Dennis Reed - Page 40 of 54

Top 7 Products for Dogs to Keep Them Cool and Safe in Summer

Your dogs are more than pets; they are part of the family. As much as you like to get them small pet toys to play with, you should also invest in their comfort.
Now that summer is well and truly here, it’s time to make sure you and your faithful companion are prepared for all kinds of weather – this includes sweltering hot days.

A dog’s body temperature runs higher than humans because they have no reliable way to cool down or release heat. During the summer months, make sure your dog doesn’t get overheated and dehydrated.

We have compiled a list of the seven most effective products you can use to help your pet stay cool and safe.

1.Elevated Dog Beds

Get a raised dog bed so your dog can stay out of the sun, or if you live in an apartment outside their crate.

Make sure it’s off the ground and in a cool, shady location. One of the best ways to combat overheating is by ensuring your pup has access to fresh air on all sides.

This breathable, elevated pet bed allows them to relax and chill inside or out.
There are also special cooling beds that emit water to keep your pet cool all summer long!

2.Cooling Bandana

Some dogs have a hard time regulating their body temperature and keeping cool.

A cooling bandana is a great way to help keep them comfortable! The fabric contains a gel that will stay cool for hours without refrigeration.

This lightweight “cool collar” can be worn on your pets during hot summer days, and it releases water into the air, thereby cooling them down.

It’s easy to take along on walks and hikes, so you can make sure your dog stays comfortable in every environment!

3.Cooling Vest

Cooling vests are an excellent solution for dogs that don’t do well with water, need extra heat relief, or if their breed is susceptible to overheating.

These lightweight vests are lined with a cooling gel that stays effective for hours.

Your dog will be comfortable, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they won’t overheat!

4.Summer Dog House Cooler

If your dog spends his days outside in the summer, make sure he has plenty of shade and a cool summer doghouse cooler.
The material contains water and absorbs heat, keeping your pet at a comfortable temperature all day long.

Not only will it keep him cool and cozy, but most summer doghouse coolers also have a waterproof bottom that protects the floor of your pup’s house from excess moisture.
They enclose their home entirely so they can feel safe and secure while lounging inside.

5.Cooling mats

are a great addition to your pet’s crate or dog bed.
They contain water and will release moisture throughout the day, so their crate/bed stays cool to the touch.
These mats are portable, soft, lightweight, and comfortable for dogs to lie on.

The cooling mat is made from recycled material and can be folded up for easy transport and storage when not in use.

They are available in regular and large sizes, which means one will work for practically any dog.

6.Dog swimming pool

A dog swimming pool is the perfect summer companion for your pet. It will provide them with hours of fun and keep them cool on those hot days. It can be placed in their backyard or taken along on camping trips.

This plastic swimming pool has a strong steel frame and comes complete with a pump, filter, and chemicals to ensure clean water for your dog to swim in.

7.Waterproof dog shoes

Walking around in the summer can be hazardous for pets because they burn their paws on hot concrete.

Cooling Dog Shoes allow your dog to stay comfortable all day long and help protect his feet from pain and abrasions.

This waterproof dog shoe is a great option when you’re traveling by boat, as the propellers could damage their paws otherwise.

The bottom of the shoe is non-skid and works to protect his feet and prevent slipping. These shoes are available in several sizes for all types of pets.

Recap
You may have to do some research on which type of dog you are looking for based on the climate in your area.

But with these products, we hope that summer will be a breeze! We’ve compiled a list of 7 top items every pet owner needs this season.

These include cooling mats, cooling beds, and more to help keep them safe and happy during the hot months ahead.

Whether you’re buying one or all seven, they’ll make sure that your best friend is comfortable and cool no matter what time of year it happens to be outside.

Air Cooler vs. Air Con – The Sticky Difference

In the Midwest where I live, the heat has been soaring this year. We are all the way into September and the midday sun does not seem to want to let go of its power to make everyone miserable.

And what’s worse , the humidity has been extra high and thick. Which means the air conditioning is struggling and the mosquitoes are rampant.

I can tell you this , in this environment, evaporative cooling is useless. More about that later.

I long for the early days of spring when the air cooler made a difference.

But living through this season has given me a unique or at least a “fresh” viewpoint on air coolers and air conditioning. More like a “sticky” viewpoint.

Air Cooler vs. Air Con

Air conditioning – Refrigerated air.
Air Cooler- Evaporated Water cooled

An air cooler usually refers to evaporative cooling. An air con or air conditioning typically refers to refrigerated air conditioning.

