Whole home humidifiers keep the relative humidity in your home or office balanced to protect against the damaging effects of not enough moisture. It also adds to the comfort of your environment as well as saves energy, saves money, and reduces maintenance. Optimal comfort is achieved when humidity levels are between 30 – 50%, and a whole home humidifier can provide that.
At Galmiche & Sons, we can help keep you comfortable. We install whole home humidifiers throughout the St. Louis area as well as heating & air conditioning systems. Contact us for a free evaluation and to learn about what type of system may be right for your home.
What is the Difference Between Whole Home Humidifiers and Portable Humidifiers?
There are two categories of humidifiers: whole home humidifiers and portable humidifiers.
- A whole home humidifier is a system that is connected to the HVAC duct system and supplies the entire home or building with moisture-controlled air. You can control the amount of moisture much like a thermostat controls the temperature. Types of whole home humidifiers include bypass, fan-powered, and steam humidifiers.
- Portable humidifiers are also known as room humidifiers. They are stand-alone units that provide moisture in the air surrounding the unit, and a unit is needed for each room. Portable humidifiers are hot items on the market today and include types such as vaporizers, ultrasonic, and evaporative.
Is One Better Than the Other?
In most cases, the experts at Galmiche & Sons recommend a whole home humidifier over a portable one. Ultimately, though, the best choice for you will depend on several factors.
- A whole home humidifier becomes part of your HVAC system, delivering moisture through the ducts to every room in your home. Moisture from a portable humidifier is limited to the room the unit is in.
- A whole home humidifier requires minimal interaction. They are connected to the plumbing system, so water is fed directly to the unit. A portable humidifier has a water reservoir that you have to refill, as often as daily for some machines.
- A whole home humidifier is a unit typically situated near your HVAC system which is usually out of sight. They do their thing without adding extra noise or taking up space in a room. Portable humidifiers can be noisy and take up valuable floor space.
- A whole home humidifier can be more efficient and affordable. You do not need multiple units to supply your home with the moisture it needs. With portable humidifiers, you would need a unit for every room in your home.
A Portable Humidifier Does Serve a Purpose
Just because we do not recommend portable humidifiers for whole home humidification, there are times when using one might be appropriate:
- If you are a renter: No need to go through the landlord and you can take the unit with you when you leave!
- You need temporary humidification: If moisture is typically balanced but you still need a boost temporarily, a portable humidifier is perfect. During times of illness, dry wintry conditions, or allergy season, a portable humidifier can be effective.
Call Us to Learn More About Whole Home Humidifiers
At Galmiche & Sons, we are here to help you decide which type of humidifier is right for your situation. St. Louis weather can be finicky and a whole home humidifier may be the thing you are looking for that extra layer of comfort. Heating & air conditioning comfort goes hand in hand with humidifiers, so contact our heating and cooling experts in St. Louis today!
