Humidifier Guidelines

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SHERIDAN MECHANICAL SERVICES
Serving the perimeter of Denver, CO.
(303) 669 - 3876

GENERAL HUMIDIFIER INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

There are serious personal safety issues involved with installing any humidifier as well as possibly damaging the humidifier and it's components as well as the equipment it is being installed on. For these reasons, only qualified persons should be installing this equipment. If you aren't qualified you should call a Heating and Air Conditioning Service or Installation Company to install these products.

A saddle valve must be installed on the house water line, either hot or cold. ( Hot water will humidify best.) This valve is self piercing. Tubing must be run from this valve to the new humidifier. We suggest 1/4" copper tubing be used. You will need the appropriate length of tubing along with (2) 1/8" ferrule nuts and (2) 1/4" ferrule sleeves which go on the tubing. The tubing must be cut with a tubing cutter. The cut tubing should be square at the ends and any rough burrs removed from the tubing. When the tubing is attached to the saddle valve and the humidifier (2) wrenches need to be used to tighten the fittings to avoid any damage. Before attaching the tubing to the humidifier briefly open the saddle valve and let some water run out of the tubing into a container. This will flush any debris from the line. Now hook up the tubing at the humidifier. the water at the humidifier and tighten the fittings with (2) wrenches.

Most humidifiers have to have a 24 volt transformer installed in a 120 volt circuit near the furnace or air handler. This transformer should always have 120 volt power supplied to it so it may be sending 24 volts of power to the humidifier circuit. ( read instructions that came with humidifier ). Bear in mind that air handlers as used for heat pumps, as well as some fossil fuel furnaces, usually use 230 volts. Installing the transformer to a 230 volt circuit WILL destroy the transformer. Also, some powered humidifiers work from a 120 volt circuit. These units have a humidistat capable of using 120 volts and can't be used with a 24 volt circuit. (Read the instructions that came with the humidifier you purchased.) There are serious personal safety issues involved with installing any humidifier as well as possibly damaging the humidifier and it's components as well as the equipment it is being installed on. For these reasons, only qualified persons should be installing this equipment. If you aren't qualified you should call a Heating and Air Conditioning Service or Installation Company to install these products.

All humidifiers will require that a hole be cut in one of the sheet metal trunks or plenums. Sheet metal cutting snips will be needed. If the humidifier you purchased requires ductwork you will need to cut holes in the duct work for the new duct work also. ( Read the manufacturer's instructions ). Gloves and safety glasses need to be worn while doing this as serious personal injury can result while installing the humidifier and it's components.

The openings should be cut so as to keep the humidifier level and square. If it is installed in an un square or un level position it may not operate or drain correctly depending on the model you purchase. Always follow the manufacturers installation instructions.

All humidifiers should be installed with the a relay found on our Humidifier Ordering Page to protect all equipment. Serious equipment damage can be caused by not installing the relay.

If you purchased a humidifier that has a drain tube at the bottom a piece of 5/8" poly tubing will need to be run to either a floor drain or a condensate pump. A 3/4" automobile type radiator clamp should be installed on the tubing at the humidifier to prevent future leaks.

Do not install ANY humidifier in an attic or any other place where freezing temperatures can occur. To do so will damage the humidifier and possibly your building if a water leak develops. Furthermore it will most likely void the manufacturer's warranty.

Always check for leaks after the water has been turned on and the humidifier has run for a while.

When the installation is complete be sure to set the humidistat to the recommended settings per the instructions that came with the humidifier.

All photos and text are original material published by Sheridan Mechanical Services and can not be distributed, or republished without written permission from Sheridan Mechanical Services.