Dry air in the house

Steve_D

We have a 2 pipe steam heating system in our new home and the air is really dry.  We've put containers of water on the radiators but the air is still really dry.  Any suggestions of what might help?



Thanks

Steve

Unknown

Radiator Humidifiers

Hi Steve- There was a discussion on radiator humidifiers last month which might be helpful to you. Here is the link:  http://www.heatinghelp.com/forum-thread/128634/source-for-over-radiator-water-buckets

Jamie Hall

The only cure

I've ever found which really works is power (cabinet) humidifiers -- one or more depending on how big the space is and how much infiltration there is.  The radiator top pans and the like do help, though.  You need to watch out, though, for getting the humidity too high -- you do not want condensation on the windows, for instance, in most cases.

DavidK_2

to increase winter humidity

I vent dryer inside during the winter - hate to see all that nice warm humid air going to waste (I put a stocking over the vent pipe to catch any stuff the dryer filter might miss)



If that doesn't do it, I run an old Sears, cabinet style, cold water humidifier

jpf321

i assume...

i assume it isn't a gas fired dryer .. i wouldn't do that on a gas unit ;-)

DavidK_2

correct

it is electric

Steve_D

Thanks

Thanks for the ideas.  I'll look into some of the radiator humidifiers first to see if that will solve the problem.

Steve

DavidK_2

It does seem ironic

That we condense steam to extract latent heat, then use some of that heat to evaporate water. But I guess if want humidity we have to evaporate water. Here is another suggestion, shower with the fan off and the door open.

Fred Harwood_2

Humidity

In many cases, low home humidity indicates substantial outside air infiltration. If so, humidifiers may be unable to make much difference.



Look for significant air infiltration around doors, windows, and basement sills, and make sure that the fireplace damper is closed when not in use. Check drier and bathroom exhaust vents to ensure that the check dampers are working and not obstructed by wasp nests or other debris.