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Blue Is Greener than Red
Skuttle and Honeywell Steam Humidifiers Compared
It’s no secret that Honeywell has created quite a stir in residential indoor air quality this season with its new TrueSTEAM™ humidifier. And well they should. Preliminary reports indicate that all three models (HM506, HM509 and HM512) are capable humidifiers with remote mounting options and sleek plastic styling. Nevertheless, there are some important factors contractors and homeowners ought to consider when comparing the new Honeywell units to Skuttle Model 60s—the long-standing leaders in residential steam humidification. While these comparisons are by no means all inclusive, they raise important issues that could and should influence buying decisions. For instance…
The basic Skuttle unit is significantly less expensive to operate than the basic Honeywell unit.
Using ARI Formula 610 (the industry standard of measurement for output capacity as it relates to humidification area), our engineering staff determined that the Honeywell 6-gallon HM506 steam humidifier (apparently the best seller of the three HM units) requires more time, energy and expense to humidify the same space1 as our 13-gallon 60-1 unit2. The cost differences indicated on the bar chart are due to the longer blower motor running time necessary for the Honeywell unit to do the job. The savings in energy costs over time by using the larger Skuttle humidifier are substantial—not to mention the savings derived from less wear and tear on the blower motor.
Skuttle steam units are appropriately sized for typical American homes.
The same ARI formula clearly shows that Skuttle steam humidifiers are better sized than Honeywell TrueSTEAM units to accommodate normal-sized homes. (See the “Home Size Capacities” table, below.) Again, better sizing translates to energy efficiency and savings.
Skuttle’s flushing technology does a superior job of conserving water and energy.
Both Honeywell TrueSTEAM and Skuttle F-Series humidifiers come factory-equipped with programmable flushing capability3. Both brands do a thorough job of flushing, although they employ different techniques and are based on different flushing ideologies. When comparing factory settings for the two brands, it’s quickly apparent that Skuttle’s flushing technology does a far superior job of saving water and electricity.
Honeywell product claims need to be taken in context.
For example, Honeywell literature claims that TrueSTEAM is the most eco-friendly way to humidify a home, because it uses up to 70 percent less water than traditional whole-house humidifiers. While this may be true when compared to flow-thru humidifiers, it is not true when compared to whole-house drum humidifiers. Since both steam and drum technologies rely on evaporation, equal-sized units use approximately the same amount of water to humidify identical homes. And, as we’ve already shown, the popular 6-gallon TrueSTEAM is less eco-friendly than the 13-gallon Skuttle 60-1, because of the substantial differences in energy and water consumption.
Honeywell literature also claims that, “while other humidifiers rely on moisture-filled pads that can be susceptible to bacteria growth in the water and the airstream, TrueSTEAM delivers ‘true steam’—the cleanest form of humidification.”4 This is a dangerously exaggerated claim on two levels.
First of all, bacteria may grow inside the body of a flow-thru or drum humidifier (both of which Honeywell sells), but not to an extent that it is problematic with regular maintenance. The concern, however, that pad-based humidifiers eject bacteria into the air stream is absolutely false. As noted on Skuttle’s homeowner website5…Extensive, objective tests at Penn State University proved conclusively that water evaporated from these humidifiers leaves impurities (such as calcium, iron, lime and bacteria) behind. In other words, these contaminants are not dispersed into the living environment and cause no adverse health effects. In fact, the humidified air exiting properly maintained evaporative-type units was found to be cleaner and more healthful than when it entered. [Boldface added.]
Secondly, all steam humidifiers produce true steam, and steam humidification is no purer in the air stream than flow-thru or drum humidification.
Skuttle remains proud of its stainless reputation.
Beyond a responsible use of natural resources, we’ve built our reputation for safe, effective residential steam humidification on durable, nonflammable, welded stainless steel construction. Installers and homeowners alike can feel more secure, because Skuttle Steam Humidifiers are engineered to withstand the potential caustic effects of heat, water and steam.
1 Calculations are based upon a 7,200 cu. ft. (900 sq. ft.) home with an 8 ft. ceiling height and average insulation. Although this is considerably smaller than virtually all US humidified homes, industry standards specify that it is the appropriate size dwelling to be humidified by a 6-gallon unit.
2 Skuttle furnace-mount steam humidifiers are available only in 13- and 17-gallon capacities. A 13-gallon unit will humidify a 13,758 cu. ft. home with average insulation; a 17-gallon unit will humidify a 20,606 cu. ft. home.
