Drum Humidifiers: A Buyer's Guide -

Drum Humidifiers: A Buyer’s Guide

This article on drum humidifiers is part of a series examining the different types of whole house humidification systems.

Our main guide provides an overview of the key differences between all the major whole house options.

This specific guide will provide a buyer’s guide focused on drum humidifiers – how they work, pros and cons, maintenance tips, and recommendations.

Please check our other individual humidifier type articles to help determine the best whole home humidification solution for your needs.

How Drum Humidifiers Work

Drum humidifiers contain a drum or cylinder that holds replaceable evaporative filter pads or belts.

A motor rotates the drum to expose the pads or belts to the air flow. A fan then blows air through the moistened pads, releasing water vapor into the home’s ductwork to humidify the air.

Component	Function
Rotating drum	Holds evaporative media pads or belts
Evaporative media	Absorb and release water vapor when air passes through
Fan	Blows air through media to add moisture
Water supply	Auto-filled from home’s water line
Humidistat	Senses and controls humidity levels

Water is automatically refilled from the home’s supply line via a solenoid valve.

The humidistat senses humidity and activates the drum and fan to maintain the desired level.

Where You’re Most Likely to Find Drum Humidifiers

Drum humidifiers are more commonly used in commercial and industrial settings than in residential homes.

Some examples where drum units are typically installed:

Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and fabrication shops where a rugged humidifier is needed. The drum design is durable in these environments.
Greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural grow facilities that require supplemental humidity over large spaces.

Museums, archives, and art galleries, as the evaporative technology doesn’t over-humidify sensitive collections.
Commercial office spaces, schools, churches and theaters for cost-effective humidification.

When to Choose a Drum Humidifier

Drum humidifiers can make sense in these residential or commercial circumstances:

Humidifying large, open floor plan spaces. The drum units can effectively disperse moisture over an expansive area.
In spaces where regular maintenance access is possible. The frequent pad changes are easier with readily available access.
For supplemental, seasonal humidity rather than continuous year-round humidification.

When a humidifier needs to be mounted separate from existing ductwork. Drum units use exterior hoses.
Cost is a significant factor. Drum models are cheaper than most other types.
Easy installation is desired. Drum humidifiers require minimal duct modifications.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Drum humidifiers have some pros but also come with downsides:

Pros	Cons
Don’t need duct integration	Frequent pad replacement
Easier for DIY install	Can breed mold/bacteria
Lower upfront cost <$500	Allow mineral buildup
Affordable replaceable parts	Prone to leaks
Adjustable humidistat	Noisier operation
	Limited moisture output
	Less precise control
	More parts to replace
	Shorter lifespan
	Not for large homes

Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance is crucial to extend the lifespan of a drum humidifier and avoid issues. Recommended maintenance includes:

Replace pads/belts – This is needed every 1-2 seasons, more often if micobial growth observed.
Clean fill valve – An annual flush and cleaning prevents valve clogs.
Clean fan/housing – Wipe down and remove dust/debris from fan and drum housing.

Flush supply lines – Periodically flush supply lines to reduce mineral buildup.
Check for leaks – Inspect around joints, seals, and drains. Repair leaks immediately.

Troubleshooting Problems

Some common drum humidifier problems and their causes:

Problem	Cause
Pads drying out quickly	Clogged fill valve not refilling
Mineral deposits/dust	Hard water, lack of flushing
Water overflow	Stuck fill valve or solenoid
Fluctuating humidity	Dirty humidistat sensor
Fan not spinning	Jammed drum, faulty motor

Replacement Parts

With periodic maintenance, drum humidifiers can operate for 5-10 years.

Eventually parts wear out and need replacement. Common replacement parts include:

Evaporative pads/belts

Water solenoid fill valves
Humidistat control boards
Fan motors

Drum motor and bearings
Cabinet housing<

How to Clean a Drum Humidifier

Regular cleaning and maintenance is key to extend the life of a drum humidifier. Follow this process to thoroughly clean your drum humidifier:
1. Turn off power to the unit at the breaker.
2. Remove the front cover of the drum housing.
3. Carefully slide out the drum, removing it from the motor shaft.
4. Remove old evaporative pads/belts and discard.
5. Rinse and clean the drum cylinder thoroughly with a hose.
6. Use a stiff brush to scrub out any mineral deposits.
7. Rinse and wipe down the humidifier housing interior.
8. Install new replacement pads or belts.
9. Slide drum back into place and replace housing.
10. Turn power back on and test operation.
Key Takeaway

If you need an affordable whole home humidification option and want to tackle installation as a DIY project, a drum humidifier may be a suitable choice.

The ability to mount the drum units externally without duct integration provides more flexibility for installation. Just be prepared for frequent maintenance like changing evaporative pads and belts.

However, for larger homes needing maximum moisture output or for those wanting a true set-and-forget solution, other types like steam, warm mist, or flow-through humidifiers would likely be better options.

Though at a higher upfront investment, they provide higher capacity humidification and less long-term maintenance when properly installed.

Carefully weigh the pros, cons, and your specific needs when choosing between drum humidifiers and other types.
For moderate humidification needs on a budget, drum models can potentially get the job done.
But they require more diligent care and have performance limitations compared to other available technologies.