Humidifiers are a popular household item found in millions of family homes. Used to moisturize the air, humidifiers not only help make the home more comfortable but can also assist with alleviating various symptoms and fend off harmful viruses and bacteria.
People often use humidifiers when they are sick, though regular use of humidifiers is becoming increasingly popular in the home and or at the office. Because of this increase in popularity, there are hundreds of options on the market today.
Knowing what to look for is essential — luckily, finding the right humidifier for you does not have to be challenging. The Amazon humidifier list is extensive, and navigating it would take hours upon hours of research.
Instead, it is easier to understand what you should look for in a humidifier rather than breaking down each product individually.
This guide explains how to choose the right humidifier for you. We’ll break down all of the essential qualities to consider when making your purchase.
What Is a Humidifier?
Humidifiers are helpful home appliances that release water vapor into the air to increase a room’s moisture level. Raising the humidity in a room can help with several various symptoms of discomfort. There are many types of humidifiers, some of which include:
- Ultrasonic Humidifier: These reliable humidifiers produce cool mist through ultrasonic technology. Ultrasonic humidifiers are an excellent choice for their low noise levels and longevity.
- Steam Vaporizers: A common type of humidifier, the steam vaporizers use electricity to heat water, producing a mist. You can often find these kinds of humidifiers in pharmacies and department stores. Though accessible, this option is less optimal because of the high-temperature water and noise level.
- Central Humidifiers: Sometimes referred to as whole home furnace humidifiers, this option is built into a home’s cooling/heating system. Homeowners can use it to humidify their entire house, but this is generally by far the most expensive option, often costing thousands.
Each type of humidifier operates slightly differently and uses a different means to produce a warm or cool mist. Your budget and needs will generally dictate which option you should go with, but for the average consumer, an ultrasonic humidifier is the perfect middle ground and an excellent choice.
When to Use a Humidifier
The most common use of humidifiers in the home is to help alleviate symptoms of discomfort and to fend off harmful bacteria and viruses. Many will use humidifiers while experiencing a cold, flu, or other illness, as it can assist with many ailments.
Humidifier for Sinus Relief
People who own humidifiers praise their effectiveness for temporary sinus relief. Low humidity can be responsible for causing dry sinuses and, by extension, a laundry list of other irritable symptoms.
Keeping your air moisturized can help with healthy and happy sinuses. And humidifiers aren’t just good for dry sinuses and helpful with a stuffy nose. The warm and misted air can help to keep mucus loose, which can help keep your sinuses clear.
Sort Throat and Other Symptoms
When you’ve got a nasty summer cold, a humidifier may be just what you need to make the bug a little more manageable. Periodical exposure to moisturized air is excellent for temporarily relieving a sore throat, a stuffy nose, and irritated eyes.
Many people who own humidifiers will use them during sleeping hours when they have a cold. For this reason, it’s best to use a humidifier that runs cool and has a low noise output.
How to Choose the Right Humidifier
So, how do you choose the right humidifier? Well, it relies on your needs, but ultimately it boils down to picking a humidifier with excellent features and one that won’t break the bank.
Low Noise Output
Humidifiers can get loud, and when you’re not feeling well or trying to sleep, you don’t want one that produces a ton of noise. Finding a low noise output humidifier is undoubtedly the way to go. Ultrasonic humidifiers do an excellent job of keeping the noise low while producing sufficient humidity.
Determine Your Budget
Like any other household appliance, humidifiers can get expensive. While you shouldn’t go for the cheapest option you can find, there is also no reason to overspend under the guise of superiority.
Plenty of humidifiers are within a mid-tier price range and work more than well enough for most people’s needs. Determine your budget and try for something in the middle range – generally under $100.
Consider Size and Coverage
The average person doesn’t want something too bulky when buying a humidifier. As such, you’ll probably want to look for something compact and unobtrusive. Many modern humidifiers are small enough to fit in a room’s corner and draw little attention.
In addition to finding something compact, you should consider how much coverage a humidifier offers so you know how effectively it can moisturize the air in a room.
Consider Going Filterless
Filters are an easy way to rack up monthly prices when using a humidifier. If you plan to use your humidifier regularly, it’s worth considering a filterless option.
Not only are filterless humidifiers cheaper in the long run, but they are also less prone to building up bacteria and musty odors. While you’ll still have to keep fans and vents clear of debris or build-up, maintenance is much more straightforward.
