Adding Humidity
- joeq
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- Location: Northern CT
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: G111, Southard Robertson
We all know how dry our coal heat is, and to put some moisture into the air, everyone has a favorite pot, kettle or other source to contain water. I've used this tea kettle, not only for the moisture, but the look. I don't think this little kettle is really doing much to moisten up our home, but for now, that's what we do. It would probably be better to have a lobster pot, holding a few gallons, with a wide open top. But I haven't gotten that desperate yet. And to make matters worse, because so much more heat radiates from the top, with the bonnet open, in these "shoulder months" (never thought I'ld be calling December a shoulder month, but the temps are so warm, it might as well be), I usually keep the top covered. Now I can't put any water to convert. What to do?
Curious what methods "you-all" have for raising the humidity with your stoves. Pics would be a plus. thanks.
(I've tried Photo bucket "5" times, and also my pics, and can't make this image straight! ) What good is the "Bucket, anyway?)
Curious what methods "you-all" have for raising the humidity with your stoves. Pics would be a plus. thanks.
(I've tried Photo bucket "5" times, and also my pics, and can't make this image straight! ) What good is the "Bucket, anyway?)
Last edited by joeq on Thu. Dec. 08, 2016 3:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
- tcalo
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I use 2 small ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers. One in my kids room that runs only at night and one in the stove room that runs 24/7. They seem to work quite well.
I used to use an antique cast iron kettle but it didn't hold quite enough water, it always ran dry. I tried a large pot of water. That seemed to work well but got caked up with scale.
I used to use an antique cast iron kettle but it didn't hold quite enough water, it always ran dry. I tried a large pot of water. That seemed to work well but got caked up with scale.
Last edited by tcalo on Thu. Dec. 08, 2016 12:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
- SWPaDon
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Here ya go, Joe, now the water won't spill
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Last edited by SWPaDon on Thu. Dec. 08, 2016 12:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
- Sunny Boy
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- Hand Fed Coal Boiler: Anthracite Industrial, domestic hot water heater
- Baseburners & Antiques: Glenwood range 208, # 6 base heater, 2 Modern Oak 118.
- Coal Size/Type: Nuts !
- Other Heating: Oil &electric plenum furnace
I use these stainless steel tea kettles. Got one for each stove.
https://www.amazon.com/Copco-2501-9705-Cambridge-Stainless-Steel-Teakettle/dp/B0000C7BAV
The size is a typo. They are actually a 2-1/2 quart size, but hold closer to 3 quarts. Holds enough water to make it through the day before needing to refill.
All stainless steel, no copper bottom to give a strange taste if also using the water for hot dinks. Smooth underside that won't scratch. or leave rust stains on the stove like the cast iron stove kettles sold in stove shops. Non-whistling type, so there's no need to prop open the spout cap.
The base is large to absorb a lot of heat. Fits the 8-1/2 inch diameter round covers of my range and the "tea shelf" on the back of the #6 base heater, perfectly. And if more moisture is needed, the large cover can be left off.
Another thing I like about it is that it has the look of the antique tea kettles to go with the stove.
Paul
https://www.amazon.com/Copco-2501-9705-Cambridge-Stainless-Steel-Teakettle/dp/B0000C7BAV
The size is a typo. They are actually a 2-1/2 quart size, but hold closer to 3 quarts. Holds enough water to make it through the day before needing to refill.
All stainless steel, no copper bottom to give a strange taste if also using the water for hot dinks. Smooth underside that won't scratch. or leave rust stains on the stove like the cast iron stove kettles sold in stove shops. Non-whistling type, so there's no need to prop open the spout cap.
The base is large to absorb a lot of heat. Fits the 8-1/2 inch diameter round covers of my range and the "tea shelf" on the back of the #6 base heater, perfectly. And if more moisture is needed, the large cover can be left off.
Another thing I like about it is that it has the look of the antique tea kettles to go with the stove.
Paul
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- joeq
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- Joined: Sat. Feb. 11, 2012 11:53 am
- Location: Northern CT
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: G111, Southard Robertson
Looks good Paul. I like it. But I don't think it puts any more water in the air, than the one I'm using. (When the bonnet is open).
