We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More &#;
Click here to get more.
Humidifiers help increase the moisture content in a room. For many people, using a humidifier is a terrific way to to combat dry skin and lips, and reduce congestion and other cold and flu symptoms, especially during dry winter weather. There are two main types of room humidifiers: Warm mist humidifiers require hot water to produce water vapor. Cool mist humidifiers is considered a safer alternative since it does not require the use of boiling water.
There are two types of cool mist humidifiers: ultrasonic and evaporative. While they are both cool mist humidifiers, each type works in very different ways to produce water vapor and increase the humidity in a room. Learning the ultrasonic vs. evaporative humidifier differences makes it easier to decide which type is best for your home.
&#;How do humidifiers work?&#; is a question that many people ask as they shop for the best humidifiers for their homes. One of the key differences when you&#;re comparing vaporizer vs. humidifier is the way water vapor is made in each type of unit. Unlike vaporizers and warm mist humidifiers that boil water to make steam, ultrasonic humidifiers do not have a heating element and are considered a type of cool mist humidifier.
But what is an ultrasonic humidifier, exactly? These humidifiers expel an ultra-fine mist into the air through the use of high-frequency sound vibrations of the two inner ceramic plates. After the tiny water droplets are released into the room, they evaporate. As they continue to release into the room, they increase the humidity in the space.
Our Recommendation: Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier &#; Get at Amazon for $39.99
This ultrasonic humidifier offers up to 25 hours of constant quiet operation with its 1.5-liter tank. The 360-degree nozzle and two speed settings work together to ensure that the ideal amount of mist is released into the room to match your humidity needs. The humidifier also features a night light setting and automatic safety shut-off feature.
While also considered to be a cool mist humidifier, evaporative humidifiers work quite differently from ultrasonic humidifiers. They rely on the basic principles of evaporation to increase the moisture content in a room. When you place a large bowl of water in a room, the water will evaporate and make the room more humid.
Evaporative humidifiers speed up this natural process of evaporation by using a fan and a wick filter. The fan in the humidifier pulls in air and blows it through the wick filter at the humidifier&#;s base. This causes the water to evaporate and turn into water vapor. The water vapor is then pushed into the room to increase its humidity.
Our Recommendation: AIRCARE D-Series Small Home/Large Room Humidifier &#; Get at Amazon for $149.99
With its 2-gallon tank, this evaporative humidifier can increase the humidity in spaces up to 1,200 square feet. Its large capacity allows it to operate for up to 50 hours before the tank needs to be refilled. The humidifier offers four fan speeds, digital controls, an auto shutoff feature, and indicator lights for refilling the water tank and cleaning the filter.
When considering a humidifier room strategy and aesthetic appeal, many people prefer the look of ultrasonic humidifiers. While evaporative humidifiers are generally bulkier since they have to hold a fan and a filter, the humidification device of an ultrasonic humidifier is much more compact. Those looking for a small humidifier will typically have a much easier time finding an ultrasonic model than an evaporative model.
Ultrasonic humidifiers sometimes have other bells and whistles, such as built-in clocks or colored LED night-lights, that add to their aesthetic appeal.
RELATED: Buyer&#;s Guide: The Best Humidifiers for Large Rooms
Because ultrasonic humidifiers don&#;t have a filter, any minerals or contaminants that are in the water that&#;s used to fill their tanks will also be released into the air. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other minerals are all commonly found in tap water. These minerals are released as gray or white dust that may settle on the flooring or furniture in the space. How much dust gets released can vary based on the water used. For example, hard water has a higher mineral content, so it can yield more dust.
Are ultrasonic humidifiers safe to use? The EPA says that &#;the possible health effects resulting from the dispersal of microorganisms and minerals by home humidifiers are not fully understood,&#; and recommends using distilled water to fill an ultrasonic humidifier&#;s tank. Distilled water still contains some minerals, but at a much lower concentration than tap water. Using distilled water not only reduces the amount of gray or white dust released by a humidifier, it will also decrease mineral deposits and scale inside the humidifier. Without regular cleaning, the humidifier&#;s insides can become a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms. For this reason, the EPA also advises unplugging, emptying, and thoroughly cleaning ultrasonic humidifiers regularly.
