Welcome to part one of the series on how to choose the best AIRCARE® humidifier. Humidifiers provide a variety of benefits. Dry air can irritate many parts of the body, causing itchy eyes, cracked lips, dry skin and hair, sore throats and other symptoms. Additionally, dry air can help spread diseases by keeping viruses active longer and weakening the body’s defenses against infections. The first step in finding the right AIRCARE humidifier? Determining which humidifier type suits your needs.
Types of AIRCARE Humidifiers
AIRCARE humidifiers add moisture to the air to prevent dryness. Humidifiers operate using three main technologies: evaporative, steam or ultrasonic. They can also be categorized as hot steam, warm or cool mist. It’s important to find the right one for you.
Evaporative humidifiers: These use a wicking filter that absorbs water and traps minerals and impurities. A motor and fan draw the moisture from the saturated wicking filter and blow the clean, healthy evaporated moisture into the air. They have humidistats, which are like thermostats but for humidity, to help maintain optimal levels.Evaporative humidifiers, like the AIRCARE Space Saver, are the best option for large spaces or whole house humidification. Evaporative humidifiers are cool-mist humidifiers. Our AIRCARE humidifier fragrances can be added to the water. These humidifiers are easy to clean if serviced and disinfected on a regular basis. The wicks or pads will need to be replaced every 30–90 days, depending on the severity of the outdoor temperatures as well as the water quality being used. Using a bacteriostatic treatment keeps your unit cleaner longer.
Steam humidifiers: Instead of a wicking filter, these models use a heating element that boils the water. This hot steam is then released into the air. Steam humidifiers are not a good choice for children (or some pets) since the hot water can burn if it is spilled. Since they do not use a fan, they tend to be quieter. The AIRCARE Ozark has a medicine cup for inhalants or humidifier fragrances. They can help with cough, congestion, sinus and allergy relief as the warmer moisture is more soothing on the nasal passages. They are best for smaller spaces. Steam humidifiers do not use wicks, but they do require weekly cleaning since bacteria collects and grows faster in a warm and moist environment.
Ultrasonic humidifiers: These models use a nebulizer, vibrating at ultrasonic speeds that breaks water particles into an ultrafine mist. The humidifier then silently propels this mist into the air. Because there is no filter, distilled or filtered water is recommended as any impurities or minerals that are in the water will be dispersed into the air. Because the ultrasonic vibration is above the threshold of human hearing, they are quieter than other models. Most are cool-mist humidifiers, but some models also have a warm-mist option. All AIRCARE ultrasonic models can diffuse essential oils. They are a great choice for children or pets. AIRCARE’s PILLAR has a narrow design that is great for small spaces, while offering a coverage area up to 750 square feet. Although there is no wick, regular cleaning is still necessary. AIRCARE demineralization cartridges help reduce the formation of white dust, which is mineral residue, and can also prolong the life of your unit.
AIRCARE offers evaporative, steam and ultrasonic humidifiers in a variety of options to suit your needs and style. Let’s find the right one for you. Give us a call at 800-547-3888, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Don’t forget to check out How to Choose an AIRCARE Humidifier – Part 2.
