Stay Comfortable This Winter With A Humidifier

For those who live in cooler areas, increasing humidity levels in the home can also increase one's

comfort levels. Indoor humidity levels in the winter should be around 30 to 40%, as winter air holds

moisture, and when it is heated indoors, it becomes dryer, which then causes skin irritation, sinus

attacks, and dry eyes. Using a humidifier can also be of benefit by doing the following:

1. Relieving dry sinuses

2. Reducing the possibility of winter infection by keeping the mucous membranes moist

3. Reducing static electricity shocks

4. Preventing valuables and furniture from cracking and warping

However, in the past, humidifiers were often loud appliances which had a tendency to expel particles

in the air such as mineral dust. The good news is that the humidifiers now being produced are easier

to maintain and relatively quiet. There are generally 2 types of humidifiers: cool mist and warm mist,

and which one you choose generally boils down to a matter of taste, as both types of humidifiers raise

humidity levels and will make you more comfortable. Here are some Pros and Cons of cool mist and

warm mist humidifiers:

Cool Mist Humidifiers:

Cool mist humidifiers work by making water vapor though a rapidly turning disk within the water of the

unit. Because this vapor is not heated, there is no risk of burning. A filter is also used to trap minerals

and impurities, and a cool mist is then evaporated into the air. Cool mist humidifiers also include

evaporative humidifiers, impeller humidifiers, and ultrasonic humidifiers.

Pros:

- More comfortable in warm climates

- Cool mist is easier to breathe

- Relatively easy to clean

- More effective in large areas

- Safe to use around young children

Cons:

- Due to the fan noise (with the exception of ultrasonic humidifiers), cool mist may be noisier than

warm mist units

- The wicks in evaporative humidifiers can get dirty and develop mold

Warm Mist Humidifiers

Warm mist humidifiers produce a soothing, warm mist and they include steam humidifiers and

vaporizers. Although these types of humidifiers are less likely to grow mold and bacteria, they can

cause burns. Vapor is made in these units by a steam-causing heat element. Because this method

does not cause minerals to be deposited into the air, tap water can be used. However, because of the

high temperature of the water, they're not recommended for those with young children.

Pros:

- Effective for treating colds and flu

- Quieter than cool mist units

- More comfortable in cooler climates and in the winter

- Cleaner mist than cool mist units

Cons:

- Covers smaller area when compared to cool mist humidifiers

- Can leave a room feeling muggy

- The hot steam can be dangerous and extremely hot

Also keep in mind that studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer

Product Safety Commission have shown that when used improperly, ultrasonic humidifiers can

disperse materials such as microorganisms and minerals from their water tanks into indoor air, as

microorganisms can often grow in stagnate water contained in these humidifier tanks. Therefore, to

decrease exposure to these microorganisms and minerals, try to use bottled water instead of distilled

water; empty the tank and wipe surfaces daily; do not permit the area around the humidifier to

become wet; and also purchase a humidifier with an anti-bacterial filter to help sterilize the water in

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