If you are like most Ottawa homeowners, the recent brutal cold snap didn’t just tax your furnace—it wrecked your indoor air quality.
When temperatures outside drop to -20°C or -30°C, the air holds almost no moisture. When your furnace heats that bone-dry air up to 21°C, the relative humidity in your home can crash below 15%. To put that in perspective: That is drier than the Sahara Desert.
The result? You are probably dealing with itchy skin, static shocks every time you touch a light switch, cracked hardwood floors, and a scratchy throat that won’t go away.
The solution isn’t a small portable unit that you have to refill every day. The solution is a Whole-Home Furnace Humidifier.
At AirZone, we carry the most trusted brands in the industry. Based on performance, reliability, and local Ottawa feedback, here is our guide to the Best Furnace Humidifiers to restore comfort to your home.
1. The “Rock Solid” Choice: GeneralAire 1042
If you want a legendary workhorse that just works, this is it.
- Type: Bypass Humidifier
- Why We Love It: The GeneralAire 1042 has been our best-seller for nearly 20 years. It is simple, durable, and affordable. It uses the pressure differential in your ducts to wick moisture into the air without complex moving parts.
- Best For: Homeowners who want a cost-effective, “set it and forget it” solution that has stood the test of time.
2. The High-Capacity Performer: Aprilaire 700
For larger homes or those who want maximum efficiency without jumping to steam, the Aprilaire 700 is a top-tier choice.
- Type: Fan-Powered Humidifier
- Why We Love It: Unlike standard bypass units, the Aprilaire 700 has its own independent fan. This allows it to push humidity into your ducts even when the furnace isn’t running at full blast. It delivers significantly more moisture per day than a standard unit.
- Best For: Larger homes or families who struggle to get their humidity above 30% with basic units.
3. The Ultimate Luxury: Aprilaire 800 Steam Humidifier
This is the “Ferrari” of humidity control. If you have expensive hardwood flooring, grand pianos, or severe dry-air health issues, this is the unit you need.
- Type: Steam Humidifier
- Why We Love It: It doesn’t just evaporate water; it boils it. The Aprilaire 800 shoots pure steam directly into your ductwork. It provides the most precise control and can maintain optimal humidity levels regardless of how much your furnace runs.
- Best For: Large luxury homes, homes with heat pumps (which run cooler), and protecting sensitive wood furnishings.
Bypass vs. Fan-Powered vs. Steam: Which is Right for You?
Not sure which technology fits your budget? Here is a quick breakdown:
- Bypass (Good): Installed on the return/supply duct. Uses the furnace’s airflow. Most cost-effective, but relies entirely on the furnace fan running.
- Fan-Powered (Better): Has its own fan to wick moisture. Slightly better at introducing humidity than a bypass unit and great for homes with lower airflow.
- Steam (Best): Turns water to steam electrically. More expensive to install and run, but guarantees you stay in the comfort zone.
What is the “Magic Number” for Humidity?
In Ottawa winters, you should aim for a relative humidity (RH) of 35% to 60%.
- Below 35%: You risk health issues (flu viruses thrive in dry air) and damage to hardwood floors (cracking/gapping).
- Above 60%: You risk condensation and ice forming on your windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I run my humidifier on cold water? A: Yes, but hot water is often better. Hot water allows for more evaporation. If you have a heat pump or a high-efficiency furnace that runs at lower temperatures, connecting to hot water ensures you get the humidity you need.
Q: Do I need to clean it? A: Yes! The “water panel” or pad needs to be changed annually or semi-annually depending on your water hardness. A clogged pad can cause leaks or reduce performance.
Stop Suffering in the Dry Air Don’t let another week of the “Deep Freeze” damage your home or your health. Upgrade to a proper humidity solution today.