Evaporative cooling uses water to cool the air. Air conditioning uses a refrigerant.

The difference between an air conditioner and an air cooler,

comes down primarily to the humidity.

An air conditioner reduces the humidity whereas an air cooler increases the humidity.

It’s because of the method by which each cools off the temperature of a room.

An air conditioner uses a refrigerant to bring down the temperature while at the same time condensing and removing the humidity in the air.

This works great because humidity, when it is excessive, can make the temperature seem hotter than it actually is.

By reducing the humidity along with cooling off the air with a refrigerant, air conditioners are capable of bringing down the temperature of a room very efficiently.

Which translates to a more comfortable environment.

An air cooler on the other hand uses water to basically brush the air and cool it off as it is blowing past the water.

The ideal is more like a breeze that is blowing off of the ocean. The actuality is a fan that blows water-cooled air.

This method has a built-in problem.

What if the air is already humid?

Will not the air cooler just add more humidity to the air and eventually make the air more uncomfortable?

The answer is yes.

One of the main ways air coolers are referred to is as “swamp coolers”.

That’s because though evaporative air coolers can work great when the air outside is dry, combining them with air that is already humid can make the room feel swampy.

Which is another way of saying muggy or sticky.

This is why I said in the beginning that evaporative cooling is useless in the climate that I’m living in right now.

Trying to cool down the air that is already wet doesn’t accomplish anything. The only thing it accomplishes is making the air feel more uncomfortable.

The truth is that running a fan alone is more effective than using a air cooler when the humidity is too high.

But not all climates are humid and this has been an extra humid season.

Just be prepared for your evaporative air cooler to be less effective when the humidity rises.

Another disadvantage to evaporative air coolers is they require a source of water.

You will either have to hook it straight up to a water faucet or fill the basin up with water on a regular basis.

And also machines that require water have to be kept very clean and maintained often to avoid bacteria and mold from growing in them.

What that means practically, is that the water will have to be emptied anytime that the machine is not in use.
That is to avoid any chance of standing water that can easily become a source of bacteria and a breeding ground for mosquitoes

But air coolers do have their advantages
One advantage over a refrigerated air conditioner that air coolers possess is that they do not require any way to be exhausted.

Which makes them more of a portable option then an “air conditioner”, even what they call a portable air conditioner.

Because even though a portable air conditioner may be more “portable” than say a window air conditioner or a central heat and air unit, it still has to have a way to exhaust the heat outside.

Which means an exhaust hose that attaches to a window.

Portable Air “coolers” are actually portable and are not confined to having to have a window nearby to the exhaust from.

An air cooler is the only option for vent-less air conditioning in a room that has no windows.

Most home garages do not have Windows which makes exhausting refrigerator air conditioning a challenge to.

So portable evaporative cooling is a good option for cooling off a garage.

Recap

What’s the difference between an air “cooler” and an “air conditioning”?

Air cooler refers to evaporative cooling that uses water to cool down fan blown air.Air conditioning refers to air that is conditioned with refrigerant and is condensed to reduce the humidity in a room.

Refrigerator air conditioning is more efficient and can be dialed in much easier. But it’s design requires a way to exhaust heat. Which means you either having a separate compressor outside or a window to place the air conditioner or exhaust it from.

Evaporative air cooling is not nearly as efficient and cooling down a room to a specific temperature is not an option.

Air coolers also must be maintained regularly to avoid bacteria and mold growth.

But they do have one main advantage over refrigerated air conditioning, which is that they do not require a window nearby to vent any heat.

Which makes an air “cooler” truly portable compared to a portable air “conditioner “that requires a window nearby to vent and exhaust the heat created in the air conditioning process.

Remember:

Air cooler – evaporative cooling
Air conditioning – refrigerated air.

Baby Humidifier (Benefits -Best Features)

Having a new baby in the house is one of the most exciting times that you can possibly have in your entire life.

And I’m speaking from a man’s point of view. Which doesn’t nearly compare to the elation that bringing home a new baby from the hospital has for a new mother.

It’s been a while since we had a new baby in our house. Our last one was a daughter who is now a teenager.

But I can still remember waking up in the middle of the night and having an urge to get up and check to make sure she was breathing. That sounds a little obsessive. True nonetheless.

I can also remember all the snot and mucus that comes with a new baby. And using one of those snot suckers or baby aspirators, I think they’re actually called, to clean her nose out.

One of the things we always had in the bedroom (yes she slept in the same room as me and my wife) was the humidifier.

The baby humidifier is a must if only for the white noise. I know it’s not meant for that, but it works awesome for putting a baby girl and her daddy to sleep.

