For a person who suffers frequent colds, nasal congestion, nosebleeds and allergies, a vaporizer or humidifier in the home is heaven sent. By using one of these two home appliance, you can easily relieve the symptoms. Although these machines have the same goal of increasing the moisture level in the air and thus providing symptomatic relief, the debate of vaporizer vs. humidifier in terms of effectiveness has been going on forever.

Honestly, one is just as affective as the other; each has its advantages and disadvantages as well.

What Are They Really?

In colder climates, and especially when a heater is used, breathing can be more difficult and uncomfortable because the air becomes too dry. Using a humidifier can easily restore the moisture back into the house by releasing a cool mist into the air.

On the other hand, a vaporizer is used for the same thing but by releasing hot vapor into the air. There is a heating elements inside the machine that heats the water and then releases hot steam.

Vaporizer VS Humidifier

In the battle of vaporizer vs. humidifier, humidifiers score one point for being the cheaper alternative. This is because humidifiers do not have any heating elements and thus no cost of heating the water.

However, because water is boiled in a vaporizer, there will be zero bacteria and specks of mold released into the air. With a humidifier, there is a higher chance of bacteria and mold growing inside your home. You can prevent this, however, by cleaning the humidifier with soap water every now and then.

On top of eliminating bacteria and mold particles, the boiling water also deactivates any natural minerals contained in the water. These natural minerals can cause mineral building up on the surfaces of and react to your furniture and home finishing. Worse, it can be harmful to the health of the people in your home and also to your pets. If you already have a humidifier and is terrified of this, you can opt to use distilled water with a humidifier.

Safety wise, humidifiers have the upper hand over vaporizers. Because a vaporizer will always have heated water inside it when used, it can be hazardous. Should you put a vaporizer inside your small child’s room, she may play around the machine and put her face on the steam and hurt herself. The hot steam can also be harmful to curious pets roaming around the house. Therefore, in this case, a humidifier is the better choice.

The Conclusion

As you can see, it’s a tie between vaporizers and humidifiers. Despite the whole vaporizer vs. humidifier thing, both water reservoir should be kept clean by washing them with disinfectant soap at regular interval to lessen the possibility of bacterial and mold growth. And also to clear the air (pun intended), a warm mist humidifier is ultimately a vaporizer and a cool mist vaporizer is a humidifier.

In the end, you should decide which is best for your home and needs. You should consider the weather (humidifiers are best for warm climate as the warm mist from vaporizers will make you uncomfortable) and also any small children or pets at home when you decide to get any one of them.

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All household appliances require general maintenance from time to time to retain its usefulness and prolong its shelf life. It is much easier if your appliance is still under warranty- you only need to send it back to the manufacturer!

However, if it has broken down after the warranty period, what should you do? Listed here are some common problems concerning humidifiers and repair tips to help you fix your non-functioning humidifier quickly and easily.

1. Check your humidistat
A humidistat functions as an automatic detector-it monitors the humidity levels in a room or house and turns the humidifier on or off accordingly. If you sense something amiss with the device, you should check the humidistat. It should work well with your heating system, especially during winter.
- Check your electrical control panel for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Replace the blown fuse.
- If this is not the problem, set the humidistat at a higher level (higher than the current humidity in the room).
- Switch off the electrical service panel.
- Open the humidistat body for examination.
- Using a volt-ohm meter, attach a wire clip to the two terminal screws.
- Switch on power to the humidistat. If the drum operates, the humidistat is faulty and requires replacement.
- To replace the humidistat, switch off the power at the electrical service panel and disconnect the humidistat.
- You can purchase a new humidistat from your local electronic and home equipment store. Install the replacement unit.

2. Check the float control
The hollow float inside a humidifier helps control water level. You will need to refill the reservoir from time to time.
- Open the water reservoir panel.
- Fill the water to an appropriate level and determine whether the float rod is straight.
- Adjust the float switch is necessary.
- Tighten all connections to the float.
- If faulty, purchase a new float and replace the faulty float.

