Kinds of Humidifiers and the Working Principles of Them!
Having learned what a humidifier is and why one should use it, it is time to look at the available types of humidifiers. Humidifiers are not equal, and knowing the differences can help you choose the right kind for what you want.
Below are the different major types of humidifiers you will find in the market:
Evaporative Humidifier
The evaporative humidifiers are the most common type, and they operate based on the blowing of the air through a wet filter using a fan.
Moisture is added to the air as the air circulates through the filter, thus increasing the humidity level in the room. These humidifiers are self-regulating and therefore will not over-humidify the room because the evaporation rate decreases when the room is too humid.
Ideal for rooms with a medium degree of dryness or people who do not want to bother with a houseplant and care for it regularly.
Pros: Quiet, self-regulating, affordable.
Cons: Needs regular cleaning of the filter.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
The ultrasonic humidifier uses ultrasonic vibrations to produce a gentle mist of water that is released into the air. These are ultra-quiet devices, and in many cases, they are more energy-efficient than other devices. Small bedrooms or offices are suitable for them.
Ideal for small- to medium-sized rooms, especially
Pros: Quiet operation, energy saving, does not need filters.
Cons: May be more expensive, should be regularly cleaned and dried, otherwise mold will appear.
Impeller Humidifiers
Impeller humidifiers work with a rotating disk to fling water on a diffuser, spraying the water in the form of tiny droplets into the air. These machines are less noisy than ultrasonic ones but are not as effective in larger places.
Ideal for smaller rooms and spaces.
Pros: Quiet, affordable, no filters needed.
Cons: Limited coverage area.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
If you are one of those who like warm air, then by all means a warm mist humidifier is the way to go. These humidifiers boil water and emit steam to heat air. This is especially comforting during the cold seasons. They are also good for people with colds since the hot mist can assist in reducing irritated channels.
Ideal for cold environments and persons with respiratory problems.
Pros: Warm air, good for breathing problems.
Cons: Has higher consumption of energy, can be warm to the touch.
Hybrid Humidifiers
Hybrid humidifiers are usually a combination of other humidifiers, and they utilize ultrasonic and evaporative functionality for cool mist and warm options, respectively. These humidifiers allow you to have flexibility in choosing the mode of operation as to whether it is the season or not.
Ideal for people who want to have the flexibility of only one unit.
Pros: Plastic, has the ability to work in all seasons.
Cons: Usually costlier and can be more bulky.
Central Humidifiers
In case you have a central heating or air conditioning system, this is a great option for a central humidifier. These humidifiers are fitted onto your HVAC system, and humidity is spread around your entire house. They are perfect for people that need overall house humidity.
Ideal for: Large homes or entire households.
Pros: Affordable, does not need any additional maintenance as installed.
Cons: Expensive, requires professional installation.
Each one of the types of humidifiers has its pros and cons, and there is no best one; which one is the best for you depends on what you need. If you are looking for an inexpensive or low-maintenance humidifier unit that can humidify your entire house, then there’s a humidifier for that as well.
Pingback: Effective Ways to Use a Humidifier
Pingback: How to Maintain Your Humidifier's Longevity
Pingback: Humidifier Mistakes
Pingback: 6 Easy Tips on How to Maintain Dehumidifier for Basement Use