Humidifier Buying Guide: Warm & Cool Mist Humidifiers

Humidifier Buying Guide

Having talked with our customers, here is our Humidifier Buying Guide 12 tips to help you find the right humidifier.

1. Buy a larger size humidifier than you think you need, humidifiers usually cover an area less than the manufacturer states.

   

2. 30 to 40% with is ideal humidity level you are looking to achieve and a small capacity humidifier will definitely add moisture to the air, but you may not be able to reach that humidity level.
3. Over 50% humidity encourages dust mites, so it’s important to monitor your humidity level.
4. Inside humidity levels are somewhat dependent on the outdoor humidity. If you live in a dry area, like for example Arizona, it will be harder to have your home be very humid on the inside.
5. 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.
6. Decide on area you looking to cover. Cool mist humidifiers will cover a larger area, but since they are noisier, consider placing them out of earshot.
7. Remember, over-humidification can lead to mold, and bacteria growth. 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. It is also help to check the humidity level with a hygrometer, which gives you a more precise humidity measurement.

   

8. None of our humidifiers produce white mineral dust which can be a by-product of some other brands. The exception to that statement is that our favorite Boneco by Air-O-Swiss 7144 humidifier is not receptive to softened water and can disperse white dust if softened water is used.
9. Warm mist humidifiers are much quieter than cool mists. Boneco by Air O Swiss humidifiers are exceptionally quiet.
10. Hard water presents a problem for all humidifiers, expect the filters to need changing more often. On the other hand, softened water can still be used in cool mist humidifiers. Using distilled water is fine but only if you have a free source, otherwise it adds to the running costs.

    

11. All humidifiers have some maintenance costs expect to pay between $30 to $50 for annual filter or other replacement costs except for Pureguardian humidifiers that don’t have any filters. Otherwise the option is to throw the machines away after a season. It is best not to run a dirty humidifier.
12. Most humidifiers are filled from the faucet, but the shape of the tank determines which humidifier is easier to fit under the faucet. The PowerPure 2000 Ultrasonic Humidifier gets good marks in this regard.