Need humidifier installation help for downflow furnace

[vtx531]

Hey guys. I have what I think is called a downflow furnace. I bought a Honeywell HE260 bypass humidifer to install. I understand that I can install the unit above in the return duct although it's not ideal. The other problem I have is where do I attach the 6" bypass duct??? The supply ducting is in the floor.

Question 1: Can I cut a hole in the side of the furnace next to the heat exchanger and attach the bypass duct there?

Question 2: Is there another place to install it? (cutting the floor is no an option because the duct goes under the hallway floor, not the mechanical room floor)

Question 3: Is there some other type of humidifer I should buy instead?

INSIDE VIEW

Thanks.

 

[mrobins297aaa]

That probably looks like your best option.

I'm not familiar with that humidifier but most of them can be remote mounted with two duct connections. ie you could mount the humidifier on the wall and run a round duct off of each side, one to the return air and one to the supply, might be easier for service.
as far as mounting it on the return duct not being the best location, we always mounted them on the return air I'll bet 95% of them out there are installed like that. It works the same either way.

 

[HVAC Phil]

With a bypass humidifier, it doesn't matter if it's on the return or supply, works the same way. I'd cut the hole in the side of the coil box. Do not cut it in the side of furnace.

 

[vtx531]

With a bypass humidifier, it doesn't matter if it's on the return or supply, works the same way. I'd cut the hole in the side of the coil box. Do not cut it in the side of furnace.

That was my original plan but then I opened up the coil box and there is only about 3/4" space between the box and the coils which has some type of sheet metal between it and the side of the box. (you can kinda see it in the pic). Would it still work there and would it get any airflow?

Thanks for advice!

 

[HVAC Phil]

I'd double check, but that metal shield shouldn't go all the way to the back of the coil. It "should" be just a splash shield. If not, put the start collar on the front side of the coil box(panel you removed).

 

[brewchief]

I would return the humidifier and use a fan powered model instead, no bypass needed. Aprilaire 700 is what I prefer, Honeywell has one as well but I've seen a lot of minor issues with the Honeywell humidifiers in recent years that we don't see with the Aprilaires, strange since the honeywell is basically a copy of the aprilaire.

If you go with a fan powered unit on the return make sure you use hot water to feed it, I prefer hot on bypass units as well but it's pretty much a must for a fan powered unit on the return.

If you stick with what you have do not cut into the furnace, go into the coil box like Phil said.

 

[vtx531]

Ok great. Looks like the fan powered type would be better for this type of application.

And I will not cut into the side of my furnance. Thanks.

 

[mitymouse]

I second returning and exchange for a "power humidifier", not only easier install..but better humid. If this isnt an option the only place you want to cut a bypass in would be the in the coil box

 

[mitymouse]

p.s. Im in Edwardsburg, if you cant find what your lookin for let me know