Investing in the best warm mist humidifier for large rooms can be very beneficial to your health. An indoor environment that is too dry is not good for you; it can cause sore throats, dry skin, and chapped lips.
A warm mist humidifier emits warm, humid air into the room, ensuring the air you breathe is more moist and higher quality. It essentially offsets the excessive dryness often accompanied by air conditioning. Moreover, these types of humidifying units help purify the air and remove allergens.
When choosing a humidifier, it’s important to realize that each unit has its unique features. It’s up to you to choose one that has the features you need. Therefore, in this warm mist humidifier reviews, you’ll find the top-rated units on the market today.
Best Warm Mist Humidifier for Large Rooms Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Top 9 Best Warm Mist Humidifier Reviews 2021
1. Vicks 1-Gallon Warm Mist Humidifier
- STARRY NIGHT FILTERED COOL MOISTURE HUMIDIFER – Vicks Invisible Mist Humidifier is an essential part of a good night’s sleep when family members are sick, during allergy season or when the air is dry Works with Vicks VapoPads (sample included) for extra soothing comfort
- STARS LIGHT UP THE CEILING – This kids and baby humidifier with night light transforms a room into a starry night sky with the projection feature Includes a filter that filters minerals from the water, so the moisture is cleaner, and a wide tank opening
- COUGH AND CONGESTION RELIEF – Humidifiers for the home can be helpful during cold season, when it’s difficult for children to sleep with a cough and congestion A baby humidifier or vaporizer can provide temporary relief by adding necessary moisture to the air
- HUMIDIFIERS FOR BEDROOM AND MORE – A cool mist humidifier is great for a baby, young children and adults, and fits perfectly into any room Use them when the air is dry, in allergy season, when sick or even just to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels
- A CENTURY OF POWERFUL RELIEF– At Vicks, we believe that everyone deserves a touch of care Our line of humidifiers, steam inhalers and vaporizers help you breathe better and sleep more comfortably, wherever you are
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Vicks One Gallon Warm Mist Humidifier provides temporary relief from coughs and congestion. Thus it helps you breathe more easily and get a more comfortable night’s sleep. It’s suitable for placement in a wide variety of rooms including bedrooms, baby nurseries, guitar rooms, and kids bedrooms.
A useful feature of this machine is that you can use it in conjunction with Vicks VapoSteam to create a medicated vapor that permeates throughout the room. Thus, you get the familiar Vicks aroma without having to spread the Vaporub over your body (which can be sticky and messy). This is great, especially when you have a severe cold that requires more than just a spoonful of cough medicine.
This humidifier diffuses up to 95% of bacteria in the air. That means you don’t have to worry about allergies because the warm mist it releases in your room is a lot healthier and better quality.
There are no filters required for using this unit, which will save you a lot of time and money. It also includes an auto shut-off when the water level is too low. This feature will allow you to turn it on before going to sleep without having to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to switch it off or refill the water tank. Moreover, there are two mist settings so that you can have ultimate control over the moisture content of your indoor environment.
Pros:
- No filters required
- Auto shut-off
Cons:
- Quite large and bulky
2. Honeywell Filter-Free Warm Moisture Humidifier HWM705B
- Warm Mist Humidifier: This Ultra Quiet Filter Free Humidifier Produces a Soothing, Visible Warm Mist to Make You & Your Home More Comfortable. It Helps Counteract the Effects of Dry, Harsh Winter Air by Adding Essential Moisture to Any Medium Size Room
- WARM MOISTURE FOR HOME OR OFFICE: This top fill humidifier features a 1 gallon tank & can run up to 24 hours. It features high & low settings & a reset light that indicates when filling is required. Comes with a medicine cup for use with liquid inhalants
- Honeywell Humidifiers; Humidity levels in your home between 40 to 60 percent can make the air feel warmer & improve your breathing comfort, sleeping, nasal congestion & dry skInches Dry air can cause static electricity, damage wooden furniture & irritate health issues
- HUMIDIFIERS FOR BABIES, CHILDREN, ADULTS: Humidifiers diffuse moisture into the air, and many find that a humidifier for the home, bedroom or nursery becomes an essential part of a good nights sleep when the air is dry, in allergy season, or when sick
- HONEYWELL QUALITY: Improve humidity levels in your home & improve your comfort with a Honeywell humidifier.
