Humidifiers are wonderful inventions that can significantly improve our quality of life during all seasons. However, the winter season can wreak havoc with our immune systems. And cold weather increases the dryness in the air both inside and outside of our homes.
As such, the best humidifier for winter could you be all you need to stay comfortable and cozy. But first, what exactly are the benefits of using a humidifier in winter?
The Benefits of Using a Humidifier For Winter
Using a humidifier for winter is very beneficial for many reasons. Raising the humidity level indoors can make up to 85% of airborne viruses completely harmless. This significantly reduces the chances of either you or one of your family members becoming ill during these colder months.
Snoring is a common issue that can make sleeping a real problem, for both the person who snores and those in their vicinity. It is caused by a partially blocked airway. And when you make the air you’re breathing in at night more moist, these airways will relax and open up. This is beneficial for your general health, since breathing is an essential part of the body’s vital mechanism, and it will also ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
Dry skin is always a nuisance, but it is a lot more common during the winter months. The cold, brisk winter air makes the sensors on our skin go into a kind of metaphorical shock mode. Think of it like your skin becoming anxious or panicking. Moreover, your skin is more likely to crack and become irritated when cold weather is a constant and the air becomes more dry. Therefore, humidifying your home ensures your skin will remain moist and supple throughout the year.
Allergies in winter are also something that can be helped with the use of a humidifier. Anyone prone to allergies may find that the summer is more detrimental than the winter, but reactions can still occur. Increasing the moisture levels of your indoor environment will keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of any allergies coming to the fore.
Humidifiers are great for your health, but they’re also great for your home. Overly dry air can damage both soft and hard furnishings; particularly wood. During the winter, the air becomes even dryer. So it’s important to ensure your home has the appropriate humidity settings to protect both you and your personal belongings.
Now that we’ve discovered the benefits of using a humidifier in winter, let’s find out what humidifier setting you use:
What Humidifier Setting Should I Use in the Winter?
It should be noted that humidity levels should be modified throughout the different seasons due to the changes in weather. The ideal humidity level depends on the specific climate conditions in your area. If you live in an area that has very cold winters, too much moisture can cause condensation to build up in your home. However, this condensation is due to the natural humidity levels as well as the temperatures. In fact, you could have dry, cold air, or humid, cold air.
If the air feels heavy, it is more likely to have a higher moisture content. Add to this the effectiveness of the heating system you’re using, and you will get a variety of different moisture levels in different places. A common complaint during the winter is everything feeling very dry. Nevertheless, you need to be wary of too much moisture because moisture build-up in the home is also bad for your health.
The best thing to do is invest in a hygrometer. This is the device that measures the humidity in the air. Aim for a level of between 30 to 40% to cater for the potential condensation issue, but be willing to adapt and modify the level if things still feel too dry and cause minor health issues. Over time, you’ll be able to identity the perfect humidity level for you and your home. It should never be above 50% during the winter, even if the cold weather in your area is leaving the air very dry.
Best Humidifiers For Winter Comparison Table
What’s the Best Type of Humidifier to Use During Winter?
This is entirely up to you and depends largely on personal preference. There is no humidifier that is better than all others in all areas. Each type has advantages and disadvantages. One common problem with some types of humidifier is what’s known as ‘white dust’. This is when contaminants in the water used in the humidifier convert to a fine dust.
The dust isn’t dangerous, but it can further contribute to allergy or skin irritations. Thus, the best recommendation is to select a humidifier that impresses you in terms of your priorities (price, appearance, convenience, and so on) and look out for features that reduce or eliminate white dust.
Best Humidifier For Winter Reviews (Updated List)
1. Honeywell HWM705B Filter Free Warm Moisture Humidifier – Best for Quiet Operation
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for an effective humidifier to keep the air warm and comfortable during winter, you might want to try the HWM705B model from Honeywell. This warm moisture humidifier will heat the mist before sending it into the air, making it much more breathable during the cold season.
Featuring a 1-gallon tank, Honeywell HWM705B can operate 24 hours for every refill. Plus, since it doesnβt have any filters, you do not have to worry yourself with replacements always. It is perfect for medium-sized rooms, and due to its compact design, you may easily carry it from one room to another.
This unit also has a very quiet operation. So, it a great choice to use during the evening as well. Plus, you may choose between the two moisture output settings.
