Guide to Buying Humidifier

Posted on December 27th, 2008 in Information by Humidifier Guide

Guide to Buying a Humidifier

A humidifier is used to adjust the level of humidity in a room. This makes it more pleasant and prevents cracked lips, dryness, sore throat and also damage to furniture. There are different types of humidifiers around. This article looks at how to pick one when you go shopping for a humidifier.

Humidifier Basics

Each home needs its own type of humidifier. Before you set out to buy one, first you need to decide what type of humidifier to get.

Before anything else, do you really need one? If your lips get cracked and dry and your throat aches in the morning, probably yes. Also a humidifier can help preserve furniture as well.

Then use a hygrometer to find out the humidity level of the room or unit you will be using the appliance in.

Warm or Cool?

You can choose either warm or cool mist humidifiers. The warm type is easy to breathe and a little quieter than cool mist humidifiers. However they need more frequent cleaning. If you neglect to clean a warm humidifier regularly, it can quickly breed germs.
Somall?
r
Big
Are you going to use the humidifier in a small den? Or a large living room? Get a humidifier for the size of the room you will be using it in. If you use a narrow-range humidifier in a big room, it won’t be effective. If you use a wide-range humidifier in a small room, condensed water will appear in window panes. You also risk bacterial growth.

Warranty

Make sure the humidifier comes with a warranty.

Liter or Gallon?

Humidifiers come with varying sizes of water receptacles. If you don’t want to have to refill it every few hours or so, get a big one.

Noise

How much noise can you tolerate? Humidifiers vary in the amount of noise they generate. So test it first before buying.

Warnings and Reminders

No matter what brand of humidifier you purchase, you need to read AND follow the directions exactly. Humidifiers can be dangerous to health if left dirty. Clean your appliance regularly – once a week at least if you use them often. Also, DO NOT fill it with water unless you are going to use it. When you clean a humidifier, use vinegar to clean the appliance. You can also use a solution of water and bleach to clean the water receptacle.