1. What does a home humidifier actually
accomplish?
Humidifiers are essential for creating a balanced
environment in your home. If the air is too dry,
wood and fabrics will be damaged and the air
temperature will feel more extreme. The drier the
air, the more apparent these effects become. For
example, look at firewood during the summer and you
will see the damage resulting from a lack of water.
On the other hand, overly humid air can cause
problems as well, so we always suggest a humidistat
or hygrometer if a humidifier does not already come
with one. There are three basic types of humidifiers
you can choose from.
2. Is a steaming humidifier right for my home?
Steaming humidifiers boil water to create a warm
vapor. This boiling process destroys many bacterium
that are carried into the air with the water while
also removing minerals from the steam. The warm
vapor also helps to lower heating needs in the
winter because moderate humidity will make the air
feel warmer.
3. Should I choose an ultrasonic humidifier?
Ultrasonic humidifiers produce nearly no sound and
release a soothing cool vapor into the air. Because
no boiling process is involved, the vapor will not
add heat to the room. Also, the ultrasonic waves
used to vaporize the water are well above hearing
ranges, so the unit is entirely silent unless a fan
is included.
4. What advantages come with a wick humidifier?
Wick or "sponge" humidifiers draw or pump water into
mesh material and then push air through the mesh
causing some of the water to evaporate. This gives
the benefit of a cool mist or cool vapor output.
Often these humidifiers come with filters that must
be changed occasionally.