If you are looking for a quiet, versatile humidifier that can be used during the winter season, you might want to consider giving the Honeywell HWM705B a shot.
Pros
- The absence of the filter allows for easier use
- Very efficient in warming up the air during winter
- Perfect for medium-sized rooms
Cons
- Not a good option for bigger rooms
2. LEVOIT Humidifiers for Large Room Bedroom
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are not sure whether you want a cool or a warm mist humidifier, you might want to give this one a go. Featuring ultrasonic technology, LEVOIT Humidifier is very quiet, allowing it to be used even during the night. Your sleep will not be disturbed this way.
This unit also features an aroma box where you may add your essential oil of choice. This way, a simple air humidifier can turn into an aromatherapy tool. Bear in mind that for the essential oils to diffuse properly, you might want to add them into the aroma box and not the water directly.
With a 1.5-gallon tank, this unit can run for as long as 36 hours on the lowest level. Plus, considering that the unit is made from ABS plastic, it is very durable and wonβt break even if you drop it.
If you are looking for a good humidifier for large rooms, this might prove a suitable choice for you.
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Fairly easy to operate
- The design is modern and fits with every home
- Allows you to switch between warm and cool mist
- The aroma box turns the unit into an aromatherapy tool
- It can humidify the room for a prolonged amount of time
Cons
- You canβt place it on wooden surfaces or floors directly
- It needs quite a bit of maintenance
3. Elechomes UC5501 Ultrasonic Humidifier
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a humidifier that you can constantly access from any point of the room, you might want to give it a try. Since it comes with remote control, you may set it to work in every way you want.
It is perfect for winters, mainly since it releases a warm mist. If you prefer the mist to be cool and fresh, you also have that option. The humidity level will still be brought at a comfortable level, making the air seem much warmer.
Considering the galore of features, Elechomes UC5501 is quite affordable. Plus, its operation is also very quiet β making it an ideal choice to be used during the night. You may even use it as a diffuser for aromatherapy if you add the right essential oils.
If you are looking for something very easy to use, you might want to give this unit a try. It is quiet, and you can easily access all of its features.
Pros
- Very attractive design
- Quite easy to clean and maintain
- Has many convenient features that can be accessed remotely
- The filters are optional
- It releases both warm and cool mist
Cons
- The sleep mode may affect the performance of the unit
- If you use hard water and donβt add a filter, you may damage the unit
4. Honeywell HCM350W Germ Free Cool Mist Humidifier
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you a fan of cool mist during winter? In this case, you might want to go for this Honeywell unit. Featuring a sensor that will check the humidity, Honeywell HCM350W can release enough mist to bring it at normal levels β therefore, allowing the air to feel much warmer.
The unit may not be the smallest of humidifiers, but at the same time, it is very easy to carry. This means that if you have to use it in another room, all you have to do is pick the large tank handle and carry it wherever you need it.
If you are looking for a durable product that you know can do a good job humidifying every room, then the Honeywell HCM350W should certainly be on your top list. It is also a good choice if you prefer a cool mist instead of warm.
Pros
- Very easy to carry from one room to another
- The water tank is easy to fill
- The unit is very easy to maintain
- It comes with various accessories
Cons
- The humidifier is rather bulky
- It does make some noise, even on the lowest setting
5. Steamfast SF-920 Warm Mist Humidifier
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a humidifier to warm up your winter air, but do not have a lot of money to spend, then you might want to give this unit a try. With its ability to release warm mist in the air, not only can it kill the germs, but it can also warm up the cold air with ease.
This Steamfast unit is also aromatherapy ready. All you need to do is add your essential oil of choice into the oil ring, and it will fill the room with your favorite aroma. The tank capacity is also very large, with the ability to handle 2 gallons of water every 24 hours.
If you are looking for a winter-appropriate humidifier that is not very expensive but is still very efficient, this unit might prove very useful.
Pros
- Quite an affordable price
- Large tank capacity that can humidify even larger rooms
- Easy to use and maintain
- Energy-saving design
Cons
- Auto shut-off feature that is not always reliable
- Fairly noisy at the higher settings
6. Vicks VWM845 Warm Mist Humidifier
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you need to humidify the air constantly during the winters, you might want to give this unit a try. Featuring a very wide tank, Vicks VWM845 Warm Mist Humidifier is easy for you to clean or fill after every use.
