Humidifiers are home appliances used to increase moisture in the air. They are sold as stand-alone units, or can be whole house units, in which case they would be attached to a home’s furnace.
An increase in moisture creates a healthier living environment. It makes a house more comfortable for humans, and prevents wood and other materials in the home from drying out and shrinking or cracking.
The most popular humidifiers are stand-alone units, which are used to humidify one room. Larger ones can be bought with rolling casters so that they can be moved from room to room. Whichever portable type is bought, it is important to know the difference between a cool mist humidifier and a warm mist humidifier.
A cool mist humidifier is the most common, and is known as an evaporator. They are simple units that are basically a reservoir to hold the water, a fan to blow the water onto the filter, and the filter that holds the water until it is released as mist into the air.
A warm mist humidifier simply heats the water before releasing it into the air. Many people prefer a warm mist humidifier for two reasons. The first is that medicated inhalants can be added to the humidifier to help household members suffering from a cold or the flu. The second reason is there is no chance for mould or mildew to grow inside the reservoir, as there is with a cool mist humidifier.