With temperatures dropping by the minute, so is the humidity level. That means you'll soon be on the hunt for the best humidifiers to combat dryness (if you're not already)! These handy little devices are a great way to keep your home fresh and comfortable all season long. Read on to find out exactly what they do and how to find the right one this winter.
What does a humidifier do?
Humidifiers are devices that emit water vapor in order to increase the levels of moisture in the air inside your home. Primarily, they're used because the moisture we breathe is tied to our health. According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy home humidity level is somewhere between 30 to 50 percent, with adjustments for preference. When humidity levels are too low, as they tend to be in the dead of winter, it can lead to problems, such as sinus issues, dry skin, bloody noses, extended colds, and poor sleep. Alternately, when humidity levels are too high (think the dog days of summer), air can become a breeding ground for bacteria, dust mites, and mold, which in turn can aggravate symptoms such as allergies and asthma.
Air Purifier vs Humidifier
For those wondering if they actually need a humidifier if they already have an air purifier, the answer is a resounding yes. While both machines will work to improve air quality, they serve completely different functions. As we established above, humidifiers are used to maintain adequate moisture levels in the air inside our homes. Air purifiers, on the other hand, clean the air inside your home, trapping and removing harmful particles such as mold spores, dust, dust mites, pet dander, and other irritating allergens. While you may not need to use both simultaneously, having one of each on hand ensures that you'll be taking in the healthiest H2O possible, all year long.
Best Humidifiers for Your Home
Whether you're looking for a small, quiet model to keep your grandchild's bloody noses at bay or a large device that will add moisture to big open spaces, FIRST has got you covered. We've rounded up 11 options that are perfect for areas both big and small. Keep scrolling for our picks for the best home humidifiers to breathe better this winter.
We write about products we think our readers will like. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the supplier.