But there’s much more to a baby humidifier than the calming sound it makes.

Humidifiers or actually one of the most important appliances you can own during the winter months when the humidity drops outside and the heater is going nonstop inside.

Low humidity causes dry air. And dry air can cause a whole lot of problems for people, especially children and babies.

Humidifier in baby room all night?

Using a humidifier in your baby’s room all night is completely acceptable as long as that is what is needed to achieve the 40% to 60% relative humidity to keep your baby from experiencing symptoms associated with low humidity and dry air.

Humidifier benefits for baby

1.Skincare

Babies specifically, can have very dry skin. And require a lot of baby lotion.

Dry skin is a symptom of dry air. You could say that dry skin equals dehydrated skin. And air that is deficient in humidity absorbs moisture from where it can, skin being a big one.

On the flip side, when the air has the proper relative humidity, which is 40 to 60% RH according to the National Library of Medicine, Your skin absorbs the moisture out of the air.

A baby humidifier adds moisture back into the air when the relative humidity has dropped below the 40% mark.

This is an important part of helping keep your babies skin moisturized.

Babies also have an underdeveloped immune system. Which leads to more problems with colds and congestion, along with crusty noses.

2. Viruses and Germs

Low humidity/dry air creates more than one problem for newborns and children.

Firstly, it allows particles that are viral to travel much easier and spread through your home much faster.

Why is that?

Moisture in the air has a wetting effect on airborne particulates that causes dust particles to become too heavy to float, thereby keeping them from being able to travel.

That includes germs and viruses.

3.Dry air inhibits Immunity

Thirdly, the cilia, which is the part of your airways that help expel viruses, do not work as well in dry environments.

A research article published in MedicalNews Today reads “the hair-like organelles outside of cells that line the body’s airways, called cilia, do not function as well in dry conditions — they cannot expel viral particles as well as they otherwise would.”
That is why a baby humidifier is an invaluable tool for helping keep your baby and or your children healthy during the winter months.

4.Moistens Dried Noses and throats

Fourthly, when your baby’s nose is dried out, it’s a very painful situation for them and it’s also very painful for you to have to scrape off the dried snot and mucus.

A humidifier, when the air is very dry will hydrate the inside of your baby’s nose and help alleviate that problem.
By the same token , a baby humidifier will also help hydrate a sore dry throat.

As well as help you deal with the problem.

How close should the humidifier be to the baby?

The experts say that a humidifier should be placed three to four feet away from your baby.
One of the main reasons is that babies can be very curious and want to get a hold of the humidifier when they see the mist spraying out.

Not to mention, a lot of humidifiers are made to look like cute toys.

Baby humidifier downside

But there is a downside.

Humidifiers have to be strictly maintained.

The same device that is delivering healthy moisture into your air when the relative humidity has dropped, can also be a device that is responsible for spreading germs and bacteria when it is not cleaned and maintained regularly.

Buying a Baby Humidifier?

1. Easy to Clean

When you’re shopping for a new humidifier for your baby’s room, I always recommend researching humidifiers that are easy to clean.
It’s because you’re going to be doing it a lot.
Finding one that you can put in the dishwasher will make it that much easier

2. Humidity Meter (hygrostat)

The second must-have feature on a humidifier is a meter that tells you just exactly what your humidity is.

It’s called a hygrometer. Without one of these humidity gauges included, you cannot know what your relative humidity is and whether or not you actually need a humidifier running.

Most hygrometers these days are a combination tool that combines a thermometer to tell the temperature and a hygrometer to read the humidity level.

These are the two most important features I would recommend searching for while shopping for a new humidifier but there are other features that are well worth looking into.

3. Easy to Fill

A humidifier that is easy to fill up with water.
A lot of humidifiers have to be turned upside down and the fill hole unscrewed from the bottom.

This means you have to fill the humidifier from the bottom too. This usually means making some sort of mess.

You can get a humidifier these days that fills from the top and fits under the faucet without having to flip it over.

That’s a pretty cool feature.

3.Auto shut off.

It seems like auto shut off would be a standard feature on any humidifier.
I mean when it runs out of water, it should just flip some sort of switch and turn off right?
But that is not generally the way it works.
They run out of water and the motor just keeps on running.

But the new Modern humidifiers usually come with auto shut-off. Not such a small deal.

4.Wi-Fi

With all of the appliances that you can get integrated with Alexa and download your own app, why not a humidifier?

Actually, a humidifier makes more sense as a Wi-Fi device than some of the other appliances you can think of.