3. Check the fan motor
Usually preceded by unusual noise, a faulty fan motor may require servicing or replacement.

4. Check your evaporative pad
- Clean your humidistat. A dirty filter or damaged filter foam can be cause for the problem when the humidifier is not cleaned and maintained regularly.
- Purchase water conditioners to soften the water and reduce algae formation. This helps to make your unit last longer.
- A clean pad prevents emission of bad smell.

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Here are some safety tips in using a humidifier:

1. Follow instructions given in the manual for assembling and handling. If there is filter, consult the manual for further instructions.

2. Always ensure that your hands are dry when installing and handling the power unit. Keep the power outlet away from any form of liquid or dampness (i.e. bathroom.

3. Place the humidifier on a level surface. Ensure that the position of the humidifier is stable. This prevents accidents due to collapse or fall of machine.

4. When water is boiling (in warm mist humidifier), prevent tipping over by warning others beforehand. Keep children away from the device at all times.

5. Use a hygrometer to determine the appropriate level of humidity. Dust mites are more prevalent in overly humid conditions. Maintaining a healthy humidity level will keep them at bay.

6. Remember to turn off the power outlet and unplug the cord when you conduct your routine maintenance cleaning.

7. Always clean and maintain your humidifier properly. Check the humidistat, float, fan and evaporative pad at times to see whether they need replacement.

When using a humidifier, these are the general safety reminders that you should bear in mind. Do not compromise on your safety or health by tolerating the use of a dirty and bacteria-laden device. You and your family deserve the best!

For cleaning and maintenance tips, click here.

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As how much you need the humidifier, that is also how much you should care for it. Like any electrical appliances it needs to be cleaned and maintained. Here are the basic steps to help you:

Cool Mist humidifier
1. Firstly refer to cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure it is compatible with steps below.
2. Unplug your humidifier.
3. Remove the filter and place it to the side.
4. To remove the mineral buildup – pour about a cup undiluted white vinegar into the base of the water container.
5. Allow the vinegar to sit and soak for 1 ½ hour
6. Gently swish the vinegar solution around the container so it coats the entire base
7. Then use a soft bristled brush, gently scrub the interior of the container and areas that has mineral build up
8. At the end of the half hour pour the vinegar out and rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the mineral and vinegar residue.
9. To disinfect the humidifier fill the container with clean water and add one teaspoon of liquid chlorine to every gallon of water
10. Soak for at least half an hour, then pour it out and rinse it thoroughly
11. Finally, replace the humidifier’s filter properly.

For warm mist humidifier all the above steps are applicable. The only difference is that you will need to remove the mineral build up from the heating element:

a. Pour white vinegar into the base of your warm mist humidifier
b. Place the misting chamber into the base.
c. Soak for at least half an hour.
d. Remove the unit and using a soft bristled brush; gently brush away the mineral deposits from the coils.
e. Next, pour cool, clean water into the base and place the misting chamber into it.
f. Let it sit for a while for the residue to soak off.
g. Wipe the chamber clean and dry with a clean, soft cloth.
h. Carefully pour the remaining water down the drain.

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Cool Mist
A cool mist humidifier break water into tiny droplets without heating and it sprays into the air as cool mist.

Pros:

• It is much easy to clean
• It is affective for large areas
• As it sprays cool mist, it is good for warmer climate
• Cool mist makes it easier to breathe and does not make the place humid
• Safer for homes with small children as the water does not boil
• Certain models reduces dust particles in the air

Cons:

• As the water is unheated, the humidifier can become a breeding ground for fungi, harmful germs and molds
• Slightly noisier than warm mist units due to the fan noise
• Cool mist can feel slightly cool and clammy at certain room temperatures

Warm Mist
Warm mist produces warm, soothing mist that you can see and feel. These humidifiers cool the steam before releasing the water droplets as a warm mist instead of real steam.

