If you’re finding humidifier information confusing, you’re not alone. From capacity to warm or cool mist functions, I’ll clear the air and give you straight basic humidifier facts that you need to know. It will help you to make good humidifier buying decisions and also give you a better understanding of the care you’ll need to give this air quality appliance. If you’re not sure what a humidifier is or what it does, review my humidifier definition to learn why this is an important household appliance.
1. Quiet Operation – Myth or Fact?
You’ll find many humidifiers sporting a ‘quiet’ or ‘whisper quiet’ product description. One humidifier may be quieter than another by design, such as an ultrasonic model which is known to be quieter than some other types, but there are no totally silent humidifiers. Having at least two speed levels allows you to pick the lowest (quietest), or a nighttime setting. As you would adapt to an air conditioner or fan’s operating noise in order to benefit from the improved comfort level in a bedroom, you have to do the same with a humidifier – get used to the noise level. It can have its good points – a low operating hum can drown out irritating household noises and it can remind you to fill the unit or turn it off.2. How to Decide on Humidifier Size
Buy a humidifier sized for the area where you need to add moisture, not on a humidifier’s capacity. Every humidifier is designed for a certain coverage area in square footage. Use that as a guide, measure your own area and match the humidifier to this area. Don’t oversize the unit – you’ll likely end up with excess moisture problems. It’s better to err on the smaller size. When buying a whole house humidifier, keep in mind that though they are designed to cover a large area – your whole home, how well moisture is discharged to the full area depends on your home’s layout
3. Where’s the Best Place for a Portable Humidifier?
While placing a humidifier in a family room because it’s the largest area or where everyone can benefit from it may seem wise, you should place the humidifier where you need it the most, as long as you’ve sized it for that room. Most common places for portable units are bedrooms. However, it really depends on what your needs are and if you want to simply add moisture to a dry room, or benefit personally from extra humidity.
4. Capacity Does Not Relate to the Water Tank Size
Humidifiers are sold by capacity but this does not refer to the water tank size. It relates to the amount of moisture output over a 24-hour period. To achieve the stated output, the humidifier may have to be filled more than once (the water tank will be smaller) and the unit may also need to be operated on high.5. How Often Does a Humidifier Need to be Filled?
You’ll most likely need to fill any humidifier every day. A one-liter unit running for 8 hours on low will need to be filled daily, as would a 3-gallon humidifier which may operate for 12-15 hours. Even a larger 10-gallon console model should be filled regularly, simply because it’s easier doing it daily, rather than when it is empty. With a portable unit, you should empty the tank completely, then refill – not simply add more water to it. That’s because bacteria breeds in stagnant water and you can reduce that risk by emptying the water tank completely, washing and drying if possible, and then refilling with water. This is not so easy with a console model, but it should be done at least on a regular basis for the same reason.
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