Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500319
06/24/03

Humidifying - Operating the Humidifier


The water output of an appliance humidifier is based
on continuous operation at standard rating conditions,
not on the cycling of the residential heating system.
Humidifiers without humidistat run continuously, while
those with humidistat run continuously only when the
controls are set to do so. The humidistat cycles the unit
on and off as it senses different moisture needs caused
by changes in indoor and outdoor conditions, including:

1. Amount of moisture absorbed by the house and its
furnishings during the first few days of each humidifier
season.

2. Amount of moisture generated by occupants and their
activities, such as cooking and laundering.
3. Humidity level desired.

4. Changes in outdoor temperature, relative humidity,
wind direction and velocity.

This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Ohio Extension
bulletin Equipment Factsheet, and the Association for
Household Appliance Manufacturers.

Go To Top of File        Michigan State University Extension Home Page        Main Page for this Data Base
This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08. Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03. For more information about this data base or its contents please contact strausc@msu.edu .