Ant contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
The filter in an evaporative humidifier works to reduce the amount of mineral dust released. However, the presence of a filter also means that you&#;ll have to monitor and replace the filter regularly. How often a humidifier is used will impact how often you&#;ll need to replace the filter, but manufacturers usually recommend using a new filter every 1 to 3 months.
Both evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers need to be cleaned regularly&#;and by &#;regularly,&#; the EPA means at least once every three days. This maintenance will help remove mineral buildup and prevent the growth of bacteria. White vinegar mixed with water can be quite effective for cleaning a humidifier, but be sure to consult with the care instructions for the specific model you purchase.
RELATED: How to Clean a Humidifier
As their name implies, ultrasonic humidifiers use sound waves with a high frequency. Human ears are not able to detect such a high frequency, which means that an ultrasonic humidifier is quiet. When you&#;re looking for the best humidifier for a bedroom, choosing an ultrasonic model will help ensure that your humidifier doesn&#;t disrupt your sleep.
While some evaporative humidifiers are louder than others, all evaporative humidifiers will produce some sound because they use a fan to help the water evaporate more quickly. The fan runs constantly, so models with a quieter fan will still be louder than an ultrasonic humidifier.
amazon.comEvaporative humidifiers are typically less expensive than ultrasonic models. However, the price difference has decreased as ultrasonic humidifiers have gained popularity with consumers.
Beyond the initial cost of evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers, there is also the cost of filter replacements to consider. While ultrasonic models do not require a filter, the filter in an evaporative humidifier will need to be changed every 1 to 3 months. Replacement filters are relatively inexpensive, but the cost can add up over several months or years of operation and may eventually negate any initial savings on the cost of the evaporative humidifier.
Whether you&#;re looking for an ultrasonic humidifier or a cool mist humidifier, there are plenty of benefits to be gained. The winter months can be brutal, not only because of the piercing cold, but also because of the effects that dry air can have on your body. It can dry you out both internally and externally, making the season almost unbearable. Nose bleeds and dry, flaky skin are only the beginning. If you&#;re impatiently waiting for the weather to warm up, you might only be trading off one negative experience for another. When warmer weather hits, bacteria can easily spread and the dry summer heat can have similar effects as its winter counterpart in especially dry conditions.
All humidifiers function to bring moisture into the air. Doing so can make any home feel more comfortable regardless of what is going on outside your door. Adding just enough moisture into your home helps with nose bleeds and even helps alleviate sinus infections. It can bode well for your furniture and wallpaper, adding longevity to items in your home that can benefit from the additional moisture.
Although a humidifier has one purpose, there are different types of humidifiers that target specific needs. Today, we&#;ll discuss the pros and cons of an ultrasonic humidifier and a cool mist humidifier.
An ultrasonic humidifier is best for night use, since it&#;s a quieter option. It uses high frequency vibrations instead of a fan to provide soothing benefits without the annoying hum. It&#;s no wonder the ultrasonic humidifier is a popular choice among users.
One thing to keep in mind is that an ultrasonic humidifier can create a white dust that settles in your spaces. To avoid this, be sure to maintain it properly by following the manufacturer&#;s instructions. Proper care is extremely important when it comes to using any humidifier. You can also reduce this white dust by using demineralized water with a demineralization filer, also called a hard water filter, in your ultrasonic humidifier.
A cool mist humidifier produces invisible moisture so it&#;s discreet yet effective. If you&#;re dealing with dry air, you can use a cool mist humidifier to suck up the uncomfortable air and push out cool, crisp, refreshing air. With warmer weather, it can help reduce electric costs since it brings cooler air into your home. But just because it&#;s cool air, that doesn&#;t mean you can&#;t use it during the winter months. Cold, dry air can mean chapped lips and dry skin.
Just like with the ultrasonic humidifier, a cool mist humidifier can alleviate the symptoms of dry air- both internally and externally. If you&#;re snoring throughout the night, a cool mist humidifier can help reduce snoring and help give you and your partner a good night&#;s sleep.