Easy humidifier

[Drew99GT]

Like many people, I have a rough time in the winter with dry air. I have several types of humidifiers and they're all a PITA do deal with, especially the evaporation type. The filters get covered with mold and grime and you end up pumping mold spores throughout the house.

I found some humidifier furnace register covers that have a water reservoir and a wick pad, so every time the furnace turns on, it humidifies the air. So I researched things a bit more and found the suggestion online to simply buy a couple antimicrobial sponges and stick those on the registers. GENIUS! Works perfectly, it's cheap and super easy to deal with. 4 of them upstairs has increased the RH in my house 10%. The inside of my nose no longer feels like Death Valley.

The only issue I have with them is my cat keeps batting the sponges around...

 

[bullwinkle]

Or you could do like my Grandma used to do & put coffee cans half-full of water on all the floor registers!

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
Or you could do like my Grandma used to do & put coffee cans half-full of water on all the floor registers!


I'd do that in a heartbeat, but my cat would knock them over.

 

[Dave Hess]

What is the RH in a house during the summer when the A/C is at 70 degrees F...... verses your house in the winter with a RH of 10% ?

You guys are very lucky to get cold weather for the holidays.

 

[Drew99GT]

I never really check it in the summer, but it was about 30% before and 40% after using the sponges.

 

[JHZR2]

I prefer the electrostatic type as they by far are the cleanest and easiest/most effective.

 

[mechtech2]

If looks are not a concern:
I had a friend who had success with rolled up newspapers in coffee cans full of water in front of floor registers. Soak them first!

I would not think closed cell sponges would flow and wick properly.
You got 10% better? That's great.

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2


I would not think closed cell sponges would flow and wick properly.
You got 10% better? That's great.



I've found they dry out after about 4 hours when it's cold out and the furnace runs a lot! I'm having to soak them very often. It's working really well.

 

[dwcopple]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I prefer the electrostatic type as they by far are the cleanest and easiest/most effective.
electrostatic what? sponges?

 

[Drew99GT]

Originally Posted By: dwcopple
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
I prefer the electrostatic type as they by far are the cleanest and easiest/most effective.
electrostatic what? sponges?


I think he meant ultrasonic.

 

[mechtech2]

I have found I get colds and sore throats when sleeping in dry winter air [forced air heat].

So at least get anybody's humidifier for your bedroom.

 

[kkreit01]

I'll try the sponges downstairs. We have a cool mist humidifiers in every bedroom. Yes -- they are a pain to fill every night, clean often, and replace the filter 1/season. Last year, I bought a heated one for downstairs. I noticed it took a hit on my electric bill while running that one. Sponges are cheap. Thanks for the tip.