Reservoir (Drum Type) Humidifiers

Reservoir type humidifiers rely on warm air from the furnace passing through a polyurethane evaporator pad or “Drum” rotating in a reservoir of water. The warm air absorbs the moisture from the pad and returns humidified air for distribution throughout the home. The water level in the reservoir is controlled by an automatic float valve. The motor to rotate the drum is controlled by a humidistat.

Flow-Through Humidifiers

These humidifiers rely on warm air from a furnace passing through a moisture laden evaporator panel. A humidistat and solenoid valve control the flow of water to the patented distribution trough where it disperses evenly across the pad. The warm air absorbs the moisture from the panel or pad and is returned to the air stream for distribution throughout the home. Unevaporated water drains from the unit taking troublesome minerals with it. There is no standing water in these humidifiers and maintenance usually consists of annual evaporator pad replacement (frequency of replacement varies with water condition). For additional evaporative capacity (4.3 GPD @ 140º water temp.) all our Flow-Thru humidifiers can be connected to a hot water supply line with ¼” copper tubing.

Filtration systems are one of the most important parts of a home comfort system. In addition to protecting your Heating and Air conditioning equipment, a good filtration system will clean the air in your home and provide allergy and asthma suffers with relief.

A few things to consider when choosing a filtration system are; The MERV Rating, The Maintenance Requirements and Restriction of Air Flow.

A MERV rating is the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value of a mechanical filter. The minimum efficiency for a mechanical filter is usually when it is first installed because it hasn’t built up enough dust particles to help trap more dust and particles. With an electronic air cleaner it’s the opposite. They become less efficient as they load up with dust.

There are four basic types of mechanical filters:

1. Flat Throwaway. Usually made of fiberglass or polyester.
   Typical MERV rating 0 – 1.
   
2. Pleated Throwaway. Usually made of cotton polyester
   Typical MERV rating 3 – 6.
   
3. Electrostatic Pleated. Various materials, holds an electrostatic charge to attract and hold allergens, mold, dust etc.
   Typical MERV rating 8 – 11.
   
4. Deep Pleated. Provides the highest efficiency and uses microglass to enhance its effectiveness.
   Typical MERV rating 8-10.

If allergies or asthma are a concern, a filter with a MERV rating of at least 7 is required.

Of the four types of filters, the one requiring the least maintenance is the Deep Pleated. In most homes, one media change per year is all that is required.

Of the four types of filters, over the operating period between required maintenance or media change, the type with the lowest resistance & highest MERV is the Deep Pleated type.

Both sizes of GeneralAire High Efficiency Air Cleaners are Deep Pleated with a MERV rating of 10. One media change per year is all the maintenance required in a normal household.