It is crucial to add humidity indoors especially during the winter months. This will also make the air healthier for your family. The most popular type is the portable single-room humidifiers. About eight million of these units are sold in the US every year. This is according to the EPA’s 2011 report.
There are two types of portable humidifiers; these are the evaporative and ultrasonic.These two have different ways of adding moisture to your home. Each type also has its own benefits and drawbacks.
What is the ultrasonic humidifier? It is in fact a simple device. Oftentimes it includes a water reservoir, any other type of vibrating element, or a diaphragm which vibrates at a high frequency which makes it above the range of human hearing. These vibrations make microscopic water droplets propel into the air. When these droplets reach the air, they evaporate, making the air in the room more humid. Water is not heated in anyway during the process which is why it is called the cool mist humidifier in the ads.
The process of humification done by evaporative humidifiers is quite different. Evaporative humidifiers evaporate the water found inside the humidifier and water vapor is then sent into the air. There are some that do this by heating water into steam. These units are called steam humidifiers or warm mist humidifiers. You can also find some humidifiers that wick water through a type of filter; cool air is then blown across the filter using a fan. The water then evaporates and brings water vapor into the room.
The following are some of the benefits of an ultrasonic humidifier when compared with the evaporative type.
They are known for being effective in air humidification. They can add a large amount of moisture into the air which when not controlled may be a disadvantage too. This makes it necessary for an ultrasonic humidifier to have a humidistat which will automatically shut off the humidifier once the air is filled with so much moisture.
The ultrasonic humidifier is small and compact because its mechanism is simple and straightforward. What influences its size is the water reservoir.
An ultrasonic humidifier also gives off quieter vibrations compared to the evaporative humidifiers. It also does not emit heat which makes it safer compared to the steam humidifier. This is important when you place it in a child’s room.
Another thing is that you won’t need to replace the wick or filter of an ultrasonic humidifier. The evaporative humidifier’s wick or filter eventually collects a build-up of minerals. It is necessary to replace the filter regularly which means additional cost.
An ultrasonic humidifier can help people who suffer respiratory symptoms during the summer months. A humidifier can help during this time. It is also necessary during the winter months when cold air dries out on the lips, lungs, and nose.
A study also revealed humidifiers can reduce the risk of anyone from catching flu. It also helps to make cough productive which means that it releases sticky phlegm.