American Standard 300A - Manual (Page 8)

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III . EFFECT OF WATER CHARACTERISTICS
To check the humidifier operation, set the humidifier control above the click
point, make sure that the water saddle valve is open and that there is
electricity to the unit. Generally, the furnace and blower motor must be
operating for the humidifier control to function. After the humidifier has
operated for several minutes and water is entering the unit and coming out
at the drain, reduce the humidifier control setting below the click point and
the unit should automatically shut off. Now set the humidistat dial at the
recommended inside relative humidity, depending on the outside
temperature. Follow the suggested settings prior to a drop in the outside
temperature.
Additional Information
Be sure to keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use. They provide
an excellent escape route for heat, as well as humidity. Humidity is lost at
an even faster rate than heat because water vapor tends to seek its own
level and your humidifier would not be able to replace it even when
running at full capacity.
On occasion, indoor moisture producing activities such as clothes drying,
cooking, showers, etc., may raise the relative humidity level higher than it
should be, even though the Humidifier is not operating. Telltale
indications, again, are condensation or frost on cold surfaces such as
windows, doors, walls, etc. If such condensation persists for several
hours, your home should be ventilated to dissipate the potentially
damaging excess moisture.
Your humidifier will operate effectively using either hot, cold, hard or
mechanically softened water. Whether to use available tap water, even
though it may be quite hard, or chemically softened water, is a common
concern to homeowners when installing a humidifier. Because of the
humidifier’s design, most of these solids are effectively controlled by
flushing them down the drain.
Water used in homes contains varying amounts of minerals. The residue
remaining as a result of hard water evaporation is primarily calcium and
magnesium components and is usually quite hard, scaly, and dense.
Residue from softened water tends to be soft and fluffy and has a greater
volume than hard water scale. The service life of a Humidifier Pad may be
extended by using hard water, but in either case, the Humidifier Pad
should be changed once a year. This is why proper maintenance is
important and necessary. Service hot water 140°F maximum, is
recommended with drain type units for increasing capacity.