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Old 12-27-11, 10:20 AM
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Two items

An old house with forced hot air heat needs a humidifier system, big time.
The owner is concerned about mold growing in the ducts affecting the family's health.. Is he correct in his concern?

The same house has a very high ceiling well at the top of the stairway - ideal for a ceiling fan to destratify the heat that's up in there. Would a reversible fan be an advantage? I've heard they are more efficient
 
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Old 12-27-11, 10:25 AM
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Never heard of the first happening but not my area of expertise.

As to the second, I like reversible fans so you can try both directions and see which feels better - often they set in opposite directions during heating and cooling seasons.
 
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Old 12-27-11, 09:00 PM
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agreed about the fan.

A flow thru design humidifier is the best choice and do not grow anything inside the ductwork. They do require yearly maintenance of changing the water panel.
 
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Old 12-28-11, 01:21 AM
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The primary reason homes need to add humidity is because they leak so much air. The house in question is probably exchanging ALL of its air every 2 hours, which drives heating costs up and humidity down. And it will take all of that humidity you want to add and throw it away with the wind. The first step, and it is often very easy, is to check out the air leaks and shut down the big ones. Second step would be to air seal the ducts on the forced hot air system and investigate to be sure it is not pulling in outside air or blowing out conditioned air.

Some extra insulation if needed and then you are ready to evaluate the moisture needs. An appropriately tight home may not need a humidifier at all. Here is a link from Efficiency Vermont on air sealing.
http://www.efficiencyvermont.com/ste...ide_062507.pdf

Bud
 
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Old 12-28-11, 07:31 AM
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Mold will not happen if you stay on top of changing the pad out at the end of the heating season.

Like Bud pointed out, home may need to be tighten up. But in an old house, you can only tighten it up so far.
 
 

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