I mean it is actually useful to have an app that will alert you when the water in the reservoir is approaching the empty level.

And being able to check your phone for the relative humidity in the house is also something that I find useful.

5. Aromatherapy and essential oils.

This is another feature that modern humidifiers have that I think is very useful.

After all, there are certain essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender that are very beneficial to you when you have a cold.

Having an aromatherapy tray on a humidifier is a good idea for that reason.

6. Optional hot or cold mist.

Almost exclusively, you will find warm mist humidifiers to be avoided when you look to experts on what type of humidifier to purchase for your baby’s room.

It’s because of the danger of getting burned by boiling water.

But there are times when you want to be able to use a Vicks-type product in a humidifier to help your baby and your children breathe.

A cool-mist humidifier does not work with those types of methylated salves.

So there are times when a warm mist humidifier is a better option for your children’s room.

The main takeaway is caution. Don’t put the humidifier where they can get to it easily.

You can buy a humidifier that has the option of running cold or hot.

And that’s the best option for purchasing one.

Wrap-up!

As exciting as it is having a new baby in the house,

Everyone knows that has been there the stress of having a crying baby that is experiencing the effects of dry air in the room.

A baby humidifier isn’t the answer to everything but it is definitely a big help when you were dealing with a miserable baby that is having issues with dry air.

How Does A Ventless Air Conditioner Work?

While so many air conditioning systems are available, people find ventless air conditioners more reliable.

This portable, user-friendly, and economical appliance controls the indoor humidity with simple operation methods.
But what about the internal working process in the first place?

How Does A Ventless Air Conditioner Work?
A Ventless Air conditioner decreases the temperature by increasing the humidity in the air. It circulates the hot indoor air and cools it down using an evaporator coil within the machine.

In short, the machine will cool the existing air instead of pulling air from the outdoors.
But there’s more to it! Let’s discuss how ventless ACs circulate the cool air, and how you can get the most out of it.

What Actually is a Ventless Air Conditioner?

A Ventless air conditioner is also known as a portable swamp cooler, evaporative air conditioner, or vent-free AC.

From the name itself, it refers to that unit that doesn’t require any vent through the window to function properly. In the HVAC world, there are no similar things as a ventless air conditioner.

This technology provides a powerful cooling system without any vent. There is no exhaust hose inside these appliances. Because in Ventless Air Conditioner there is no heat exchange or refrigeration process available like Traditional Air Conditioner.

Therefore, no hot air is produced inside the appliance. That is why it doesn’t need any exhaust hose to hang on the window.

How Does A Ventless AC Work?

Before knowing How Does A Ventless Air Conditioner Work, you have to understand what evaporation is.

Because Ventless Air Conditioner works by following this simple science.

In general terms, evaporation is an important part of the water cycle. In this process liquid material like water converts into gas with the help of thermal or electrical energy.

As we know that ventless air conditioners work through the principle of evaporation, let’s discuss its methodology.The basic methodology of vent-free AC is, it uses a heat pump to bring water from water storage. The cooling pads absorb the pump’s water.

When the fan is flowing, it draws the hot air from the outside by the water-soaked pads.
As air goes through the pads, where the temperature is absorbed by the process of evaporation which cools the air.

Here the mechanism of supplying cold air is, the warm water moves through a honeycomb corrugated filter and collides with a hydrone wet filter.

With the help of a honeycomb filter, the exchange of air and water has finished. And finally, a fan supplies the cold air into the surface.

Do Ventless Air Conditioners Work?
The working mechanism of a portable air conditioner or swamp coolers is similar to a Traditional Evaporative Cooler.
For that reason, many people think Ventless Air Conditioners are a scam.
The point here to be realized is, Ventless AC does not reduce the overall temperature of a room the same way a traditional air conditioner does. Rather it cools the air by evaporation and humidifying the air.

Here is no rocket science to understand whether Ventless AC is a scam or not. Because Ventless Air Conditioner cools the air by pooling a simple natural process of evaporation with an advanced air moving system.

In this method, fresh air comes from outside and is drawn into the cooler by moistened pads. And then, the air is filtered by saturated evaporation and finally humid air circulated by the blower.
A portable Ventless AC can produce 80% relative humidity on average.

Why You Should Go With Ventless Air Conditioner

There are a number of reasons that make Ventless Air conditioners different from similar kinds of air conditioning systems like ductless systems.
While people go with Ductless AC systems, ventless window air conditioners provide enormous facilities. Before getting an air conditioning system, you should know which factor makes a huge difference.

