If you want to stay comfortable and healthy all year long, you need to make sure your home has the ideal level of humidity. Unfortunately, a lot of homes are too dry (20% or less) or too moist (50% or more), which can lead to dry skin, sinus congestion, and even mold growth in the home. To get your humidity levels just right, there are three basic types of humidifiers available on the market today: cool mist humidifiers, warm mist humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers. Each type has its own unique features and benefits that might make it the best choice for your home. In this blog we will be discussing different types of humidifier.
Cool mist
If you choose a cool mist humidifier, you’ll add a certain degree of moisture to your air by way of evaporation. Cool mist humidifiers operate at room temperature and have no heating element. The ultrasonic humidifier is an example of a cool mist humidifier; it operates by vibrating droplets in water so that they evaporate into your air. These kinds also don’t require filters or heating coils and operate quietly, often producing white noise.
Central humidifiers
These devices, sometimes called whole-house humidifiers, connect to your central heating and cooling system. The indoor coil sends hot or cold air through a pipe filled with a coolant solution. Once it comes into contact with air, that solution is atomized and turned into water vapor (humidity). The moist air then flows throughout your home as part of your heating and cooling system. This method works great for homes in dry climates, especially during winter months when furnaces run at full blast. But it’s not very practical for homes in areas where humidity levels naturally stay high year-round. And if you’re looking for more immediate relief from dry skin and nasal passages, a portable unit may be better suited to your needs.
Ultrasonic cool mist (another option)
Ultrasonic cool mist humidifier use a very high frequency oscillation to create cool mist. They’re safe and inexpensive, but won’t last forever—much like your trusty hairdryer. Cleaning these humidifiers is easy; just a little white vinegar every month will do. Some models have an auto-shutoff feature that turns off after 15 minutes if it runs out of water or if it’s tipped over. These are best for smaller rooms (like bedrooms) because they don’t put out as much moisture as other options.
Steam vaporizers
Many humidifiers add moisture to your air by creating steam, but these kinds of machines can be dangerous. If you have children in your home, it’s recommended that you invest in a safer type of vaporizer. A steam vaporizer is a device that evaporates water and turns it into a cool mist so that you feel comfortable in your own home. Steam vaporizers also make sure you don’t fall asleep with wet hands or feet, which could cause some serious health problems.
Impeller humidifiers
The impeller humidifier is a type of cool mist humidifier that’s been around for some time now. The best part about these types of humidifiers is that they can be used to supplement traditional HVAC systems, and many have wheels so you can move them easily from room to room. However, despite their numerous benefits, cool mist humidifiers are usually quite noisy and some lack effective means for treating allergens.
