Trying to automate humidity with heating good idea or pain to manage?

[PazOrtega]

The air’s already getting painfully dry here in Wyoming, and I’m starting to think about adding a smart humidifier to work with my HVAC system. I’ve got a smart thermostat running everything else, but the humidity side of things still feels totally separate. I’d love to get it to automatically balance moisture levels whenever the heat kicks in, instead of constantly adjusting it myself. Has anyone here set something like that up? I’m curious if it’s actually worth linking the two, or if it just turns into a bunch of automation headaches. My skin and sinuses are begging for something that just works without me having to babysit it all winter.

 

[BigMama]

Not sure how well it works long term, but I saw someone mention using a smart plug with a humidity trigger in Home Assistant. Might be a simpler route than wiring it into the HVAC.

 

[barfle]

I’ve had two humidifier installations, both with furnace replacement. My thermostat has a humidity control as part of its functions, so it ought to be easy-peasy.

Alas, it either uses way too much water, leaks on the garage floor, or doesn’t work at all. In my latest installation, the installers used a ball valve as the shutoff - guaranteed to be too much or too little. I replaced that last year with a needle valve, and even that is quite touchy. They shouldn’t have much water flowing through them - more than a drip, but not much. And with the two humidifiers I have experience with, you really can’t wee how much water is going onto the pad. I’m starting to think a little DIY to add a window so I can see the nozzle.

When they work, they really do help. I’m not sure why the tech isn’t better yet. But I’m one of those retired engineers who will chew and gnaw on this issue until I’ve got it right, dammit!

 

[rustyn41l]

you know what @PazOrtega, you should do it! I think it was one of the best comfort upgrades I made.
I run an Aprilaire whole house humidifier tied directly to my Ecobee, and it's fantastic.
the Automatic Frost Control is great. you literally never touch it again. the only downside is the seasonal maintenance, but that's a small price for perfect indoor air.