You're probably here because you are planning or contemplating on getting a humidifier.
First and foremost, let me clarify that humidifiers do not clean the air. So, who needs this device, if that's the case? Where can it be used?
Here are the things you need to know before buying your own humidifier.
What Is a Humidifier and What Does It Do?
Have you ever noticed how the winter months cause the air to feel dryer? Well, this is because the air during the winter is colder and has less moisture in it than the air during the summer.
However, in addition to the winter season, CNET noted that your skin may get dry as a result of your heating system removing the air in your house. When your skin begins to itch, flake, or even crack due to the lack of moisture in the air, then you should consider purchasing a humidifier.
A humidifier can help the air become more moist. This can improve the health of your skin as well as the comfort of your home during the chilly winter months.
Uses of Humidifiers
Humidifiers do more than alleviating dry skin. Sore throats, dry eyes, and irritated airways are all indicators of dry air. Therefore, making the air more humid makes it easier on your body and more breathable.
Dry air can prolong the life of bacteria and viruses, increasing your risk of contracting an infection. CNET mentioned that because humidifiers aid in moistening the air, using it will lower the danger of contracting these airborne bacteria.
Using humidifiers provides other perks besides health benefits. With the help of humidifiers, you can more easily regulate the temperature while adding moisture to the air.
According to Sylvane, this device is also an excellent way to safeguard the wooden furniture and structural integrity of your house. If your wallpaper is already peeling or your wood flooring and furnishings are beginning to split, warp, or crack, then you might want to consider buying your place a humidifier.
Beware of Over Humidification
Mold, bacteria, and dust mite growth can all be accelerated by excessive humidity. Your home should have between 30% and 50% moisture content, as per Consumer Reports. Meanwhile, it should be between 30% and 40% in colder regions during the heating season to avoid window condensation.
Types of Portable Humidifiers
Humidifiers come in a variety of configurations, including whole-home and portable types. We're going to concentrate on portable humidifiers for this buying guide.
Cool mist: It provides moisture to the air without increasing the temperature in the room, making it perfect for warmer climates.
Warm mist: Because it can also bring heat to the room, it works best in colder climates.
Dual-mist: It has two mist options: a cool mist and a warm mist.
Vaporizers: Warm mist and cool mist can alternate, although they use more energy than most humidifiers.
Evaporative: To release moisture into the air, a fan circulates humidity across a moist wick filter. Though evaporative humidifiers only create cool mists, they require the least amount of maintenance. Most of the cool mist, warm mist, and dual-mist variants are evaporative humidifiers.
Ultrasonic: It makes use of metallic diaphragms that vibrate, causing water droplets to form and be released into the air to provide moisture. It can produce warm or cool mists.
