Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Questions for contractors on humidifier installs

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dc1712
09-09-09, 07:58 AM
Hi everyone,

I bought my home a couple of years ago and it has an old Field Controls Freshmist 90 unit that doesn't work (drum doesn't rotate as it slides away from the motor and dis-engages). So I'd like to replace it with a modern unit. A local contractor came by, took a look at my current unit, and provided me with a quote (parts & labor) for an Aprilaire 600A unit. After reading this forum some more, I realized there were probably a couple of questions that I should have asked. This is what I have so far:

1. Is the unit integrated with the furnace so that it turns on and off when I switch the thermostat to "heat"?
2. Is the outdoor temperature sensor installed?

Is there anything else that I'm missing or should consider?

The contractor was recommending the Aprilaire 400A unit, but I wasn't keen on not having the unit connected to a drain.

Thanks for the help,

DC

Jay11J
09-10-09, 07:48 AM
Guess one more would be are they going to hook it up to hot or cold water.

I think hot water gives better results. (If there is hot water near by)

The Apirlaire does comes with an outdoor sensor, just see if they plan on hooking it up or not.

Is the humidifier going to be mounted on the return or supply duct? I perfer the return duct since you have less risk of water damage to your furnace if something goes wrong with the humidifier itself.
dc1712
09-10-09, 04:17 PM
The current unit is on the return duct, so I assume it will be in the exact same spot. The current unit is also connected to the hot water heater, though they will have to replace the valve from the heater as it's been caked with calcium and other deposits.

I followed up with the contractor, and they did confirm it would be connected to the furnace such that it would be on or off when the furnace was on or off. Similarly, they will be installing the outdoor temperature sensor. So I think I'm covered here. Hopefully it all works out.

Thanks for the response.

Jay11J
09-10-09, 07:18 PM
Sounds like all is undercontrol.

if any questions, feel free to ask.