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Honeywell Filter-Free Warm Moisture Humidifieris a super quiet unit that produces a soothing mist of warm moisture, ensuring your home or office space is more comfortable and better for your health.
It is best used for medium-sized rooms like bedrooms or study spaces and helps counteract the dryness of the air caused by extreme weather conditions or air conditioning systems.
The water tank capacity of this unit is an impressive one gallon, so it can run for a long time before you have to refill it. It features both high and low settings, and you can run it for up to an entire day (24 hours) if you choose the low setting.
The higher setting will provide around twelve to sixteen hours of continuous mist. Both settings are convenient for any homeowner who has enough to do around the home without having to refill their humidifier constantly.
The unit also includes a handy reset light, so you know when it needs refilling. The kit you get when you buy this unit includes a medicine cup that can be used for liquid inhalants so that you can create an environment that helps to ward off sickness and congestion.
Pros:
- Very quiet
- Can run up to 24 hours
Cons:
- Quite large and bulky
3. LEVOIT Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Air Humidifier For Home
- HIGH-EFFICIENCY, FOR WHOLE HOME: It provides humidification speeds 4× faster than others, which can quickly cover 753ft² of the area and last up to 50 hours. You can customize the target humidity you need, and feel hands-free with auto mode.Wide Coverage : Enjoy warm or cool mist throughout your home with an effective range of 430–753 ft².
- PATENT WARM MIST TECH FOR BEDROOM: It raises RH 10% in 20mins, providing greater relief from symptoms caused by dir air. Near-silent noise levels and all lights off help you sleep undisturbed
- PERFECT FOR LARGE ROOMS: With a mist output of up to 500 mL/hr, it can easily handle spaces as large as 753 ft² / 70 m². The large 6-liter tank allows you to humidify continuously for up to 50 hours, saving you the trouble of frequent refills
- AUTOMATIC TURN ON & OFF: With a built-in sensor, Auto Mode adjusts mist levels according to your settings to maintain a healthy humidity level
- HUMIDITY UP TO YOU: You can customize the ideal humidity percentage for your house plant, baby, or beloved guitar
Last update on 2023-05-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Levoit Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is a unit designed in California that can provide you with both warm and cool mist. There are three different power levels, and you can change from cool to warm at the click of a button.
The display is easy to read and highly functional. You can also operate the device using the remote control included with the kit. Both methods are easy to use, even for people who are not confident in their gadget skills.
The fact that this has dual mist capability also means it is more efficient at actually increasing the humidity levels. It does this task in 25% less time than units that only emit cool mist. Moreover, when you select the warm mist setting, you can heat it to a very high temperature, meaning that the bacteria in the water will be killed. This is a very effective method of providing clean and pure air.
The capacity tank of this humidifier is very large, indeed at 1.5 gallons. This allows you to enjoy your surroundings and relax while benefiting from the increased moisture content in the air as opposed to worrying about regular refills. When you select mist level one, you can get an impressive 36 hours of continuous mist emission without a single refill.
Pros:
- Can choose warm or cool mist depending on your needs
- Displays the humidity of the room
Cons:
- Very large and bulky
4. Steamfast SF-920 Warm Mist Humidifier and Steam Vaporizer
- AUTO SHUT-OFF — Equipped with 2 steam settings, 3-minute heat up time, and auto shut off for peace of mind
- LARGE CAPACITY TANK — 0.8 gallon removable water tank with integrated handle provides up to 2 gallon output every 24 hours
- FILTER-FREE — Easy top-fill design with max-fill indicator for easier refills, low maintenance, and filter-free humidification
- AROMATHERAPY READY — Add your favorite essential oil to the oil ring to release your favorite aroma
- SUPERIOR SUPPORT — When you choose a Steamfast product, you’re investing in superior performance and design that will deliver total satisfaction. If not, we’ll replace it, for 2 years. Supported by a customer service team based in Andover, KS.
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Steamfast Warm Mist Humidifier SF-920 has an impressive customer support system in place. It promises satisfaction guaranteed, backed by a 2-year hassle-free warranty and customer service support.
When manufacturers offer hassle free warranties, it removes a lot of unnecessary stress from the purchase, because even standard warranties can be difficult to navigate due to complex regulations pertaining to the use and condition of an appliance.
