When it's −10°F outside, outdoor air holds almost no moisture. Heat it to 70°F inside and the humidity drops to 10–15%, drier than most deserts. That's why winter means static shocks, cracked lips, nosebleeds and gaps opening in hardwood floors.
A whole-home humidifier mounts on your furnace and adds water to the air as it's heated. We install bypass models for most homes and steam models for larger homes or when precise control matters, like for a piano or a wood-floored living room.
The trick in Minnesota is not overdoing it. Set too high on a cold night, the extra moisture condenses on windows and can cause frost and mold. We install a control with an outdoor sensor that lowers the target automatically as it gets colder.
Signs you need this
- Static shocks every time you touch a doorknob
- Dry skin, sore throat or nosebleeds in winter
- Gaps opening between hardwood floor boards
- Indoor humidity reads under 25% in January
How it works
Measure
We check humidity and look at your windows and furnace to choose the right type.
Install
Mount on the furnace, run water and drain lines, wire the control and outdoor sensor.
Set targets
Auto-adjusting target based on outdoor temperature. We show you how to change the pad.
Common questions
What humidity should I aim for?
About 35% when it's above 0°F outside, 30% from 0°F to −10°F, and 25% below −10°F. Our auto control handles this for you.
My windows are fogging. What do I do?
Lower the humidity target by 5%. If you have an auto control, check the outdoor sensor is connected.
How often do I change the pad?
Once a year for bypass models, at the start of heating season. Halden's hard water means some homes need it twice.