Cool Mist vs. Warm Mist Humidifiers
Cleanliness and Mold Growth are Key Concerns
Some may assume that humidifiers all work through the warming of air to cause evaporation, but this is not the case. Two very common types of humidifiers create a cool mist to add vapor to the air. These are impellers and ultrasonic humidifiers. You can also humidify your air through various means that use natural evaporation.
Deciding which of these is better will depend on your priorities and needs. Some of the major concerns you may have in mind might include:
- Your focus on humidified air, with the benefits to your skin, health, etc.
- Concerns over the cleanliness of your humidifier.
- Concerns over the dispersal of pathogens.
- Concerns over the management of mold growth.
Many of these concerns can be taken care of by issues unrelated to whether you choose a warm or cool humidifier. For example, you can use distilled water and maintain vigilance about the use and changing of filters, and you will need to clean your unit regularly.
But each kind of unit will affect these factors differently.
Cool humidifiers
- Impellers use a spinning wheel that essentially “spits” water into the air. If that sounds messy, it is. These sometimes create a puddle underneath the impeller and can leave a residue on anything in the path of the spray. This can lead to increased mold and pathogens.
- Ultrasonic units might be more effective but they are also more expensive.
Warm humidifiers
Again, we might say that there is cheap, messy and potentially harmful vs. more expensive and more effective.
- Steam vaporizers are a simple method of humidification but they are also messier, and they can increase mold growth and the growth of pathogens.
- Evaporative humidifiers are cleaner, but they are also more expensive.
With each of the more expensive units, there is a tendency to simply think that they are running themselves since they will not draw your attention. Neglecting care for them, though will certainly lead to eventual breakdown. You will end up throwing out the unit and replacing it with another one.
Humidification is not a perfected technology. You can go a long way toward perfection, though, by choosing a higher priced humidifier with features that will compensate for the problems with the technology.
Let’s take two models of the same brand, similar in price and compare them:
Cool Mist Humidifiers
Hunter Care-Free Humidifier Plus with Digital Humidistat & Optional Nite Glo retails for about $80.
- Once a month or once a season cleaning, depending on the filter. There are two options: Permawick filters for once a month or Endurawick filters for once a season. These filters inhibit mold growth.
- The built-in digital, adjustable humidistat prevents over- humidity.
- Available with two speeds.
- Is available with a built in night light, the Nite Glo.
- Comes in 2.5 gallons (with Permawick filter) or 5 gallon sizes (with Endurawick filter) tanks capable of adding humidity to 2,000 square feet.
- No mineral dust is found on furniture.
- Makes the air feel cool.
- Easy to fill.
- Needs to run at least 6 hours for any benefit.
- Noise is minimal.
- Can be cleaned in a dishwasher.
- Automatic shut-off and refill lights on the higher capacity models.
- 5-year limited warranty.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
The Hunter Care-Free Warm Mist Humidifier with Optional Digital Humidistat and Optional Nite Glo® retails for about $80.
- Digital or mechanical humidistat (higher-end models come with digital)
- No replacement filters or pads
- Anti-microbial properties built-in
- High and low settings
- Maximum 1175 square feet humidity area
- Optional nightlight called NiteGlo
- Good for breathing issues
- No white mineral dust
- Easy filling
- Parts are dishwasher safe
- Clear tank to see when the tank is empty, plus automatic shut-off
- Dishwasher safe parts
- 5 year limited warranty
