Humidifier
Humidifiers are appliances designed to add moisture to the air. Humidifiers can help relieve symptoms associated with allergies, asthma, a cold or the flu. The two primary types of humidifiers are warm mist and cool mist. Both types are equally effective at adding humidity to the air, but each has pros and cons.
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Use a cool mist humidifier if you have young children. Warm mist humidifiers can be a safety risk with little ones due to the heating element, hot water and warm mist they produce. Cool mist models are best at treating asthma or allergy symptoms. The cool air tends to be easier to breathe than warm air.
Opt for a cool mist humidifier if you need to cover a large area. Cool mist humidifiers typically put more moisture into the air than their warm mist counterparts. Cool mist humidifiers are also easier to clean, because they generally have fewer elements. A humidifier's water tank should be rinsed every two or three days.
Use cool mist humidifiers if you live in a warm, dry region. The cool mist won't make the air feel muggy. If your area has hard water, either choose a warm mist humidifier or use distilled water in your cool mist model. Hard water contains minerals that can be dispersed into the air.
Cool mist humidifiers are more environmentally friendly. They don't contain any coils that must be heated, so they tend to use less electricity.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Use a warm mist model to treat cold or flu symptoms. The warm steam should help relieve congestion, stuffiness and aches. Warm mist humidifiers are best if you are allergic to mold. They heat the water, which kills any mold, fungi and germs that might be lurking inside your appliance.
Opt for a warm mist model if you live in a cold climate. They generate a small amount of heat, which can raise the room temperature a little bit.
Warm mist humidifiers typically cover the size of a small bedroom. They may be the perfect choice if you don't like background noise. Because warm mist models don't use a fan to blow out the moisture, they are quieter than cold mist models.
Considerations
Consider buying a humidifier that allows for both warm and cool mist. Many newer models allow you to choose between warm and cool moisture with a simple turn of the dial.
Monitor the humidity level in your home. Make sure it is lower than 50 percent to discourage the growth of mold, bacteria, fungus and mildew. Some humidifier models include a humidistat, which shuts the humidifier off once a certain level of humidity is reached.
Change the water in your humidifier's holding tank every day. Fresh water is essential to keeping the steam or vapor clean and germ-free. Clean your humidifier according to the manufacturer's directions.
Tags: warm mist, mist humidifiers, mist humidifier, mist model, mist models, warm cool
