Choose from twotypes of portable cool-mist humidifiers: ultrasonic and evaporative.
Each has significant differences in how they produce moisture.
Read on to understand their unique qualities and to help you decide on the right one for you.
Ultrasonic humidifier (left) and evaporative humidifier (right)The Spruce / Krystal Slagle & Jorge Gamboa
Choosing between a design will depend on what features are more important to you.
It’s the quieter of the two types of humidifiers.
The ultrasonic generally has no filter factored into its design, which saves operation costs.
Illustration: Ellen Chao. © The Spruce, 2019
Evaporative Humidifier
Evaporativehumidifiershave been in use for decades and are considered the most common humidifying appliance.
The built-in fan draws in air that blows through a moist wick filter at the bottom of the humidifier.
If you’re interested in a fun and decorative addition to your room, opt for an ultrasonic humidifier.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
The bang out of filter used varies considerably depending on the appliance’s design.
With most, the filter will require routine cleaning or replacement.
Some evaporative models are also designed to providearomatherapyduring the humidification process.
The Spruce / Jorge Gamboa
Very few models in this category are non-filter units that simply churn out a water mist or vapor.
What matters is choosing thecorrect sizeof humidifier for your room.
Humidifiers have ratings that show what square footage they’ll cover within a 24-hour period.
Whichever throw in you choose to buy, always monitor your humidity levels.
Otherwise, it’s possible for you to test it with an inexpensive equipment called ahygrometer.
If this is a major annoyance for you, consider buying a unit with a decalcification filter.
Mineral scale dust is usually barely noticeable.
If humidifier noise is your main concern, an ultrasonic humidifier is your best choice.
An ultrasonic humidifier does not have a fan to add to the noise of the appliance.
You should recognize, though, that no humidifier is entirely silent.
If noise concerns you less than expense, choose a more affordable evaporative humidifier.
Operation
Set up for both an ultrasonic and evaporative humidifier is relatively simple.
The only difference you’ll have with an evaporative humidifier is the simple installation of a new filter.
In terms of operation, there is no advantage of one jot down of humidifier over the other.
Once costing considerably less than ultrasonic humidifiers, evaporative humidifiers today are only a little less costly than ultrasonics.
But you should expect to combat dust in the room more frequently.
Locatefilter replacementsbefore buying a humidifier and always have a spare filter on hand.
Top Brands
The Hidden Danger of Humidifiers.
Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Mold.United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Moisture Control, Part of Indoor Air Quality Design Tools for Schools.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