This humidifier is equipped with two steam settings, allowing for a customized environment depending on your preferences. It heats up quickly, in just three minutes, and includes an auto shut-off feature for extra peace of mind.
Its large capacity tank of one gallon allows you to use it for long periods without having to refill the tank constantly. Its powerful humidifying system allows for up to 2 gallons of output over 24 hours, so even at the highest setting, you can still get 12 hours of continuous mist.
It is designed to be suitable for aromatherapy, too, so you can add even more benefits to the air surrounding you by adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the mix.
Pros:
- 2-year warranty
- Large capacity tank
Cons:
- Large and bulky
5. Holmes Warm Mist Humidifier HWM6008-NUM
- Warm Mist Humidifier
- Designed for Small Rooms
- Runs Up To 24 Hours Per Tank Filling
- Filter Free Operation
- Dishwasher Safe
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Holmes Warm Mist Humidifier is a plastic unit, so you won’t have to worry about parts rusting or becoming damaged over time. It is primarily designed for small rooms like small bedrooms or study spaces, so take this into account when deciding whether it suits your needs.
It holds up to 1.7 gallons of water, an impressive amount for a humidifier designed for smaller rooms, so you’ll get a lot of mist output for one refill. It can run up to 24 hours per tank refill, so you can rest assured that your environment will be moist and high quality air even when you’re not at home.
There are two speeds of mist available with this unit. You can select the high speed for times of high need, like when you’re ill or suffering from dry skin or chapped lips due to an overly dry indoor environment. The lower setting can be used to keep things balanced during the day, or when you want to use it as a prevention measure instead of a cure.
There is a special ingredient embedded in the plastic material which prevents the growth of bacteria. This is a very impressive feature which ensures the mist output is clean and pure and also prevents build up within the unit itself. This element means your product will inevitably run more efficiently and last longer.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Large water capacity tank
Cons:
- Designed for small rooms only
6. Vicks VWM845 Warm Mist Humidifier
- RELIEF & COMFORT: This humidifier quietly releases warm, soothing vapor to help provide temporary relief from cough & congestion & help reduce respiratory discomfort so you can breathe & sleep better.
- SPECIAL FEATURES: This humidifier's scent pad door allows you to enjoy aromatic Vicks VapoPads for added comfort & the Medicine Cup accepts inhalants like Vicks VapoSteam for cough relief
- COUGH & CONGESTION RELIEF: When you or your child has a cold, it can be difficult to sleep through the night. Humidifiers provide temporary relief so your rest won't be as disturbed by coughing fits.
- VICKS VAPORIZERS, HUMIDIFIERS, & STEAM INHALERS: Steam & humidity offer relief from cough & congestion due to colds or allergies, helping you breathe easier wherever you are, from bedroom to office
- TRY IT & SEE: Our humidifiers & vaporizers help you breathe better wherever you are.
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier has a wide tank opening which makes it easy to fill and clean your humidifier after long periods of use. It includes an interesting feature called dual scent pad technology.
This is a door that has a specific slot for Vicks VapoPads, so you can buy this and use when you have a cold or severe congestion and the humidifier will release these healing vapors mixed in with the warm mist. This will help you get over an annoying sickness much faster and improves the quality of your sleep when you have a cold or chesty cough.
There are also other methods you can try with this humidifier if you’re under the weather. It includes a medicine cup that can be used to add Vicks VapoSteam to the main unit of the humidifier. This helps the steam to permeate your breathing passages and clear up congestion even more effectively than warm mist alone.
The steam is also medicated, so your cough will be relieved much sooner than simply taking standard cough medicine. It also helps to soothe the bronchial irritation associated with a cold, so you can handle life’s daily tasks with more rigor.
Pros:
- Easy to fill and clean
- Dual scent pad technology
Cons:
- The display could be more detailed
7. Air-O-Swiss Warm or Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier 7147
- High Output: Up to 3 gallons/24 hours for rooms up to 600 sq ft
- Auto Mode for fully automated operation
- Whisper-quiet in operation
- Optional warm or cool mist
- Digital display and programmable hygrostat
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Boneco/Air-O-Swiss Warm or Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier has a digital display that is easy to read and use. It has a high output of up to three gallons of mist over 24 hours in rooms up to 600 square feet, so it will make a tangible difference to the moisture level in the air.
