Shown below is the steam humidifier connected to the editors ventilation system.
With radiant based HVAC systems the discharge temperature of the fresh air system is a nominal 70 °F which is generally less effective with evaporative type humidifiers.
Steam is the preferred choice not only for its effectiveness at low air temperatures but also for its air borne bacteria fighting benefits. This is why in the CSA HVAC Standards for Healthcare Facilities that steam is the only humidification system allowed.
Doesn't it make sense to use it for your home as well?
Additional Resources
Learn more about humidity in general by reading
the:
Adapted from "Criteria for Human Exposure to Humidity in Occupied Buildings." Dr. Elia Sterling, 1985
"Relative humidity levels below 25% are associated with increased discomfort and drying of the mucous membranes and
skin, which can lead to chapping and irritation. Low relative humidity also increases static electricity, which causes discomfort and can hinder the operation of computers
and paper processing equipment. High humidity levels can result in condensation within the building structure and on interior or exterior surfaces and the subsequent development of moulds and fungi. In most Canadian cities, ideal indoor relative humidity levels are 35% in the winter and
50% in the summer."
Reference: A Report of the Federal–Provincial Advisory Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health , Technical Guide to the Investigation of Indoor Air Quality in Office Buildings, Department of National Health and Welfare, Cat. No. H46-2/93-166 Erev ISBN
0-662-23846-X Humidity and the Comfort Zone
Humidity and The Comfort Zone
Thermal and Moisture Regions of North America
Courtesy of Building Science Corporation
Shown below are the moisture and thermal regions of North America. Your interior humidity is as much about your geographic location as it is about your building/ mechanical systems and the moisture producing activities inside.
"It is often assumed that dry indoor air,
i.e. low air humidity could cause a drying out of the mucosa
of the upper airways and skin due to increased evaporative
power of dry air. A number of laboratory and field studies
show that the perception of “dry air” is due more often to
the air being polluted or too warm than being physically
“dry”. Since the sensation of dryness is strongly associated
with the prevalence of SBS, it is therefore used as
indicator of the health problems in buildings, but not to
indicate that the air has low water content."
ref.: Indoor Environment- Health-Comfort and Productivity,
B.W. Olesen, PhD, International Center for Indoor
Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark
