[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”330″ img_size=”360×170″ label=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]When temperatures start dropping and you crank up the heat, the humidity level inside your home can quickly dip. Ideally your home’s humidity level should not drop below 30%.
A good humidifier can help you by adding the correct amount of moisture to the air. In this article I’ll cover the different humidifier choices you have today, how they operate, the pros and cons of using humidifiers, and which humidification system might suit you best.
Types of Humidifiers to Produce Ideal Humidity
There are a variety of humidifiers on the market today. And they all fill one basic goal …
Adding moisture to the air. In this chapter I want to equip you with the different types of humidifiers so you can select the right one based on your needs.
Types of Humidifiers You Can Use at Home
1. Warm Mist Humidifiers (Steam Vaporizers)
Warm mist humidifiers boil water to create steam. This is then sprayed into the atmosphere of your room to increase the amount of moisture in the air.
They are a great help if you are suffering with nasal congestion and throat irritations. Warm mist humidifiers can also be useful with medications.
2. Cool Mist Humidifiers
Cool mist humidifiers come in three types – evaporative, ultrasonic and impeller humidifiers:
Evaporative – In an evaporative humidifier a fan pulls in warm air from the room and uses it to evaporate water held inside a wick. The air becomes more humid as water naturally evaporates and is carried away.
Ultrasonic – Rather than use a fan an ultrasonic humidifier uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to evaporate the water which makes them significantly quieter.
Impeller – Uses a rotating disc to fling water at a diffuser to produce a cool mist.
One noticeable difference between cool mist and warm mist humidifier systems is the electricity cost. Because a warm mist humidifier uses heat to boil water it uses more energy than a cool water humidifier that only uses a fan. If you are considering having your humidifier on for large portions of the day or are considering buying more than one humidifier then the extra cost could stack up.
Cool mist humidifiers don’t use warm water, a breeding ground for bacteria, and therefore don’t need as extensive cleaning. Warm mist humidifiers however, need to be cleaned on a regular basis.
When you’re choosing a humidifier the main choice you need to make is between a cool mist humidifier and a warm mist humidifier. Cool mist humidifier benefits tend to outweigh those of the warm mist variety, and cool mist versions are typically more popular.
You can choose from a variety of warm and cool mist humidifiers. They basically perform the same job, relieving symptoms associated with dry air. The type you choose comes down to personal preference and budget.
3. Central Humidifiers (Whole House)
The whole house humidifiers are built into your HVAC system and are designed to add moisture to your entire home.
While many different kinds of humidifiers are available at the store or online to be set up as a stand alone unit, people accustomed to a climate that is dry all year long often outfit their ventilation and ducting system with a built in humidifier. This usually attaches to an intake or outflow point somewhere on your ducting system (usually requires professional installation).
What is the recommended humidity level inside a home?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends a humidity level between 30 and 50 percent, while the Environmental Protection Agency recommends a humidity level between 30 and 60 percent to reduce the growth of harmful mold.
The Mayo Clinic sites:
“Low humidity can cause dry skin, irritate your nasal passages and throat, and make your eyes itchy. High humidity can make your home feel stuffy and can cause condensation on walls, floors and other surfaces that triggers the growth of harmful bacteria, dust mites and molds. These allergens can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergy and asthma flare-ups.”