Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Bypass Humidifier Installation Questions

:confused: Hi,
I am getting ready to install an Aprilaire by-pass humidifier and I have a few questions before I get started. Any help will be greatly appreciated -

1. The way the furnace is installed, I have access to very little duct work. I was wondering if it is ok to install the main unit of the humidifier on the return duct near the air filter? This would be at the very base of the return duct.

2. Is it ok to install the humidistat inside the house near the thermostat? The instructions just say that it must be installed upstream from the main unit.

3. I do not have access to copper tubing for the water supply. Can I used the supplied saddle valve on a PVC pipe?

4. The outside sensor, according to the instructions, must be mounted on the East, west, or north side of the house. However, the outside wall of the utility room faces south. Is this a problem? Do I have to install the sensor on the specified location or can I get by by installing it on the south wall?


Thanks,
Sundeep

#1, I don't see why not.. Just as long it's not a spray mist type. only thing It would be concern about is that blower may suck some what into the duct work since the suction will be stronger down there.

#2, Yes you can put it in the main living area of the home near the t-stat. Just make sure the humidstat is able sense the room air.

#3, I'm not sure what you mean,. PVC pipes in the house for main water supply? Do you mean PEX? You'll have to get a fittting for this.

#4, Not sure why not? I am guessing cuz of the Sun.. Sun hitting in the winter will "warm" up the sensor, and will add more humidty to the house than needed.. I would think just as long it's shaded from the sun.

#2 you want the humtstat on the return duct above the humidifier so it gets that air . Like it said. Not just set on a wall in the middle of the home.

#4 Just let the jumper on the two OT OT screws and for get about it. It dont work to good .

ED ;)

Thank you for your responses. As a follow on to #3, the water pipes that I have access to are plastic. The instructions say I should use the supplied saddle valve to tap into a copper line, I am just trying to find out if I can use it to tap into a plastic water supply line.

Thanks,
Sundeep

I have never tried it so I cant say. Dont you have a hot water tank there with some copper pipe you can tap into?? Is this PVC or PEX you are trying to go into. Cant you run a 1/4" line to the hot water tank.

ED ;)

DO NOT try using the saddle valve on PVC. it won't work. The saddle valve is meant to pierce and work ONLY on copper tube, or on predrilled steel tube.

If you wanted to tap into the PVC you must cut the line, install a "T" fitting and in the bottom of the "T" install a compression fitting. You must use PVC primer and solvent to do this.

Dan