The Pros and Cons of Cool and Warm Mist Humidifiers
With so many options, it can be difficult deciding on what type of humidifier to buy.
Some are traditional humidifiers and others are equipped with the latest modern technology.
Before purchasing your humidifier you must consider which factors will be important to you while using the appliance.
Are you more so concerned about pricing, effectiveness or child safety? Once you narrow down your list of what you are in the market for, you can know what kind of humidifiers to search for.
Types of Humidifiers
Humidifiers are broken down into two categories: Warm Mist and Cool Mist.
While both warm and cool moisture humidifiers are designed to purify air and increase humidity levels, they operate very differently.
You should be able to decide which humidifier is fit for you by applying your list of factors. Let's take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of warm mist and cool mist humidifiers.
Warm mist
Warm mist humidifiers are designed to create a warm moisture from heated water.
Because this type of humidifier functions with warm water instead of cold, it can fight off any bacteria or mold that may start to grow or develop in parts of the humidifier.
- This is one of the reasons why the warm mist humidifier is considered one of the healthiest humidifiers on the market.
- Warm mist humidifiers can collect any minerals that are leftover from the heated water.
- Warm humidifiers can also operate without having to replace the filters.
- Common types of warm mist humidifiers are steam humidifiers and vaporizers.
- Vaporizers can tend to be healthy because they can produce steam with less minerals than other humidifiers. This type of humidifier is perfect to use during the winter.
Cool mist
Cool mist humidifiers are structured to disperse a cool spray/mist into the air.
This mist is usually released at room temperature and can increase the humidity level in your home.
- There are two types of cool mist humidifiers: Evaporative and Ultrasonic. Both humidifiers produce the same results but work very differently than the other.
- For example an evaporative humidifier increases humidity with its fan and wick filter. The water that sits in its reservoir (bowl-like container) flows to the wick filter, which is then blown by the fan and transforms into a cool mist.
- On the other hand an ultrasonic humidifier uses vibrated technology to break down water into small droplets which then formulates into cool mist particles.
- The ultrasonic humidifier is a lot quieter than an evaporative humidifier.
- Minerals that are collected and released in ultrasonic humidifiers can turn into "white dust", which can ultimately float onto your furniture.
- White dust is not a hazard to your health and can be prevented by using distilled water.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers are also available with warm mist features.
- Cool mist humidifiers are the perfect option for humidifying large areas in your home or building.
Cool mist humidifiers are the perfect option for humidifying large areas in your home or building.
Pros and cons of each
Cool Mist Humidifier
Pros:
- Cool mist humidifiers do not require as much electricity as warm mist humidifiers
- Ok to use in homes with children, not as hazardous as warm mist humidifiers.
- Cool mist humidifiers tend to be less expensive than warm mist humidifiers because they do not require any heating elements.
- Can be purchased in portable sizes
Cons:
- While cool mist humidifiers are more subject to growing mold and bacteria, both can develop fungi and should be cleaned regularly.
- When using cool mist humidifiers that require a fan such as evaporative humidifiers, you have to replace its filter regularly.
- Both warm and cool mist humidifiers require frequent cleaning maintenance.
Warm Mist Humidifier
Pros:
- This type of humidifier is typically quieter than cool mist humidifiers because it doesn't come built with a fan.
- Can slightly warm up a room if it is cold.
- Can be purchased in portable sizes
Cons:
- Warm mist humidifiers tend to use more electricity because of its heat.
- Not recommended for use in homes with children. This is mainly because the water in the humidifier can get to a boiling hot temperature and could be a serious hazard for children.
- Both warm and cool mist humidifiers require frequent cleaning maintenance.
Note: If a warm mist humidifier is used in a home with children, always make sure it is placed in a secure location out of child's reach.
Because of its arm steam, warm mist humidifiers can make the room feel slightly warmer when humidifying the air.
In contrast, when its fan is turned on and the appliance is operating, cool mist humidifiers can make the room feel cooler.
Therefore, you may choose your humidifier off of the climate you are most accustomed to. For example, if you live in a moderate to warm climate, you may benefit from using a cool mist humidifier; and if you reside in a relatively cold area, a warm humidifier would best suit your needs.
When, where,and why are cold and warm mist humidifiers used?
Cool mist humidifiers are typically used for individuals that have asthma or strong allergies. The purified air can make it a lot easier to inhale the air in your home.
Warm mist humidifiers can also be used to help asthma and allergy symptoms. Take a look at it like this: If breathing in a sauna is relaxing to you, then you may need a warm mist humidifier. If you find it difficult, then a cool mist humidifier may be your best bet.
Warm mist humidifiers can also be used as steam medications. You should consult with your physician regarding specific brands to purchase if you are interested in testing it out.
Both humidifiers can help ease with cold-flu symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, sneezing and congestion. This is actually a very common reason why humidifiers are so frequently used in households. Not only can they sanitize and disinfect your air, but also serve as a major contribution to improving your health.
How do they work?
Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers work with little to no noise. The most noise you will hear from this type of humidifier is the water boiling or the gurgling noise after water is being dispensed and prepared to heat.
You have to be well researched when searching for a humidifier because they all operate in different ways.
- A warm mist humidifier uses a heating element component to boil its water that is contained inside the humidifier.
- This process creates a steam that is released into the room; increasing the temperature and raising the humidity levels.
- Some warm mist humidifiers come with absorption pads that capture and accumulate the minerals that are left after the steam is released.
Cool Mist Humidifiers
How a cool mist humidifier operates can vary depending on the type, size and brand of the humidifier.
Whereas warm mist humidifiers generally have the same parts, cool mist humidifiers are made up of different components:
- In some there will be a water inlet valve or feed tube, while in others are equipped with a fan.
- As stated above, evaporative humidifiers require a fan and filter to produce moisture; while an ultrasonic humidifier has its own vibrating technology to break down water particles.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers have very similar qualities as a warm mist humidifier the only notable difference is that it cannot heat its water.
Which is more popular?
Cool mist humidifiers are more frequently used than warm mist humidifiers. This is mainly because of the variety of options when choosing a humidifier. Depending on your circumstance, there will always be a cool mist humidifier to cater to your needs.
Another reason why cool mist humidifiers are chosen over warm mist humidifiers is because of safety concerns. Warm mist humidifiers contains hot water in its tank that can easily burn your skin if the appliance tips over or leaks. That is why most consider cool mist humidifiers for their home, especially if they have children. However, with proper care and precautionary steps, a warm mist humidifier can still be used safely.
There are also models with both cool and warm mist, like the Luma Comfort HCW10B Cool and Warm Mist Humidifier.
Tips when using a humidifier
- Always place the humidifier on a dry, leveled surface that cannot be reached by children.
- Ensure that the cord or extension attached to the humidifier is out of child's reach.
- When filling the humidifier with water make sure the appliance is unplugged.
- Regularly clean and keep the filters and basins free of bacteria and mold.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to be in the market for a humidifier.
Because of that, there is also a humidifier designed to fit any purpose that you may have. Both cool and warm mist humidifiers are great essentials for your home.
They were created to uniquely work and produce clean air for any given space. While warm mist humidifier can provide warm, clean air a cool mist humidifier delivers cool, purified air.
If you were looking to mainly utilize your humidifier in the winter then a warm mist humidifier may be for you. If you find yourself needing to use your humidity during the spring and summer seasons, then a cool mist humidifier would be the best option for your home. Your choice for a humidifier should be based on your personal needs and factors.
