HVAC Basics: Humidifiers
By Anne Fonda with expert review by Sean Goddard, Product Manager, Coils & Indoor Air Quality
A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home with the end goal of optimizing indoor humidity levels.
Whole-house humidifiers
A whole-house humidifier connects to your home’s water supply, and through evaporation or steam, it adds water vapor to the air. You don’t have to fill or empty a water reservoir – you just set it and forget it.
You set the desired humidity level on your thermostat to achieve what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says is the optimal level for comfort – between 30% and 50% relative humidity (RH).
Some humidifiers run when your furnace runs, while others run independently of your HVAC system. Work with your local Trane HVAC expert to find the best humidifier for your home.
Impact of low humidity
If the humidity in your home is below 30%, it’s either wintertime or you live in a dry, arid climate. Low humidity can cause:
- Dry skin, hair, and nails
- Static electricity
- Dry sinuses and nosebleeds
- Respiratory symptoms
- Allergy symptoms
- Dry and cracking wood
Benefits of a Trane whole-home humidifier
A whole-house humidifier is a great option if your gas furnace runs all winter long or if you live in a dry climate, like the Desert Southwest. Benefits of a whole-house unit over a portable unit include:
- Raises the humidity level throughout your home
- Connects to your water supply, so no need to frequently fill a reservoir
- 10-year registered warranty vs 1-3 years for portable units
- Can last 8-15+ years when well maintained vs +/-5 years for a portable unit
- Integrates with the Awair Element™ indoor air quality monitor and your smart thermostat
- Integrates with the Trane Home app
Higher humidity in the winter makes it feel warmer, allowing you to set a lower temperature without sacrificing comfort
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
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