Last Updated on December 15, 2023 by Jason Nguyen
Humidifiers are devices that emit water vapor, increasing the humidity levels in a room. In simple words, they prevent dryness in your home environment.
This article covers, in detail, what humidifiers are, what their benefits are, and which models are the best for your home. With the arrival of winter, it is inevitable to turn on the heating. With this, the degree of humidity drops, and the environment of the home becomes drier, something that can generate dry skin, colds, and nasal congestion.
If you have breathing problems or small children who are having trouble breathing, a humidifier will be a key to correcting the environmental dryness of your home.
What is a Humidifier?
A humidifier, in simple words, is a device that emits water vapor and increases humidity levels in the air. They can be used in the presence of babies, children, and adults. It is also great for your pets!
The cool mist humidifier sector has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. The reason for their fame is because they prevent and reduce the dryness of the air. In summer, the heat can dry out the air and make it harder for us to breathe. The same is true in winter. When we put on the heating we generate a lot of dryness in the environment. Therefore, humidifiers are ideal, regardless of the season in which we find ourselves.
How Does A Humidifier Work?
Humidifiers, whatever their type, evaporate water, humidifying the environment with cold steam. Also, if it is a humidifier that accepts essential oils, it will generate a pleasant smell in the environment.
Following are the Benefits of Humidifiers
- They reduce the dry air in the environment.
- Relieves sore throat, sinusitis, and dry cough problems.
- By keeping moisture at bay, improves dermatitis.
- It is ideal for the care of your plants. Yes! The ideal humidity for plants is between 20 and 60%, something that can be controlled with a humidifier.
- Humidifiers that include essential oils have relaxing properties associated with aromatherapy. Of course, the oils have to be specific for their application in humidifiers.
However, humidifiers can become dangerous devices if they are not used correctly, especially if they are not cleaned regularly. It is advisable to use it properly and not to overdo it, since excessive humidity can promote the growth of mold, bacteria, and mites.
The key to good use of humidifiers is to find the right balance. In any case, with frequent and adequate cleaning, humidifiers continue to conquer due to their advantages.
Types of Humidifiers
There are three different types of humidifiers on the market: hot mist, cold mist, and ultrasonic humidifiers.
- Warm steam humidifier:These humidifiers heat the water until it releases the steam that humidifies the driest environment. They are falling into disuse because it can cause moisture problems in the walls after continued use. Also, it is slower and louder than the other two.
- Cool mist humidifier:These humidifiers are user favorites, mainly because they filter the air in the room and return a finer mist.
- Ultrasonic cold mist humidifier:These humidifiers use ultrasound to volatilize the water. They are silent. If you do not sleep well, these humidifiers are ideal for improving your health and sleep.
What should you take into account when choosing a humidifier? First of all, the capacity of the deposit. Then the power, the nebulization modes, whether or not it has a timer, and whether it works by cable or battery. The noise level will depend on the chosen humidifier.
How to Use an Ultrasonic Humidifier Safely
If you have humidifiers at home or are thinking of purchasing one, you must follow the following recommendations.
- Clean the device very frequently using only tap water. Emphasize the filter.
- Change the water daily. Preferably use distilled water.
- As much as possible, avoid adding essential oils.
- Do not use it in closed spaces. Always leave the doors open.
- If you notice that the device emits a white powder, turn it off. White powder means the humidifier is releasing minerals into the water.
