Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers - Stand alone humidifier

I have a second floor that has all the ductwork in the attic. I'd like to add a humidifier, but obviously I can't run plumbing into the attic, since it will freeze.

I'm looking for options on a stand-alone unit that I don't have to manually fill. I realize it'll have to be connected to a water supply, that is a sticking point. I've looked around and I haven't seen a great number of stand-alone units that will easily install without looking really ugly! I have an Aprilaire 350 in an office, but it protrudes into a storeroom on the other site, I don't have a similar site for one in the bedroom area.

What are some options, if any exist for this environment?

Only thing that's out there is the 350/360 as you mention about having in the office.

Afraid, there is nothing else for a hook up stand alone unit. Where is the furnace for the main floor?

the 360 is stand-alone on the main floor, and another one in my office. However, this being a rather large house, I'm not getting sufficint humidity throughout the house, so I wanted to have on in or near the MBR. The issue here is there are three heat pumps, one for the office, and one for each floor. Since they're independent systems, all of the ducts and air handler for the second floor is in the attic.

Two unit should be able to handle it.

How big is the home?? What is the humidity level is it in the bedrooms area?

True steam has a remote install unit that can be placed in the home and run to the duct.

The problem is those ducts are all in the attic, and the plumbing will freeze, which is why I am looking for a stand-alone unit. Obviously, I have no water in the attic, since winter lows around here can get down to 0F occasionally. The TrueSteam mounts on the plenum, at least the one I've found. You are talking about the Honeywell TrueSteam, right?

Two unit should be able to handle it.

How big is the home?? What is the humidity level is it in the bedrooms area?The home, exclusive of the finished basement gameroom is around 4500 sq/ft. Since I don't worry about humidity in the basement, I discount that in my calculations. I have two of the Aprilaire 360's, and they can't maintain the proper humidity.

I may have to bite the bullet and figure out a way to install another 360, but I've yet to figure out a place where I have water and drains that I don't have to do major surgery to do the installation.

I did buy high-capacity evaporator pads for the units that are supposed to double the humidity output, so maybe I'll give them a winter and see if they have a better time keeping up.

The current unit that you have now, is the water hooked up to hot or cold?

I run hot water to both of the Aprilaire 360 units.

Ok. Hot water gives a better results. So you are set then.

The problem is those ducts are all in the attic, and the plumbing will freeze, which is why I am looking for a stand-alone unit. Obviously, I have no water in the attic, since winter lows around here can get down to 0F occasionally. The TrueSteam mounts on the plenum, at least the one I've found. You are talking about the Honeywell TrueSteam, right?

Remote install the unit will stay in the heated space with just the steam line to run to the duct. Steam line will be insulated so is very unlikely to freeze.

Remote install the unit will stay in the heated space with just the steam line to run to the duct. Steam line will be insulated so is very unlikely to freeze.Well, having that unit hanging down in one of the bedrooms or the hallway isn't really a practical option. :) I sure don't want to reroute all the ductwork so the main duct is positioned to use a closet, and there's also the issue of getting water and drainage to the location.

I don't see this unit as a practical solution in my situation.

No need to relocate duct work because the steam line will be ran to the duct. A water line will have to be run for any unit you will have so that is a wash. A closet would be a good place for install. Condensate pump with wet switch will get the water any where you need it to go.

I understand that I'll need water and a drain. However, there is no place I can stick this unit that's near water. I'm not inclined to rip out walls to install it. It would have to be put somewhere like a closet, and they're nowhere close to either water, drains, or the main duct run.

Looks like you will have to use the stand alone units that you will have to fill every other day or so.