Which factor makes ventless more worthy than Ductless AC or mini-split systems?
Facility of Portability
Ventless AC is generally a portable air conditioner indoor unit. It doesn’t need any outdoor unit to attach.
Therefore, you can transfer it from one palace to another place easily. There is no cooling system installation or maintenance needed in these indoor units.
Like other types of HVAC systems, it doesn’t need to be installed in a fixed place. Just plug in the appliance, add water and go!
Energy Efficient
Where other HVAC systems need two units to install and require much energy to operate, ventless AC comes as an energy efficiency facility.
Ventless Air conditioners run constantly and consume only 90 to 160 watts per hour.

On the other hand, ductless or single split air conditioner systems consume 500 watts of energy on average per hour.
Also, an evaporative cooler or ventless AC doesn’t emit any harmful gasses and uses no refrigerant like other central air conditioning systems.
Inexpensive
A portable air conditioner is significantly more affordable than a split system or central HVAC system.
It does not demand any extra installation charge. With this simple device, you can cover 350 square feet of area to cool.
No other HVAC system is more money-efficient than a single portable air conditioner.

Who Needs Ventless Air Conditioners More?

Ventless Air Conditioners come in different sizes and all have individual applications. They are designed in small and large sizes to cover different types of areas.
As they cover indoor areas, you should know who needs it the most before getting one.
As discussed earlier, Ventless-AC uses evaporative cooling and its function depends on relative humidity.
So, if you live in an area where the relative humidity level is too high, this kind of appliance does not suit your needs.

Ventless Portable AC is best for low humidity areas and high-temperature countries or regions such as the United States, Australia, Mexico, Chile, Saudi Arabia. Sometimes, Ventless AC may be used outdoors since outdoor air will not raise relative humidity like a room.

Conclusion
No one wants to go with complex things when they find a simple way instead of it. A ventless air conditioner is one such kind of thing among other HVAC systems.
Its working mechanism, versatile use make it popular day by day in low humidity regions, humid climates, and dry climates. Because keeping the relative humidity maximum level is essential to lead a healthy life.

We hope, by going through How Does a Ventless Air Conditioner Work, now you know its overall mechanism. This knowledge will help you to have a portable air conditioner system that certainly fulfills your needs.
Thanks for reading this article with patience.

Posted on August 30, 2021September 14, 2023Categories Air Conditioning, All Posts

My Top 11 Ultimate “Plant Humidifier” Must Haves

1.Easy to fill

A humidifier must be easy to fill.

I have had humidifiers in the past that you could barely get the tank underneath the faucet in the kitchen to fill it up.
You practically have to turn the thing sideways to get it out from underneath the faucet.
And you can’t expect to do so without spilling some of the water.
Also , If I have to turn it upside down to fill it, that means I’m going to get water everywhere.
An easy to fill humidifier that fills from the top and fits in my sink is a must have for a plant humidifier.

2. Easy to clean

Humidifiers are well known to be maintenance heavy devices that require cleaning at least once a week.
And I can tell you that if it’s too hard to mess with, breaking it down and such, it’s probably not going to get done as often as it needs to.
That’s why, when it comes to a humidifier, one of the main things I’m looking for is how easy it is to clean.
On that note, I want to stick it in the dishwasher if I can, and just be done.
An Easy to clean is a “humidifier must have”. Plant or otherwise.

3. Humidity meter (Hygrometer)

Keeping the proper Humidity balance is such an important part of staying healthy and keeping my plants thriving that I want to make sure that I’m running the humidifier only when I need it.
And though I can tell you when it feels muggy or if I’m experiencing more than my share of static electricity, that is not enough to ensure that the humidity level in the house is staying at the proper relative humidity range.
The bottom line is, without a humidity meter (hygrometer) , I have no idea of what my RH (relative humidity) actually is.
One of my “humidifier must haves” is the inclusion of a hygrometer to provide me with an actual way of measuring the humidity without guessing.

4. Humidistat

Along the same lines as a humidity meter, a humidistat turns the humidifier on and off to adjust to the humidity in the room.
It’s very much like a thermostat that you use for your heat and air conditioning. For instance, if you want your room to be 75°, you set your thermostat at 75 and the room slowly adjusts to that temperature.
That’s exactly the same way a humidistat works except for it adjusts the room for relative humidity level.
Smart humidifiers rely on sensors to tell the humidistat to adjust the humidity.

