Radiator Humidifier
This winter it has been especially dry in the house. Static electricity...dry skin...the works. The cat looks perpetually electrocuted. Fur sticking straight out in all directions.
And a I have constantly stuffy nose. *Sniff!*
Before I went out to look at humidifiers, I decided to try an old-fashioned remedy. I went down to the basement and came back up with some of these. I scrubbed them out as best I could with vinegar and water, and then attached them to the radiators.
I filled them with an inch of water. Having researched it a little, I found out that it is best to let these dry out completely every 48 hours or bacteria can grow.
I found five of them, one of them homemade by a previous owner. An interesting design, meant to hug the radiator and maximize the amount of metal exposed to water.
A few days of experimentation will tell us if we can raise the humidity level a bit without raising it enough to cause condensation on the inside of the windows.
The closest thing I could find to these online are here and here.
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Comments
Hey - I'm sure you've already figured this out, and it was probably a stock photo you used - but just in case it's helpful, in the house where I grew up, we hung these on the wall side of the radiator so they were out of sight. It's easy enough to refill them with a watering can with a long spout every few days. Also, don't miss the aromatherapy option - add some lavendar oil to the water and make your house relaxing for a change. Or soothing sinus smells while you're at it. Thanks for your great blog!
Posted by: RLB | March 10, 2005 8:54 AM
Yours are without question the best looking version of this concept I've seen. I used to put cookiesheets with water on my radiators.
Posted by: Nathan | March 10, 2005 9:20 AM
Wonderful idea! I especially love the thought of adding lovely scents to the water ... I vote for oatmeal cookie scent. :)
Posted by: Kristin | March 10, 2005 9:27 AM
Actually, I took both photos! So, yep, that is our very own radiator and humidifier "thingy".
Scents sound like SUCH a good idea. And if you can smell oatmeal cookies, you would know that it's working, yes?
I wish I could find a place that makes more of these...they are very nice.
Posted by: jm | March 10, 2005 9:32 AM
we have a whole house humidifier. because of lack of circulation it only does the first floor. for 1000' it uses 3 gal a day when average temp is 22 6 gal when it is 12. there is a water additive at menardoes we use that is safe and keeps stuff from growing on the wick/filter, perhaps you could use it in your evaporation cans to prevent growth. i think next time we'll get a fragrent one. the humidifier was a gift from bro in law who used it for 5 yrs and got april air. the cats love it. Right by the humidifiiers they sell these hygrometers for 3-4 bux that keep track of the humidity in a room. i would be lost without ours. when we got the flu this winter i cranked up the humidifier put about 20 gal of water in that day and it was just about raining in here but the hacking caugh was like gone and every speck of dust setteled and 2 days later our house was never cleaner now i crank it a little every time shes going to dust so it all settles, once a week instead of every other day. before we got it you could dust 24-7.
Posted by: Brian | March 10, 2005 9:44 AM
Holy heck! I have some of these in my house, tucked behind my radiators. I never knew what they were. I usually just put a bowl of water on top of the ratiator, but this is way better.
thanks!
erin
Posted by: erin | March 10, 2005 12:12 PM
Yeah, we always hung them on the back of the radiator. Some time ago, I had an enquiry as to where these could be obtained. I referred that person to your site & I never heard anymore...POPS"30"
Posted by: POPS | March 10, 2005 12:31 PM
I'm pretty sure you can get these at Consumers Supply on Lake Street in Chicago. Last time I was there I remember being impressed that they carried them.
Posted by: Andy | March 10, 2005 1:25 PM
I have also seen terracotta and ceramic versions of this. Its a little nicer on the eyes.
ex:
http://scotwebstore.com/sr_jacui_hlm
Posted by: Anna | March 10, 2005 5:18 PM