Lose The Dryness With The Best Humidifiers
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Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist -
Safety 1st Ultrasonic 360 -
Crane 1-Gallon Penguin-Shaped -
Air-O-Swiss Travel Ultrasonic 7146 -
Aprilaire Drainless Bypass with Digital Control -
TBI Pro Ultrasonic Humidifier -
Buyer's Guide
Humidifiers are designed to help maintain an optimal humidity level in your home. When looking for a humidifier, take into consideration the size of the humidifier. Will it be large enough for the entire house, will it humidify only one room, or do you need something permanently installed? Where will you use the humidifier, do you need warm- or cool-mist, or ultrasonic humidification? This list of humidifiers include smaller, portable units for single rooms to larger, permanently installed additions to your existing heating system. For more information on what to look at in selecting the best humidifier in 2022, check out our buyers guide below which provides detailed information to help you in your search.
Comparing 2022 Humidifier Models
Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist - Best Humidifier Overall
Crane Drop Shape's are very popular for a reason because they combine a fun design with effective performance and a reasonable price. These models come in a wide range of colors, and feature ultrasonic cool mist humidification for small rooms. The ultrasonic design means extremely quiet operation without requiring a filter although a demineralization filter can be purchased separately if desired.
The one-gallon water tank holds enough water to provide humidification for up to 24 hours, while being capable of putting out 2.3 gallons of moisture per day. A 360-degree mist nozzle and variable control settings allow for setting up the humidifier how you need it, while the auto shutoff feature provides safety. This model is energy efficient, does an excellent job of adding moisture to dry air, and is priced reasonably.
Safety 1st Ultrasonic 360 - Runner Up
The Safety 1st ultrasonic cool mist humidifier was primarily designed for use in a child's room but is an excellent option overall. This model features two 360-degree mist outlets for more effective output, while the water tank can hold enough to go for up to 12 hours. The ultrasonic design means no filters to clean and replace, as well as exceptionally quiet performance than other ultrasonic humidifiers.
The built-in carry handle on the water tank allows for easy filling, and the automatic shutoff feature gives peace of mind. Whether for a nursery or any other room in the house, the Safety 1st offers excellent value for money.
Crane 1-Gallon Penguin-Shaped - Best Humidifier for Babies
Crane has a whole range of award-winning and adorable humidifiers that offer excellent basic performance while featuring fun and playful designs which appeal the children. This particular version is shaped like a Penguin but they are also available in a wide range of other animals. Despite its appearance, this Crane model performs very well, with a one-gallon water tank that provides moisture for up to 24 hours.
This ultrasonic cool mist humidifier is best-suited to smaller rooms, misting up to 2.1 gallons of moisture into the air per day and features an automatic shutoff safety. The Crane Penguin Humidifier is a great choice for helping babies and children to feel more comfortable during the dry winter months or when they’re suffering from a cold.
Air-O-Swiss Travel Ultrasonic 7146 - Honorable Mention
The Air-O-Swiss 7146 is a compact, travel-friendly model. This ultrasonic humidifier does not include a water tank, rather it uses a standard water bottle which fits securely into the unit without leaks, while the ultrasonic technology makes operation very quiet. The unit is small enough to fit in any travel bag, and comes with a power adapter for both US and European plugs.
Although this compact humidifier will evidently not be effective at adding humidity to large rooms, it is an excellent choice for hotel rooms, an office, or even just a small room at home. Although it might seem a bit pricey for the size, the convenience and portability combined with the inclusion of adapters for travel make this an excellent choice.
Aprilaire Drainless Bypass with Digital Control - Also Consider
This affordable bypass humidifier can be set up to be fully automatic, with the unit using an included outdoor sensor and digital controller to automatically activate the blower when sensing humidity is falling below the desired level. The Aprilaire 400 is simple to install with its built-in bypass damper but it’s not recommended for a novice to do on their own.
Evaporative technology makes the Model 400 more efficient, with gravity pulling water down through the unit, and wicking action drawing it back up to provide humidity to the system. This also eliminates the need for a floor drain. This model is rated to provide .70 gallons of humidity per hour to up to a 4,000 square foot house. This efficient furnace humidifier is a great choice for those who are conserving water, while being affordable and easy to install.
TBI Pro Ultrasonic Humidifier - Also Consider
This humidifier measures 13.7” x 7.6” and comes loaded with super large, 6L water capacity that ensures a working time of up to 60 hours! It works well in houses/rooms with area up to 750 square feet. The TBI Pro Ultrasonic also has a 360 degrees rotating nozzle that lets you have a multi-directional mist with even flow, throughout your room! Plus, this model comes equipped with enhanced water filtration that protects you and your family from any harmful bacteria and negative ions in the water.
Moreover, maintaining healthy levels of humidity in your room will also help you fight dry air, cough, insomnia, or skin allergies. The clear, multi-purpose LED display lets you have your eye on the temperature indicator, sleep mode, mist levels, humidity indicator, and water level. The humidifier operates quietly and works as advertised. However, it is not big enough for lobbies or living rooms.
