Humidifiers come in two general types: Warm Mist and Cool Mist. The process they use differs, but they both add moisture to the air. Choosing between them is largely a matter of personal preference. The price ranges for both types stretch from $45 to $170.
Make sure the model you choose is easy to clean. As we discovered in our clean-air tests, humidifiers can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Read the full story in, "Is your humidifier putting you at risk?" Note: There is a third type of whole-house humidifier. In-duct or furnace humidifiers are the ideal choice if you have a forced-air heating system and want to humidify the whole house. They are tapped into the air ducts and plumbed into your home's water supply, so they usually require professional installation. (We do not test that type.) Warm Mist Warm Mist humidifiers heat water to a boil, then emit the resulting steam. Some warm mist humidifiers review include mineral filters that trap water deposits. These filters are not pricey to replace, but they do need changing, so factor that maintenance cost into the equation. Due to risk of burns, some pediatricians caution against using warm mist units near children. Cool Mist There are three kinds of Cool Mist humidifiers: hvac Evaporation, Ultrasonic, and Impeller. Evaporation models use a fan to blow air over a wet wick. The cost for a spare wick is around $10, depending on model. Ultrasonic humidifiers use a vibrating neutralizer to emit water. Impeller models produce mist using a rotating disk. Choose by Room Size Ideally, indoor humidity should be 30 to 50 percent. But without humidification assistance, that level can drop to 10 percent in winter. Cold air holds less moisture and dries out even more when heated by furnaces or wood fires. To determine the humidifier size you need, measure the square footage of the room. Based on the size you need, you can shop an array of humidifier styles. Making the right choice involves trade-offs in efficiency, noise, and convenience. Small humidifiers, for rooms up to 300 square feet Medium humidifiers, for rooms 300 to 499 square feet For small and medium rooms, tabletop or portable humidifiers are the least expensive, but their small tanks require frequent refills. Make sure your faucet height will accommodate the refill tank. Large humidifiers, for rooms 500 to 999 square feet Console models are larger than tabletops, and can also be moved from room to room. Whether evaporative or ultrasonic, console humidifiers generate lots of moist air. Ultrasonic humidifiers are quiet because they trade the usual fan for a vibrating nebulizer. Some warm-mist tabletop models make little or no noise beyond mild boiling and hissing sounds. Extra-large humidifiers, for spaces 1,000 square feet or more For large areas, consider buying a quiet ultrasonic console model. Alternatively, buy an evaporative model and place it away from sleeping areas. A console's larger tank needs fewer refills, but can be awkward to maneuver. Evaporative models are also considerably louder than ultrasonic models. Consider These Features source- http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/humidifiers/buying-guide.htm
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