Whole House Steam Humidifier - Worth the money?
Searched the forum - there are some discussions on the bypass models but not on the steam humidifier, therefore thinking about starting a new post.
Our 2yr-old house is about 3,400 sq ft (4,300 including the basement). It has 3 floors: main + basement + 2nd using 1 set of HVAC system and the 3rd floor has its own HVAC. We also have a HRV system installed.
With a 1yr old baby, I am thinking about getting a whole-home humidifier installed. Have been comparing the Aprilaire 800 (Steam) and 700A (Bypass) model.
Based on their descriptions, both models should fit the size of our house. However, when getting the quotes, some HVAC companies strongly recommend the steam model and said the bypass model may have trouble getting to 40% during the extreme cold condition.
800 is much more expensive - about $1,000 higher for the initial cost and $80 more for the annual maintenance to change the canister.
Does it really worth to get the 800/steam model? Any advice will be much appreciated.
Our 2yr-old house is about 3,400 sq ft (4,300 including the basement). It has 3 floors: main + basement + 2nd using 1 set of HVAC system and the 3rd floor has its own HVAC. We also have a HRV system installed.
With a 1yr old baby, I am thinking about getting a whole-home humidifier installed. Have been comparing the Aprilaire 800 (Steam) and 700A (Bypass) model.
Based on their descriptions, both models should fit the size of our house. However, when getting the quotes, some HVAC companies strongly recommend the steam model and said the bypass model may have trouble getting to 40% during the extreme cold condition.
800 is much more expensive - about $1,000 higher for the initial cost and $80 more for the annual maintenance to change the canister.
Does it really worth to get the 800/steam model? Any advice will be much appreciated.