Chris Shepperd on September 20, 2016 0 Comments Humidifiers are something that many people don’t give a second thought to, but finding the right one can really change your environment for the better. One simple purchase can make spending time in your home more comfortable and does wonders for the health of your whole family. Low humidity is a common problem normally only associated with dryer climates, but can also be a result of artificially heated spaces. This means that the problems of low humidity are present everywhere; whether it’s hot out or cold enough that the heater is on. This presents problems all over the country and year round in the summer or winter. Keeping your home at the recommended humidity levels may prevent certain health issues. Normally the issue we deal with is humidity levels being too low, which may lead to sinusitis. Many ENT specialists associate dry air with sinuses not draining and functioning properly; nasal passages becoming dried out actually frequently leads to nosebleeds in some people. For more chronic issues, low humidity shows a correlation to an increase in snoring and may exacerbate problems with cold, asthma, and allergies. Finally, low humidity may be bad for your skin and adding a humidifier could be beneficial on a cosmetic level. Remember that this is a balance and too high levels of humidity could lead to more problems, including allergies and dust mites, as well as an increased chance that mold will grow in your home. It is recommended that you maintain a relative humidity level between 30% to 50%, but that can vary depending on your climate and if your home is in extreme temperatures on one end of the spectrum or the other. For proper maintenance, refer to recommended levels in your area. This level can be monitored by a humidistat, which can be purchased separately, but is often built into newer humidifier models. Most Popular Cool Mist Humidifiers To start off, you can find some of the most popular cool mist humidifiers Compact Appliance has to offer listed below. The following humidifiers are ranked according to the feedback we get from our customers and is updated weekly. Use this information as a guide to help you make an informed purchase while shopping. What to Keep in Mind When Shopping for a Cool Mist Humidifier There is a wide variety of cool mist humidifiers out there, so it can get a little confusing during the shopping process. While we have featured some of the most popular cool mist humidifiers above, what matters most is what is right for you and your home. Below, we have outlined some of the different features you should consider while shopping. 1. Space: One of the most important things that you should know before beginning your search for a new humidifier is the size of the space you are hoping to treat. Know that there are many types of humidifiers that serve many different purposes, but the most basic distinction is between room humidifiers and whole house humidifiers. A whole house humidifier is a better idea if you live in a more extreme climate with either harsh winters or summers. The need for one in a hot, dry climate seems obvious, but a cold climate will also foster similar problems because using a heater to artificially heat up your home will dry out your air. This creates a more generalized need for the whole house to be treated. You need to be mindful of the humidity level of your home and check what humidity level you should aim for during different times of the year. A room humidifier is more appropriate if you more interested in the health benefits for a particular individual in the family, including infants, which is common. The layout of the house can also affect your decision. If your house is large or has an unusual layout, buying one or more room humidifiers may be more effective than a standard whole house model. When thinking of the space you will fill, you should also take note of the capacity and consumption rate of the humidifier. In other words, know how large the reservoir to fill with water is and how quickly it will consume that water. This matters because it translates into how often you will have to refill the reservoir. You should also understand how easy your desired model is to refill and clean. If you have to take everything apart it is a much bigger hassle than some that have easy pull in and out reservoirs. 2. Cool Mist/Warm Mist/Ultrasonic: While this article is directed more specifically towards cool mist humidifiers, you should at least be aware that there are different types of humidifiers out there. On the most basic level, they break down into three categories: cool mist, warm mist, or ultrasonic. This describes the way in which it turns the water in the reservoir into water vapor in the air. Cool mist allows the water to be absorbed by an internal wick filter, at which point a fan blows across the wick, taking water vapor into the room. This tends to make cool mist a little louder because of the fan, but also better for larger spaces. Warm mist humidifiers heat the water which evaporates the vapor into the air. By boiling the water, it kills off any bacteria and therefore can be a little healthier and quieter than a cool mist humidifier. However, it typically takes longer for warm mist humidifiers to take effect and also it can be hazardous if one of these appliances is knocked over. Finally, ultrasonic humidifiers have a metal plate that vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency that humans can’t hear. This function serves to break apart the water into vapor. Due to its functionality, ultrasonic units are super quiet and super low on upkeep, but can be a little pricier. 3. Humidity Level: As mentioned previously, the ideal relative humidity level is generally between 30% to 50%, but that can be dependent on preference and climate, and you may need to either look up or try out different levels to see what is appropriate for your needs. When shopping around, you will find that some units are built with ease-of-use in mind, featuring only a basic on/off function, while others have variable degrees of programmability to suit your specific needs. Some can be set to maintain a certain predetermined humidity level. Be sure to be aware of the level of control your desired humidifier allows for before purchase. 4. Fan: Very similar to the humidity level is the fan function, and while some units are only as basic as on/off, others have varying fan speeds or automatic settings. This can make a big difference if you will be turning your unit on and off frequently depending on whether that room is in use or not and how quickly you want it to take effect. Additionally, while this can sometimes double as a fan, keep in mind that this air will be damp and is probably not ideal in colder conditions. 5. Warranty: Most appliances will come with some form of a warranty, but the specifics of what that warranty will cover can vary greatly between manufacturers. As much as we would like to, we can’t vouch for everything out of our hands, so a quality warranty is something to consider at the very least. Some models can go anywhere from 1 to 5 years and cover parts or labor — some may even be all inclusive. No matter what, this is an often-overlooked aspect of appliance shopping that you really should pay attention to. 6. Dimensions and Style: The dimensions and the style of your humidifier can be covered together and saved until the end because, while still important, they should really be the last things to consider after the actual functionality. After you have determined where your unit will go and the purpose it will serve, consider if it will fit in that space without inconveniencing anything else and how it will work with your existing decor. Some varieties can be very stylish and add to the aesthetic of your home. You can even find plenty of humidifiers specifically marketed for kids rooms. Choosing the Right Cool Mist Humidifier Often taken for granted, a humidifier truly is an essential piece of home equipment for its health and comfort benefits. Especially important for the asthma and allergy sufferers out there, the addition of a cool mist humidifier may be an easy and efficient remedy for some chronic problems. It might take a little bit of patience and product research to sort through the vast amount of options, but this guide can help you understand the main features you should look out for, ensuring you make a purchase that will last you for years to come.
