Owner's Manual

5
4
II. Operating Instructions
Your new humidifier is controlled by a Manual Humidifier Control
installed either in the living area (typically near the thermostat) or in the
cold air return. It is important to anticipate a drop in outdoor temperature
and reduce the setting accordingly to avoid excessive condensation. For
example, with an outdoor temperature of 20°F the correct setting will be
35% relative humidity. If the temperature is expected to fall to 0°F that
evening, then merely reduce the setting to 25% several hours prior to the
temperature change.
The recommended settings on the humidifier control are based on
years of research (see Table 1) and experience as to what is best for the
average home. These settings represent a compromise between RH
levels that would be most desirable for comfort reasons and humidity
levels that are suitable for protection of your home. For example, a
wintertime indoor RH of 50% may be considered ideal by some, but
unfortunately, it probably would result in damage to your home.
Observance of the recommended RH levels on your humidifier control,
therefore, is an important safeguard. Condensation of water on inside
windows in the form of fogging or frost is usually an indication that the
relative humidity is too high. This same condensation can take place in
other areas in your home with the possibility of damage resulting.
TABLE 1 – Outdoor-Indoor Relative Humidity
Outside Temperature Recommended RH
+40°F 45%
+30°F 40%
+20°F 35%
+10°F 30%
0°F 25%
–10°F 20%
–20°F 15%
The Humidifier Control is a precision instrument that can be used to
determine the RH accurately in your home during the winter. Turn the
dial to the lowest setting, then reverse the dial direction slowly until a
“click” is heard. At this point, read the RH on the dial. This will be very
close to the actual RH in your home.
To check the humidifier operation, set the humidifier control
above the click point, make sure that the water saddle valve is open
and that there is electricity to the humidifier. Generally, the furnace
and blower motor must be operating for the humidifier control to
function. After the humidifier has operated for several minutes and
water is entering the humidifier and coming out at the drain, reduce
the humidifier control setting below the click point and the humidifier
should automatically shut off. Now set the humidifier control dial at
the recommended inside relative humidity, depending on the outside
temperature. Follow the suggested settings prior to a drop in the
outside temperature.
Additional Information
Be sure to keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use.
They provide an excellent escape route for heat, as well as humidity.
Humidity is lost at an even faster rate than heat because water vapor
tends to seek its own level and your humidifier would not be able to
replace it even when running at full capacity.
On occasion, indoor moisture producing activities such as clothes
drying, cooking, showers, etc., may raise the relative humidity level
higher than it should be, even though the Humidifier is not operating.
Telltale indications, again, are condensation or frost on cold surfaces
such as windows, doors, walls, etc. If such condensation persists for
several hours, your home should be ventilated to dissipate the
potentially damaging excess moisture.
Older design water distribution trays have a granular coating in the
bottom of the distribution tray to provide equal distribution of water to
each of the openings assuring an even flow over the humidifier pad. Do
not clean the mineral scale off the bottom of the water distribution tray at
the end of the humidification season. If the granular coating is removed, it
is not necessary to purchase a new distribution tray. You can accomplish
the same uniform performance by applying a small amount of liquid
dishwashing soap over the entire inside surface of the water distribution
tray. This will allow the water to flow evenly through each of the openings,
provided the humidifier is level, in order to achieve maximum capacity.
The current distribution tray which incorporates a synthetic fabric
liner that replaces the granular coating, is designed to deliver water
uniformly over the entire top surface of the humidifier pad, provided it is
mounted level. It is normal for some mineral deposits to form in the
distribution tray as it dries out between humidification cycles. These
deposits can actually help distribute water in the tray, but if they form
enough to block the openings, they should be removed as described in
the “Periodic Preventative Maintenance” section of this manual.