With cold winter weather outside comes dry indoor air. A portable
humidifier may help to alleviate itchy skin, guard against respiratory
problems, reduce static electricity, and protect furniture.
Humidifiers add moisture to the air through a variety of methods:
Evaporative models use a fan to pull air through a water-soaked filter.
Impeller models break up water into tiny droplets which are then cast
into the air. Steam-mist models boil water to release steam. Warm-mist
humidifiers also boil water, but mix cool air with the steam.
Ultrasonic humidifiers use sound waves to break up water into mist.
Each type has its advantages and drawbacks; be sure to do some
background reading or seek the help of a knowledgeable dealer. General
areas to consider include the following:
-
Size. A humidifier's capacity, or the amount of moisture it can
dispense in a given time, should match your needs. Calculate the volume
of the space to be humidified by multiplying the total floor area in
square feet by the ceiling height. Also consider how well insulated
your home is. A tabletop model is usually big enough for one or two
rooms; for a house or large apartment, you will probably need a console
model. If your home is an older one and the outside walls lack a vapor
barrier -- a sheet of foil, plastic, or treated paper behind the wall
-- you should not use a humidifier at all. Moisture can build up and
damage walls and insulation.
- Controls. Look
for easy-to-use controls. You may also want a model with a humidistat,
a device that turns the humidifier on and off to regulate the moisture.
Lights that indicate when the water tank is empty or an auto shutoff
device is also helpful.
- Design. Most
humidifiers need to be filled daily and cleaned weekly, so look for
models that are easy to disassemble and have few crevices. Water tanks
should have wide openings and handles for carrying to and from a
faucet.
- Cost. Consider not only the purchase
price, but the operating and maintenance costs. Some types of
humidifiers consume more energy than others. Some require replacing
filters on a regular basis, and others require the use of distilled
water, soft water, or demineralization cartridges.
Although humidifiers provide health benefits, they also can emit
airborne bacteria, microorganisms, and molds. The key to avoiding this
problem is to clean and disinfect the humidifier frequently and to
scrupulously follow the manufacturer's care and maintenance
instructions.