Best Humidifiers in 2023

Are there different types of humidifiers?

Cool-mist humidifiers

A cool-mist humidifier is a good choice for stubborn colds or homes with dry air. Cool-mist humidifiers have built-in filters that capture particles and impurities from your air. They produce cool air that opens your sinuses and give you all of the benefits of mentholated air. As a bonus, many of these humidifiers also reduce the amount of dust around your home.

Warm air humidifier

Though warm-air humidifiers also help during cold and flu season, they work best in cool climates. They have a heating element inside that heats the water in the tank, from which it releases the steam. The heating process helps remove some of the bacteria found in your water. Warm-mist humidifiers are not suitable for use around babies and kids because the steam and the machines can become quite hot.

Vaporizer humidifiers

Vaporizer humidifiers run quietly and produce warm steam. These machines use two different settings that allow you to choose between warm and cool mists. The warm-mist setting produces steam that you can see in the air; the cool-mist setting releases a gentle mist. Many vaporizer humidifier users like that they do not leave behind powders and other marks in their homes. Plus, you’ll find that vaporizer humidifiers are often fairly cheap.

Evaporative humidifiers

Evaporative humidifiers have filters with a moist wick on the bottom, in addition to a small fan. The fan pushes the vapors from the filter up through the machine and out into the room. They are both inexpensive and easy to use. You may not like the results of an evaporation humidifier if you have hard water, as the mist can leave behind a white powder on your walls and other surfaces. Another thing to keep in mind is that the humidifier does not kill bacteria.

Ultrasonic humidifer

Ultrasonic humidifiers are quite popular with shoppers today because they have the most modern features. Not only can you choose between cool- and warm-mist settings, but you can choose from different speeds, as well. This type of humidifier uses vibrations to break water in the tank into smaller particles or droplets that it push into the room. While they are more expensive than other types of humidifiers, they are usually great value for the money. You can even find some that have digital screens and work with apps.

Where and how can you use a humidifier?

You can use humidifiers in any room in your home, though, some of the more common rooms to use them are bedrooms and bathrooms. Humidifiers also work in your living room or dining room. Some shoppers even report using humidifiers to keep their plants healthy.

When using a humidifier, it’s important to keep an eye on the humidity level of the filter and in your home. You usually want to keep your home’s humidity level at about 50% or less. If you have too much humidity, you may find that the paint or wallpaper peels off your walls and you develop problems with mold or mildew. Depending on the model, you may need to replace the filter every six months or more. Some humidifiers come with a permanent filter that you need to wipe clean.

Be sure to use the humidifier as directed. Many manufacturers tell you to never place the humidifier on wood furniture, as the moisture can damage those surfaces. You also want to use caution if you plan to use one on the floor. Humidifiers can damage wood floors and break the grout that holds tiles in place. If you have baseboard or floor heating, the warm air could interfere with the settings on your humidifier, too.

What are the benefits of using a humidifier?

Using a humidifier comes with many benefits, especially if you use one during the long, cold winter months. Many humidifiers have filters that catch the particles in the air that can make you sick. This can also reduce the risk that your family spreads germs around your home. Additionally, if you snore or live with someone who snores, using a humidifier may help you sleep more easily. The moisture produced by the humidifier soothes the tissues in your mouth and throat, which helps you sleep without snoring. Some of the other benefits of using a humidifier include the following:

• Aids in skin moisture and hydration
• Allergy relief
• Reduce the static buildup in your home
• Helps in relief from a sinus headache and sinus infections
• Supports overall hair health
• Allows for quicker recovery from colds

How are humidifiers and dehumidifiers different?

