Allergy Consumer Review Issue #81

In This Issue

Humidifiers: Why Use Them

Buyers Guide to Humidifiers

Types of Humidifiers

What Size Humidifier Do You Need

Warm or Cool Mist? Which Humidifier is right for you

Shop Talk

Humidifier Brand Profiles and Comparisons

Allergy Relief Products

First of all, let me begin by saying that we are a great fan of increasing humidification in winter months, especially for those of us who live in the frozen north and have to live indoors all winter.

We recommend that indoor humidity levels in winter should be around 30 to 40%. Wintry cold air holds less moisture, and when it is heated indoors becomes even drier, setting the stage for itchy dry skin, sinus attacks, dry eyes and the like.

The good news is that humidifier technology has been improving over the last couple of years and humidifiers are now easier to maintain and do not spew out the white mineral dust which causes respiratory problems. Some humidifiers are even nice and quiet. We did find however that there is a universal tendency for manufacturers to exaggerate the square footage that is usually covered by their humidifiers. We have adjusted our technical specification charts on our web site to reflect what we believe to be the real square foot coverage.

• Humidifiers reduce the possibility of winter infection by keeping the mucous membranes moist and allowing the tiny hairs in the nose and throat to work to expel any particles that were suspended in the air.

• Dry aching sinuses receive a great deal of relief from a humidified bedroom.

• Sleep with a snoring partner? Humidifiers relieve the intensity and noise level of the snoring.

• Cold symptoms are greatly relieved by using a humidifier in your bedroom at night.

• Dry, itchy skin is prevented, and chapped lips are relieved with humidifiers

• Unpleasant static electricity shocks are reduced by humidifiers

• Valuable wood furniture and floors, musical instruments are protected from cracking and warping.
 

Buyers Guide to Humidifiers

• Home humidifiers usually cover an area less than the manufacturer states, so buy a larger size humidifier than you think you need.

• Humidifiers will definitely add moisture to the air, but you may not be able to reach the humidity level that you want to achieve i.e. 30 to 40% with a small capacity humidifier

• Humidity over 50% encourages dust mites, and even higher humidity levels encourage mold spore growth.

• The level of humidity that you can achieve is dependent on the outdoor humidity.

• None of our humidifiers produce any white mineral dust which can be a by-product of some other brands. The exception to that statement is a proviso that a favorite humidifier the, Air-O-Swiss, is not receptive to softened water and will disperse white dust if softened water is used.

• All humidifiers have some level of "gurgling" sound when the water in the tanks is drawn into the base of the units, and the noise can be disconcerting if you are not expecting it.

• Decide on area that you wish to be covered. Cool mist humidifiers will cover a larger area, but since they are noisier, consider placing them out of earshot.

• Digital humidistats in humidifiers are not very precise, but they do give you an indication of level of room humidity, and the best humidifiers will automatically shut off when the required humidity is reached. Remember, over-humidification can lead to mold, dust mite and bacteria growth.

• Warm mist humidifiers are much quieter than cool mists. The Air-O-Swiss humidifier is exceptionally quiet.

• Running costs of a ducted central humidifier, such as Desert Spring solution are more energy efficient in the long run, provided you have forced hot air heating and your furnace can accommodate this type of solution. This kind of humidification solution benefits the whole family and your furniture too.

• Hard water presents a problem for all humidifiers, and you should expect the filters to need changing more often. On the other hand, softened water can still be used in cool mist humidifiers but not in the Air-O Swiss, as it would cause white dust to be dispersed. Using distilled water is fine but only if you have a free source, otherwise it adds to the running costs.

• All humidifiers have some maintenance costs associated with them and expect to pay between $30 to $50 for annual filter or other replacement costs. Otherwise, throw machines away after one season’s use. You do not want to run a dirty humidifier.

• Most humidifiers are filled from the faucet, but the shape of the tank determines which humidifier is easier to fit under the faucet. The Hamilton Beach gets good marks from us in this regard.

Types of Humidifiers

Warm Mist involves a heating element in the humidifier that heats the water before dispersing it into the air. We have found that smaller, less expensive warm mist humidifiers work much faster if you fill them with warm water! The addition of a heating element, usually has warm mist humidifiers be slightly more expensive to buy initially, and are a little more costly to run. We think that whether you prefer a cool or a warm mist humidifier, is a matter of personal preference and geography. Warm mist feels more comforting in a North Eastern United States winter bedroom or child’s room.

Cool Mist Humidity is produced by blowing air over or through a wick in water. The moist vapor is dispersed at room temperature. Cool Mists are available in console [floor standing units], central/whole house, multi room and single room [tabletop] humidifiers. Small humidifiers and single room humidifiers are available in both cool mist and warm mist types. What Size Humidifier Do You Need? There are three major sizes of humidifiers and they each have a different gallon dispersion rating, as well as square footage usually covered. Decide how much square footage you are aiming to cover and how many rooms.

AIR-O-SWISS 7131 Cool Mist Humidifiers

Portable / Tabletop humidifiers are the least expensive and best for a single room like a bedroom. These tabletop humidifiers require the most frequent refilling and are available in both warm and cool mist humidifier choices. If one had talk in generalities as to the difference between Warm and Cool Mist humidifiers. Cool mist humidifiers are noisier but cheap and easy to run, whereas warm mists are quieter but more trouble to clean.

Hamilton Beach Cool Mist Humidifiers

Console Humidifiers have larger tanks and stand on the floor. Because they are larger they humidify multiple rooms but remember those larger tanks require some muscle to fill. They are all evaporative cool mist and are relatively noisy although do a good job or humidifying larger spaces.

In-Duct Humidifiers can be used if you have forced air heating and duct work. These humidifiers are attached to your heating/ air conditioning system and run themselves silently with no need to refill. The replaceable filter only needs to be cleaned once a season. While the most expensive to buy up front, they are inexpensive and easy to run.

Desert Spring is an in duct humidifier
 

Warm Or Cool Mist? Which Humidifier is right for you?

Cool Mist Humidifier Pluses

• Cool mist humidifiers are easier to clean (all water tanks should be rinsed every few days)
• Cool Mist humidifiers will cover a larger area

Cool Mist Humidifier Minuses

• Slightly noisier than warm mist units due to the fan noise
• You can hear the water gurgle when it flows out of the tank
• Cool mist can feel slightly cool and clammy at certain room temperatures

Warm Mist Humidifier Pluses

• They are quieter than cool mist units
• Warm mist humidifiers feel the most comfortable especially in Northern winter
• Mist is very clean because they have an anti bacterial coating or often pass over an ultraviolet light for additional germ protection

Warm Mist Humidifier Minuses

• Warm mist humidifiers in general require frequent cleaning, and are harder to clean than cool mist humidifiers
• Warm mist machines cover a smaller area than cool mist humidifiers, often no more than one decent sized bedroom
• The boiling sound can often be heard on high speed but it is not a noise issue for most people
• The gurgling sound can be heard when it flows out of the tank humidifier
• Mineral filter pad replacements are needed for Slant Fin warm mist humidifiers, adding to the running expense. It’s one more thing to think about and remember to put on one’s shopping list. Newer Warm mist models such as Hunter, Clairion and Air-O-Swiss do not require mineral pads

Top

Humidifier Brand Profiles and Comparisons