What Does a Humidifier Do?

You see them everywhere during the winter, and you know they're generally good to have around, but what exactly does a humidifier do? We're here to explore this subject and give you a thorough understanding of how humidifiers work, what exactly they do to the air, and why it's a good idea to bring one into your home!

What Do Humidifiers Do?

Indoor spaces should ideally have a relative humidity between 30% and 50%. This is not only for the benefit of everyone living in your home, but also for keeping items like furniture, wood floors, and books in decent condition. If it's winter and having the heat on is drying everything out, or if you live in a generally dry climate and want to improve the air inside your home, a humidifier is an easy and effective way to keep an appropriate humidity level in your home by adding moisture to the air.

How Does a Humidifier Work?

There are different types of humidifiers, but their general operation is that they turn water into vapor, and then dissipate that vapor into the air. A cool mist style of humidifier operates with a fan blowing air over a moistened wick, and the moistened air then blows out of the unit and into the air at room temperature. Since no heating element is used, these humidifiers are a safe choice for use in homes with children or pets, plus they offer excellent energy efficiency. A warm mist humidifier uses an internal heating element to boil water, and the resulting steam flows into the room with no need for an internal fan. Since these humidifiers involve a heating element, they're best used in environments where they'll be left untouched and away from any potential knocking-over. An ultrasonic humidifier, which is a cool-mist style that also operates at room temperature, creates the mist by way of a high-speed vibrating plate. Ultrasonic models offer quiet and safe operation, as well as energy efficiency.

Does a Humidifier Help with Congestion?

It absolutely can, and offers many other benefits as well! Humidifying the air can thin out congestion in your nose and throat to make breathing easier. Keeping your air properly humidified also keeps your body's mucus membranes moist, which allows your respiratory system to operate at peak performance and comfort. Airborne allergens and mite levels also decrease with a proper level of humidity. A humidified room feels warmer than a dryer room, adding another benefit to humidifying during cold months. Another amazing benefit: reduction of static electricity. Nobody enjoys getting that shock every time they reach for a doorknob, and a properly-humidified environment allows static charge to properly dissipate throughout the air instead of building up.

Ready to make your home more comfortable this winter? Check out our humidifier buying guide to find the perfect model for your home, and feel the difference for yourself!