Pros:

• A warm-mist humidifier boils the water, thus killing off the germs, fungi and mold that can grow in the appliance.
• As it produces warm vapors it is great for treating cold and flu
• More quiet than most cool mist units (although they can produce a boiling noise)
• Warm mist is more comfortable in cooler climates, especially during winter
• As it heats the water and boils it, the steam that is produces will be much cleaner and germ free

Cons:

• It requires frequent cleaning and most difficult to clean, as the boiling water leaves mineral deposits behind
• It is only able to cover a smaller area than a cool mist
• As it is warm mist, it tends to leave the room feeling slightly humid
• As it needs the water to heat or boil, this could be harmful to children

The choice between the cool mist and warm mist depends on personal choice and also the climate one is living in. Take the time to look at your surrounding environment and what you will need the humidifier to function as.

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There are many reasons to get a humidifier. Most people buy one to retain moisture in the cold, dry winter, while some want to improve health conditions. If the humidity in your house is too low, you and those living in the same space will enjoy a more comfortable living with the help of a humidifier. Here are some reasons why you should list humidifier in your list of household appliance purchase:

1. Good health should not be compromised. The air that you breathe in daily is contaminated with dust and other unseen elements. When your breathing passage is dry, the dust and bacteria will stick to the walls of your respiratory tubes and trigger allergies and even asthma attacks. Humidifying the air will help moisten your windpipe and “wash away” germs.

2. During winter, the air is very dry. Dry air reduces oxygen intake, leaving you lethargic. Adding a humidifier instantly adds moisture to the environment you’re in and keeps the area comfortable.

3. Increasing moisture in an area helps a person to relieve a variety of ailments such as dry skin, itchy eyes, cracked lips, respiratory problems, colds and coughs.

4. Adding vaporizer to the water reservoir is especially useful for elderly people and kids with breathing problems.

5. A relieve to pets. Pets may also suffer from similar health symptoms.

6. In extreme cases, expensive furniture and certain musical instruments may run “dry”. Furniture may appear lackluster while musical instruments go out of tune. They will require higher maintenance, which translates to higher costs.

7. There is an increase in static charge in a dry area. This charge proves to be uncomfortable when you come into contact with another person or object.

There is a variety of humidifiers for you to choose from. Whether cool, warm or ultrasonic, you can find a humidifier that suits your needs best.

The most important point to bear in mind is to regularly clean your humidifier. Make it a point to empty stale water and consistently disinfect the water reservoir and evaporative pad. Allowing bacteria spores to breed is worse than not having a humidifier – you would not want to jeopardize your health and those of your loved ones with contaminated air.

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1. Types of Humidifier

Simply put, a humidifier makes the air less dry or more humid by releasing moisture into the air. As you can imagine, this can be done in several ways. Therefore, humidifiers come in several types.

Evaporative Humidifiers

Evaporative humidifiers are basic humidifiers with a reservoir/tank, wick and fan. The water is absorbed from the tank by the wick, which also works as a filter. Then the fan will blow air to the wick to evaporate the water into the air. The moisture output will increase if the room humidity is low.

The wick will trap any mineral deposits in the water, therefore this kind of humidifier has less possibility of releasing white dust together with the moisture. For this kind of humidifier, you need to change the wick often, otherwise it will stop working.

I recommend: Bemis Essick Air H12-400 3-Speed Evaporative Console Humidifier (Review)

Cool Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers have a rotating disc that throws water onto a diffuser which in turn will break the water up finely and release it into the air.

A cool mist humidifier will lower the temperature of the room by one or two degrees, but beware if you have allergy or asthma, as this kind of humidifier also releases any minerals and microorganisms contained in the water together with the mist. It is advisable to use distilled water for this kind of humidifier.

Warm Mist Humidifiers – Steam Humidifier

A warm mist humidifier boils the water and releases steam into the air. More often than not, these humidifiers enable you to add medicated inhalants to be projected simultaneously with the steam.

