How To Install a Furnace Humidifier

How To Install a Furnace Humidifier

So, you went with a whole house humidifier - That is good news. You will save money buying one unit over spending a lot of money buying several portable units. Buying a humidifier that attaches to your furnace is a smart move. You protect your family and personal property in one shot.

You may even save on your energy bill as well. Using several portable humidifiers can raise your electric bill. Now that you saved money, your only problem is to hook it up to the furnace.

Our how-to guide will give you all the instructions you need to accomplish that. It is not as difficult as you may think. But first, we will talk about the advantages of owning your new furnace humidifier.

Advantages Of Whole House Humidifiers

Every product has its advantages. The furnace humidifier is no different. It has great advantages over the portable humidifiers, both the cool mist and the warm mist varieties. Here are some of the advantages to going with a furnace humidifier :

  • You save money - you buy one unit not several.
  • Easy to use - the furnace humidifier is controlled by your central heating thermostat.
  • They protect the whole house - germs & bacteria have no place to go.
  • Preserve wood and private property.
Install Furnace Humidifier

What You Need To Know About Installing a Furnace Humidifier

  • Place the humidifier in such a way that if it leaks, the leaking water will cause little damage.
  • Identify whether your unit uses the return duct on your furnace or uses a bypass system.
  • Shut off the furnace before installing.
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    Use the manufacturer supplied template to cut your holes in the vents.
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    Depending on the unit, this will take you about a couple of hours.

Materials & Tools Needed

  • Marking pen.
  • Electric drill and bits.
  • Tin snips, screwdrivers and wrenches.
  • Wire strippers.
  • Humidifier.
  • Sheet metal screws and wire nuts.
How To Install a Furnace Humidifier

How To Install a Furnace Humidifier

Don’t feel bad, everyone needs a little help installing a new product in their home. This is so when you want to save money and do it yourself. It is not a bad thing to want to do it yourself. Just follow the instructions and you will be able to install a furnace humidifier like a pro.

#1. Creating The Hole & Attaching The Mounting Plate

  • 1
    Locate the spot on the furnace that will be the best place to install your furnace humidifier.
  • 2
    Mark the hole for the humidifier, using the templates provided.
  • 3
    Drill a starter hole and then use the tin snips to cut the vent.
  • 4
    Now place the mounting plate over the newly cut hole and drill screw holes.
  • 5
    Attach the plate to the furnace using the sheet metal screws.
How To Install Furnace Humidifier
Image source: Bhg.com

#2. Mounting & Installing The Humidistat

Repeat the process above

  • 1
    First, mark the hole where the humidistat is to go.
  • 2
    Second, cut the hole.
  • 3
    Third, attach the mounting plate drilling the necessary holes and using sheet metal screws.
  • 4
    Fourth, attach the humidistat to the mounting plate.
  • 5
    Fifth, wire the humidistat to the furnace.
How To Install Furnace Humidifier
Image source: Bhg.com

An important note you must follow - make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to do this.

#3. Installing The Humidifier

  • 1
    Connect the wires of the humidifier to the solenoid of the humidistat (use the right size of wire nuts for safety).
  • 2
    Connect your humidifier to the hot water line - there are two ways to do this. You can either cut the water line and install a T fitting or use a saddle valve.
How To Install Furnace Humidifier
Image source: Bhg.com

You see, it is very simple. You can do it without too much trouble. Now if you need to install a bypass vent, here are the instructions.

  • 1
    Find the spot on the furnace to attach the bypass vent.
  • 2
    Use the template to mark the hole.
  • 3
    Drill a starter hole and cut out the hole with tin snips.
  • 4
    Install the round collar in the hole.
  • 5
    Measure the distance from the hole to the humidifier intake.
  • 6
    Cut to length - Just make sure you do not cut the length too short.
  • 7
    Attach elbows to the vent pipe then attach the vent pipe to both the furnace and the humidifier.
How To Install Furnace Humidifier
Image source: Bhg.com

That is all there is to it. Simple, easy and economical. Once you have attached your furnace humidifier you can now enjoy the benefits of the unit.

The Benefits Of a Best Whole House Humidifier

  • Convenient - since they connect to your central heating unit, your thermostat does all the work.
  • Automatic - these operate according to the levels you set. They automatically turn on and off when each level is reached.
  • Low maintenance - portables need daily cleaning or cleaning every few days. These only need cleaning once or twice a year.
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    Health benefits - instead of limiting your protection to one or two rooms, the whole house is covered.
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    Economical - why spend more on several units when one will do the job.
How To Install Furnace Humidifier

How To Choose a Whole House Humidifier

Choosing a humidifier that attaches to the furnace is not as hard as one may think. If you follow the following tips you will find the task very simple and easy.

  • Check the square footage - if you own a 3500-sq. ft. house you do not want a unit rated or 2500 sq. ft.
  • Size matters - the smaller the unit, the less coverage you will receive.
  • Check noise levels - you will want one that is quiet and not distracting.
  • What room will it be placed - this is important as drainage and other factors play a role.
  • Consider the price - You want one that will not break your budget.
  • Maintenance - Look for one that has good warranties and has few repair needs.

Some Final Words

How to install a furnace humidifier is simple. Just follow the instructions and you should be okay. If you have any questions or are not sure what to do - just ask. It is better to ask questions than to install the humidifier incorrectly.

One comment on “How To Install a Furnace Humidifier”

  1. Linda says:

    How will I know if I need a bypass vent?

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