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We're back! After a crazy busy winter and spring, we're continuing the Just Heat Pumps podcast. In this episode, Co-Founders Erin and Xerxes dig into everything you need to know about humidifiers in Colorado — from the different types and how they work, to how much water they're actually using (and wasting), and why it all hits different when you're in the middle of a drought.

This one came up because customers ask us about humidifiers constantly — and with 96% of Colorado under some level of drought conditions right now, we felt like it was time to have an honest conversation about water waste, maintenance, and what actually makes sense for your home.

In this episode:
Humidifier types explained — bypass, fan-powered, steam-generating, and standalone room humidifiers: how each one works and what sets them apart

The water waste problem — why standard bypass humidifiers can send 10,000–25,000 gallons of water down the drain every year
Water-saving options — the recirculating bypass and steam generator: what they cost and how much water they actually save

Heat pumps change the equation — why the furnace humidifier playbook doesn't copy-paste to heat pumps, and what can go wrong when it does
Colorado's drought context — 96% of the state under drought conditions, lawn watering restrictions, and why water-conscious decisions in the mechanical room matter more than ever
Steam vs. bypass: the real cost breakdown — upfront equipment cost, electrical requirements (110V vs. 240V), panel capacity, and long-term water bills
Air sealing first — why tightening your building envelope is often the best and most affordable humidity solution before adding any equipment
What homeowners with existing humidifiers should do — how to identify your type, check if it's functioning, close the bypass damper in summer, and lower your set point to conserve water

The contractor's responsibility — how we walk customers through the humidifier decision and why we don't just recommend the cheapest or easiest option

A practical decision framework — defining your actual humidity goal (comfort, protecting wood floors, a piano, a specific room) and finding the lowest-waste solution that solves the real problem

We're not here to guilt anybody — just to open eyes to what's going on in the mechanical room and help you make a smarter, more responsible choice for your home and your community.

Learn all about heat pumps on our blog: https://justheatpumpsllc.com/blog/

How Xcel Energy Heat Pump Rebates Work in CO (2025 Update): https://justheatpumpsllc.com/how-xcel...

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