GeneralAire GF5500 Steam Humidifier | Installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore
Is it the right size for your home?
It produces 28.5 gallons of steam a day (at 230 V, board set to 14.5 A), enough to humidify about 3,400 sq ft (our estimate). Pick your home's living area.
It's the right size.
For a 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft house, it's within its range. It will run at part load on ordinary days and keep a reserve for the coldest days.
AirGreen estimate. GeneralAire advertises 5,500 sq ft without saying how tight the house is. For an average-construction home, we count 120 sq ft per gallon a day, the ratio in AprilAire's and Lennox's tables. Older or leaky house: go one size up; our estimator confirms it on site.
What it does, in numbers
$145
Electricity per winter
It rarely runs at full output
Same period for every line, November 1 to March 31 (150 days), at Hydro-Québec's Rate D second tier (11.142 ¢/kWh). At full output it costs $0.45 an hour.
Full output with a heat pump. It heats its own water, so it doesn't depend on the air temperature in the ducts.
Output: manufacturer's spec (28.5 gal/day, at 230 V, board set to 14.5 A), hence 4.1 kW. Cost per winter: 2,000 sq ft house with 9 ft ceilings, 0.35 air changes per hour (the same basis as our air exchangers), −5 °C and 75% humidity outside on average, 35% targeted indoors, minus the moisture a family of four already produces. A leakier house, or a higher setting, costs more.
What you should know about this one
Published, verifiable figures, not brochure claims.
28.5 galWhat it produces per day, at full output
About 108 litres of water turned into steam in 24 hours. The control runs it to match the humidity you set: it rarely runs flat out, except in very cold weather.
SteamIt doesn't depend on warm air
An evaporative humidifier needs warm air to evaporate the water from its pad. Behind a heat pump, which blows cooler air than a furnace, it produces less. This one heats its own water: same output, whatever the system.
0No pad to replace every fall
The electrodes and the cylinder wear according to water hardness. We check them at the yearly service, along with the rest of the system.
20.9 galAs it leaves the factory
It ships set to 11 A, which gives 20.9 gal/day at 230 V. Set to 14.5 A, it gives 28.5 gal/day. At 115 V it tops out at 13.9 gal/day.
20 ADedicated circuit
It needs a dedicated 20 A breaker and 12-gauge wire.
No softenerThe water it needs
Potable water from 125 to 1,250 µS/cm at 20 to 90 psi, not softened or demineralized. The drain gets water cooled below 140 °F.
ControlThe control that comes with it
GeneralAire GFX4 automatic digital humidistat.
UpkeepWhat gets replaced, and when
GF-55 cylinder, replace at least once a year.
35%The humidity to aim for in winter, at most
At −7 °C, no more than 35%; at −18 °C, no more than 25%. Above that, the moisture condenses on the windows. The control adjusts for you if it has an outdoor sensor.
5 yearsThe manufacturer's warranty, and what it covers
5 years on the control board, drain pump and fill valve. The cylinder isn't covered. We register the warranty in your name at start-up.
What it needs on site
A steam humidifier needs an electrical circuit of its own. Our estimator checks the panel, the water supply and the drain before ordering.
Complete spec sheetData and cited sources
- Brand
- GeneralAire
- Model
- GF5500
- Type
- Steam humidifier (electrode)
- Output
- 28.5 US gal/day (at 230 V, board set to 14.5 A)
- Control included
- GeneralAire GFX4 automatic digital humidistat.
- Upkeep
- GF-55 cylinder, replace at least once a year.
- Living area
- 3,400 sq ft (AirGreen estimate)
- Heat pump compatible
- Yes
- Dimensions (L × D × H)
- 13 × 8.25 × 21 in
- Power supply
- 230 V
- Power
- 4.1 kW
- Breaker
- 20 A max
- Weight
- 16 lb
- Warranty
- 5 years on the control board, drain pump and fill valve. The cylinder isn't covered.
Output, dimensions, electrical data and warranty: GeneralAire manufacturer's data. Living area: AirGreen estimate, explained under « Your home ».
The next model down and up
Talk to an HVAC technician before you choose
We look at your heating system, the electrical panel, the water supply and the drain, and give you an installed price.
GeneralAire GF5500: a steam humidifier with adjustable power
The GF5500 is an electrode-cylinder steam humidifier. It delivers 28.5 gal/day at 230 V, with the board set to 14.5 A. It suits a home of about 3,400 sq ft by our estimate. Its steam doesn't depend on how warm the air is, which also suits a heat pump.
Output set on the board
It ships set to 11 A, which gives 20.9 gal/day at 230 V. Set to 14.5 A, it gives 28.5 gal/day. At 115 V it tops out at 13.9 gal/day. It comes with the GFX4 automatic digital humidistat, and the water it sends to the drain is cooled below 140 °F (60 °C).
Circuit, water and upkeep
It needs a dedicated 20 A breaker and 12-gauge wire. The water must be potable, from 125 to 1,250 µS/cm and 20 to 90 psi, not softened or demineralized. The steam manifold needs 3 ft of straight duct ahead of it and 5 ft after. The GF-55 cylinder is replaced at least once a year. The 5-year warranty covers the control board, drain pump and fill valve, but not the cylinder.
A visit before the quote
Every installation starts with an estimate visit. We check the furnace, the panel, the water pressure and the drain, then give you a quote for the complete job. We serve Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore. Phone: 514 316-2973.