Humidifier

A Humidifier is a device that increases humidity (moisture) in a single room or an entire building. In the home, point-of-use humidifiers are commonly used to humidify a single room, while whole-house or furnace humidifiers, which connect to a home's HVAC system, provide humidity to the entire house.

Types of Humidifiers

There are several types of humidifiers:

• Central Humidifiers: These are built into your home’s air conditioning or heat system and are designed to humidify the whole house.
• Ultrasonic Humidifiers: These produce a cool mist with ultrasonic vibration.
• Evaporators: These blow moisture through a moistened filter. Fans power the unit and expel the humidity into the air.
• Impeller Humidifiers: These produce a cool mist with a rotating disk.
• Steam Vaporizers: These are electrically powered and heat water before cooling it and expelling it into the air.

Health Benefits

Humidifiers can be particularly effective for treating dryness of the skin, nose, throat, and lips. They can also ease some of the symptoms caused by the flu or common cold. However, overuse of humidifiers can potentially worsen respiratory problems. It’s important to know how to use them correctly.

Maintenance

Without regular maintenance, a humidifier can become a household health hazard, spreading bacteria or mold into the air. Some humidifier filters can be cleaned, but many must be replaced.

See Also

• Air conditioning
• HVAC
• Dehumidifier

References

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• Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
  Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
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