Its features include an auto mode for fully automated operation, a very quiet operation of less than 25 decibels (equivalent to a whisper), options for both warm and cool mist, and a programmable hygrometer.
The auto mode allows you to program specific settings into the humidifier and leave it to run by itself without having to adjust the mist levels. This gives you increased control over the humidity levels in your home, allowing for a greater degree of comfort and relaxation.
The quiet operation is useful for when you’re carrying out any activity that requires quiet, or if you wish to run the humidifier during sleep. This ensures you can go about your daily routine without being interrupted by any unwanted noise.
The warm and cool mist options give you even more settings to choose from, and the programmable hygrometer allows you to input the humidity levels you desire. All in all, this is a convenient unit with a good mist output and thoughtful design.
Pros:
- High mist output
- Includes auto mode
Cons:
- More complex refill method than other models
8. PureGuardian H1510 Ultrasonic Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier
- WARM AND COOL MIST HUMIDIFIER: The PureGuardian H1510 ultrasonic cool mist humidifier guards against dry air in the home, perfect for those with colds, and dry skin; The easy fill 1.5 gallon tank covers 630 sq. ft. rooms and runs up to Hundred hours
- SILVER CLEAN PROTECTED TANK: Silver Clean fights the growth of slimy container and on the surface of the water tank a common problem with traditional humidifiers
- ULTRASONIC TECHNOLOGY: The H1510 disperses a soothing, cool mist into the air and is ultra quiet, making it ideal to have on while you sleep; The compact size makes it great for tabletops or bedside nightstands
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES: No evaporating pads, wicks or filters to clean or replace, warm or cool humidification, variable spray control, low water indicator light, soft glow night light, multi directional mist, auto shut off when tank is empty
- PureGuardian: by Guardian Technologies offers a full range of small appliance based solutions for happier and healthier lives at home, focused on creating powerful, safe and innovative technologies to help facilitate healthier, happier home environments
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The PureGuardian Ultrasonic Warm and Cool Mist Humidifier is a unit with an impressive 1.5-gallon tank, allowing you to obtain continuous mist for up to 100 hours of run time. If you’re someone who likes products that require as little effort as possible, this run time alone might be just the thing to entice you. This is at the lowest setting, but is still the longest run time of all models, and allows you the freedom to turn on your humidifier and forget about it for several days.
The ultrasonic technology incorporated into this design quietly releases a fine mist of soothing warm air that will provide immediate and long-lasting relief from a low humidity environment.
The silver clean protection feature helps you keep the device clean for much longer than standard models,thanks to the fact that this fights the growth of a variety of mold and mildew on the surface of the unit.
There are numerous functions included that help you to achieve the perfect indoor environment for your particular needs including an easy to use variable speed setting and an on/off night light.
Pros:
- Clear and concise display
- Large water tank capacity
Cons:
- Not aesthetically appealing
9. LEVOIT LV550HH Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifiers
Last update on 2023-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Levoit Warm and Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier is the final product on our list of the best warm mist humidifiers, and it certainly deserves its spot. It can emit either warm or cool mist, which both have their own benefits.
The warm mist emits cleaner air due to the bacteria-fighting capability of high temperatures. On the other hand, the cool mist provides a refreshing blast for warmer environments and is inevitably safer to use around children and pets.
It boasts a very high output of up to 450 ml per hour depending on what settings you select. This means that when your room is noticeably dry and uncomfortable, you can achieve the humidity level you desire much more quickly than machines with lower outputs.
The adjustable 360-degree nozzle allows you to fine tune the mist emissions for maximum comfort and control. It also disperses the mist more evenly as it is released in any and every direction. It takes ten minutes to warm up and starts to emit warm mist just fifteen minutes after pressing the warm mist button. This allows you to achieve the perfect humidity level relatively quickly and easily.
Pros:
- Super high mist output
- A 360-degree mist control nozzle
Cons:
- Display more complicated than some other models
Warm Mist Humidifier Buying Guide
Warm mist humidifiers are quite common among allergy sufferers or people looking to add warm, humid air into their rooms. But is it the best option for you? This buying guide should help you make an informed decision.
What is a Warm Mist Humidifier?
A warm mist humidifier is a device that adds warm moist air into a room. While keeping the recommended humidity levels in a room, it also warms it up.
