Humidifier FAQ: All You Need to Know About House Humidifier

Posted on January 7th, 2009 in Brands by Humidifier Guide

Want to know about a house humidifier and what it’s for? Read on.

What on earth is a house humidifier for?

A humidifier is there to boost moisture levels in your house. You will want to use it when you show symptoms of low humidity in your dwelling. Your eyes feel dry and irritated, your throat is parched, your lips are cracked and your skin is dried up too. These are all signs of insufficient moisture in the air. You use a house humidifier to balance things by adding water into the air. Usually a humidifier is used at the same time as a heater, since a heater causes even more dryness in winter.

How does a house humidifier work?

It depends on what type it is. But all of them use water to increase the humidity level of a room.

A steamer type of house humidifier boils water just like a kettle. The steam released is what adds moisture to the air. Of all types of house humidifier, this is the only one that has virtually no problem with causing germ or mold buildup. You can use an inhalant in it (like Vicks) instead of plain water. Warm house humidifiers are cheap and quiet too.

An impeller type of house humidifier breaks up water into tiny droplets. It does this with the use of a revolving disk and a diffuser. Not a good choice due to its propensity to spread bacteria.

Ultrasonic house humidifiers use a ultra-sonic waves to break up water. Unlike a warm humidifier, it uses up little energy.

An evaporative house humidifier has a fan that blows water into the air as a cool fog. It is automatic since evaporation will slow down once humidity rises.

Will I need more than one house humidifier?

If you buy a tabletop model, yes. A tabletop uses up 2-4 gallons a day.

A console house humidifier can serve a number of rooms. They use 8-14 gallons per day. More expensive and noisy too. Only evaporative models.

You can get a full house humidifier called an in-duct. This type connects to your heater. It may cost more at first, but is cheap in the long term.

What do I need to know when buying a house humidifier?

Find out…

- How easy is it to clean. Can you use a dishwasher?
- Is it portable?
- If applicable, does the wick need replacement?
- How much do accessory parts cost?
- If it’s not a steamer type, does it have anti-bacterial protection (like UV)?
- Can you use plain tap water with it?
- How liable is the house humidifier to breed mold and bacteria?
- What is its energy consumption level?
- How big is the area that needs to be humidified?
- Do you want a hygrometer (measures humidity)?

What is the best humidity level?

Your house humidifier should generally aim for 40-50%. If it’s 0 degrees F outside, you can live with 25%. Add or decrease 5% for every 10 degree rise or fall.