Low humidity in the home can cause static electricity. Beyond this mild concern, there are more serious problems associated with low humidity such as dry skin, cracked lips, scratchy throats, and even an increased risk of getting sick. A humidifier is a simple portable device you can use to increase the humidity level in the rooms where you spend most of your time and the humidifier benefits are quite expansive.
Indoor air quality is something many people don’t think about – but they should. Factors involved in determining indoor air quality include ventilation, airborne particles, allergens, and humidity.
At Home Air Guides, it’s our goal to provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision about home air quality products. In this guide, you’ll learn the basics about different types of humidifiers and what benefits they provide.
Top Humidifier Benefits: How Do Humidifiers Work?
The word “humidifier” says it all – a humidifier is an appliance that increases indoor humidity levels. But what exactly does that mean?
Humidifiers are small home appliances that turn water taken from a reservoir tank into steam or vapor that is then emitted into the room. They come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different spaces and they are generally small enough to move easily from room to room. The size of the water tank determines the size of the space the device can humidify.
Though all humidifiers serve the same basic function, they do so through several different technologies. Humidifiers can also release either cool mist or warm mist.
Here is a quick summary of four common types of humidifiers:
Evaporative Humidifier
These humidifiers utilize a moisture-wicking filter and a fan to create an ultra-fine, cool mist.
Ultrasonic Humidifier
This type of humidifier uses high-frequency vibration to dispel water droplets into the room.
Vaporizer
These humidifiers boil water and release the steam into the room.
Warm Mist Humidifier
Several types of humidifiers are available in both cool mist and warm mist versions – some even allow you to switch between both.
With so many different humidifiers to choose from, it’s important to do a little research before you buy. Think about what specific issues you’re dealing with related to low humidity and consider whether a cool mist or warm mist model would work best.
What are the Top Humidifier Benefits?
As you’ve already learned, humidifiers can help increase the humidity level in your home. But what are the benefits of higher humidity levels?
Dry indoor air can lead to issues with dry skin, chapped lips, sore throat, bloody noses, sinus headaches, and frequent colds or flus. By increasing indoor humidity, a humidifier may help relieve respiratory symptoms and help keep you healthy.
Use of humidifiers has been linked to a reduced risk of catching influenza. Humidity levels above 40% were shown to deactivate airborne virus particles, making them much less infectious. If you’re already sick, a humidifier can help make your cough more productive.
Humidifiers can help resolve issues with dry skin and chapped lips – they might also help prevent bloody noses by keeping the mucus membranes in the nose moisturized. When you can breathe easier, you may sleep better and using a humidifier might also reduce snoring by keeping the airways lubricated.
Who Can Benefit from a Humidifier?
Quite simply, anyone who lives in a home where humidity levels are low can benefit from a humidifier. Unless you have a way to measure your humidity, however, it can be tricky to tell if you’re in a situation where a humidifier is warranted.
Here are a few signs your home has low indoor humidity:
- You have trouble sleeping. Breathing air that is too dry can exacerbate respiratory problems and it’s hard to fall asleep if you’re coughing all night.
- You have dry skin or chapped lips. All the moisturizer and lip balm in the world can only do so much against low indoor humidity levels.
- Your asthma or allergies are getting worse. Allergens, viruses, and germs are more likely to thrive in dry air which could lead to more frequent colds and worsening allergies or asthma.
- You notice damage to wood furniture and flooring. When the humidity is low, the air can start pulling moisture from porous materials.
- You have a lot of static electricity. If you get a small shock after walking across the carpet, it may have something to do with low humidity.
If you’re not sure what the humidity situation in your home is, you may want to by a hygrometer. This is simply a small device that measures the humidity level in your home – it can also monitor your indoor temperature.
Who Should Not Use a Humidifier?
It should go without saying that a humidifier is not recommended in homes where the indoor humidity level is already high. The Mayo Clinic suggests an indoor humidity level between 30% and 50% is best.
When humidity levels get too high, it can cause problems for your home and for your family. High humidity means there’s more moisture in air which can contribute to issues with mold and mildew. Basements are a common are where this is likely to occur, but high humidity can also affect the walls, furniture, and carpeting in other areas of the home. High humidity can also increase your risk of getting sick and may exacerbate issues with allergies or asthma.
Humidifiers are generally safe to use, though you should choose the type of humidifier carefully. If you’re using a humidifier around children or pets, it’s best to avoid warm mist humidifiers that heat the water. These come with a risk of burns.
Our Top Pick: Veva Cool Mist Essential Oil Humidifier
Top air purifier company, Veva, recently launched a cool mist humidifier. Not only is it just a humidifier, it’s also designed to safely diffuse essential oils as well.
Other humidifiers run about 24 hours at a time and only have a ½-2 liter tank on average. This can be annoying since you’ll have to fill it up frequently. The Veva boasts a 45 hour run time and a 4 ½ liter water tank. Since it fills easily from the top, maintaining it doesn’t interrupt your routine or make a mess.
The Veva humidifier has an excellent 323 square feet of coverage area. That is plenty of coverage for the average bedroom, living room or office. It is safety tested and ultra-quiet, but the cherry on top is that it is extremely affordable.
One of the best perks of this is that it’s easy to set up and comes with user-friendly customer service. Scan a QR code to quickly register for an extended warranty. You can also easily contact a fast responding customer service team.
View on AmazonHumidifier Benefits: Bottom Line
Low humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues and cause problems with your skin, nails, and hair. A humidifier is a simple portable device that releases moisture into the air. When the humidity level in your home is adequate, you’ll be able to breathe easier, sleep better, and you may even get sick less often.
If you’re considering investing in a humidifier, we here at Home Air Guides are ready to help. Check out our top pick, the Veva humidifier.
