What Humidifiers Don't Do
Don't Be Swayed by Common Misconceptions
Humidifiers are good for many things including your health and your heating bill. However, there are many misconceptions concerning humidifiers. A humidifier is just what it says: it adds moisture to the air. Some people may confuse humidifiers with air conditioners or purifiers or even dehumidifiers.
The best indoor humidity for your body and furniture is around 50 percent. Anything less than 40 percent or over 65 percent can have negative effects on your health and things like your furniture. Low humidity can even cause nose bleeds, add to the symptoms of allergies and asthma, cause dehydration and it can make you feel less energetic.
Humidifiers can be very helpful, but there are many things a humidifier doesn’t do:
- Unless you purchase a humidifier with a filter (such as a HEPA filter), it won’t clean your air. A humidifier just adds water vapor to your air. More expensive humidifiers may have built-in air filtration systems. Most high-end humidifiers with filters produce outgoing air; this means that impurities already in the air may be diluted but not eliminated by new air.
- Humidifiers generally don’t clean themselves. There are some upscale models which use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. You should clean your unit once every two or three months to maintain its efficiency.
- Most humidifiers don’t filter water. If you put tap water into the machine you may be putting toxic metals and chemicals into the air. Using distilled water is best since the water is sanitized. Remember to always clean equipment before use.
- A humidifier will not get rid of dust mites or mold. A humidifier simply adds moisture to the air, and in fact, this may aid growth of some molds and mildew (if this is a problem in your home). You can use a hygrometer to measure relative humidity in your home.
- Humidifiers, on their own, do not completely stop dehydration. They only help lubricate your skin, nose and airways. In dry air seasons, drink more water.
- Humidifiers shouldn’t be treated like air fresheners or aromatherapy devices. First, they are not built to support other chemical or natural additives. Adding any of these oils can clog the machines. In a worst-case scenario, these can cause fires.
Humidifiers don’t fill themselves, generally. They require some work. For example, you must fill the water reservoir, sanitize it and ensure that it does not run dry. Read the humidifier manufacturer’s instructions.
