With winter just around the corner, you can expect the air to get drier. That means chapped lips, dry skin, and nose bleeds for most of us, and serious problems for those suffering from psoriasis, eczema, or respiratory ailments, all of which are exacerbated during the dry weather.
An easy way to deal with dry-air conditions at home is to get a humidifier. There are large humidifiers capable of treating the air in the entire house and smaller ones designed for single rooms. Check out your options and peruse product specifications to help you decide on a humidifier matching your requirements.
How does a humidifier work?
A humidifier, as the name suggests, increases humidity levels in the atmosphere by infusing moisture in the form of water vapor into the air. In warm mist models, water is boiled and dispersed as steam, whereas cool mist humidifiers employ various technological innovations for air dispersal.
What’s best for you?
When choosing a home humidifier, it’s important to keep room area in mind. A 500-900 square foot room would require a large console-type humidifier, while a small or medium-sized room (500 square feet or less) would do fine with a tabletop or portable model. Additionally, you can choose a whole-home humidifier that is connected to your HVAC system. Warm mist humidifiers are obviously preferred for winter use, but as they boil water they are not advised for installation in a child’s bedroom.
If you select a humidifier without a humidistat (it automatically switches off the humidifier when pre-set humidity levels are reached), you could buy a hygrometer to keep tabs on humidity. Ideally, it should be between 30 and 50 percent. Excess humidity can lead to condensation, which might adversely affect sensitive home electronic systems as well as encourage mold, bacteria, and dust mite propagation.
What about maintenance?
You must clean the humidifier at least once every other week, though it is best to follow the maintenance guidelines included with product literature. Absent those, you may use vinegar to remove residue and a bleach solution for disinfection before final rinsing. Since regular cleaning is necessary to ensure that the air dispersed from the humidifier is not loaded with bacteria, choose a humidifier that’s easy to maintain.
While all humidifiers perform the same basic function of moistening dry air, some may wield an edge with a remote control or a night light. These additional features should help you decide on a humidifier when you’re faced with two equally attractive options.
