I am wanting to re-wire my humidifier so that I can simply run the fan and this would turn on the humidifier with or without the furnace running. I want to do this so I can put more humididty in the house as needed. I did the initial install and ran the humidifier off the HUM terminals (already 24v). It now only runs when the furnace is running I'm sure what I want to do is possible, but need a little guidance. Here is what I am thinking... I proabably need a current sensing relay to run this from. This way the humidifier will run whenever the fan is on (be it the furnace is running or I manually turn on the fan). I may also need a transformer, to step down 110 v to 24 v since I would no longer be using the HUM off the furnace. Can anyone provide me with input how these parts all go together? I have a vague idea, but want to be sure I understand so I dont smoke anything :) A wiring diagram would be helpful is there is one somewhere. Thanks Steve

I am in [B]MD[/B], just outside of DC and it feels damp in our [B]finished, ~1200 sq. ft. basement[/B], which is a fully underground (i.e., windows have light only b/c window wells). We plan to use a dehumidifier mostly in the summer and tend to keep the basement [B]AC at 70-80[/B]. We plan to place the unit in our laundry room with a [B]hose that will go down to the drain in the floor[/B]. We do not seem to have major issues as far as I can tell (knock on wood). But, I recently hung out a pair of jeans to dry and it took about 2-3 days to dry completely (during a period of daily rain, following a few weeks of rain!). [LIST] [*][B]We have a "200 amp electrical service panel" but we only have a regular outlet available for a dehumidifier[/B]. [B]Would 200 amps work for a unit of 45 -50[/B]? Would it work for a unit of 70 pints? We are thinking we will start with a 45 pint unit b/c of what a neighbor uses and others have recommended. [I] I am not sure we need 70 pints, but I am now curious b/c I have received conflicting information from store folks... one fellow said that 60 pints and above require a special outlet (like a dryer). But another fellow said that was not the case). Does a 70 pint dehumidifier really require a special outlet (like a dryer outlet)? [/I] [/LIST] [LIST] [*][B]How can we operate the dehumidifier so it will work most efficiently - humidity and energy wise[/B]? [I]Reviews suggest people use them differently. Some folks use the unit's humidity reading, others a timer (internal to the unit), or just on/off as they see fit... [B]seems some approaches would waste energy, right?[/B][/I] [/LIST] The many, many reviews in consumer reports, consumer search amazon this forums are conflicting.... and I am confused about what brand/model unit to purchase. But, I am looking to [B] spend $200-350 for a decent one that has: energy efficiency, good costumer service, warranty[/B] ( b/c reviews speak to how often new units break). While those units of $1,000 look great, it too much for us at the moment... [B]Do the major Consumer Report-type brands really differ that much?[/B] After this, we may consider getting one attached to the HVAC system... but that is for another post. Any advice is welcome. I have tried to bold what was relevant.. but include enough info for some who'd think it necessary.... [B]Thanks!!![/B]