Adding moisture to dry indoor air during the winter is vital for comfort and health. However, some humidification methods like steam can waste energy and drive up costs. Wet film humidifiers offer an energy efficient alternative to properly humidify while also saving on utility bills. Here’s how they can help reduce energy usage and expenses compared to steam humidifiers.
Lower Electricity Use
Steam humidifiers work by boiling water to generate steam. This requires heating elements that consume large amounts of electricity, sometimes over 3 kW. Wet film units utilize only a small fan and occasional low-wattage pump for water circulation. This results in electrical savings of around 90% compared to steam humidifiers. The lower energy use directly translates into lower electric bills during cold weather humidification.
Less Water Wasted
Boiling water into steam also wastes hundreds of gallons of water over a typical winter. The lost steam must be continually replenished. Wet film units utilize evaporative technology that doesn’t consume water – only the evaporation of a thin film is needed to capture moisture. Almost no water drainage or refill is required, saving thousands of gallons over a season.
Little to No Wastewater
Related to water use, steam humidifiers require frequent draining to remove mineral deposits. This can send hundreds of gallons of hot wastewater down the drain. The evaporative process of wet films avoids this flushing need. Any condensed water is reused or slowly released as humidity. No wastewater means lower utility bills.
Even Humidity Distribution
The steam vapor released from electric humidifiers tends to rapidly lose moisture as it rises and cools in a room. This leads to uneven humidity with very moist air near the ceiling and dry air lower down. The slower evaporation from wet films allows for absorption in air currents that distribute humidity evenly at all levels for consistent comfort.
Lower Maintenance
Scale buildup from steam can require frequent mineral removal and flushing that consumes water and energy. Wet film units require much less cleaning of the evaporative material. Less required maintenance means fewer associated utility costs.
Healthier Air
Steam humidifiers essentially boil bacteria-laden tap water before releasing into living spaces. Wet films use ultraviolet sterilization, bacteriostatic materials, and evaporative
techniques that don’t spread contaminants. This creates cleaner indoor air quality without using excess energy.
Consistent Savings
The evaporative technology of wet film humidifiers allows them to operate with very low energy demand. Steam units often see fluctuating efficiency based on frequency of boiler operation. Wet film units offer reliable savings on electrical and water bills throughout the entire winter season.
Switching to an energy efficient wet film humidifier is one of the best ways to save on utility costs while properly humidifying a home or building. The units avoid wasting energy and water like steam humidifiers while creating healthier and more comfortable indoor air. Additionally, for those dealing with excess moisture concerns, considering an air dehumidifier can be equally beneficial. These units work to reduce humidity levels, preventing issues like mold growth and maintaining a comfortable environment. Contact a humidification specialist to see if a wet film system, or an air dehumidifier, is right for your space and budget.
