Gas and Oil Home Heating Furnaces - dust from hot air furnance
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12-22-01, 03:14 AM
I have a forced hot air oil burner with ducts and two filters on it but there is a lot of dust that seems to venture and land on my furniture and any thing else is there a gizzmo i could attach to the furnance that would make it moist and not dry air coming from the ducts and causing dust throughout the house. Would appreciate any help i can get
Thanks
brtile@aol.com
Thanks
brtile@aol.com
resercon
12-22-01, 03:53 AM
The gizzmo you're referring to is a humidifier. You must be careful when adjusting the setting on humidifiers. You should read the instructions for the humidifier and furnace carefully before adjusting the humidifier's setting. Most people adjust the setting far above the recommended levels the furnace manufacturer states. This usually results in damaging the ductwork and the furnace. The misconception with furnace humidifiers is that people are lead to believe that it will improve the quality of the air in the home. The primary purpose of furnace humidifiers is to replace some of the humidity in the conditioned air because fanning dehumidifies. This improves the energy efficiency of the system and rarely the quality of the air in the home. If you're looking to improve the quality of the air in the home, get a house humidifier that is placed in the home and not put directly over an appliance like a furnace.
As far as the dust you're experiencing in the home, the humidifier will not address that. Even though you have two filters on your system, it is apparent they are being by-passed, allowing dust to get into the home. First check the filters to see if they are properly installed. Look around where the filters are installed to see if there are any gaps that will allow air to by-pass the filter. Sometimes the slot where you install the filters is too large. A simple solution is to tape over the slot every time you replace the filter. Check the furnace, especially around the bottom of it to see if there are gaps there. Mastic is especially good to use in that area to seal up gaps.
As far as the dust you're experiencing in the home, the humidifier will not address that. Even though you have two filters on your system, it is apparent they are being by-passed, allowing dust to get into the home. First check the filters to see if they are properly installed. Look around where the filters are installed to see if there are any gaps that will allow air to by-pass the filter. Sometimes the slot where you install the filters is too large. A simple solution is to tape over the slot every time you replace the filter. Check the furnace, especially around the bottom of it to see if there are gaps there. Mastic is especially good to use in that area to seal up gaps.
Sharp Advice
12-22-01, 04:13 AM
Hello Brtile and Welcome to the Heating and Cooling Appliance forum and our Do-It-Yourself Web Site.
I fully agree with Resercons reply.
I would not suggest either, that you add a humidifier to the existing furnace. As Resercon mentioned, an alternate possible solution may be to purchase a free standing and seperate humidifier unit or units for those rooms you would most likely want to add moisture.
Installing a humidifier to an existing furnace could become costly depending upon the heaters location and type, etc. Maintenance could also be a problem based upon the heaters location, etc.
Mold and mildew can also become a problem within the ducting system and within the A/C coils, if the unit is equipped with A/C.
If the present heater is drying out the interior air, have the unit checked out by a licensed and qualified professional. It may have a condition that is unseen and needs to be corrected.
Forced warm air heating does have the tendency to dry-out the air within the rooms. Especially noticed when high warm temps are selected. Try lowering the thermostat.
Lower temp settings {68-70 max daytimes and 62-64 nights during sleeping hours} often provide sufficient heat and definately help lower energy costs.
If your unit does NOT have a setback temp option, consider changing thermostats with that option. Wearing a sweater etc. until becoming accustom to lower heating temps {health permitting} not only saves energy useages, lowers monthly energy bills, it provides you with extra BUCKS monthly.
Check with your local heating and air conditioning companies and the heater units manufacturer, prior to any humidifier purchases.
Check the ARCHIVES, within this forum, for other postings on this topic and the replies offered.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart Company Enterprises.....TCB4U2B2B
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Alway's consider the warranties and future service needs for any major appliances your considering to purchase. Price isn't always the best guide for long term appliance investments.
I fully agree with Resercons reply.
I would not suggest either, that you add a humidifier to the existing furnace. As Resercon mentioned, an alternate possible solution may be to purchase a free standing and seperate humidifier unit or units for those rooms you would most likely want to add moisture.
Installing a humidifier to an existing furnace could become costly depending upon the heaters location and type, etc. Maintenance could also be a problem based upon the heaters location, etc.
Mold and mildew can also become a problem within the ducting system and within the A/C coils, if the unit is equipped with A/C.
If the present heater is drying out the interior air, have the unit checked out by a licensed and qualified professional. It may have a condition that is unseen and needs to be corrected.
Forced warm air heating does have the tendency to dry-out the air within the rooms. Especially noticed when high warm temps are selected. Try lowering the thermostat.
Lower temp settings {68-70 max daytimes and 62-64 nights during sleeping hours} often provide sufficient heat and definately help lower energy costs.
If your unit does NOT have a setback temp option, consider changing thermostats with that option. Wearing a sweater etc. until becoming accustom to lower heating temps {health permitting} not only saves energy useages, lowers monthly energy bills, it provides you with extra BUCKS monthly.
Check with your local heating and air conditioning companies and the heater units manufacturer, prior to any humidifier purchases.
Check the ARCHIVES, within this forum, for other postings on this topic and the replies offered.
Regards & Good Luck
Gas Appliances Forum Moderator
Tom_Bart Company Enterprises.....TCB4U2B2B
Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
Alway's consider the warranties and future service needs for any major appliances your considering to purchase. Price isn't always the best guide for long term appliance investments.