Warm mist humidifiers are said to be better for health because steam from boiled water does not contain any harmful microorganisms or minerals. Minerals tend to build up around the heating component and require constant cleaning.

This kind of humidifier also heats up the room a degree or two, and might be a safety hazard for kids.

I recommend: Honeywell HWM450 Quick Steam Warm Moisture Humidifier (Review)

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifiers create a cool fog by ultrasonic frequency vibration. These are like cool mist humidifiers; they need to be cleaned regularly and they are also not selective about the elements they put into the air.

I recommend: Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7135 (Review)

2. Room Size

Use a measure tape to measure the size of the room in square feet. You need determine this so that you know what capacity your room humidifier has to be. But if you need to humidify the whole house (almost all of the rooms are below optimal humidity level, for instance), it costs less and is more convenient to install a whole house humidifier or furnace humidifier.

Capacity of a humidifier is defined as the total amount of water the humidifier is able to release into the air in a day. It is NOT the capacity of the tank/reservoir, as many people misunderstood it to be.

If the capacity of your humidifier is too low, it won’t give you your money’s worth; but if the capacity is too high, it may cause over-humidifying.

For large spaces: Bemis Essick Air H12-400 3-Speed Evaporative Console Humidifier – Best Whole House Humidifier(Review)
For small spaces: Crane Adorable 1 Gallon Cool Mist Humidifier

3. Features of Humidifiers
Some important features of humidifiers that you’d want to take into consideration:

Noise Level
Some humidifiers are noisier than others. This can cause some disturbance to sleep if you put a noisy humidifier in your bedroom. Check the reviews for noise level and decide whether you want to run the humidifier throughout the night.

The best quiet humidifier is: Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7135 (Review)

Control settings
I wouldn’t want a humidifier that is too complicated to use, but I would like to be able to control the humidifying time, humidity level and fan speed, if applicable. The control settings are preferably all digital, simple and user friendly. I find the controls of this humidifier very efficient: Honeywell HWM450 Quick Steam Warm Moisture Humidifier (Review)

Ease of handling and maintenance
If you want to move the humidifier around to humidify different areas of the house, make sure you get a lightweight one. The tank should be easy to clean and fill up.

Safety features
Will you be buying a warm mist humidifier? Take care to put it somewhere your child can’t reach it because it is hot! Check for safety features of the humidifier you want to buy such as thermal cutoff, overheat protection and automatic tip-over switch that will prevent electrical hazards.

Filters
Will you need to change the filter for the humidifier you buy? Check the price of humidifier filters as well because you’d want to include them in your budget.

Warranty
A good humidifier should also come with a warranty from the manufacturer. You might also want to check the reputation of the manufacturer and its customer service.

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Welcome to my new blog – best humidifier! I have experience in buying and using many models of humidifiers to improve my family’s health. My kids and myself have allergy so using humidifiers in our home helps us live a better life. So in this blog I will write all about humidifiers, including humidifier reviews, tips on using, cleaning and repairing a humidifier, and how to choose the best humidifier

Why don’t I start with some introduction on humidifier? Here goes.

A humidifier is what you’d use to humidify a room or house. When the level of humidity in your living area becomes too low, especially in the cold winter, the dry air may cause damage to your home and your health. Dry air can make your furniture crack, but worse still, it’ll make your lips crack.

Using a humidifier will help in many ways, such as:

• prevent colds and coughs caused by respiratory infections;
• ease breathing and contribute to your comfort because oxygen intake is difficult in dry air;
• relieve asthma and allergies;
• prevent dry, flaky skin, itchy eyes and cracked lips.

There are a few types of humidifiers:

1. Evaporative humidifier
2. Cool mist humidifier or impeller humidifier
3. Warm mist humidifier or vaporizer
4. Ultrasonic humidifier

Each type of humidifier works differently and has its advantages and disadvantages. I will write a more detailed explanation in my coming posts in my Best Humidifier blog, see ya around then!