And Don, thanks for straightening out my photo. This is the 1st time PhotoBucket has let me down. Unless it has something to do with the site. At the Bucket, the photo is correct. It only rotates back crooked, when installed here.( )
Seems like the most effective way Tom. I'll have to check out the pricing. Thanks.tcalo wrote:I use 2 small ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers. One in my kids room that runs only at night and one in the stove room that runs 24/7. They seem to work quite well.
I used to use an antique cast iron kettle but it didn't hold quite enough water, it always ran dry. I tried a large pot of water. That seemed to work well but got caked up with scale.
And Don, thanks for straightening out my photo. This is the 1st time PhotoBucket has let me down. Unless it has something to do with the site. At the Bucket, the photo is correct. It only rotates back crooked, when installed here.( )
- Beeman
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Joeq, I recently got an evaporative humidifier from Amazon and love it. I used to use a tea kettle on top of the stove, but did not put enough moisture in the air. This unit, which runs very quietly on lowest fan setting (never need the medium or high settings), puts 4 gallons of water into the air each day. Reservoir holds 6 gallons. Indicates on the display the current humidity level in the air and is programmable for how much humidity you desire. Worth the expense and wife happy.
https://smile.amazon.com/AIRCARE-831000-Space-Saver-Evaporat ... r%2C+White
https://smile.amazon.com/AIRCARE-831000-Space-Saver-Evaporat ... r%2C+White
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4 gals. a day !?!Beeman wrote:Joeq, I recently got an evaporative humidifier from Amazon and love it. I used to use a tea kettle on top of the stove, but did not put enough moisture in the air. This unit, which runs very quietly on lowest fan setting (never need the medium or high settings), puts 4 gallons of water into the air each day. Reservoir holds 6 gallons. Indicates on the display the current humidity level in the air and is programmable for how much humidity you desire. Worth the expense and wife happy.
https://smile.amazon.com/AIRCARE-831000-Space-Saver-Evaporat ... r%2C+White
really ? I guess depending on house size and layout it'll work. i'm afraid i'd feel like a fish.
glad it's working for you, price seems very good compared to others I've seen.
steve
- 2001Sierra
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I tried the stove top humidifier from LL Bean porcelain enameled one on my Keystoker 90 but the stove top doesn't get hot enough to evaporate the water for a couple of days. This year I bought a Essick Air Products Pedestal Evaporative Humidifier 3.5-Gallon Tower Evaporative Humidifier. It goes through 2 gallons a day, would take more if I filled it more often but that is all my bucket holds in one trip. I have the humidity level set at 50 to 55% right now. Will lower it when it gets colder to prevent windows from condensating. I like the idea of a non powered one on top of the stove but mine was a waste of time.
- joeq
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- Joined: Sat. Feb. 11, 2012 11:53 am
- Location: Northern CT
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: G111, Southard Robertson
I just looked into those "Essick" humidifiers, and didn't realize they're as tall as the Prudential building, but I guess if you're lookin for performance, that's the way to go. Where is the best place to locate such a device? Near the stove, away from the stove, in the upstairs bedrooms?
And Don, I don't know who fixed my photo, (whether it was the 'Bucket" or not), but I'ld sure like to know.
And Don, I don't know who fixed my photo, (whether it was the 'Bucket" or not), but I'ld sure like to know.
- coaledsweat
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Water wicks through air very well so location isn't critical. I have mine near the center of the house. Keep in mind the level of hunidity should be adjusted to outside air temps. What works at 40° isn't the same as -10°.
- Sunny Boy
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- Coal Size/Type: Nuts !
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it's called vapor pressure. Water vapor naturally moves to areas of lower moisture content. Higher temperatures help and so does natural convection air currents and fans help that happen sooner, but even without them moisture will seek equilibrium all on it's own.
Paul
Paul
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Didn't domeone post the numbers for this in a different thread? Stuff like that deserves to be a sticky as good reference numbers to have handy for everyone I would think.coaledsweat wrote:Water wicks through air very well so location isn't critical. I have mine near the center of the house. Keep in mind the level of hunidity should be adjusted to outside air temps. What works at 40° isn't the same as -10°.