5. Auto shut off

If you have ever owned a basic drug store plastic humidifier then you know what I’m talking about already.
Most humidifiers from yesteryear were basic machines that you feel with water and turn on.
And the machine would stay on regardless until you hit the off button.Which made it not uncommon to come along and find your humidifier bone dry and still running.
Luckily “auto shut off” is a feature you can find fairly easily when you are shopping around for a humidifier these days.
Indicator lights and alerts are also part of the norm for humidifiers these days.
Smart humidifiers can even send you a text when the humidifier is about to be out of water.
Auto shut off is a must-have for your plant humidifier

6. Extra long run time.

A large basin that can hold enough water that my humidifier can run for at least a couple of days without me having to fill it is an essential convenience.
Along the same lines as having to clean it all the time, there is the built-in necessity of having to fill a humidifier with water continuously.
That’s why having a large water tank that doesn’t have to be filled as often is a must-have on the humidifier features list.

7. Warm or cool mist options

Some plants do better with steamier air because it creates more of a simulation of their natural habitat. Many tropical plants for instance are used to heavy humidity and high temperatures all day.
That being said, you may not want a vaporizer running all the time because they are steamier which can make the room feel swampy and it cost more to run a warm mist humidifier.
That’s why owning a humidifier that has both an option to use it as a warm mist or cool mist is a must have for me.

8. Aromatherapy / essential oils

Using essential oils around your plants may not seem like such a great idea until you realize that there are many essential oils and aromatherapy blends that will stop fungal growth.
They also Repel insects, and provide an all-natural alternative to fertilizers that have harmful chemicals and poisons in them.
The inclusion of an aromatherapy tray on a plant humidifier is an absolute must have feature.

9. Wi-Fi

Every home appliance you can think of these days as a Wi-Fi version.
Some of them make a lot of sense and some not so much.
Having the option to monitor your humidifier through an app is a good idea because you can view the relative humidity in your home from a remote location and get an alert letting you know when your water is nearly gone.
You can even turn the humidifier light on, via your phone.

10. Quiet

Humidifiers are so noisy that they are practically White noise machines.

Which can be a good thing for some people and I know that kind of “white noise” can help a baby sleep,

But it’s not for me.

I don’t want a device in the bedroom or the living room but I have to turn the TV or radio up to hear it.

Having a humidifier that is quiet is a must have feature for me.

11. Germ-free

The latest innovation in humidifiers is the addition of different types of options to keep your humidifier germ-free.
Antimicrobial plastic and ultraviolet light are the main ideals at the forefront.
If a guy could get all the features included in this list and top it off with the option of being germ and bacteria free,
I would say that you would have the ultimate plant humidifier.

Posted on August 29, 2021January 19, 2023Categories Humidifiers, All Posts

Plant Humidifier – When, Where, and How (My Experience)

I enjoy plants. I get a real jolt out of seeing plants and flowers that I have potted and kept up with the watering, thriving and growing, big and luscious.
I also have a couple of excellent areas where I put my plants that they seem to grow like crazy in.
One being the window sill in the kitchen,
and the other one being a bathtub (it’s a ridiculously small bathtub, I don’t know what the builders of the house were thinking when they put it in)
that sits underneath a skylight in the bathroom.

Both of those areas work well for growing because of their easy access to water and direct sunlight for 4 or 5 hours a day. Not to mention the amount of humidity in those rooms.
But I also have a room where even though it gets a lot of sunlight, it is very dry and a pain to carry water in there to take care of the plants.
I know that makes me sound lazy, but there is a big difference in taking care of plants when you have easy access to water. Take it from me.

My Plant Humidifier Experience

Recently I decided to go the humidifier route, with the plants in that room.
After all, it only makes sense.
When you compare that room to the other rooms where we keep plants, there’s an obvious difference.
The plants in the bathroom and in the kitchen both get a lot of humidity.
Bathrooms are naturally humid because of the showers going on and kitchens also get their share of humidity from the kitchen sink.
So putting a humidifier in the other plant room to keep moisture in the air seemed like the perfect ideal.

So what did I learn from it?

Are humidifiers good for plants?

Putting a humidifier with my plants works pretty well. Does it transform that area into a greenhouse? Not exactly. But it does make a difference.
The plants seem to be a little greener from just having a little humidity settling on them.
They have that vibe of being happy and healthy, the way they’re reaching for the sky..
I told you I like growing plants.

Do plants need a cool or warm mist humidifier?

I originally used a vaporizer because we just happen to have one in the closet.
And it made sense that tropical plants probably like hot humidity because of their natural habitat and what.
It also seemed like a good idea because the water in the vaporizer was being boiled which means less chance of mold and bacteria growing in it.
Both of those assumptions were true.
But nevertheless, I decided to take out the vaporizer and put a cool mist humidifier in there instead ,because the vaporizer was making the room feel too swampy.
Did I see a difference in the plants by swapping out the vaporizer with the humidifier?
No I didn’t. I’m guessing humidity is humidity no matter what the temperature is.

