that should have come with your humidifier. Install a saddle valve on whatever type of supply pipe you have, making sure to clamp it securely on the supply line and pierce the pipe by turning the handle.
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Depending on your humidifier, you will now have to attach an overflow drain pipe or a catch basin that recirculates water.
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Install the humidistat by following the instructions that came with your humidifier. The humidistat should be installed on the plenum or near an existing thermostat.
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Tips & Warnings
Heating systems that aren't equipped with an air distribution system, such as electric baseboards, are not suited for a central humidifier system. If this is the case in your home, you may want to consider a console humidifier that you can conceal in a cabinet. Automatically replenished water supplies, such as those featured in humidifiers that connect to an existing furnace, can become a breeding ground for pollutants that will spread through the ducts and into the air of your home. In order to avoid poor air quality, perform seasonal cleaning on the system.
Never install a humidifier without first turning off the furnace and its source of electricity.
