CAC / BDP FOR BYPASS AND FAN POWERED HUMIDIFIERS Owner's Manual page 4

To check the humidifier's operation, note the current setting and set the
HumidiTrac ™ Control to the test mode when the furnace blower motor is
operating. Water will flow into the humidifier for 1 minute and then it will turn
off. This insures the unit is operating properly. Do not leave the control in the
test mode as it will not operate. Reset the control to it's original setting.
Manual Humidistat or HumidiTrac™ in Manual Mode: (Automatic Humidifier
Control – see page 4)
Your new Humidifier is controlled by a humidifier control installed either in
the living area (typically near the thermostat) or in the cold air return. It is
important to anticipate a drop in outdoor temperature and reduce the setting
accordingly to avoid excessive condensation. For example, with an outdoor
temperature of 20°F the correct setting will be 35% relative humidity. If the
temperature is expected to fall to 0°F that evening, then merely reduce the
setting to 25% several hours prior to the temperature change.
The recommended settings on the humidifier control are based on years of
research (see Table 3) and experience as to what is best for the average
home. These settings represent a compromise between RH levels that would
be most desirable for comfort reasons and humidity levels that are suitable for
protection of your home. For example, a wintertime indoor RH of 50% may be
considered ideal by some, but unfortunately, it probably would result in
damage to your home. Observance of the recommended RH levels on your
humidistat, therefore, is an important safeguard. Condensation of water on
inside windows in the form of fogging or frost is usually an indication of too
high relative humidities. This same condensation can take place in other areas
in your home with the possibility of damage resulting.
TABLE 3 – Outdoor-Indoor Relative Humidity
Outside Temperature
+40°F
+30°F
+20°F
+10°F
0°F
–10°F
–20°F
The Humidifier Control is a precision instrument that can be used to
determine the RH accurately in your home during the winter. Turn the dial to the
lower setting, then reverse the dial direction slowly until a "click" is heard. At
this point, read the RH on the dial. This will be very close to the actual RH in
your home.
Recommended RH
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
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To check the humidifier operation, set the humidifier control above the
click point, make sure that the water saddle valve is open and that there is
electricity to the unit. Generally, the furnace and blower motor must be operat-
ing for the humidifier control to function. After the humidifier has operated for
several minutes and water is entering the unit and coming out at the drain,
reduce the humidifier control setting below the click point and the unit should
automatically shut off. Now set the humidistat dial at the recommended inside
relative humidity, depending on the outside temperature. Follow the suggested
settings prior to a drop in the outside temperature.
Additional Information
Be sure to keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use. They provide
an excellent escape route for heat, as well as humidity. Humidity is lost at an
even faster rate than heat because water vapor tends to seek its own level
and your humidifier would not be able to replace it even when running at full
capacity.
On occasion, indoor moisture producing activities such as clothes drying,
cooking, showers, etc., may raise the relative humidity level higher than it
should be, even though the Humidifier is not operating. Telltale indications,
again, are condensation or frost on cold surfaces such as windows, doors,
walls, etc. If such condensation persists for several hours, your home should
be ventilated to dissipate the potentially damaging excess moisture.
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