Baseboard heat and dry house

[Kevbo]

Hello all,
Looking for some advice/recommendations. We moved into our house a few years ago, and we have a boiler w/ baseboard heating. We have noticed during the winter that our house gets VERY dry. We've tried humidifiers in the bedrooms, and I purchased a large humidifier for up to 2000 sq ft, but really only gets the room it's in. I also would rather not have to replace the water constantly. What are my options to maintain proper humidity in our house? We do have central AC w/ ducts, but they do not run in the winter obviously. Can I get something that runs on the ducts, and just run the fan in the winter? We have dual zones, so I would assume I need to get 2? Are there any other options or recommendations?

Thank You

 

[pjones]

A steam canister humidifier would take care of the issue. Install it in your supply air and wire it up so it only runs when the fan is operating. It will fill and maintain the water by itself. It will need a water supply line, electrical connection, and a drain.

I believe Aprilair are a popular make. Have a search for them, I believe I'm spelling it correct but I'm unable to confirm that right now.

 

[Kevbo]

Thanks for the feedback! Would that be something I would need to install on each air handler? Or would the lower level be enough for the whole house? Only asking, b/c the upstairs air handler is in the attic, and getting a water line up there might not be that easy.

 

[pjones]

I would suggest putting one downstairs and see if it equalizes. Moist air is lighter than dry air so it's natural tendency will be to go up. At that point, after you try it for a month, if you find it's just not enough you can opt for another in the attic. Do you close off the lower level from the upper level with a door or I it more o an open concept layout?

 

[Kevbo]

Thanks again. The upper level is open through the stairs, so would make sense to try that first.