3 Flushing timers are not included in Skuttle’s non-F-series steam humidifiers (60-1 and 60-2), which are intended for installations where no drain is available.
4 http://yourhome.honeywell.com/Consumer/Cultures/en-US/Products/Humidifiers/Humidifiers/Professionally-Installed/Steam/Default.htm
5 http://www.skuttle.com/faq.html#environment
Skuttle Says Goodbye to a Leader and a Friend
"Mike Fournier was a caring and wise administrator, and a good friend. He will be deeply missed. The contributions of the Fournier family are intricately woven into Skuttle's history and success."
— Marty Hansell
Michael G. Fournier, former Vice President of Administration for Skuttle Manufacturing Company (DBA Skuttle Indoor Air Quality Products) passed away on Saturday, December 13 following a long, difficult battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 62.
Mike was born October 18, 1946, in Detroit, MI, to Kenneth M. and Florence E. Fournier. His father, Ken, began working with Skuttle in 1935—the year Milton Powers purchased the company from John L. Skuttle—and eventually rose to the position of Vice President and General Manager. Mike joined the Skuttle team in August 1966. Eleven years later, he moved with the company from Milford, MI, to Marietta, OH. In 1985, Mike became VP of Administration, sharing leadership responsibilities with Marty Hansell, Skuttle’s current Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He continued in the position until February 1989.
Mike Fournier is survived by his wife, Brenda; son, Todd; daughter, Tonya; and six grandchildren. Many SkuttleButt readers know or have spoken with Brenda, who has worked with Skuttle since 1984, overseeing the company’s co-op and literature programs. The couple married in 1969.
For those desiring to honor Mike’s memory, donations may be made in Michael G. Fournier’s name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 651-G Lakeview Plaza Blvd., Worthington, OH 43085.
When It Comes to Green, You Can’t Beat Skuttle Drums
What if every product we use, even in a small way, could improve quality of life, save money, protect the environment and conserve natural resources? As more and more customers raise these issues, we are proud to give them the green light on Skuttle Bypass Drum Humidifiers and Automatic Flushing Timers.
For years, people using Skuttle Drum Humidifiers with their forced air heating systems have enjoyed the multiple benefits of whole-house humidification—improved health and comfort, as well as protection of their homes and possessions from the destructive effects of dry indoor air. Many Skuttle owners probably don’t realize that their preferred method for improving indoor air quality also benefits their pocketbooks and the environment. Routine maintenance plus the addition of a Skuttle Programmable Flushing Timer helps the humidifier stay cleaner longer, and enhances the unit’s performance and longevity. For product, air quality and environmental information, view our websites (see front page) or call 888-SKUTTLE (758-8853).
Skuttle Automatic Flushing Timer … SMART!
The Skuttle Humidifier Automatic Flushing Timer (Model S-HAFT) flushes accumulated mineral deposits from central-system steam and reservoir humidifiers, enabling homeowners to enjoy the benefits of healthful, humidified air without frequent cleaning. Measuring just 2-13/16 in. (7.14 cm) square, the Flushing Timer can save gallons of water per day when compared to flow-thru humidifiers, making it very environmentally friendly.
- Features and Benefits
- - Automatically flushes drum and steam humidifiers with fresh, clean water every two hours
- - Reduces or eliminates servicing during the humidification season
- - Programmable to 10-, 20- and 30-second flushes per cycle
- - Reduces water usage by up to 97 percent when compared to conventional flow-thru humidifiers
- - Adaptable to most makes and models of drum and steam humidifiers
Feel Warm, Comfortable … and a Little Richer
In many regions of the country, an unhumidified home will typically have a relative humidity level of 22-25 percent in winter—about as dry as the Sahara Desert. Dry interior air steals moisture from wherever it can find it, including humans! As moisture evaporates from the skin’s surface, people feel a chill. To counteract this cooling sensation, many homeowners keep their thermostats turned up—an expensive and unnecessary habit.
A smart, money-saving alternative is to install a Skuttle whole-house humidifier to maintain relative humidity in the healthier, more comfortable 35-40 percent range. With balanced indoor humidity, no skin-chilling evaporation takes place and residents feel warmer. As a result, a homeowner can turn the thermostat down about 3 degrees Fahrenheit and remain comfortable. The family will save money and enjoy the additional benefits of home humidification.