Allergies. Asthma. Dry skin. Of course it’s just the weather outside, right? Nope. Dry air inside your home could also be contributing to these pesky health issues. But there's no need to sit there and suffer. Thankfully, there is something you can do about it. If you’re over coughing, sneezing, flaking, and all that unpleasantness, it might be time to buy a humidifier for your home.
A humidifier can help increase moisture indoors, especially when it’s cold outside and there’s more dry air in the environment. Humidifiers have other benefits, including increasing overall comfort at home, reducing congestion, and minimising bacteria.
With so many options, it can be hard to find the right humidifier for your health needs. Especially if you're a first-time humidifier user. It's hard to know what's what. So before you buy, there are a few things to consider. Here's a quick guide.
How do humidifiers work?
A humidifier has a water tank that it draws from, turning the water into mist or vapour and emitting it into the room. Ultimately, it increases the local humidity. Different humidifiers may use different tech, but that's the general idea.
Some humidifiers allow you to set a timed cycle (for example, four or eight hours), so you won’t have to constantly monitor their activity. Custom mist settings are helpful if you’re prone to allergies, asthma, or dry skin, so you can control how much moisture you need to make a room more comfortable.
How much space can humidifiers cover?
Size is important when you’re looking for a humidifier. The amount of moisture in the living room might differ from the nursery, so keep size in mind when you’re browsing different models. For big rooms, opt for humidifiers that add moisture up to 1,000 square feet. Small rooms might require humidifiers with a moisture output of up to 80 millilitres per hour. A lot of it comes down to the size of the tank. You'll find humidifiers on this list that range between 500 ml and 4 litres. The bigger the tank, the more space the humidifier is likely to cover.
Are humidifiers safe?
Safety is important when looking for any appliance or device. Most humidifiers have an automatic shut-off, meaning they will operate consistently for a few hours until they run out of water. Spill-proof tanks are also great for safety, because you can add moisture without causing leaks or puddles.
How much does humidifier cost?
Appliances, including humidifiers, don’t always come cheap. But we've included a range of prices in this roundup. Just consider what humidifier — and what price — suits you best. Before you drop major bucks on a humidifier, consider what type of warranty is offered.
What is the best humidifier?
That's ultimately up to you. It depends on your home, lifestyle, and, well, moisture levels. But if you’re ready to reduce that dry air, we’re here to help you find the best humidifier for you and your needs.
These are the best humidifiers in 2024.
