Different types of humidifiers
Ambient humidifiers are a device that adds moisture to the air inside a home. Humidifiers have many health benefits and are particularly useful for people with respiratory problems such as asthma or severe allergies.
Although there are a variety of styles and designs on the market; there are only two types of hot or cold steam humidifiers. The decision is usually based on personal preferences. However, there are fundamental differences in how each type works that can also affect your decision.
In general, hot mist humidifiers use a heating element to heat the water. Although they use more electricity than fresh air humidifiers, the cost is minimal and can be compared to the cost of heating a kettle of boiling water.
There are two types of hot steam / vaporizer and hot mist humidifiers. Steam / spray humidifiers use boiling water to create a warm misty mist. The advantage of this type of device is that boiling water kills mold and bacteria. The disadvantage is the risk of burns, which makes these units inappropriate for families with young children.
Hot mist humidifiers are similar to steam / vapor units in that the water is heated to produce a hot mist. The difference is that the warm mist humidifiers cool the air slightly before releasing it into the air. This feature reduces the risk of burns.
There are three types of mist humidifiers with evaporative wick, turbine and ultrasound. Cold mist humidifiers do not heat the water and are a safe alternative for families with young children.
Cold mist humidifiers consume less electricity than warm mist humidifiers. They are able to moisten a larger area and do not make the air heavy and stagnant. The main disadvantage of cold mist humidifiers is that they tend to be a bit noisy and most require regular filter replacement.
Evaporative wick humidifiers use a wick or filter to absorb water, which is then evaporated by a fan. This type of unit creates a more natural form of evaporation, which is a considerable advantage. The disadvantage is the persistent noise created by the fan.
The paddle chamber humidifiers use a rotating disk in the water that creates a fog. Ultrasonic humidifiers use sound waves to vibrate the water and create a fog.
