How to Choose a Natural Mist Humidifier
- 1). Select the type you prefer. For instance, natural-mist humidifiers come in three basic types: evaporative, impeller, and ultrasonic. Evaporative humidifiers operate via a wick that absorbs water while a fan blade evaporates and disperses the moisture. Impellers consist of a spinning disk attached at the bottom of the water basin. Ultrasonic humidifiers vibrate soundlessly to create tiny water droplets that feel like a gentle, cool fog flowing out from the machine.
- 2). Match the humidifier to the size of your room or home. For instance, manufacturers rate humidifiers by how many square feet (sf) of air they can humidify. Small tabletop units can often humidify a 200 to 300 sf room. Larger consoles can humidify 800 to 1,000 sf.
- 3). Compare cleaning cycles. Unlike hot-mist humidifiers that kill bacteria, bacteria can grow within a natural-mist humidifier. You must clean your natural-mist humidifier an average of every three to seven days.
- 4). Compare noise levels. Evaporative humidifiers contain fans, so they can create a slight hum or buzz. Impellers have rotating discs, but the discs lie beneath the water, so they create less noise. Ultrasonic humidifiers operate silently.
- 5). Compare features. For instance, some humidifiers have an LCD read-out that shows the humidity level of the room. Others have auto-shut off settings that shuts the humidifier off when the room reaches optimal levels of around 40%. Some cool-mist humidifiers have a receptacle for medicine or aromatherapy that can clear your lungs and sinus passages.
- 6). Make sure the humidifier meets your budget. Evaporative and impeller humidifiers cost $30 to $50. Ultrasonic humidifiers cost $60 to $100.
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