This unit features a convenient technology called βdual scent pad.β These pads through which the mist is passed have healing vapors, making them the perfect choice if you get nose congestion during winter. Thanks to the warm mist, the viruses and bacteria going through the air will also be tackled.
If you tend to have quite a lot of health issues during winter and need a humidifier to relieve your nasal congestion, then you might want to go for this unit.
Pros
- Very easy to fill and maintain
- Has a large tank capacity
- Dual scent pad technology that makes it perfect for keeping your health
Cons
- There are not many details on the display
7. Honeywell Top Fill Digital Humidistat Tower Humidifier
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you live in quite a small place and do not have a lot of space for a standard-sized whole house humidifier, you might want to try the Top Fill tower humidifier from Honeywell. Looking pretty much like a coffee maker, it barely takes any counter or table space.
The tank is very easy to fill, regardless of your strategy. You may either fill it directly with a cup of water or remove the tank and take water from the sink. The unit is as easy to maintain as it is to clean, and you may also set it on a timer to save energy.
If you cannot spare a lot of room in your home, then you might want to try this Honeywell model. Since it can efficiently increase humidity, it can make the air feel much warmer.
Pros
- Energy-saving features that allow you to lower your power bill
- The tank and humidifier are very easy to clean
- Compact and perfect for small apartments
Cons
- The filters needed for maintenance are quite costly
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Humidifier for Winter
The factors that you consider depend largely on your specific needs. If the entire house is dry, for example, you might want to decide between a whole house humidifier or separate small humidifiers for each room. Cost is always a factor, no matter what you buy. Although, cost may be lower on the list than say, features or convenience.
Some types of humidifiers require filters. These filters need to be changed occasionally. Thus, if you’re someone who likes to buy something with very little afterthought or maintenance, you will probably prefer a humidifier that doesn’t need a filter. Alternatively, you might like the idea of having a filter to purify the mist emitted by the humidifier.
Once you’ve figured out what exactly you need from a humidifier, there are a number of factors you should bear in mind before purchase. If you like a nice smell in your home, you might want to introduce essential oils into the humidifying process. In this case, you will need one that has added features required to use essential oils with ease and convenience.
If you’re away for most of the day but want to maintain a comfortable air environment, you might look for a large water capacity tank in the humidifier of your choice. In this scenario, one with an auto-ff feature will give you peace of mind to leave it running when you’re not around.
These are just some of the many factors to consider when choosing a humidifier for the winter months.
Is Cool or Warm Mist Better for Winter?
Warm mist humidifiers are better for winter because they heat the mist slightly before release. This enables the humidifier to kill a large proportion of the bacteria in the water. However, as previously stated, increasing the humidity level alone is already a powerful way to reduce the chance of illness in your household. Therefore, if you find a cool mist humidifier that really impresses you in other areas, it will still be almost as effective in keeping those germs at bay.
Other Ways to Humidify Your Home During Winter
There are things you can do around the home to humidify it during winter. However, be aware that making the air too moist is probably just as bad (if not worse) for your health.
Humidifying appliances usually include settings that will tell you the current humidity level of the chosen space, so if you’re doing things yourself it’s not recommended to do so unless you have a hygrometer handy. You should measure the humidity levels once a day and reduce or increase the amount of things you do accordingly.
Other ways to humidify your home during winter include adding house plants, leaving the shower and bathroom door open after a hot shower, leaving bathwater in the tub to cool down after taking a bath, boiling a pot of water on the stove, and leaving bowls of water near window areas.
Most of these actions are effective because they involve the chemical reaction of evaporation. Water will be released into the air, even during the colder months. You don’t have to boil water in order to achieve some degree of water release. It’s more effective, of course, but only boil the water on stove when you’re cooking anyway. These are just some of the little things you can do around the home in order to improve the quality of your indoor air.
Conclusion
Evidently, the best humidifier for winter is a beneficial appliances that improve both our health and the longevity of the belongings in our homes. They are relatively inexpensive and will last a long time. Moreover, humidifiers are also easy to use and clean. So it’s no surprise that humidifiers are a welcome addition to any modern home during the winter and all year round.