We’re deep into the cold winter months, which means snow, sub-zero temperatures and dry air for many. When you add generated heat to the mix, you end up with dry indoor air that is devoid of much-needed moisture unless you have something like an ionizer humidifier to help. The result? Itchy skin, allergies and potential respiratory conditions that can impact your overall health.
For many, having a humidifier in their homes is the solution. It’s an essential purchase that will add moisture to the air and enable better control over those winter-related ailments. This is not only good for your skin, but it also can transform your home into a more comfortable place.
Nowadays, there are many types of humidifiers on the market. You may have come across one called an “ionizer humidifier” during your research. In this article, we’re going to explain what that really is. We’ll also give our recommendations for the best ones so that you can purchase one with confidence.
Let’s get started.
What Is an Ionizer Humidifier?
Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers and ionizers all get lumped together, but they’re all appliances with different purposes and benefits. An ionizer humidifier is essentially a combination of a humidifier and an ionic air purifier. It disperses negative ions (also called anions) and moisture into the air, improving dry air conditions and creating a healthier environment.
How to Use an Ionizer Humidifier
An ionizer humidifier is claimed to help clean the air from harmful microorganisms (such as mold or bacteria) while adding moisture. This brings the indoor air to its optimum level, around 45-55% humidity in your home.
When it comes to usage, different models of humidifiers operate differently. You can choose between steam, cold and ultrasonic humidification. Each of these devices is accompanied by instructions with recommendations for its use. When you first bring your humidifier home, give it an hour to warm up to room temperature before plugging it in; this will allow it to work more effectively.
It’s worth noting that these devices should be installed on a flat, dry surface, preferably near a heat source. Next, pour distilled, boiled, or filtered, purified water into a tank with a temperature not exceeding 40° C. Once you turn it on, most devices will reach maximum water vapor output in 10-15 minutes. Some even let you add essential oils to fill the room with fragrance (please check with your device’s instructions first before adding anything beyond purified water).
You might be wondering: is there a difference between a humidifier and an ionizer humidifier? The short answer is yes. While standard humidifiers are an excellent tool for adding extra moisture to the air, they can recirculate low-quality air. Essentially, when a humidifier gets dirty with mold and other organisms, it can disperse those bacteria and fungi.
Therefore, they need a fair amount of regular cleaning and maintenance in order to not become a breeding ground for harmful germs. The difference with an ionizer humidifier is that it can potentially destroy much of the contamination since they disperse negative oxygen ions that can refresh indoor air while trapping airborne pollutants such as dust, pollen, bacteria and mold. A humidifier and an ionizer humidifier work best in relatively small rooms because of their small fans, but using a model with an ionizer may end up being better for your overall health.
Pros and Cons of Using an Ionizer Humidifier
Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of your product is helpful, as it can narrow down the decision-making process. Using an ionizer humidifier has several advantages:
Destroys Viruses, Mold, Bacteria and Other Microorganisms
As we mentioned earlier, an ionizer humidifier may be able to eliminate contaminants such as viruses, mold, bacteria and other organisms (since they disperse ions that trap anything in their way).
Improves air quality
Adequate air moisture can genuinely benefit your health. By having an ionizer humidifier, you’ll breathe quality air that may help with your respiratory problems.
Eliminates Unpleasant Odors
Ionizer humidifiers can get rid of unpleasant smells that might be lingering in your homes, such as tobacco or cooking odors.
Provides Good Rest
A healthy rest can significantly improve your overall quality of life. With an ionizer humidifier, you are aided in reaching that level of vital rest needed for day-to-day activities.
The disadvantages of ionizer humidifiers are insignificant compared to their advantages, but here is one worth noting — ozone output. Not all ionizer humidifiers emit ozone, and some only emit small traces of it. However, if you want to be perfectly safe (and more knowledgeable on the subject), it’s not a bad idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications. This will let you know if there’s any need for concern. Usually, an ionizer humidifier that produces less than 0.05 ppm (parts per million) of ozone is safe for you.
The Best Ionizer Humidifiers
The market for ionizer humidifiers is constantly evolving. Therefore, to help you get started with your healthy air journey, we’ve researched some of the best ionizer humidifiers. We rounded them up below, so if you have time, let’s take a closer look at some of them.
AKIRACOSME Negative Ion Humidifier
You can also add essential oils to the tray, which is helpful for a peaceful night’s sleep. Another great option is customizing the humidity level from 40-85%. The AKIRACOSME humidifier uses the latest double-sealing system to prevent any leaking. And if your humidifier ever runs out of water, don’t worry. This device will automatically shut off and beep, thanks to its automatic shutoff function.
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COSTWAY Humidifier
It also has a water shortage sensor to add water in time to prevent dry run and an auto feature that will accurately detect humidity in a room and adjust it to the optimal level. The COSTWAY humidifier operates at less than 35dB, which creates a quiet and adequately humid atmosphere for your sleep and work.
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Wistopht Top Fill Humidifier
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a way to improve your indoor air quality, look no further than an ionizer humidifier. And now that you know all there is, from the advantages to the disadvantages, usage, and best deals on the market, you can safely purchase the one that will be a good fit for your home. Remember: taking care of the air moisture in your home means taking care of your wellbeing.