A humidifier is a household appliance used to increase the moisture or humidity in a room or the entire house. These come in various brands, shapes and sizes - point-of-use humidifiers are the most commonly used to humidify a single room, whereas furnace humidifiers or full-house humidifiers are used, connected to the main HVAC system, to humidify the entire house. A humidifier can help with problems caused by dry air such as dry skin, swollen nasal passages, cracked lips, asthma, sinus headaches, etc. Consumers mostly prefer the digital humidifiers as these help them set their desired temperatures.
Types of Humidifiers- Broadly classified into 2 types - warm or cool humidifiers. The most popular type of humidifier consists of a reservoir, a fan and wick and works on the principle of evaporation. The other types are vaporizer or steam humidifiers (warm mist humidifiers), impeller humidifiers (the cool mist humidifiers), ultrasonic humidifiers and hydro-pneumatic capillary system humidifiers.
Disadvantages and Risks The use of a humidifier can allow the reproduction of dust mites or the growth of harmful mold, which may cause allergies or respiration problems to children and the elderly. The temperature levels should be relatively at 30% and 50%. Humidifiers can cause severe health problems if the users fail to follow the instructions or the manufacturer's directions.
Comparison The main choice is between warm and cool humidifiers. The difference is dependent on individual choice of whether you like warm or cool moist air, be it a single room or the entire house. Warm humidifiers, in general, make less noise but can be used only in single rooms. Cool humidifiers on the other hand can cover a larger space, but tend to make noise as they have moving parts. Every humidifier has its own advantage or disadvantage and making a choice on one can be difficult. If the consumer understands how they work, it becomes easier to choose which one you need. Warm humidifiers use a lot of electricity as they require a heating element to heat the water and if overused, air can get muggy. Cool humidifiers on the other hand, require less electricity as they do not need to heat the water, are safe around children with no burn risks. But they end up making noise and some require regular replacement.
Maintenance Most consumers are worried about the care and maintenance required to keep their humidifiers in good condition. Good news is that by following a few simple steps you will be able to keep the humidifiers in top condition. Neglecting the cleaning and maintenance of an electrical appliance can only hinder its performance. Understanding the instructions by the manufacturer, taking care of filters and using the right disinfectants can help you maintain your portable or fixed humidifier. In case of fixed humidifiers, it is recommended that you get help by professionals to get them examined after long periods of usage.
Single room or portable humidifiers are most commonly used as they are relatively cheap and easy to install. Whole house or fixed humidifiers are more complex installations that require professional help. Most consumers prefer using multiple single room or portable humidifiers for each room or space in their house. So buying a portable or fixed humidifier is a choice that involves serious thinking. End of the day, keeping your family's health in mind, the right choice is yours to make.
Autor: Renata Lavlor
Renata Lavlor writes about Appliances and other home improvement tips as a staff writer for HowToDoThings.com.
Added: June 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/
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