When should I use a humidifier for my plants?

Some of the other particulars like when and how, I just Googled them.
In Particular, I needed to know when to use it and where to put it.
I needed to know when the actual humidity in the house warranted using a humidifier and I needed to know when, as in what time of the day to use it.
What I found out about “when to use it” made perfect sense when I heard it.
The ideal is to run the humidifier in the morning before the sun shines directly on the plants.
That probably all depends on which room you’re putting them in and what time the Sun shines into that room.
The Sun hits my room in the afternoon, so running the humidifier in the morning is better for me.
The main reason and why it makes so much sense is that if you are running your humidifier at the same time that the Sun is directly hitting your plants,
The condensation that the humidifier creates can have a magnifying glass effect which can cause the sun to burn your plants.
The same reason why they say not to water your grass in the afternoon sun.
Told you it would make sense when you heard it.

As far as the humidity level in the house, it turns out that plants are very similar to humans in the level of humidity that they find most beneficial.
Though some tropical plants need more humidity, most plants thrive best when the humidity in the house is between 40 and 60%. Other plants like succulents prefer desert conditions so a humidifier is pretty useless for growing cactus.
How do you know what your humidity is?

A little device called a hygrometer. It’s also called a humidity gauge or a humidity meter.
As a standalone device, they’re pretty cheap. Around the $20 mark.
But you can also buy a humidifier that has a humidity meter built in. And a humidistat to control when the humidifier comes on and turns off according to the relative humidity of the room at any time.
A much more convenient option.

Where do you place a plant humidifier?

The other thing I needed to know was where to put the humidifier in relation to the plants.
The answer I found when I Googled this didn’t make as much sense to me.
It’s because I would think that plants would love the feeling of having condensation on them.
Since, especially when you’re talking about tropical plants, they are used to having the rain pour down on them.
But the experts say that putting the humidifier too close to your plants can cause them to become limp and mushy.
This probably warrants experimenting.
I think I’m going to have to feel this one out a little longer, because with the amount of sunlight coming into that room, I haven’t noticed any mushiness in my plants.

Plant Humidifier Drawbacks
The main drawback is the maintenance required for the humidifier itself.
Not only is keeping it filled with water a drag, it also has to be cleaned weekly to avoid mold and bacteria growing in it.
So if you are shopping for a humidifier, I suggest you find one that has a big tank that doesn’t require refilling as often,
And find something that is easy to clean. Dishwasher friendly.

Recap
A humidifier for your plants is a great idea.
What better way to simulate the natural habitat of a tropical plant than to add moisture into the air with a humidifier?
Just remember that humidifiers require some work. They have to be refilled and cleaned fairly often.
And there are some rules about when and where you want to put it. Like when to use it and where to put it.
And if you are shopping for a plant humidifier,

A few tips you might want to consider are:

Find one that’s easy to clean.
Find one that is big enough to run a long time without having to refill it.
Get one with a humidity meter( hygrometer) so you can make sure you’re running when you need it and not when you don’t.
And remember you can always go the vaporizer route to minimize the cleaning.
Better yet, get a humidifier that can function as a cool mist humidifier or a warm mist (vaporizer).

Posted on August 25, 2021January 19, 2023Categories Humidifiers, All Posts

Air Purifier Price- Filtering Up the True Cost

Have you ever shopped around for an air purifier?
If you have, then you already have an ideal of the large gamut of features and choices you have to choose from.
And It is very hard to look at a box on a shelf and determine if the item inside is any good or not.
Most air purifier packaging have something about “great for pets” or “removes allergens up to 99 million percent”.
They’re all amazing apparently.
And they’re all Wi-Fi enabled, ready to send you a text when it’s time to replace the filter.
Ah yes, the filter…

Air Purifier Price – Replacement Filters
It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that you have to replace filters in air purifiers.
We all have motor vehicles that take upkeep and replacement filters from time to time so it’s not like we’re not used to it.
But the quality of the filters and the frequency of replacing the filters has a big impact on how much an air purifier costs.
Because you are not just buying an air purifier once, you are buying it over and over.
Because when it gets down to it, the part of the air purifier that does the actual air cleaning is the filter or module.
It’s the essential part of an air purifier and it has to be replaced, and fairly often to do an adequate job.
Let’s face it, replacement filters are the real air purification industry.
So much so that many air purifier companies try to have you sign up for replacement filters that come to your door on an auto ship program.
And if you’re selling air purifiers it’s all good news to you. Because you’re not just selling the air purifier, you’re selling a recurring membership to the air filter of the month club .
And there is certainly nothing wrong with commerce.
But from a consumer’s point of view, you should also be aware of how the air purifier industry works,
and when it comes down to it, what is the actual cost of that air purifier that you are eyeballing going to run you.

