S2020 Steam Humidifier (220 VAC)

I purchased this to replace a 30 year old autoflo steam humidifier that finally became unrepairable. The new unit is smaller and more powerful, yet much more energy efficient with digital upgrades compared to the old one. The old one was made by autoflo when it was part of Masco Corp, while the new one is made by the same group, but is part of Field Controls, hence the name change. Supplyhouse had the best price I found and excellent service. My only complaint, and why I did not give it 5 stars, is the humidistat/outdoor temperature sensor (OTS) that came originally was reading outdoor temperature 10 to 15 degrees low, even thought the outdoor bulb was reading correct OHM at the panel. I received a free exchange for the humidistat and the new one is now much closer, but still 3 to 4 degrees below actual outdoor temperature. I can increase the target humidity on the unit to compensate for the slightly lower OTS reading, but outdoor temperature display will still be low. The humidistat allows for field adjustment of humidity readings via 2 adjusters in the panel as well as adjusting target, but not OTS readings. Some Field Control humidistats do allow these adjustments, and I think that would be a good feature to have on this unit as well. Installation directions are very good - although I did need to call the technical department for additional information on minimum air flow velocity, as they only provide 1 value at a specific volume. A table would be more helpful. The new unit brings up humidity very rapidly in my 3800 SF home and I have no visible moisture inside the duct. I like steam, as its cleaner, and uses less water then upflow - particularly nice with well water. The unit is self-cleaning, which is a nice feature. I also used the optional installation bracket, which for a few extra dollars allows for a better, more secure installation that is less likely to damage the duct when I remove the unit for the annual maintenance check.

If you choose to take your chances on Signal Controls you should at least plan on buying a different humidistat (consider adding ~$75 to your total cost). The humidifier is great, WHEN the humidistat turns it on. After getting two defective humidistats and being told by support to try a third, I gave up on these guys when delivery of the third one was delayed for another 5 weeks after I already waited several weeks. I've ordered a different humidistat through a different supplier. See the pictures below, one Signal Controls unit reads 29%, another reads 39%, two other devices in the picture show 20% and 21% - a third one gives a reading through an app of 20%.