Dec 01 , 2016

Choosing the Right Home Humidifier

If there’s one appliance that more homes need to have in place,it’s a humidifier. To begin with, humidifiers come attached to numerous health benefits. They can greatly alleviate symptoms associated with allergies, asthma, and the common cold. They can help create conditions that soothe dry, cracked skin and make you less likely to snore when you sleep.

They’re also wonderful for your house, as they help keep valuable floors, furniture, musical instruments, and more in good condition. They can stop wallpaper, paint, and various finishes from cracking and peeling, to boot.

However, deciding a humidifier could really improve your quality of life is one thing. Actually figuring out which of the many options out there on the market is right for you is another matter altogether. Let’s cover how you can take some of the guesswork out of the process.

What Type of Humidifier Is Best?

Although there are lots of different features, brands, and individual models to choose from, most home humidifiers are going to fall into three basic categories. Which is best for you and your family depends entirely on your needs and the type of space you’re looking to regulate.

Portable Humidifiers

Also sometimes referred to as tabletop units, portable humidifiers may be the most commonly used, popular options for a number of reasons. They’re affordable and easy to use. You can easily move them from room to room as needed or desired.

On the downside, portable humidifiers need to be filled manually, and often – usually every 24 hours or so. They’re also not really capable of regulating large areas, so they’re best for people looking to control the humidity in a single room at a time.

Console Humidifiers

Those looking to control larger areas may want to consider a console-style humidifier instead. Like tabletop humidifiers, you can move these from place to place as needed. However, they’re easily able to cover areas that are a couple thousand square feet. (Tabletop models can only regulate a couple hundred feet.)

Console humidifiers still need to be filled manually, but not as often as smaller models – think every 48 hours instead of every 24.

Whole House Humidifiers

If you’re looking to regulate the humidity in your entire home, this type of humidifier may be your best bet. It’s linked directly to the heating system in your house, so there’s no need to clean or refill water tanks on a daily basis. You control and adjust it in much the same way you would the thermostat for your home.

Of course, whole house models are going to be pricier. However, the investment may be worth it if you really need to be able to keep your entire homes well-regulated without a lot of fuss

What Else Should I Consider?

Once you determine which type of humidifier is best for your home, it’s time to consider some other factors as well. Start with the following:

Cool Mist vs. Warm Mist

Which of these two options will be best for you depends on the climate where you live. Cool mist humidifiers work exactly the way it sounds like they do – by utilizing cool mist to humidify the air. This is the best pick for those who live in a warm climate. Warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, are going to be the best fit for those in cooler regions.

Noise Level

Humidifiers aren’t necessarily considered noisy appliances, but all options are going to make at least some noise. If you tend to be more bothered by such things than average, consider purchasing a humidifier designed to be nearly noiseless.

Automatic Shutdown

If you go for a tabletop or console humidifier that requires manual refilling, you might want to consider getting a model with an automatic shutoff option. This will allow the system to shut down on its own after a certain amount of time goes by or after the water tank is empty.

You’ll also want to consider the overall quality of the humidifier you buy, as well as any humidifier accessories you may decide to get. Choose options from trusted brand names that are well-known for making quality products. Always buy from a trusted merchant like Water Filters Fast. You want a humidifier that both the manufacturer and the merchant will stand by. Explore the possibilities today!