The biggest difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier their main function. While a humidifier releases moisture into the air, a dehumidifier pulls moisture out of the air. Depending on the type of climate you live in, you may need to use both during different seasons. A humidifier is helpful in the late fall through the early spring when you spend a lot of time inside and the air is dry. Late spring through the early fall is when the humidity level outside rises, which can also increase the humidity inside your home; this is when a dehumidifier may be extremely beneficial.
Generally, you should use a dehumidifier proactively, i.e. before you notice an increase in humidity. This allows for more time to protect your home and prevent damages. Using a dehumidifier helps you reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth and eliminates the musty odors they leave behind. You can also use one to reduce water damage after a flood or leak. Additionally, dehumidifiers can help with pest problems because they dry up the water sources pests seek out around your home.

What should you look for in a humidifier?

Aside from the type of humidfier, you should also consider how much you are willing to spend before making your purchase. While some are highly affordable and priced at $50 or less, others are prices as much as $300-$500. Humidifiers designed to cover your whole home can easily cost a few thousand dollars. Here are some other humidifier factors to take into consideration:

Square footage

Give some thought to where you want to use the humidifier. Manufacturers will list how much space each model can cover in terms of square footage. Smaller humidifiers and personal designs only cover up to 100 square feet. They’re suitable for use in a baby’s nursery or your home office. If you want one that you can use in your living room that will benefit surrounding rooms, you need one that covers 500 square feet or more. Some larger humidifiers that cover up to 1,000 square feet of space, too.

Run time

Looking at the run time of a humidifier will tell you how long it can run before you need to fill the tank. Humidifiers with a longer run-time are suitable for use at night. You can head to bed and wake up to the benefits of breathing moist air through the night. If the humidifier has a lower run time, you will need to get out of bed to refill the tank. Humidifiers often have a run time of up to six hours, but you’ll find some models that can run for a full 24 hours or longer before the tank runs out.

Tank basics

The tank capacity and run time of a humidifier often correspond. When you pick a humidifier with a larger tank, it will run for longer before needing to be refilled. Most brands describe tank capacity in gallons when the humidifiers are bigger and liters when they are smaller. Another thing to consider is how easily you can access the tank. Humidifiers with big tanks requires you to take apart the humidifier and lug the tank to the nearest sink. A portable tank that you can easily carry and one that you can access in a few minutes or less is much more convenient and sustainable in the long run.

Required maintenance

It’s helpful to look at how much maintenance the humidifier requires, too. Some tanks need to be cleaned once a week to prevent mold and mildew from growing. Other humidifiers require that you use special tablets to clean the tank or allow you to easily wash it in your sink. some come with a filter you can pop out to clean, while others require that you replace the filter regularly. The cost of owning and using a humidifier can climb if you need to replace the filter once a month or more often.

Other things to consider

There are a handful of other factors you should look at when buying a humidifier, including:

• Hard vs. soft water: If you have hard water, you need to look for the right type of humidifier. Using hard water in a humidifier can result in the mist leaving behind a powdery white substance on different areas of your home. Some humidifiers ask that you only use distilled water in them.
• Aromatherapy options: Do you like the idea of relaxing at home and enjoying some of your favorite scents? Look for a humidifier that doubles as an aromatherapy diffuser. These models allow you to use essential oils in different scents. However, not all humidifiers work as diffusers.
• Noise output: Some humidifiers run as loud as your other appliances, which can be disruptive to sleep. Look for one with a decibel output in the range of 40 or less if you plan to use it while sleeping. Quieter humidifiers are typically safe to use in a child’s bedroom.
• Remote: You may not need a remote to run and use a humidifier, but this type of control is helpful. Instead of walking across the room every time you want to adjust the speed or check on the settings, you can use the remote.
• App: In addition to a remote, some humidifiers works with a separate app. Many of these apps are free to use. They allow you to check the humidity level in your home and adjust the settings when you’re in a different room or even away from home.
• Size: Console humidifiers are quite large and take up a lot of space, but they cover more square footage, and can benefit your whole home. Smaller humidifiers are great for moving and using in different rooms.
• Warranty: Always consider the warranty that comes with the humidifier. The warranty may last for just one year or cover the first two years of ownership. You can also find out whether the manufacturer offers an extended warranty.