No matter where you live in the world, you have experienced the effects of humidity. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, humidity is defined as the percent of water vapor in the atmosphere. Fluctuations in humidity can be felt season-to-season or day-to-day, depending on the region. Humidity has an influence on the weather and health associated with that. Drier climates tend to promote more pollens and dust, where moist climates promote molds, fungi and spores. You can manipulate the percentage of humidified air by using a cold or warm mist humidifier.
Humidity Basics
Air enters your home with a certain level of humidity. According to USAToday, an ideal humidity level in your home should range from 30 to 40 percent. Drafts coming from poorly insulated doors and windows, or central heaters, can lower humidity levels. Too low a humidity can build static electricity and cause health problems, such as dry nose and respiratory issues. Too high a humidity can cause molds and fungi to grow in the cracks of drywall or wood paneling. You can use an inexpensive tool called a hygrometer to measure the percentage of moisture in the air.
Cool Mist
There are two different types of cool mist humidifiers. An evaporation wick humidifier uses a material that absorbs the water from the holding tank while a fan blows over the wick, releasing the water vapor. According to HumidifierInformation.com, this type of humidification is the more natural and self-limiting, as the amount of room humidification becomes equal to the amount of humidification coming from the unit. An ultrasonic humidifier employs sound waves to vibrate the water and create the watery mist. Ultrasound humidifiers are almost silent and are preferred over their noisier evaporating wick counterpart.
Warm Mist
Warm mist humidifiers work by boiling the water to release a steam mist into a room. This action also warms the air around the unit. According to WarmAirHumidifier.net, physicians often prescribe this type of humidifier because it helps to clear airway passages, reduces the chance of further inflammation and provides healthier air to breathe. Warm humidifiers are more costly than cool air units because of the additional heating element and energy requirements, but the health benefits might outweigh the additional cost. These units are also used to steam certain vaporizing medications.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits to using both cold and warm air humidifiers. According to AllergyBeGone, humidifiers help keep your mucous membranes moist, which prevents or alleviates the symptoms of flu, cold and asthma. Airway passages will remain moist, minimizing inflammation, and your skin becomes moist and supple. The moisture will alleviate dry and itchy conditions, including eczema. It also helps your home environment by keeping plants somewhat hydrated, and keeping wooden furniture from drying and cracking.
Cautions
Humidifiers have numerous benefits, but they also have some potential disadvantages. Portable and central humidifying units can become contaminated quickly with bacteria and mold, requiring rigorous cleaning. Warm mist humidifiers are especially prone to bacterial buildup because of the warm and moist environment they create. Use manufacturer recommendations for cleaning your humidifier unit. In the absence of recommendations, you should use a 3-percent solution of hydrogen peroxide for any surface that touches water.
References
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association: What Is Atmospheric Humidity and How Is It Measured
- USAToday.com: Wrong Humidity Turns Your House Into a Hassle
- HumidifierInformation.com: Different Types Of Humidifiers Compared
- WarmAirHumidifier.net: Warm Air Humidifier -- How it Benefits You and Your Entire Household
- AllergyBeGone: Learn More About Air Humidifiers
