FAQ
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What model do I need?
The Humidex® unit that you get will depend on the size of your home or condo/apartment. Available in digital or analog, we have different models that range from basements to crawlspaces to slab homes to whole home. Your Humidex dealer can help you choose what is right for you or call us at 1-800-416-9111 for further assistance.
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Where and how is it installed?
Humidex® Basement, Crawlspace, and Whole Home units must be installed in the lower level of a home with a passive air register in the door to the basement or in the floor (when there is no open stairwell), to allow for fresh, drier, and warmer replenishment air to enter the basement or crawlspace, while the Humidex® ventilation system is expelling the moist air.
Additional information can be found in the installation manual of the unit. We recommend that your unit be installed by a knowledgeable professional. Proper installation is important to receive maximum results. -
Is there any maintenance involved with the system?
There are no filters, so there is no maintenance to be concerned about with normal use. Periodic cleaning of the intake vents on the bottom of the system is recommended.
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How quickly should I expect to see results?
All Humidex® ventilation systems involve a drying out process that will vary, depending on the actual condition of the home, the environment, and other variables. The majority of homeowners will see improvements relatively quickly, ranging from within a few days to a few short weeks. In extreme conditions, and when there may be heavy moisture saturation in the structure, we recommend that you allow the unit to dry out the basement, for as long as it takes. For the home environment to improve, contributing sources of moisture from water seepage should be remedied first, in order to allow for the basement to dry out. After remedying the water problems and installing the ventilation system, you should start to see improvement. Each home situation is different.
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Will the system exhaust all my heat/air conditioning while running?
Loss is minimal. Over time, the system will actually reduce the heating and air conditioning costs by better distributing the heated and conditioned air throughout the home.
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What are the settings on the system for summer and winter?
Summer settings are between 50%-55%. Winter settings are between 40%-45%.
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Why does the system run all the time?
The system is designed to run at all times to ensure a sampling of the current humidity levels. This enables it to increase ventilation at the times when humidity levels are higher and to maintain a low ventilation rate when humidity is within proper parameters.
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Why does the system seem to not run all the time?
The unit is still running, just very quietly at a low speed. The system will maintain proper ventilation when the humidity is below the desired humidity setting. The digital models have the ability to adjust their speed according to the current trend. For example, if the higher ventilation rate is not favorable at the time, the unit will reduce to a speed that is more beneficial.
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Will I still need to use a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier could be used in extreme situations upon first installing the unit. This will assist in reducing pre-existing moisture issues. Once the location is drier, the dehumidifier can be turned off and left in waiting for use during any other extremely high humidity situation. Keep dehumidifiers as far away from the system as possible.
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Should foundation cracks be fixed before installation?
Foundation cracks do need to be fixed either before, during, or after the installation of this system. Cracks and microfissures in basement walls and floors allow moisture and/or air to penetrate through the foundation and create a higher level of humidity. This can negatively affect your basement’s health, as well as impede the performance of our product.
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Will the system work with dirt floors?
The system will help reduce moisture even with dirt floors, however, the exposed dirt will also constantly be adding moisture to the area. The best solution is a six millimeter (6 mm) vapor barrier on the floor and up the walls. This will seal the moisture in the ground to prevent it from affecting the structure of the home.
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Will I need to use air conditioning?
Air conditioning is a great benefit to a living area of a home. Our system, over time, will evenly distribute the conditioned air throughout the main level, and reduce the moisture in the air in the lower levels. This can actually reduce your air conditioning costs.
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Why do I see water beading from different surfaces in the lower levels?
Surfaces in a lower level are naturally colder due to the absence of heat and sunlight. When the warm and cold air mix too quickly, you might get beading. To avoid this, try slowing down the ventilation rate. A quicker solution would be to introduce heat in the basement via a space heater or existing baseboard heaters.
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Why do I still have smells lingering?
Smells can originate from different things. Example: damp cloths in a laundry room. It is important to determine where the smells are originating from and address the issue.
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Why is my system not working as well as before/making loud noises?
Please contact Technical Support at 1-888-533-1348.