Humidifiers moisten air to improve comfort in a room and reduce respiratory health issues. According to health practitioners, humidified air can help relieve cold-induced symptoms and prevent cracked lips, bloody noses, and dry sinuses.
For this reason, we recommend that homeowners in Nashua invest in a humidifier. However, when used incorrectly, a humidifier can create an environment conducive to bacteria and mold, exposing you to different health complications. Before buying a humidifier, check the tips below to ensure you get a model that is suitable for your needs.
1. Consider Capacity and Size
The two common types of humidifiers are a whole-house unit and a portable unit. As its name suggests, a whole-house humidifier is designed for homes with a large open-concept layout and good airflow. On the other hand, portable units are designed for small-scale use and, in most cases, will humidify between one and two rooms.
Humidifier size also covers other factors, such as the amount of water the unit will put out in your room every day, the size of the tank that holds water, and the space area the unit can humidify without a problem. The capacity of a humidifier is often indicated on the packaging; however, it should not be confused with the amount of moisture the humidifier produces.
In nearly all cases, the moisture output of a humidifier will be greater than its tank capacity. For example, most large units with a tank capacity of 6 gallons have a moisture output ranging from 10 to 12 gallons. When it comes to picking the right humidifier size and capacity, you should note that bigger does not always mean better; if a unit is too large for your room, it can lead to condensation and create an ample environment for mildew and bacteria.
2. Check Out the Humidifier Type
Humidifiers are classified by the different ways they increase the air humidity of a room. The four most common types of humidifiers are evaporative, impeller, ultrasonic, and steam vaporizers. As their name suggests, evaporative units evaporate water to produce moisture, and they achieve this by relying on a motor-driven fan, which blows air through a wet wick filter.
Evaporative humidifiers work great at producing cool mist, which, in turn, increases your room’s air humidity levels. They are also fairly affordable and quiet. However, you must note that evaporative units require cleaning from time to time because their design can encourage the growth of mold and bacteria.
As for impeller humidifiers, they use a motor-driven disc, which rotates and flings water onto a diffuser. Upon getting onto the diffuser, the water breaks into droplets tiny enough to float into the air and increase the room’s humidity levels. The only drawback of impeller units is that some people may find them a little noisy.
Ultrasonic humidifiers use a couple of ceramic plates, which vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency to produce a cool mist. They are incredibly effective and usually the go-to option for most homeowners. However, they can also produce fine dust into the air, which can, in turn, trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Steam vaporizers are effective units that rely on electricity to transform water into steam vapor, which is then absorbed into the air. These units send clean moisture into your room’s air, making them the best bet for people prone to allergies. Nevertheless, they may cause burns if knocked over. You may want to avoid them if you have kids or pets.
3. Look at Control Features
Some humidifiers have mechanical analog control features that have between two and three variable fan speed settings. These humidifiers are fairly easy to use and often inexpensive. However, if you find adjusting the setting manually inconvenient, you need to consider a unit with auto-measurement controls.
Humidifiers with built-in hygrometers for displaying the moisture level of a room may be costlier than those with basic moisture control. Nonetheless, they promote convenience with their set-and-forget features. These humidifiers even have a humidistat, a feature that allows you to set them to maintain a precise level through the on/off cycle.
4. Determine Your Preferred Mist Type
Some humidifiers produce warm mist, while others produce cool mist. Warm mist humidifiers heat water at extremely high temperatures to kill bacteria or mold spores and ensure the moisture released into the air is pure and healthy. Other pros of this humidifier are as follows:
- Less noisy due to lack of an internal fan
- Works nicely with medicated products
- Perfect for cold weather because it generates warmer air
- Ensures higher saturation of moisture
Despite their benefits, warm-mist humidifiers can increase the risk of burn hazards; hence, they are not as common as cool-mist units. Cool-mist models rely on fans to moisturize the air in a room and are safe for homes with kids and pets. Furthermore, some cool-mist units have features that enable them to purify moisturized air, making them a good idea for someone concerned about health issues. Other benefits of a cool-mist humidifier are as follows:
- Covers a larger area than a warm-mist model
- Consumes less energy than a warm-mist humidifier
- Perfect for hot weather because it produces cooler air
5. Consider Ease of Maintenance
While some humidifiers have tanks that are easy to remove, clean, and refill, others are quite the opposite. Therefore, before buying a humidifier, ensure you can easily lift off its tank for refill and cleaning. You should also note that most models require filter changes to keep them functioning effectively. For this reason, check whether the filters of the unit you are interested in are easy to find and easy to replace.
We recommend that you buy a humidifier alongside at least two filters for emergencies. You should also note that different humidifiers use different filters, which deliver different results. For instance, some filters trap mineral deposits that, when left to get into the air, create white dust that settles on furniture. These filters not only help keep your room clean but also make maintenance a breeze.
All humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly to curb the growth of mold and bacteria. Some models have dishwasher-friendly water reservoirs. You should also note that the base of your humidifier requires manual cleaning regularly, so you may want a unit whose base cleans up quickly and easily.
Other factors to consider before choosing the right humidifier for your needs include:
- Number of settings
- Health features and noise level
- Runtime before requiring a refill
Moreover, you should check the warranty of the model you are interested in. While most models have a one-year warranty, others are backed by warranties that can last up to three years. This not only shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the product but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are getting a quality unit.
Our Experts
Our team at Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. is dedicated to offering quality services to the residents of Nashua. Our services include heating repair and installation and AC repair and installation. Our other services include the following:
- Commercial HVAC
- Tankless water heaters
- Oil to gas conversion
- Indoor air quality
- Wi-Fi thermostats
- New construction
If you want to learn more about which humidifier is right for your room, contact Joyce Cooling & Heating Inc. today.