This is an added advantage because the warm air you breathe inside your home isn’t only safe, but also warm enough to keep you comfortable during the cold winter season. However, humidifiers shouldn’t be used as the primary heating source. So, it’s ideal if you invest in an electric space heater.
How does a Warm Mist Humidifier Work?
The purpose of any humidifier is to increase humidity in a room, home, or building. Humidity is essentially water in the air.
When the air inside your home is dry (low humidity), you are exposed to all kinds of health risk, including but not limited to respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and nosebleeds and general dehydration.
Dry air can also cause skin irritation and eye itching and is associated with increased allergies, sore throat, and aggravated sickness symptoms. Humidifiers introduce sufficient humidity into the air around the home to prevent these health problems.
Warm mist humidifiers introduce mist (moist air) into our rooms by creating steam in an enclosed system and then releasing the steam into our rooms.
A basic warm mist humidifier would also be considered a vaporizer. It boils water, which at over 100 degrees turns into vapor. The vapor is then pushed out of the boiling tank into our rooms.
This mechanism often results in two main benefits; humidification and home heating. Since the vapor from warm mist humidifiers is hot, once released into the room, it spreads that heat throughout the room, warming the people within the area in the process.
There are a few things you need to know about the operation of warm mist humidifiers though. These include;
- Most don’t have filters: Evaporative humidifiers contain special filters that play a central role in the creation of mist. Most warm mist humidifiers, on the other hand, don’t have filters. Instead, they use boilers.
- You can opt for dual mist options: Instead of buying a pure warm mist humidifier, you can purchase a dual mist model. Mostly available in the ultrasonic form, dual mist humidifiers come with two separate settings; cool mist and warm mist. To get warm mist humidification, all you have to do is switch ON the warm mist settings.
Types of Warm Mist Humidifiers
There are two main categories of warm mist humidifiers;
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Steam Vaporizer Humidifiers
Steam vaporizer humidifiers heat or boil water at very high temperatures to produce steam. The steam is then released into the surrounding air to increase humidity levels. If need be, medicinal inhalants can be introduced into the steam vapor to help lessen coughs and viral infections such as a common cold.
The main advantage of this type of humidifiers is that the heating process kills all germs, bacteria, and harmful viruses that would otherwise be introduced into indoor air. The result is clean, warm, and healthy moisture released into the room at a steady rate to hydrate your air while simultaneously warming the room.
One serious drawback, however, is heating hazards. During the heating process, parts of the vaporizer can become very hot. This makes vaporizers a significant safety risk for pets and young children and a potential threat even for adults.
A low-quality vaporizer would be even more unsafe as the heat source is likely to be poorly designed. This can result in overheating during use, putting room occupants at risk of burns and the home at risk of a fire. In a nutshell;
Advantages
- Fewer health concerns since germs are killed during heating
- Provides warmth and humidity to the environment
- No filters to worry about
Drawbacks
- Regular cleaning required to remove mineral deposits
- The heating surface gets hot, increasing the risk of burns
- Consumes a lot of energy
- Risk of fire hazard is higher
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Ultrasonic Warm Mist Humidifiers
The main difference between steam vaporizer humidifiers and ultrasonic warm mist humidifiers is that the latter use a diaphragm to blow the warm air into your room. The diaphragm vibrates at high speed to break down water into mist.
Advantages
- Much quieter than steam/vaporizer models
- The humidifier uses less energy compared to steam/vaporizer models
- Easier to maintain
Drawbacks
- More expensive compared to steam/vaporizer models
- Cannot humidify large spaces
- Requires regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of mold
Pros and Cons of Warm Mist Humidifiers
Warm mist humidifiers are very effective at their job. But, they also come with a few drawbacks. The following are their top advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Kill mold and bacteria: Warm mist humidifiers kill mold and bacteria in the tank before dispersing the vapor into the atmosphere. The heating element also sterilizes the water when boiling. As such, the vapor from these humidifiers is healthy and safe.
- They are silent: Vaporizer/steam models don’t have a fan, or if they do, it’s usually a small, quiet fan. This significantly reduces noise output. Ultrasonic models, meanwhile, don’t have a fan at all. The only sound they produce is ultrasonic vibration.
- Health benefits: Just like cool mist models, warm mist humidifiers carry significant health benefits. These include reducing nosebleeds, sore throat, and chapped lips. Warm mist humidifiers also reduce the amount of flu and cold viruses in the air and are suitable for dry skin.
