A humidifier can help oneself with dry cutis and respiratory issues . Here ’s how to pick the right-hand one for you .

A base humidifier can help facilitate ironic pelt , prevent dryness in the pharynx and rhinal passages , and salve the symptom of respiratory weather such as asthma and bronchitis . It ’s one of the best root for adding moisture indoors , especially during colder months . However , choosing the unseasonable humidifier can conduce to possible health payoff and the growth of cast .

Here is a short list of the type of humidifiers on the market , how they work , professional and hustle , and factors to consider when choosing one for your home .

humidifier antique dresser

Credit: Jacob Fox

Types of Humidifiers

Humidifier categorization let in whole home ( HVAC / ducted ) humidifiers versus portable ( standalone ) , tabletop , tower , and console humidifiers . The most common types of humidifiers are nerveless or tender mist and evaporative , steam , or supersonic units .

sign of the zodiac of a dry indoor environment include electrostatic shocks , cephalalgia , nasal stuffiness , juiceless mouth , antsy and cracking peel , sensitive pharynx , and impinging lens discomfort .

1. Cool-Mist Humidifiers

Cool - mist humidifiersemit elbow room - temperature water supply into the air . They use a fan to fumble air through a moisten wick or percolate , loose a nerveless mist and adding wet without raising the way temperature . coolheaded - mist humidifiers are ideal for affectionate climates and work in any size room .

The independent pros of cool humidifiers are that they are energy - effective and ideal for use in household with child and favourite because there is no risk of burns from raging body of water or steam . The downside is that they can be noisier than other types of humidifiers .

2. Warm-Mist Humidifiers

lovesome - mist humidifiers are the opposite of inhuman - mist humidifiers . They heat the piddle to bring out steam and cool it before releasing it into the air travel . Warm mist humidifiers cultivate best in frigid climates and small room . These humidifiers can effectively assuage cold and flu symptoms . The heating plant physical process decreases the amount of bacteria likely to be bring out into the aviation .

A welfare of lovesome - mist humidifiers is that they are quieter than coolheaded - mist whole . They can also achieve mellow moisture saturation levels , abridge bacteria and germ buildup , avail soothe respiratory symptoms , and comfort congestion . The downside is that they ingest more energy due to the heating element , and there is a risk of burns if the humidifier is not handled carefully . It ’s a base hit risk of infection around nestling and darling .

3. Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifiers use high - frequency good waves to vacillate and produce a mist of water particles that are released into the air to moisturise the elbow room . Most supersonic humidifiers have the selection of cold or strong mist and are worthy for all way sizes and climates .

The main reward of these is that they are quiet . They are relatively cheap , easy to use , and flying to clean . The downside is that some models may produce white detritus , a spin-off of minerals in the pee . The harmful dust can settle on surface and irritate respiratory problem . They require frequent cleaning to prevent mineral buildup .

4. Evaporative Humidifiers

Evaporative humidifiers habituate a rooter to blow water through a wet filter to moisturize the air . The disposable filter reduces the amount of bacterium or other harmful materials released into the air . Evaporative humidifiersare suitable for orotund elbow room and dry climate .

Evaporative humidifiers are push - efficient because they are ego - regulation and close off when thedesired humidity levelis achieved . The downside is that , like other coolheaded - mist humidifiers , they require regular sustenance to prevent mold and bacteria outgrowth in the filter . Also , they tend to be noisier than supersonic humidifiers .

5. Vaporizer/Steam Humidifiers

Vaporizer humidifiers and steam humidifiers practice electricity to heat pee and produce steam that is released into the air . The moisture is very clean-living and helps salvage stale and grippe symptoms . Most vaporizers can be set for coolheaded or warm mist .

These humidifiers are idealistic for smaller rooms and cold mood . In add-on to alleviating respiratory symptoms and easing congestion , they are simple to use and require minimum care . The downside is that they ingest more muscularity due to the heating component and can be a safety hazard if not manage correctly .

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Type of Humidifier

Several component should be weigh when selecting a humidifier , including the unit ’s features , room sizing , climate , installation , and potential safety hazards . The best fit depends on your class ’s needs and preferences .

Features

Some humidifiers have an adjustable humidistat that allows you to set the machine to your desire humidity grade . Others have an automatic shutoff system that complain in when the water system tank is empty . Remote - controlled models with variable speed options allow you to change moisture output , miserable power utilization , and adapt the noise grade .

Room Size

way size matter . Humidifiers are available for small , intermediate , bombastic , and extra - large room , and for entire houses . Determine whether you favour a portable orwhole - star sign humidifier . Portable humidifiers are easy to move around and can be placed in specific rooms . In contrast , whole - house humidifiers are installed straightaway into your home’sHVAC system of rules . To get the right humidifier size and capacitance for your room , measure the sizing in square feet and choose a humidifier with a wet output correspond to this size .

Climate

The clime of your neighborhood also act upon your option of humidifier . For example , fond - mist humidifiers are more suitable for frigid climates , while nerveless - mist humidifiers are idealistic for warmer climates . Also , the safety hazards associated with certain character of humidifiers , such as burns from hot water or steam in strong - mist humidifiers , should be considered .

Maintenance

steady criminal maintenance and cleaning ensure that your humidifier provide optimum performance at all times . It ’s beneficial to read the maker ’s instructions before buy . There , you ’ll see how frequently you necessitate toclean the machine . determine if you ’re up for that challenge . Humidifiers that come with filters tot up an extra price to the toll tag of the machine . Keep in intellect the time and money you ’ll involve to spend to keep your equipment function for the long draw .