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How do I size a Humidifier for my Home?

For some contractors, it's standard procedure to calculate the size of a humidifier based on the home's square footage. However, since rooms in many of the homes being built today with high or vaulted ceilings, air volume can be increased by 30 to 60 percent therefore, selecting a humidifier based on square footage can cause inaccurate sizing.

To achieve optimal relative humidity, it's best to calculate the home's cubic footage (length x width x average ceiling height). For a tight home with little or no outside air intake, use this formula:
Cu. Ft. x 6.615 / 7000 = GPD (Gallons Per Day)*

*Includes Skuttle Flushing Timer

What's the best setting for my humidistat?

For the greatest comfort and best indoor air quality in your home, set your humidistat between 30 and 40 percent humidity. At that level, health-endangering conditions (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, mites, ozone production, etc.) are greatly reduced.


How often should I service my humidifier?

This will vary depending upon the type of humidifier you have, the hardness of your water and the operating time of your unit. If you have a Skuttle Flow-Thru Unit or if you have a Reservoir-Type Humidifier with a Skuttle automatic flushing timer; once a year is generally sufficient. Contact us for advice to your specific needs.

Which Skuttle humidifier is best for my home?

The type of heating system you have, the size of your home, the hardness of your water and a variety of other factors all affect the kind of humidifier that's best for you. That's why Skuttle makes more humidifiers than any other manufacturer. Go to our humidifiers page and that will help you determine the best humidifier for your home. Contact us for advice to your specific needs.


Should my humidifier operate during the summer months?

Because summer air is naturally more humid in most parts of the country, it's not necessary to humidify during the summer months. In fact, dehumidification is often desirable. Fortunately, your air conditioner is an effective dehumidifier. During the winter months, however, when the air is much drier, proper indoor humidification provides a healthier, more comfortable living environment.


How is one type of humidifier different from another?

Drum and flow-thru humidifiers are evaporative types that can only put as much moisture into the air as the air can handle. This range varies with the indoor temperature. Steam and spray-type humidifiers, on the other hand, can add moisture to the air regardless of its temperature. Contact us for advice to your specific needs.

Why do I lower the setting on my humidity control when the outside temperature drops?

Relative humidity also referred to as RH%, is the percentage of water in a vapor form, contained in the air at a specific temperature. Because air expands when heated, the relative humidity increases until it is saturated or reaches dew point. Dew point is the temperature that the air becomes saturated and water condenses just as water condenses on a glass of ice water on a warm humid day.

The suggested settings appear backwards at first, because one would think that we would turn the humidifier up when weather conditions become colder. However, the setting must be reduced to prevent condensation on windows and interior surfaces that may cause damage to your home if the humidity levels are to high during extreme cold. Some professionals advise that the relative humidity indoors during the winter months should be maintained at 50% RH or even higher. However typical home construction and design criteria can't withstand the higher settings for extended periods.

Outdoor Temperature — •••••••••••••••••• — Recommended Setting

-20°F	15% RH	(Low)
-10°F	20% RH	(Low)
0°F	25% RH	(Medium)
+10°F	30% RH	(Medium)
+20°F	35% RH	(High)
Above 20°F	40% RH	(High)

I know the square footage of my house but what is so important about the cubic footage?

The cubic footage of your house will give you the best measurement of determining which humidifier to get and houw it will perform. Since not all houses have 8 foot ceilings, the cubic will give the true "size" of your home allowing a more accurate measure. Use L x H x W to find cubic footage. For example, if you have a 2,000 sq. ft., home with 8 foot ceilings, your total cubic footage will be 16,000 cu. ft..

I just installed a Skuttle Humidifier in my house. How come I don't feel any difference yet?

The period of adjustment can take up to three weeks. This is understandable since furniture, woodwork, carpeting, plaster and house plants will absorb the newly produced moisture until they reach normal levels.

I have heard it is better to use hot water with my humidifier. Is this true?

Hot water will not harm your humidifier, however Skuttle's lab test show that the small performance gains are not worth the added costs for heating water.

Can I install my humidifier in an area where it might freeze, like my attic?

No! Installing a humidifier in a potentially freezing environment, no matter what type or brand, could cause serious water damage to your house.

I have lost my Owner's Manual. Where can I get a new one?

Please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to forward one to you via e-mail as a .pdf file. Make sure you have Acrobat Reader to be able to open it. If you would like us to mail you a copy, again do not hesitate to contact us.

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