Thermolec ACU-5 Steam Humidifier | Installation in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, South Shore and North Shore
Is it the right size for your home?
It produces 13.8 gallons of steam a day (Thermolec rates it at 4.8 lb/h), enough to humidify about 1,600 sq ft (our estimate). Pick your home's living area.
It's the right size.
For a condo or house under 900 sq ft, it's within its range. It will run at part load on ordinary days and keep a reserve for the coldest days.
AirGreen estimate. Thermolec publishes no area in its documents; its distributors advertise 'up to 2,000 sq ft'. 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
$111
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 $0.17 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 and current: manufacturer's spec (13.8 gal/day, Thermolec rates it at 4.8 lb/h), hence 1.5 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.
13.8 galWhat it produces per day, at full output
About 52 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
No disposable cylinder: it boils the water with heating elements in a tank that comes out for cleaning. We clean it at the yearly service, along with the rest of the system.
120 VThe only 120 V Acu-Steam
1.5 kW, 12.5 A on a dedicated 120 V circuit. The ACU-10 and ACU-15 need 240 V.
0 cylinderNo disposable cylinder
Self-cleaning heating elements in a stainless tank that comes out for cleaning.
Air switchNo steam without airflow
A prewired air-proving switch blocks the steam if the furnace fan isn't running.
OptionThe humidistat is sold separately
The electronic humidistat with outdoor sensor is optional, in a wall or duct version (not interchangeable).
UpkeepWhat gets replaced, and when
STM076 water filter, replace once a year. The tank gets cleaned, not replaced.
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.
2 yearsThe manufacturer's warranty, and what it covers
2 years on parts, 10 years on the heating elements and 5 years on the stainless tank. 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
- Thermolec
- Model
- ACU-5
- Type
- Steam humidifier (heating elements)
- Output
- 13.8 US gal/day (Thermolec rates it at 4.8 lb/h)
- Upkeep
- STM076 water filter, replace once a year. The tank gets cleaned, not replaced.
- Living area
- 1,600 sq ft (AirGreen estimate)
- Heat pump compatible
- Yes
- Power supply
- 120 V
- Current
- 12.5 A
- Power
- 1.5 kW
- Warranty
- 2 years on parts, 10 years on the heating elements and 5 years on the stainless tank.
Output, dimensions, electrical data and warranty: Thermolec 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.
Thermolec ACU-5: the steam humidifier that runs on 120 V
Thermolec's ACU-5 makes steam with heating elements and injects it into the furnace ducts. Thermolec rates it at 4.8 lb/h, which is 13.8 gal/day. It suits about 1,600 sq ft by our estimate.
What sets it apart
- The only 120 V Acu-Steam: 1.5 kW and 12.5 A on a dedicated circuit. The ACU-10 and ACU-15 need 240 V.
- No disposable cylinder: self-cleaning heating elements in a stainless tank that comes out for cleaning.
- A prewired air-proving switch: it blocks the steam if the furnace fan isn't running.
What it needs on site
It needs a dedicated 120 V circuit, a water supply no warmer than 86 °F (30 °C) and a siphon drain with an air gap. The steam diffuser needs at least 35 in. of straight duct ahead of it. The humidistat with outdoor sensor is sold separately, in a wall or duct version, not interchangeable. Upkeep: an STM076 water filter replaced once a year and the tank to clean. Thermolec covers parts for 2 years, the elements for 10 years and the tank for 5 years.
Installation around Montréal
We install the ACU-5 in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the South Shore and the North Shore. Our estimator first looks at the furnace, the electrical panel, the water and the drain, then gives you a quote for the installed unit. To book a visit: 514 316-2973.