- Eliminate allergens: For people with allergies, warm mist humidifiers remove allergens from the air better than cool mist models.
- House warming benefits: Above all, warm mist humidifiers are famous for their home-heating qualities.
Drawbacks
- Risk of burning: Since warm mist humidifiers involve heating to very high temperatures, the risk of burning an ever-present danger.
- House fires: Like other appliances that use electric heating elements, warm mist humidifiers can also cause house fires.
- Bacterial and mold build-up: Where the device isn’t properly maintained, mold and bacterial build-up are likely. This can result in coughs and colds.
- White ash: Warm mist humidifiers produce white ash as residue. This white ash can settle on items in the house, causing an unpleasant scene.
Warm Mist Versus Cool Mist Humidifiers: Which One is Better for Coughs, Babies, and Sinuses?
Both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers are equally effective at adding moisture to the air. However, there is a lot to ponder about when you decide to use a humidifier to ease coughing, sinus problems, and in babies rooms.
In this section, we will discuss and help you choose one that is ideal for your situation.
– Warm vs. Cool Mist Humidifiers for Coughs
Both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers can prove helpful for coughs and sore throat problems.
In warm mist humidifiers, since the water is boiled to 100 degrees, there is reduced risk of allergens and bacteria spreading in the room. The warm mist has also been shown to be soothing for coughing people – it makes breathing easier. Moreover, medications can be introduced into the mist for further health benefits.
Cool mist humidifiers are just as effective. Physicians have found that the cool mist alleviates inflammation in the airway, making it easier to breathe for people with coughs. The cool mist is also suitable for cough-related problems such as nasal congestion, inflamed nasal membranes, and sore throat.
– Warm Mist vs. Cool Mist Humidifiers for Babies
Both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers are effective at humidifying a baby’s room. By the time the moisture reaches your baby’s lower airways, it’s the same temperature regardless of whether the original moisture was warm or cold.
Since warm mist humidifiers become hot when in operation, though, they aren’t ideal for the baby’s room. Instead, opt for ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers. Also, cool mist humidifiers are better at easing coughs and congestion in children with cold.
One crucial thing you need to remember, however, is maintenance. Cleaning your humidifier prevents mineral buildup and the growth of bacteria and molds. Emptying the tank and drying all surfaces of the appliance daily is recommended.
– Warm Mist vs. Cool Mist Humidifiers for Sinuses
During the winter months, the air becomes dry both indoors and outdoors. Inhaling this dry air can be bad for your sinuses. Dry air can cause thicker mucus, blocked sinus passage, cracked nostrils, and general irritation. These conditions can lead to sinus infection.
The mist released from humidifiers can help alleviate this problem as it helps moisten the air and thins out the mucus inside your nose and sinuses.
Unsurprisingly, both warm mist and cool mist humidifiers are quite effective at this. Both provide the moisture necessary to humidify the air. What’s important is maintenance. A dirty, ill-maintained humidifier is even worse than having no humidifier.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Warm Mist Humidifier
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at a few factors you need to consider when buying a warm mist humidifier;
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Size
Warm mist humidifiers come in various sizes depending on your needs. The most popular options are portable and tabletop models. The reason portable options are popular is that they are ideal for single-room humidification and generally safer.
Other than portable and tabletop models, you can also choose a large room or whole house furnace humidifiers. These units can add moisture to a single large room, medium-sized house, or apartment.
The largest options in this category are in-duct humidifiers. These usually serve as your central humidification system, distributing warm mist evenly throughout all the rooms in a house.
Other than in-duct systems, you can also opt for whole-house steam humidifiers which are larger than tabletop models. Console humidifiers may not serve an entire apartment, but they can efficiently distribute mist throughout a 1,700 square feet area. These larger humidifiers can be connected to the central water system, so you don’t have to worry about refilling the tank.
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How Much Humidity do you Want?
Although humidity is good, only the right level is healthy. Too much moisture in the house can cause dampness. Combine this with the warmth produced by warm mist humidifiers, and you have the perfect conditions for mold and bacterial growth. Moisture can also affect wooden surfaces. When wooden furniture is exposed to a damp environment for extended periods, warping and rotting are possible.
