TrueSTEAM Humidification Systems Module 2: TrueSTEAM Sizing and Selection

Module 2: Selecting & Sizing Understanding Industry Standards & Guidelines for sizing Calculating a home's humidity load requirements Trade-offs of different humidifier types Key Learning Selecting the Right Humidifier for Every Job

Sizing – Establishing a Baseline AHRI sets rating guidelines for humidifiers. (610 Guideline F) Definitions - Capacity rating = Maximum output in 24-hour period - Load requirement = Minimum output required to achieve 35%RH with external variables considered. Traditionally, ratings advertised based on capacity A better approach Base humidifier selection on LOAD REQUIREMENT to minimize excessive runtime, operating costs, and dealer callbacks. *Based on a tight home with people living in it.

Sizing – Refining the message Assume fixed value 35%RH and hours needed to achieve. Segmented by area size, average daily run times. A bypass humidifier is rated at 12 GPD - Why not use this? - 12 GPD based on 120F air passing through it - In a 2000 sq ft space, equals 13 hours of furnace run time - Furnace runtime more $$$ than TrueSTEAM in this example.

Sizing – TrueSTEAM Recommendations HM506: for <80% daily run (<20 hr) HM509: for <80% daily run (<20 hr) HM512: for <80% daily run (<20 hr) Within these home sizes, units should hit ideal humidity without running all day. Why do some of the numbers overlap? - Variables within home affect these average run rates.

Variables within the home that affect humidity Insulation - Tight, average or loose? Ceiling height - Higher ceilings = smaller ft 2 coverable (larger total volume) Indoor temperature - Higher temps require higher RH% to achieve desired comfort Control settings Ventilation – What sources of ventilation are there? - Fireplace flues - ERV/HRV/motorized dampers - Open windows - Old homes breathe more

Insulation – AHRI definition of structure type 'Tight' = Well insulated with vapor retarders, tight storm doors, windows with weather stripping, dampered fireplace and using 1/2 air changes per hour for ventilation. 'Average' = Insulated with vapor retarders, loose storm doors and windows, dampered fireplace with 1 air change per hour for ventilation. 'Loose' = Generally built before 1930 with little or no insulation, no storm doors, no insulated windows, no weather stripping, no vapor retarders, undampered fireplace. Uses 1-1/2 air changes per hour for ventilation. How does this translate to load requirements?How does this translate to load requirements? Square footage

Ceiling height AHRI sets load requirements for a fixed 8-ft ceiling height Higher ceilings, open foyers, split level, stairway air shafts add to total CUBIC feet - Higher height = Lower width/length served (i.e. lower ft 2 ) If ceiling height >8ft, refer to ft 3, not ft 2. - Multiplying ft 2 by ceiling height equals ft 3 How does this translate to load requirements?How does this translate to load requirements? 1000 ft ceiling 1250 ft ceiling 1500 ft ceiling 2000 ft ceiling 2500 ft ceiling 3000 ft ceiling

Frost Protection Auto-humidity controls reduce and increase indoor humidity based on outdoor conditions. What Honeywell Frost Protect reads…What Honeywell Frost Protect reads… Frost setting limits achievable humidity.

Ventilation Ventilation sources - Fireplaces If fireplace present, ensure flue is kept shut when not in use - Forced air ventilators HRVs and motorized dampers exhaust humidity - Open windows Drier outside air infiltrates home, exhausts humidified air - Old homes breathe more Pre-1985 buildings can be assumed to be Average or Loose insulation, unless retrofitted after. How does this translate to load requirements?How does this translate to load requirements? 1000 ft ceiling 1250 ft ceiling 1500 ft ceiling 2000 ft ceiling 2500 ft ceiling 3000 ft ceiling

Recommendations on Humidity with Ventilation Educate homeowner on proper fireplace upkeep. Ventilators – Recommend Energy Recovery style which retain moisture in home. Shut and lock windows. If average or loose fitting, upsize humidifier, or install multiple units if greater than 12 GPD is required.

Support Materials Detailed Training Materials on Sizing Available! Visit - Click on Humidification Enter literature form: # : Proper Sizing # :Selecting a Humidifier

Recap Understanding Industry Standards & Guidelines for sizing Calculating a home's humidity load requirements Trade-offs of different humidifier types Key Learning Selecting the Right Humidifier for Every Job