Selectable Hot/Cold Solenoids for Bypass Humidifier

[William Cooley]

Thoughts on adding a second solenoid, plumbed to hot water, so that a bypass humidifier can run without the furnace (heat)?

Each solenoid valve would be plumbed to hot or cold water. The output would union before entering the bypass humidifier.

Ecobee thermostat set to "steam humidifier" would allow for humidity calls without the furnace. Logic controller or current sending relays would be used to activate the appropriate solenoid...cold water when furnace is on and call for humidity, otherwise hot water if furnace is off with call for humidity.

Overall goal is to run humidifier without heater, but reduce energy and drawbacks of solely plumbing to hot water.

Note: This isn't meant to be a forum on whether hot of cold is better; it's to figure out a method to have selectable.

 

[Reach4]

I hadn't considered wanting a humidifier to run in the summer. Guess that would be something for the dry side of a mountain.

I guess you could use use a "3-way" valve to select which supply feeds the humidifier.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tectite-1-2-in-Brass-Push-To-Connect-3-Way-Ball-Valve-FSBBV312/305758792
https://apolloflow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/is-FSBBV312-334.pdf

Alternatively, you could two smaller independent valves with check valves in each leg, in case you absentmindedly turned on both. https://www.dahlvalve.com/products/mini-ball-valves/dual-shut-off-valves.php Use the ports intended as outputs as inputs.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Fitter30]

Running a humidifier without the furnace putting heat in the air is a bad idea Warm air holds more moisture ,water vapor will condense in the duct work. Hot water with running furnace will increase its capacity.