Buyer's Guide
Are you struggling with irritations or dryness of the skin, throat, nose, or lips? If your answer is yes, you most certainly might need a humidifier. Do not worry; we are here to save the day.
Humidifiers are devices used in homes and buildings to increase the humidity or moisture level in the air. These devices achieve this function by emitting water vapor into the air. Your model must be clean at all times.
Without wasting much of your time, let's get this best humidifier buying guide started.
Vital Questions to ask before buying a Humidifier
Why do you need one?
Different people need humidifiers in their homes and offices for various reasons. Research shows that people need and use them more during the winter.
During winter, the air outside becomes so cold that everyone tries their best to stay indoors. While indoors, we love to turn on the heaters in our homes to keep warm. These heaters have a way of making the humidity levels indoor drop below 30%. Humidity levels below 30% lead to
- Bloody nose, cracked lips, and scaly skin
- Cold, worsened allergy symptoms and sinus infection
- Wood warping, wallpaper peeling, and loss of flooring moisture
- Increase in static electricity.
What type of Humidifier do you need?
There are several types of humidifiers available, and each excels in its category. Let's take a look at some of them:
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Cool mist models exist as either evaporative cool mist humidifiers or ultrasonic cool mist. They are perfect for people struggling with nasal passages swellings. They produce a room temperature mist that helps to increase humidity levels. You will also pay fewer electricity bills with a cool-mist humidifier.
Evaporative cool mist:
These types of cool mist humidifiers disperses room temperature air through a wet wick with the aid of a fan. Some of the water then evaporates as water vapor and increases the humidity of the room.
Ultrasonic cool mist:
These humidifiers employ a nebulizer. The nebulizer exists as a small diaphragm that vibrates to create a cool mist; these produce less noise.
Warm mist
Like the cool mist humidifiers, the warm mist models also have two types; steam vaporizers and ultrasonics. Warm mist humidifiers are cheap and suitable for warm weather conditions. They should not be used or put where children can reach, because they contain hot water. The warm mist humidifiers are not ideal for treating symptoms of cold as they will cause the nasal passage to swell.
They might require you to pay extra electricity bills due to the boiling process. However, this process helps to kill germs that may have been present in the water.
Steam vaporizers
They have a heating element that boils to create a warm mist.
Ultrasonic warm mist
The ultrasonic warm mist humidifier features an inbuilt metal diaphragm that vibrates at high speed. This vibration causes the water to agitate into smaller water particles to create a mist. The mist is then pushed into the room with the help of a silent fan.
Air washers Humidifiers
These types of humidifiers clean the air in the room and also add humidity. They have rotating discs that work with water to remove impurities. Air washers are used in large buildings to humidify the air, but they do require regular maintenance.
What are the factors to consider before and while selecting a humidifier?
After asking yourself the questions already discussed, you need to consider a few of these factors.
Size
The humidifier's size and the size of the area or space you wish to humidify is a necessary consideration. There are tabletop, room, and whole-house humidifiers.
Tabletop humidifiers
Tabletop Humidifiers are portable and will usually serve a single room well. They are also lightweight, simple to clean and refill. This makes them the perfect travel companion.
On the other hand, room humidifiers can be used for either a single room or many rooms. They can cover a 650-1200 square feet area.
Whole house humidifiers
Whole house models are usually employed and installed in the HVAC system of buildings. They are suitable for areas covering 3000 square feet or more. You don't need to worry about refilling this water in the humidifier because it draws water directly from the building’s water supply once it runs low on water.
Cost
A humidifier can go for as low as $20. The cost will, however, increase with the number of added features. Also, take into consideration the strain the humidifier will put on your electricity bill. Warm mist humidifiers will increase your electricity bill.
Added Features
There are humidifiers with extra features like; variable speed control, automatic shutoff feature, indicator lights, humidistat, digital panel, and so much more. If you favor these added features, select a model that packs some or all of them.
Maintenance Requirements
If you are the busy type, it will be necessary for you to note the maintenance requirements of your humidifier. Evaporative models are built with filters that will require extra cleaning. Some humidifiers also come with a demineralization filter and a germ-reducing insert. These will need to be replaced when due, as stated by the manufacturer.
Noise
Nobody likes noisy devices. The type of humidifier you select determines the noise level you will have to live with. Warm mist ones produce less noise than cool mist models. If you want an almost noiseless humidifier, go for an ultrasonic.
Humidifier FAQs
Is it bad to sleep with a humidifier every night?
Humidifiers are safe, and sleeping with yours every night is also safe. It should, however, be adequately maintained by cleaning it regularly.
Do cool mist humidifiers kill germs?
No, they do not kill germs. However, they can reduce the number of germs in the air because they add moisture to the atmosphere.
Can a dirty humidifier make you sick?
Of course, YES. Dirt can make anyone sick, not to mention you will be breathing in dirty air if your humidifier is dirty.
