Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Humidity not high enough in winter

This past summer, I had a new humidifier installed. We finally got some cold snowy weather here in Chicago and I'm noticing that my humidity level is low. I cannot get the house to a humidity level higher than 35% which is still pretty dry. I've replaced the filter/pad. I'm not sure what else to do.

The brand name of the humidier is Carrier. I'm not sure what model number.

Not knowing what model you got, Some system has auto control to control the level. So the colder it gets out side, it will set the level lower. 35% and no more than 40% for your area is needed.. If it's higher, you will have moistier build up on windows, and othere cold spots. That'll lead to damage to the woodwork.

Another thing, how often does the furnace run?

It has an automatic humidity control on it, and I've set it for about 50% just to see if I can get it up higher, but it doesn't go about 35%

Since its been so cold lately, the furnace has been runnign quite a bit, and every time I check, the humidifier is running as well.

Ok, with the cold weather we've been having in the upper midwest, and if your house isn't tight, cold air coming into the home will dry it. And the furnace is runing more will dry it out as well. So everythign is doing what it can do for now.

I agree with Jay11J.
If outside temp. is below 25F it is normal to have humidity aorund 30-35 % (for average house) It's not that bad. I live in NY and have the same situation having whole house unit and portable humidifier in the basement (2 Gal a day). With humidity of 35% I have signs of condensation on the windows (not a lot) - it tells me that I cannot raise humidity anymore - everything above this level will condencate anyway...

boy am i jealous...i have 60 or 80% here and an dying to get rid of some, want some of mine?

i've had just as horrible a time finding a working dehumidifier...so far kenmore and maytag have been returned...the search continues