Action Furnace installs whole-home humidifiers in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer. Let us show you what benefits these indoor air quality solutions can provide to Alberta homes so you can make an informed decision about whether or not you need one.

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Posted by Ryan | January 15, 2024

Humidity is one of those things you probably only think about when it needs adjusting. Comfortable people never talk about how optimal their humidity levels are—but dry or clammy people bring it up all the time. The point is, that you’ll notice fast when the humidity in your Alberta home is off, so it’s best to invest in improving it before problems occur.

Action Furnace installs countless new humidifiers for Alberta homes each year, so our comfort techs know all about the value of these systems. Below, we explain why humidity is important, how you’ll benefit from improving yours, and answer key questions about our solutions.

Find Your Next Humidifier In:

What Is a Humidifier?

A humidifier turns water into breathable vapour and disperses it into the air. This happens when air passes through a water-soaked pad and absorbs moisture. Some high-performance humidifiers can evaporate more than 19 gallons of water each day—enough to humidify a 2,500 square foot home.

Whole-Home vs. Standalone Humidifiers

There are several different common types of humidifiers:

Whole-home humidifier installed in Alberta HVAC system

Whole-home humidifiers are designed to integrate with your HVAC system so that they can add moisture to the air flowing through your ductwork. Our whole-home humidifiers are also capable of dehumidifying the air in your home if there’s too much moisture in it. Using these systems lets you evenly adjust humidity throughout your entire home, and lets you control it from your thermostat.

Standalone humidifier adding moisture to air in single room

Standalone humidifiers are individual units you can set up in specific areas of your home. They typically cost less than whole-home models, but this comes at the price of their effectiveness and energy efficiency.

Standalone humidifiers can only add moisture to the air in their immediate vicinity, which prevents them from being effective throughout the home—and because they aren’t controlled via thermostat, they can be harder to dial in (leading to uneven, excessive, or inadequate humidity in different parts of your home). Because of this, we strongly recommend whole-home humidifiers for most homeowners.

Why Humidity Matters for Alberta Homeowners

A little more moisture in the air can make a big difference, especially to your health. Humidifiers can soothe dry and inflamed sinuses, helping you breathe easy no matter the season.

The Risks of Poor Humidity

Too much humidity in the air makes your skin feel damp and clammy, while too little makes it dry and scratchy. If you’re experiencing any of the following, a humidifier might help:

Not Enough Humidity:

Nosebleeds
Cracked lips
Irritated eyes
Sinus headaches
Dry, cracked skin
Frequent coughing
Dry sinuses

Too Much Humidity:

Sweaty or clammy feeling skin
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Heat exhaustion
Mould growth in the home (due to excessive moisture)

Smiling woman in house with whole-home humidifier installed in HVAC system

The Benefits of Proper Humidity

Health Benefits

A little more moisture in the air can make a big difference, especially to your health. Humidifiers can:

Soothe dry and inflamed sinuses, helping you breathe easy no matter the season.
Reduce the risk of cold and flu by deactivating virus particles in the air.
Lessen the symptoms of existing colds and flu. If you’ve got a cough, more moisture in the air can release trapped mucus and ease your congestion.
Eliminate snoring at night by lubricating your airways properly.

Energy Savings

The energy efficiency benefits of whole-home humidifiers can make a big difference, especially to your wallet. Humidifiers can:

Make your home feel warmer in winter, allowing for lower thermostat settings and reduced energy bills.
Decrease wear and tear on your furnace by maintaining optimal humidity, extending its lifespan.
Work seamlessly with your current HVAC system, eliminating the need for separate units in each space.

Protecting Your Investment

Optimizing the humidity in your home can protect your investments and infrastructure. Humidifiers can:

Prevent wood in walls, floors, and furniture from drying out, avoiding cracks and warping in Alberta’s dry climate.
Protect expensive artwork and musical instruments from damage due to sapped moisture.
Help in maintaining the integrity of your home’s structure, including preventing paint from chipping and extending the life of wood flooring and houseplants.

Improving Winter Comfort

A little more moisture in the air can significantly enhance your comfort during Alberta’s dry winters. Humidifiers can:

Help maintain indoor humidity levels between 30 and 40% as recommended by Health Canada for the winter season.
Ensure consistent moisture levels inside your home, providing a more comfortable living environment.
Raise the indoor temperature for added warmth and comfort during the colder months.

Installing the Right Humidifier for Your Home with Action Furnace

Action Furnace has years of experience recommending and installing effective whole-home humidifiers for households in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer. When you need help adjusting the level of moisture in the air you breathe at home every day, contact our team and speak with someone who can help.

For more information, browse the FAQ below. And remember, an investment in your comfort is an investment in your best self.

Frequently Asked Questions about Whole-Home Humidifiers for Alberta Homes

What kind of maintenance do whole-home humidifiers need?

Humidifiers require minimal maintenance. The pads in the unit will need to be changed every year or 2 but otherwise, your humidifier should run smoothly for many years.

Experienced HVAC technicians can assess your home and determine the best type of humidifier for your unique needs and your existing system. If a whole-home humidifier is the route you go, you’ll need to keep up with duct cleaning to ensure the moist air that reaches you is clean and free of dust and allergens.

It’s easy—and affordable—to have a humidifier installed. You’ll see the comfort and quality of your home improve quickly.

How humid should I keep my home?

Health Canada recommends keeping the humidity levels in your home between 30 and 55% throughout the year. Typically, you’ll want to keep it a bit lower in the winter (30 to 40%) and a bit higher (up to 55%) in the summertime.

How much do whole-home humidifiers cost?

Our whole-home humidifiers start at just $549, but the final costs will depend on the size of your home and how much moisture you need to add to the air.

How much moisture does my home’s air need?

The amount of moisture your home requires will depend on its size, as well as how tight its insulation and vapor barriers are. Here’s a chart showing typical requirements for different home sizes and types:

Home Size (Square Feet)	Tight Home Output (Gallons per Day)	Average Home Output (Gallons per Day)	Loose Home Output (Gallons per Day)
500 Sq. Ft.	1.4 gpd	0.5 gpd	1.0 gpd
1,000 Sq. Ft.	3.2 gpd	3.0 gpd	4.0 gpd
1,500 Sq. Ft.	4.9 gpd	5.5 gpd	7.0 gpd
2,000 Sq. Ft.	6.6 gpd	8.0 gpd	10.0 gpd
2,500 Sq. Ft.	8.3 gpd	10.5 gpd	13.1 gpd

Can I install a whole-home humidifier by myself?

No—calculating your home’s specific humidity requirements and seamlessly installing an appropriate whole-home humidifier in your HVAC system are jobs for professionals. When you contact Action Furnace, we’ll be able to recommend a humidifier that’s appropriate for your home, provide an accurate upfront quote for installing it, and perform the work properly the first time.

Ryan | General Manager

Ryan is considered one of Calgary's most knowledgeable residential HVAC specialists. Working in the industry for over 12... more

Do I need a Humidifier in Alberta?