Different Types of Room Humidifiers

Room humidifiers are an appliance that adds moisture to the air inside a home. Humidifiers offer a variety of health benefits and are especially helpful for people who experience respiratory problems, such as asthma or severe allergies.

While there are a variety of styles and models on the market; there are only two types of humidifiers: warm or cool mist. The decision is usually based upon personal preference. However, there are some fundamental differences in the way each type works that might also effect your decision.

In general, warm mist room humidifiers use a heating element to heat the water. While they do utilize more electricity than cool mist room humidifiers, the cost is minimal and can be compared to the cost to heat a kettle of boiling water.

There are two types of warm mist room humidifiers: steam/vaporizer or warm mist. Steam/vaporizer room humidifiers utilize boiling water to create a warm steamy mist. The advantage to this type of unit is the boiling water kills mold and bacteria. The disadvantage is the potential for burns, which makes these units unsuitable for families with young children.

Warm mist room humidifiers are similar to steam/vaporizer units in that water is heated to produce a warm mist. The difference is warm mist humidifiers cool the air slightly before releasing it into the air. This feature reduces the risk of burns.

There are three types of cool mist room humidifiers: evaporation wick, impeller and ultrasonic. Cool mist room humidifiers do not heat the water and are a safe alternative for families with young children.

Cool mist room humidifiers require less electricity than warm mist room humidifiers. They are capable of humidifying a larger area and do not make the air feel heavy and stagnant. The biggest disadvantage of cool mist room humidifiers is they tend to be somewhat noisy and most require regular filter replacement.

Evaporation wick humidifiers use a wick or filter to absorb water, which is then evaporated by a fan. This type of unit creates a more natural form of evaporation, which is a big plus. The downside is the persistent noise created by the fan.

Impeller room humidifiers use a spinning disk in the water that creates mist. Ultrasonic room humidifiers utilize ultrasonic sound waves to vibrate the water and create mist.
All room humidifiers require regular cleaning. Failure to clean your humidifier on a regular basis will lead to the buildup of mold, mildew, fungus and bacteria. Ideally, water should be changed on a daily basis.