As the weather grows colder, you’ll likely begin using your heat instead of your air conditioning. Turning on your heater is a great solution, but it also comes with some downfalls like dry air. Dry air unfortunately can lead to dry skin, furniture, and more. If you’re considering buying a portable humidifier, be sure to consider the following.
Types Of Humidifiers
The most basic types of humidifiers are Evaporative and Ultrasonic.
According to The Washington Post, “Evaporative humidifiers use a fan to draw air through a wet wick or filter and release cool moisture into the air.” The downfalls include the noisiness and the potential for mold growth.
Ultrasonic humidifiers use a high-speed vibrating plate that turns water into a fine mist. Unlike evaporative humidifiers, ultrasonic humidifiers are easy to clean. One drawback is their ability to get dust in the air, so if you suffer from asthma or any other respiratory issues, that’s something to consider.
Look At Your Options
When looking to purchase a humidifier, it’s important to ask yourself all the questions necessary to make an informed decision. Here are some questions we recommend asking:
- What is the setup like?
- Is it easy to refill?
- How are the noise levels?
- Is it difficult to clean?
- Will it make any pre-existing conditions I have worse?
If you’re able to go in-store, definitely do so. Being able to see the humidifier and all of the controls will help you answer the above questions and figure out what is right for you and your home.
Consider Your Moisture Level
Bigger isn’t always better. In fact, humidifier size goes by the square footage in your house. Always get a humidifier that matches your square footage, otherwise, you can cause too much moisture. Too much moisture can lead to mold and bacteria. Another option to consider is getting a humidifier for each individual room in your home. This can be a pricey option if you live in a bigger home, so be mindful, but if you live in a 1-2 bedroom apartment with a living room, this could be a great option.
Place The Humidifer Strategially
This may not be something you think of before purchasing, but, having a place in mind for your humidifier can be important, especially if you have an ultrasonic model that can pool water beneath it. If you do get an ultrasonic model, consider putting a water-resistant cloth beneath it for extra protection. Another tip: always place your humidifier multiple feet away from any other object on a flat surface, and as an extra precaution, ensure that the cords are not in an area where someone could trip and injure themselves.
With these considerations in mind, you can feel confident in your decision to purchase a humidifier. At Service Tech, we offer 24/7 availability, so when it’s time for an HVAC replacement, you can rest assured that your requests are taken care of. Call us today at 205-488-4714 to schedule an appointment.
