Nortec vs Skuttle

BillW@honeywell

Sorry, That's the highest capacity unit we make. Thanks for checking it out, though!

R. Taliano

Nortec vs Skuttle

I recently obtained 2 estimates for a humidification system for my home that would replace a Skuttle drum type(190) that is currently installed and insufficient. The first is for a Skuttle steam type 60-2 which would come to around $750 and the other for a Nortec NHMC-010 which would set me back around $3500. The system would be installed on a first floor unit and I am hoping for enough capacity to maintain humidity levels on the 2nd floor as well. The home is new and fairly tight. Total cubic footage definitely exceeds the rated capacity of the Skuttle (5.9 lb/hr vs. upwards of 10 lbs/hr for the Nortec), but the initial cost is 5 times as high. Does anyone have any opinions if the Nortec would be worth the extra cost? Are the flushing systems available for the skuttle steam humidifiers worthwhile and reliable? Thanks again for the help.

R. Taliano

BillW@honeywell

Steam humidifiers

Steam humidifiers are the "Mercedes" of humidifiers. They maintain a steady level of humidity, independent of a call for heat, so if you have extensive hardwood flooring or trim, fine artwork, musical instruments or leather furniture, they are the best. The control is vitally important. The basic humidifier controls are not very accurate, an electronic control is strongly recommended. Definitely get the automatic flushing system. Depending on the quality of your water, mineral content, gases etc, a steam humidifier can scale up quickly. Also get a water filter to help control odors and contaminents. You might want to check out our H440A, it comes complete with both, also check the PC8900 home control, or the H1008 Humidicalc control. Visit our website at www.honeywell.com/yourhome/, and then click on the "Find a Contractor" bar above. These are available only through you professional contractor.

larry

steam humidifiers...

I looked into similar equipment last year for my home so have some comments/opinions...

You are comparing equipment that is in two different classes. The Nortec NHMC is ultra high tech with all sorts of microprocessor controls, etc. It might be the most appropriate choice if you have rare antiques or artwork that has to be maintained in an environment with *very* stable relative humidity. Other than that, Nortec has other models such as the Resdelux which are lower cost, but still provide the ease of use with the disposible canisters. No matter which Nortec you choose, you need a duct layout with a long enough run near the air handler/furnace for the steam injection widget otherwise you can end up with water in your ducts.

Steam units such as the Skuttle (Honeywell and Autoflo make similar units) will also work, but their ease of use depends on the hardness of your water. Cleaning one of these units requires that you pretty much dismount the unit from the duct. If your water is good, you might only have to clean the Skuttle once a season. The replaceable canister approach of the Nortec is much easier.

The other thing to consider is the cost of running an electric steam unit. Depending on the infiltration rate of your house, if your electric rates are high, you could end up spending as much on humidification as you do on heat. The other approach to improved winter humidification is to control infiltration better. Real tight houses have the opposite problem in the winter - too much humidity.

BillW@honeywell

Humidifier maintenance

Larry raises some valid points, and is correct when he mentions having to dis-saasemble the old Honeywell and competitive units. However, with the HE440, our newest offering, that is no longer the case. Every 3/6 months, depending on water quality & run time, you replace the chlorine filter, Every 2-3 YEARS, depending on water quality & run time you replace the reverse osmosis cartridge. You should never have to remove the humidifier body. Your contractor would provide this service, or sell you the cartridges if you prefer to do it yourself.

larry

Way cool...

Bill,

That new unit sounds great! Building RO filtration into the unit makes great sense. By doing that you have 100% control of all the material the RO treated water comes in contact with. Since RO treated water is agressive, you solve many problems by building it in.

R. Taliano

H440A sizing

I checked the Honeywell website info. It appears that the H440A is rate to provide 13g/d for a tight house up to just over 3000 sq. ft. I need to humidify an area of over 4500 sq. ft and I have 9 ft. ceilings on 1st floor with 2 rooms having vaulted ceilings. I couldn't locate a larger Honeywell unit. Is one available?

RT

don_9

13.9 gpm

I would think thats more then enough for any large house.
It only takes about one fifth of an ounce of water vapor
to saturate a cubic foot of air at 75 degree,this is equivalent to 100% relative humidity.The lower the temp the less water,the higher the temp more water,keep in mind you will be cooking and showering.As fars as any Humidifider that has a pan with water sitting in it would not be my choice,That for me would create a pollutant pathway.
Go with the steam humidifider far more superior.

Paul Pollets

Nortek

I've used the Nortek several times on high-end HVAC systems or HRV ducting. They are the "Mercedes" of humidifiers and can easily do a 4500SF system. They have very specific instructions on placement of the steam nozzle in the ductwork. Improper installation will result in water condesing and leaking through the ductwork. However, if you have 2 furnaces, remember you'll need 2 humidifiers.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

BillW@honeywell

Both like the same cars...

Looks like we were both thinking on the same lines.

BillW@honeywell

GPM?

The humidifiers are rated at gallons/day(GPD) not gallons per minute (GPM). It's easy to confuse!

BillW@honeywell

To clarify something...

On the original post, I mentioned to click on "Find A Contractor" That was meant for this website, not the Honeywell site. Sorry about the confusion.

don_9

thanks bill

I hit the wrong letter. don

larry

Why need humidifier for each furnace?

Isn't humidified air considered a gas? As a gas, won't it travel at a fairly high speed from it's point(s) of distribution and spread throughout the heated space? Of course if the two floors don't share a common staircase or if the staircase has a door I could see there being an issue.