All About Humidifiers

Humidifier design and maintenance

If you're like most Americans, owning a humidifier is essential for combating allergies and the health problems associated with seasonal change. Dry air can trigger sore throats, colds, and other respiratory problems, as well as respiratory discomfort that can make sleeping difficult.

But contrary to popular belief, it's not enough to just plug in your humidifier and let it run. Prudent time usage and proper cleaning are necessary to prevent additional problems linked to excessive humidifier use. Here's some information on how to find a healthy middle ground when using a humidifier.

Humidifier parts and designs

Humidifiers are devices that are designed to increase the humidity level in a room or house by discharging water vapor into the air. Humidifiers are also designed to produce either a warm mist or a cool mist. Most humidifiers feature three standard components:

Reservoir

The reservoir is a tank that is filled with water before operating the humidifier. The reservoir must be kept full beyond a certain level for the humidifier to produce water vapor.

Wick

The wick, also known as a filter, absorbs water from the reservoir and releases it in response to changes in humidity.

Fan

The humidifier fan is positioned beside the wick and blows water into the air as it evaporates from the filter.

There are five basic models or humidifier designs available:

Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic humidifiers use sound vibrations to create water vapor.

Impeller

Impeller humidifiers use a disc that rotates at high speed, flinging water at a diffuser that turns the water into floating droplets.

Evaporative

Evaporative humidifiers use the standard reservoir, wick, and fan design detailed above to blow water vapor into the air.

Vaporizer, or Steam Humidifier

Vaporizers, also known as steam humidifiers, produce steam by boiling the reservoir water with an electrical element.

Furnace

Furnace humidifiers, also known as whole house humidifiers, are built directly into a homes forced-air furnace. Furnace humidifiers use water pipes and the furnace blower to disperse moisture.

Humidifier use and care

A humidifier should be used no more than necessary to achieve breathing comfort. Excessive humidifier use can actually lead to greater respiratory and health problems, as high moisture levels in a home permit the growth of biological organisms such as dust mites. Humidifiers also disperse microorganisms and minerals present in water, the regular inhalation of which can cause allergy or respiratory issues.

Evaporative humidifiers and vaporizers, or steam humidifiers, are the best models for reducing mineral disbursement. However, proper and frequent care and cleaning of your humidifier is necessary to limit exposure.

Guidelines for Humidifier use:

Empty the reservoir daily, and wipe all humidifier surfaces dry.

Use only water with a low mineral content.

Clean your humidifier thoroughly every three days with a cleaning disinfectant.

If using a humidity sensor or hygrometer, do not exceed 50 percent humidity.

If water is condensing on surfaces, or the area surrounding a humidifier is damp, turn the humidifier down or off.

Follow all manufacturer instructions regarding maintenance and parts replacement.

If respiratory problems persist or grow worse, contact your physician.

More information on humidifiers