For these reasons, you should buy a humidifier that generates the right amount of humidity. The recommended indoor humidity level is between30% to 50%. So, it’s important to maintain humidity levels at that. If you can find a humidifier that allows you to confirm and maintain such humidity levels, that would be brilliant. If not, purchase a hygrometer separately to help you keep track of the humidity in the home.
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How Much Dust does it Produce?
One of the drawbacks of warm mist humidifiers is that they produce a by-product in the form of white dust. This white dust, though harmless, will be left floating around the home and often settles on furniture and other objects. The more minerals (salt) in your water, the more the white dust you’ll see.
Different models produce different amounts of white dust. So choose one that produces little dust.
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How Much does it Cost?
There are two types of cost to keep in mind; the upfront cost of purchasing the appliance and running costs (for energy and maintenance).
With regards to purchasing costs, most warm mist humidifiers are priced in the $20 to $500 range. Typically, you’ll pay more for extra features since models with the most features offer more convenience and good user-experience.
You’ll also pay more for larger size humidifiers. Whole-home humidifiers, for example, are very expensive.
When it comes to the cost of running the appliance, most warm mist humidifiers use an electric heating element to heat the water. As such, they consume significant electrical power. It’s essential to check the power rating of the appliance to know how much energy it requires for a given period, say, every year.
How to Clean a Warm Mist Humidifier
Since warm mist humidifiers accumulate a lot of residues and attract mold and bacterial build-up, regular cleaning is necessary. We recommend maintaining a daily and weekly cleaning schedule;
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Daily Cleaning
If you intend to use the humidifier daily, ensure to clean you clean it after every use. Turn it OFF and allow a few minutes for it to cool down. Then, drain and rinse the water tank. Also, wipe the medicine chamber, water tank, water tray, heater, and other parts with a soft, damp cloth. The chamber should be dry before the next use.
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Weekly Cleaning
In addition to daily cleaning, once-in-a-week thorough cleaning is also necessary, which is why you should always choose an easy to clean humidifier. Begin by turning OFF the appliance and allowing it to cool. Then, proceed as follows;
- Take out the water tray and soak it in equal parts vinegar and water. Wait for 20 minutes, then rinse it and wipe with a clean cloth.
- Pour white vinegar into the heating chamber, wait for 20 minutes, and then thoroughly wipe the chamber with a soft cloth damped with vinegar.
- Rinse the chamber (without submerging). Then, wipe it again and allow it to dry. Don’t use a solution other than vinegar for this process.
Precautionary Measures when Using a Warm Mist Humidifier
Warm mist humidifiers can get hot during operation, so you need to take the necessary precautions to prevent the risk of fires and burns. Here are some things to keep in mind;
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Get the Positioning Right
Where you place the humidifier has a massive impact on the safety of the occupants of the room. If there are children at home, position the unit out of their reach. The same applies if you have pets. Position the humidifier where the pets can’t get too close. If you’re thinking of using the humidifiers in your kid’s room, the answer is NO. Never leave a warm mist humidifier ON in your children’s room. Since the appliance expels moisture, place it in a safe spot, on a level, dry surface. Also, the humidifier shouldn’t be tilting.
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Be careful with Cords
Electric cords are a huge problem in many homes and one of the top cause of home fires. To avoid any accidents, ensure that any cords used are tucked away safely. This applies to any wires and extensions connected to the appliance. Make sure that they aren’t in the way. Otherwise, one of the kids or pets can get entangled in the cables, creating an unnecessary safety risk.
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Be Careful with Electricity
The risk of electrocution remains the same as with other electronic appliances. You could even say that the risk is higher for humidifiers because they use water, which is an excellent conductor of electricity. To this end, whenever you’re refilling the tank, make sure that all electric supplies to the appliance are switched off and plugged out.
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Always Use Distilled Water
Never use tap water to refill the humidifier. Tap water is hard and comes with a lot of residues. You’ll have a lot of sediment in the unit after each use, which means you have to clean more often. Soft water can be used, but not in all humidifiers. If you’d like to use softened water, check your model to confirm that soft water is allowed. If not, stick to distilled water.
Conclusion
Many features can be the determining factor when deciding which warm mist humidifier to buy. You might love a larger tank capacity, or have a weakness for special features that make the unit more convenient. As a consumer, it’s completely up to you to decide the type of humidifier that suits your needs best. Now that you’re informed about some of the best warm mist humidifier for large rooms, the decision-making process will be a lot easier.
