Warm and cold air humidifiers accomplish the same task; adding moister to the air. Humidifiers are typically used to help alleviate common symptoms from the common cold, flu and allergies, such as nasal and chest congestion, according to MayoClinic.com. Lack of moister in the air can cause someone to develop a stuffy nose, especially in the winter months when household heating systems remove moister from the air. Talk with a doctor to see if a cold or warm humidifier is the best choice for the condition.
Warm Types
Warm humidors come in two types: vaporizers and warm mist. Vaporizers use a heating element that boils the water, converting the water into steam. The steam is released into the air, adding moisture. A warm mist humidifier operates in a similar fashion, but it cools the mist before blown into the room.
Cool Types
Cool air humidifiers are available in three types: a wick, impeller or ultrasonic, according to humidifierinformation.com. A wick humidifier uses a large wick that operates like a sponge, absorbing water. A fan blows over the wick, releasing unseen mist into the air. An impeller uses a disk that spins at high speeds, converting water droplets into moisture. This version is quieter than a wick humidifier but is not as quiet as an ultrasonic unit. An ultrasonic unit uses sound waves, unheard to the ear to convert water into vapor.
Considerations
In some cases, a warm humidifier is more effective, especially for use with babies. According to Parenting.com, warm mist is the best treatment for babies that are suffering from nasal congestion. Cool mist humidifiers lack warmth and are not considered as effective with newborn congestion. Warm mist humidifiers pose a risk of burns with small children and pets, and should be kept away from their reach.
Risk
Cool and warm mist humidifiers can lead to the increased growth of mold and dust mites, but warm mist humidifiers pose a greater risk. Excessive use of a warm mist humidifier can encourage the growth of mold and mildew in the unit and surrounding areas, such as in the carpet or walls. According to MayoClinic.com, maintaining proper moister levels will help prevent mold growth.
Maintenance
Cool mist humidifiers need to be cleaned on a daily basis to prevent a health hazard. Remove the water basin and wash in it in hot soapy water. Wipe down the entire machine and allow the parts to air dry. Warm mist humidifiers also require daily attention. Empty the water reservoir and allow it to air dry. Wipe down the heating element to avoid mineral deposits from forming. Using distilled or purified water will also help prevent mineral deposits on the heating element.
