Do you ever wake up with a cotton-like sensation in your mouth? Do you keep your lotion or chapstick on hand at all times? Have you noticed that your wood floors are warping or breaking long before they should, perhaps as far back as a year ago?
If any of this sounds familiar, a humidifier might be helpful. “But what exactly do humidifiers do?” you ask. Continue reading to learn more about these gadgets and the advantages they may provide.
Humidifier basics
A humidifier is a device that releases the water vapor it collects to the air, often through a head or heating element. When you turn on your humidifier, you’re allowing water to flow into its reservoir, where it will be heated and allowed to evaporate into the air.
Humidifiers help keep the nose from getting too dry, which can in turn help relieve the flu.
When the humidity in your house drops below 40%, it becomes much harder for your body to fight off bugs and viruses, which means you’re more likely to get sick! A humidifier helps keep contamination at bay by releasing water vapor into the air. This causes the air to become less dry, which then works to prevent the spread of germs.
What is relative humidity?
It’s important to note that humidity is not the same thing as relative humidity. Humidity (percentage of water vapor in the air) can be high even if relative humidity is low; and, vice versa. The humidity percentage can climb or fall rapidly based on atmospheric conditions like temperature and evaporation rate. Relative humidity, on the other hand, is the amount of water vapor in the air compared to how much it can hold at a given temperature.
The benefits provided by humidifiers are numerous and varied. If you have any more questions or concerns about your house’s humidity, consult a professional before making a decision. They should be able to help you determine how much humidity is right for your home.
Different types of humidifiers and how they work
Up until now, we’ve been talking about humidifiers in general – but there are actually several different types. Depending on your needs, you might want to choose one over the other.
On the other hand, if you are also interested in dehumidifiers, you can check our article here on the Best Dehumidifiers UK.
Central humidifier
A central humidifier is a large appliance that can be installed at home and produces humidity for an entire room, or even multiple rooms. This is an important tool to have during the dry winter months, when heat is pumping through your home and sucking all of the humidity out into the air.
Portable humidifier
A portable humidifier can be used almost anywhere, including in a child’s bedroom or playroom. If you are looking for humidity relief on demand, a portable humidifier is the right choice for you.
Evaporative humidifier
This type of humidifier uses a fan to push air through a moistened pad. This type of device causes droplets of water to collect on surfaces where they might cause damage, like your furniture or hardwood floors. You’ll want to place an evaporative humidifier on a water-resistant surface, or one that’s easy to wipe down.
Steam humidifier
Finally, there is a steam humidifier. This type of device uses hot steam to mist the room with humidity, often killing germs in the process. While they can be efficient at heating your home, it might be worth it to invest in a humidifier that doesn’t heat the water.
Ultrasonic humidifier
Ultrasonic humidifiers have metal diaphragm that resonates at high temperatures in tandem with a large speaker’s diaphragm. As a result, there is a cooler fog formed from the water droplets that fall out of the air. These humidifiers, while employing a technology, operate in complete silence. They’re also quite chilly, making them suitable for families with young children. When mineral and bacterial particles accumulate in your water, they are sprayed on the inside of your body or form dust or allergies. This humidifier is also safe for small children, which means it’s suitable for use in childcare centers.
Humidifiers and air quality
Not only are humidifiers effective at preventing illness, they also work to improve indoor air quality by reducing allergens and other pollutants. In addition, you may find that your house feels more comfortable with better temperature control once you install a humidifier.
The benefits of increased humidity are well known in the medical community, so it’s no wonder doctors recommend them to their patients every day. Consider adding one to your home today!
How to use a humidifier
A humidifier is like any other appliance in your home: it needs to be maintained and used properly for it to work at its full potential. Fortunately, that’s pretty easy! If you have any questions or are unsure about how to perform upkeep on your humidifier, consult the manual or contact the manufacturer.
What to know before buying a humidifier
Once you’ve decided that using a humidifier is right for you, it’s time to choose one! There are several important things to keep in mind when shopping around for your perfect model. Perhaps the most important step is understanding the difference between warm-mist and cool-mist humidifiers.
As you continue your search, you’ll want to consider the area in which you plan on using the humidifier and look for one that can cover a large enough space.
The price is also an important consideration – and not just because no one wants to spend more than they have to. It’s important to buy a humidifier that is durable and constructed from quality materials, since it will literally be taking water out of the air you breathe.
Now that you know what to look for when shopping for humidifiers, it’s time to start your search! With all of the options available, you’re sure to find a model that is perfect for your family and your home.
Conclusion
Humidifiers are great for drying out skin and can prevent the flu! Different types of humidifiers include evaporative, steam, and ultrasonic. How to use a humidifier includes consulting the manual or contacting the manufacturer. Finally, there are several important things to keep in mind when shopping for a humidifier – understanding the difference between