Humidifiers - Types and Features

Buying a humidifier shouldn't be a difficult process since it's a simple machine. However, with all the features available and different types to choose from, you can find yourself confused and unsure of what to buy. Below are important features you should consider before choosing, and an explanation of the different types now available.

Desirable Humidifier Features

Built in moisture meters. You choose the target humidity and the machine does the rest. Too much moisture provides and ideal environment for mold and dust mites. This is a vital function.
Usability. Large water tanks, easy cleaning and the absence of other regular maintenance tasks will save much time in the long run.
Noise level. Most modern, top brand, humidifiers are very quiet these days. If you're the kind of person who dislikes noise, this is still a top priority. In general, warm mist humidifiers make less noise than cold. Compare decibel levels listed under the unit's specifications.
A low water indicator, so you can easily see when you need to top it off.
Auto shut off when empty. Why waste electricity? This is also an important safety feature.
Variable speed settings (where applicable). Some days you use your humidifier to work harder than on other days. Speed can also affect the noise.
Extra functions. Some models also have air purification, sterilization, dehumidification, and etcetera. Although a specialist machine for each function will generally give better results, an all-in-1 solution will certainly appeal to some people.

Comparing Different Types of Humidifier

The main choice in humidifiers is between hot and cold. The difference between the two is exactly as it sounds. Do you want warm, moist air, or cool moist air? This decision is usually made on personal preference, but there are some fundamental differences in how each type works, so that may affect your decision.

In general, warm humidifiers make less noise, but are only suitable for single rooms. Cool Humidifiers can potentially cover a larger area, but they have moving parts. They also tend to make more noise. Each humidifier is different. If you understand how they work, choosing which one to buy should be much easier.

Warm

All the warm air humidifiers use a heating element to heat water. This means they use more electricity than cool air humidifiers, but the cost is more than a cooking kettle. Air can be made to feel "stuffy" if overused.

Steam /Vaporizer

Water is simply boiled and sent out as steam. The benefit of this is that boiling kills any mold and bacteria present in the water. A disadvantage is the risk of burns, which makes these devices unsuitable for use with children. This is the simplest form of humidifier, and is therefore very cheap to buy.

Warm Mist

Similar to steam heated to evaporate the water, but most units cool the air just before they're released. This reduces the risk of burns.

These don't heat the water, so there is no burn risk, and they can be safely used with children. They also use less power, can humidify a larger area, and not make the air feel "muggy". The disadvantage is that they generally make more noise, and some require regular filter replacement.

Wick Evaporation

A wick or filter is used to absorb water, which is then evaporated by a fan. This is a more natural form of evaporation, which is a big plus. As the humidity in the air increases the evaporation rate will slow naturally, making these units, to a large extent, self-regulating. The persistent noise from a fan blowing puts a lot of people off this design. Few people actually prefer it. They say that the sound is relaxing, and also that it helps them sleep. Again, this is down to personal preference.

Scooters

With these models, it's a spinning disk in the water that creates fog. This process is generally a lot quieter than a fan.

Ultrasonic

A more modern design is the use of ultrasonic waves that vibrate the water and create a fog. They're very efficient and almost silent to human ears.

All humidifiers require regular cleaning. Failure to clean your humidifier on a regular basis will lead to the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria. Ideally, change water on a daily basis.

Optimum Indoor humidity

It is easy to look at the symptoms caused by dry air, and find that you need a humidifier. To be honest, this is usually the correct answer, as most buildings benefit from at least a little wetting in cold weather. But, as this can be quite a large investment, it's better to be safe.

What you need is a humidity meter, aka a hygrometer. They are easy to find and cheap to buy, so there's no reason not to get one. You can then measure the humidity in any room where you spend the most time. You'll soon discover that the humidity varies throughout the day. This is perfectly normal, so it's important to take measurements in the morning, during the day, evening and night in the bedroom.

The optimum relative humidity is generally considered between 40% and 50%. Somewhere between 30% and 60% is acceptable, and any figure below 50% is recommended to help control dust mites, which are bad for allergy sufferers.

If you find that a humidifier would be beneficial, then it's time to look at the different types, recommended features and choose from a whole house humidifier or room only options.

Whole House Humidifier Humidifiers versus Single

Single tabletop humidifiers are by far the most common. They are relatively cheap and easy to install.

Whole house humidifiers are much more complex and must be installed by a professional. They're connected to central heating, usually the oven where the humidified air can be pumped to the rest of the building. Obviously, this method is only suitable for certain types of heating systems. The big advantage is less maintenance because they're usually directly connected to the water in the building and need not be manually refilled. Also, the system will be out of sight and won't take up any space in your room. The main drawback is that you've less control over the humidity of each room. Some are naturally more humid than others, but with a whole house system, all are treated the same.

Some people even go so far as to say that having several single tabletop humidifiers is actually a better solution, because you have more control over the humidity of each room. Or maybe you only need to humidify a single room? In that case, something bigger would be stupid.

Ultimately, the choice is yours.

PureAirHumidifiers provide a selection of air quality products to make the environment of the home or office cleaner, healthier and more comfortable. Products include humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, space heaters and portable air conditioners. Detailed descriptions and pictures are provided for all products. Informational articles related to air quality in the home, related health issues, and how products may benefit consumer are also provided. http://www.PureAirHumidifiers.com

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