Can I install a humidifier on my home unit, and which product do you recommend?

Consumer question:

I currently just use my forced air heating system to circulate the air in my home due to the fact that I heat the home with wood burners. My wife needs more humidity in our house due to breathing problems. Can I install a humidifier on my home unit, and which product do you recommend? My fear was that installing one without the heat running would cause mold and duct deterioration.

Aprilaires' response:

Thank you for contacting us with regards to our Aprilaire Humidifiers. While a duct-mounted unit can operate on fan only, it's not ideal. Our evaporative units need a source of heat, and that source is usually the heat of a furnace. It is possible to run many of our units with a hot water feed (up to 140°F) to compensate for the lack of hot air. The model you listed, 350, works without attaching to the duct system at all. It's a self-contained unit that simply needs the hot water, a drain line, and a 120v outlet to plug into. It can handle up to 4500 sq ft of a tightly-constructed home. For more information, please visit us online at www.aprilaire.com.

We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance.