Humidifiers play a vital role in dampening dry air in your rooms during any season. To make certain you make the best decision while shopping for one, we have provided features to look for, how it works, maintenance, and more in this buying guide.
What is a humidifier?
A humidifier is a device that eliminates or reduces air dryness by introducing moisture into the air. This device is handy for preventing skin or nasal dryness and irritation during any season, especially winter. It also helps to relieve symptoms associated with cold or flu, such as cough, runny nose, or blocked nose.
Humidifiers' work differ based on the type. An ultrasonic air humidifier, for instance, works by using high-frequency vibrations to convert water in its tank (usually distilled water) into cool mist, which is then released into a room through its nozzle. Some humidifier nozzles have a 360-degree feature, allowing even distribution around the room.
What are humidifiers used for?
You can use humidifiers to relieve the following:
- Blocked or bloody nose
- Dry cough
- Dry or sore throat
- Dry throat and skin
- Cracked lips
Types of humidifiers
There are five main types of humidifiers, which all provide the same results but in different ways. They are detailed below.
Steam vaporizers
Steam vaporizers are powered by electricity and operate by heating and cooling water before blowing it into the air. Due to their portable sizes, they can be bought in neighborhood stores and are very affordable. However, they are only suitable for adult rooms because the boiling effect makes them hot and may cause burns if touched.
Impeller humidifiers
Impeller humidifiers work by using high-speed rotating disks to dampen dry air. Unlike steam vaporizers, they are affordable and can be used in children’s rooms as they do not cause burns.
Central humidifiers
This humidifier type is designed to humidify a whole building. This is achieved by incorporating the humidifier into a building’s heating or air conditioning system. Central humidifiers are very expensive to buy, install, and maintain.
Ultrasonic humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency vibration to produce cool or warm mist. They are primarily portable and suitable for single rooms. The humidifier’s tank size determines the space you can place it in; a small tank size would go in a small room and vice versa.
Evaporators
Evaporators use fans to distribute moisture via a wet filter, belt, or wick. However, they may sometimes over-moisturize the air, increasing the possibility of mold growth, which may be an issue for asthmatic people. They are relatively cheaper than central humidifiers.
What should you consider before buying a humidifier?
The essential features and factors you should consider before purchasing an air humidifier are described below.
Tank capacity
The ideal humidifier tank capacity depends on your needs, room size, or preference. The tank capacity determines how much water it can hold, the volume of moisture it can send into the air, the room size it can cover, and how often you would have to refill.
Portable devices like ultrasonic humidifiers can range from 250ml to 6-liter tank size, while central humidifiers can hold up to 23 liters. If you don’t have time for frequent refills, a considerably large tank will be your best bet. However, make sure the tank capacity is not too big for your room size as this may cause condensation on windows and walls which can invite mold growth.
Run-time
The run-time of an air humidifier depends on its tank capacity. The bigger the tank capacity, the longer its run-time. You can get between 24-50 hours of run time with a 6-liter tank, while a 2-liter tank can get you up to 24 hours of run-time.
Another contributing factor is the mist setting. A low mist setting will typically last longer than a high mist setting. A product’s run time is usually stated in its description, so you can easily check that.
Cold mist vs. warm mist
Cold mist humidifiers are more commonly used than their warm mist counterparts. The former is used to humidify the air and has better efficiency than the latter. However, the decision is based entirely on your needs. If you want to heat your room during cold weather, you can opt for warm mist units. Some products also offer both options, so if you want both, these types of products are your best bet.
Adjustable mist level
The device you’re looking at should offer adjustable mist levels, so you have options. This is particularly important because air dryness changes depending on the weather or season, so you should be able to adjust the mist level to balance the room humidity. This factor is also important because a high mist level may not be suitable for a small room and vice versa. Being able to adjust the mist levels keeps you in control of your room’s humidity.
Manual vs. smart control
A manual control air humidifier typically uses knobs or buttons to turn the device on/off or adjust the mist settings from low to high. A smart control, however, allows you to do these via an app or voice control. That way, you can be several feet away from your device and still be able to control it.
Quiet operation
You should ensure the product works quietly or near-quiet, especially if you’re getting it for your bedroom or baby’s nursery. Most ultrasonic humidifiers work silently, so be on the lookout for that when shopping.
Safety
The device should be constructed with safe, non-toxic materials. If it is made from plastic, check to ensure it is BPA-free and FDA-approved. Likewise, the device should have an auto shut-off feature that cuts off operation at low water levels to prevent accidents or damage to the device.