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Humidifier, Maintenance, Resources + Tips

4 Things You Should Know About Furnace Humidifiers

  1. What does a humidifier do? 
  • A furnace mounted humidifier adds moisture to the air that your furnace distributes through your supply (sometimes called “hot air”) ductwork.
  • Water comes into the unit through a tube and depending on the type of unit, air is flowed through a pad, a sponge, or discs, before being sent through your supply ducts.
  • This increases the moisture content of the air, which can improve comfort especially in dry Alberta winters.
  1. What are the types of humidifiers? 
  • Flow through – this is the most common type. Water moistens an evaporator pad. Air is flowed through the humidifier to absorb moisture from the pad and then is blown through the return or “hot air” system to provide moisturized air to the house. 
  • Drum Humidifier – there are several types of drum humidifiers – older style with a sponge that rotates and becomes moist, with air passing through it to pick up the moisture. Newer styles have multiple disc and no pads or sponges.
  1. Why should I pay attention to my humidifier?
  • A functioning humidifier with a clean pad is critical to maintaining good moisture in your home
  • To prevent potential damage to your furnace, you should regularly check your humidifier
  • Humidifier leaks (and damage to your furnace) can be caused by water feed tubes that become clogged, brittle or loose
  • Failing to replace your humidifier pad, and failing to inspect and clean your unit as needed can also result in leakage which could damage the electrical components of your furnace
An open humidifier showing a humidifier pad.
  1. What should my humidifier be set at?
  • The Health Canada Healthy Home Guide recommends keeping humidity levels between 30-50%
  • Low humidity may aggravate skin allergies and contribute to or exacerbate respiratory infections.
  • High humidity can lead to mould.

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An open humidifier showing a humidifier pad.
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Alberta Furnace Cleaning Reviews

This company knows their stuff, provides great customer service and excellent work. I’m totally happy with how the two very friendly annd knowledgeable associates cleaned my furnace, vents, dryer vent and AC coil. I will certainly book my next appointment with them.

- Mark

The technicians were efficient and very friendly. They explained what they how and what they were doing. The only thing was there was some sort of residue left on the concrete from their truck all the way to our front door that was not there before they arrived. (Dark stains on our driveway, walkway and front steps leading into the house).

- Maureen Miyagishima

I had an excellent experience with Alberta Furnace Cleaning. They promptly arrived on the first working day of the year, despite the cold weather. Their team provided detailed explanations regarding the service performed and offered helpful tips for maintaining my units. I am confident that I will book with them again in the next few years.

- Ramir L

The men who did the work were extremely friendly and professional. They were sure to introduce themselves to each of us properly. They explained everything they were doing and even showed us before and after pictures. They were very respectful of our home and used boots covers each time even when going back and forth from outside to in. They cleaned and wiped up their work areas before they left, which was very appreciated. We would hire them again, without hesitation.

- Melanie Collins

Alberta Furnace crews are professional and thorough from appointment to home service. I had my furnace serviced by someone else before and I can say that Alberta Furnace is far better. They protect the corners, walls and floors of the house and leave no marks behind. Their equipments are state-of-the-art. The best in what they do! Price is fair as well.

- Antonio Jr Reyes

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