Humidifiers come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any space. Large whole house humidifiers have the ability to cover several thousand square feet. We’re often asked what will happen if you use a humidifier designed for more square footage than the size of your home. Is it okay, or will it cause problems? For many situations, yes, you can use a larger humidifier. There are some important things to keep in mind. We’ll break down the pros and cons to help you find the perfect humidifier for your situation.
First, it’s important to understand the square footage designation for a humidifier. This calculation is based on homes with tight construction and 8-foot ceilings. These homes are energy efficient and tightly insulated against drafts. Older homes, or those with poor insulation or cracks, may have a smaller coverage area. You may also want to size up if your home features cathedral ceilings.
While you probably wouldn’t want to use a humidifier meant for 4,000 square feet if you live in a small studio apartment, sizing up a few steps is generally acceptable. It’s a good idea to keep it on the lower settings so too much humidity isn’t put into the air. A home humidity level of 40% – 50% is ideal. Many AIRCARE evaporative humidifiers will automatically shut off once the desired humidity is reached so too much moisture isn’t released into the air.
So what happens if a home is too humid? The most obvious sign is condensation on the insides of the windows. If you notice this, lower the setting on your humidifier! Left unchecked, too much indoor humidity could cause mold. That could lead to breathing issues and a host of other problems. Keep an eye on your humidistat (located on the cord of many AIRCARE evaporative humidifiers) so your home stays comfortable!
Have questions about which AIRCARE humidifier is right for you? Our Customer Service Team is always here to help! Give them a call at 800-547-3888. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm CST.
