Humidity level will not increase

[Agh089]

Hello! I am trying to figure out why I cannot get the humidity levels in my house to rise. I had the tech who installed it come out last year to double check everything... well they did not instill much confidence after had my dad look at it this winter and it was never even running last year! So that is why I am hoping all of you could help me before I have to call them again.

 my 5 month old has horrible congestion for months and I know this is playing a part! We are in Michigan so it is cold. Also half of my first floor is an old log cabin so lots of wood.

I am going to attach pics for the model and set up.
I have cleaned solenoid and have a new filter pad. I have hard water so I monitor these often. Water is a steady stream (cold water). It only goes while the furnace is blowing hot air. I check it frequently and it is working. Water valve is open.

This is in the basement. I have 2 humidifier gauges on first and second floor. They go between 21-30%... sometimes first story is 32-34% but second story (bedrooms) is never that high.

Since I do have a dehumidifier in my basement (so it doesn't get mildewy), I have the humidstat cranked up and planned to adjust it accordingly once the upstairs got where I want. But it's never got high enough!

Another thing perplexing me is I have a standalone Vicks humidifier in the baby's room and maybe it will go up 1%... his room is very small so I don't understand!

Edited to add: I used to have my fan on all the time but was advised to turn it to auto.

I've never experienced any condensation on windows or anything. Any input would be so helpful. Thank you!!

[Admin]

As a first step I would turn the dehumidifier off, to see if the humidity will increase.

I believe that model of humidifier is good for up to 3000 sq ft.  Maybe having the fan on moves the humidity around and the dehumidifier removes it too fast.

Sometimes we will supply the humidifier with hot water, instead of cold water, so it's more efficient.  Some of the older models require you upgrade the water line from plastic to copper, but the newer models use an upgraded plastic water line that is approved for hot water.  If you have a tankless water heater this won't be an option, as the humidifier does move enough water to activate the water heater.

Another option is to rewire the humidifier from W and C to R and C, so it will be powered anytime the humidistat is on, instead of only during a heat cycle.  This can cause water bills to increase so be careful there.

Is the home newer and sealed well, or leaky?

Also, make sure the humidistat is at least 6" above the humidifier, or it may be short cycling and not running as much as it should.

Where exactly does the humidifier bypass attach to on the supply?

[Agh089]

Hi!! I took some more pictures and will add below.   

I will turn off the dehumidifier and do a test. How long do you think I should leave it off?
During warmer months, it got shut off (I don't know how long it was off) and we had mildew in our basement but It's so cold right now I can't imagine that would happen too quick.

It does seem like a thick plastic line. It's only a couple years old. We just had a new hot water tank installed so that could be an option. I read somewhere hot water you could get bacteria- any thoughts on that? We have  well so not concerned about usage.

I measured from the bottom of the brass piece so it does seem over 6 inches apart.

My house is a mix-part of it is very old and it's had a few additions. There are some leaky doors although most I have plastic over them right now. There's 2 that we use that leak a bit. But our house is 2750 sq ft. There are areas of the house that do not receive much heat (although the baby's bedroom is in a new part of the house and has a direct run to it and stays plenty warm).

[Agh089]

Actually here are the pics!

[Admin]

I would leave the dehumidifier off for 72 hours and see what happens.

The installation manual species 6" from the top of the humidifier plastic casing to the bottom of the humidistat.  It could be getting some false readings being so low.

[Agh089]

Hi Admin- I am seeing it increase with the dehumidifier turned off! It is 39% on my first floor. Since it isn't realistic to have dehumidifier off in my basement forever, what would you suggest I do as a long term solution?


Do people ever bring the humidstat to their first level (and not mounted on furnace?) or perhaps wire it so it runs al the time? Thanks!!

[Admin]

That's good news.

Yes, you can relocate your humidistat anywhere.

Another option is to rewire the humidifier from W and C to R and C, so it will be powered anytime the humidistat is on, instead of only during a heat cycle.  This can cause water bills to increase so be careful there.

If your issue is with the musty smell then I would consider installing an ERV instead of using the dehumidifier.  The dehumidifier is too aggressive at removing moisture.  An ERV can add humidity during the winter and remove humidity during the summer, so it is a good option but can be costly.  Its main purpose is to exhaust stale air and bring in fresh air.

[Agh089]

Thanks for a quick reply.

Musty smell is not the issue. Some of things actually got mildew on them when it was accidentally turned off for awhile.

Would you recommend relocating humidstat or wiring to run continuously?

[Admin]

Try wiring it continuously first, as that is the easiest 1st step.