Smallish Shop - Low Humidity In Winter

[Thorold]

So by small i mean 14x30. It's mostly a woodworking shop and my office. I spend a LOT of time out here.

A few years ago i bought a HE furnace that is bigger than the shop needs (it may have gently fallen from a truck). I added a drum humidifier to it but in my mind the furnace does not run long enough or often enough for the humidifier to properly do it's job.

It's Southern Ontario so very dry and staticky in the winter.

What have you done in situations like this ?

 

[BillK]

T,
We had the same issue in our house. We bought a console type humidifier and have had it ever since. Sort of a pain to keep it filled but it does the job and the house is so much more comfortable with it. During the winter I generally have to put 2 to 4 gallons of water in it every evening.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Console humidifiers work well. Ultrasonic humidifier also work well, but they make such a fine mist that the mineral from the water go into the air and you will have a fine white dust on everything. I actually use distilled water with my ultrasonic humidifier.

 

[Showkey]

How low is low humidity ??? Many of us even in low temps with heat on are still trying to control high humidity under certain conditions.

 

[zkling]

How low is low humidity ??? Many of us even in low temps with heat on are still trying to control high humidity under certain conditions.

I guess in a wood shop extreme low humidity could be an issue, but...

 

[Showkey]

I guess in a wood shop extreme low humidity could be an issue, but...

That's why I asked if its 20-40% in the shop I would not be too concerned. It's going to vary with outside temp, air exchange in the building and amount and type of heat added.

The lumber should be less than 7% for most projects.

 

[Thorold]

It's about 30% right now but we've had warmish weather so far this year. I will see it get around 20% when it gets cold here.

It plays havoc on the guitars i have in here.

I'm going to shop for a portable unit as suggested - might be the best option.