Combination Air Purifier filters
Combination filters for air purifiers are easily the main style of air filters that you are going to run into.
Combination filters are a combination of a HEPA filter and a carbon filter.
Though they are truly more convenient because you only have to replace one part of the air purifier, they are also easily the most expensive.
Why wouldn’t they be, you’re buying two air filters in one.
You’ll find that some of the main and most popular brands of air purifiers like Levoit and BlueAir are using the combination HEPA and carbon filter.
But the problem arrives when you realize that you cannot use the filters individually.
You may be thinking “why would you want to?”

But did you know for instance, that carbon filters have a sweet smell?
They do. Almost a “birthday cake” sweet smell.
Some makers of carbon filters even use that smell as an indicator of when to replace your carbon filter.
Because once the smell starts to give out, it means the carbon has absorbed as much as it’s going to absorb.
All good.
But you should be aware of that before you purchase a filter that you cannot separate one from the other.
Another thing to remember is that you do not always have as much use for a carbon filter as you do the HEPA filter.
Carbon is a good odor and gas absorber when you need one. But that’s not usually as often as you need the HEPA filter.
The HEPA filter is the one that is primarily removing airborne particles like pollen and dust that are at the heart of most household allergens.
And you should know that before I say this,
that cleaning your own HEPA filter will definitely reduce the effectiveness and ability of it to capture airborne particles,
That being said, it is still done.
Activated Carbon filters on the other hand are more like a sponge than a traditional filter,
And once you get them wet, they’re pretty much done.
So if you ever want to do any type of do-it-yourself cleaning job on your filter,
It will not exactly be something you can do with a combination HEPA and carbon filter.

HEPA filters have long been the standard in air purification. They are manufactured in such a way that they are required to capture pollutants as small as .03 microns.
Though if you have been shopping for an air purifier lately, you probably noticed that most of the most popular air purifiers with combination filters are also featuring The H13 filter.
The H13 filter is HEPA filter designed to capture pollutants as small as .01 parts per million.
This filter is advertised as a hospital grade filter that can capture the tiniest of particles including viruses, germs, and bacteria.
I can’t say whether or not these filters can capture pollutants as small as viruses or not,
But I can tell you for sure that having a filter with an even smaller path for air to move through will cause the filter to degrade much faster.
A tighter filter will simply get filled that much faster and reduce the period of time between filter replacements.
Air Purifier Price -The Main Point

When you purchase an air purifier that requires a combination filter, you will have to purchase and replace both the HEPA and the carbon filters at the same time,
Because regardless of whether they have both had the same amount of use, they are tied together and can’t be separated.

Air Purifier Price- The Real Cost

When it comes to purchasing an air purifier, there’s definitely more to the story than you may initially have thought of.
“Filters are the back end of the air purifier industry and they are really where the majority of the money is made.”
And where the majority of the money is spent by the consumer.
Most of the popular air purifiers these days including brands like Levoit and BlueAir require a periodic replacement filter that is a combination of HEPA and carbon.
Though it is very convenient it may sound great on the surface,
You should be aware of a few things before purchasing an air purifier but this type of replacement.
1. Carbon filters have a sweet smell.
If you find that you do not like the sweet smell of the carbon filter, there is no way to simply remove that filter and use the HEPA filter only.
2. Usage
The HEPA filter is the main filter that you will get the most functionality out of. It is the filter that captures the air particles like pollen and mold spores that are primarily known to be household allergens.
3. DIY filter cleaning
Though there is really no way to clean the HEPA filter yourself and get the same level of effectiveness out of it, it is still done and people do it all the time
A Carbon filter on the other hand, can’t be washed and water will completely render it useless.
Combination filters don’t give you the option of just cleaning the HEPA filter.
4. More Than You Need
Lastly, the combination HEPA filter that I am talking about has in the last year or so begun to feature the h13 style HEPA filter that is supposed to capture everyone contaminants as small as 01 microns versus the standard 03 microns.
Whether or not they are successful they’re doing so, I don’t know.
But since the filters are that much more tightly woven together, they will definitely need replacing more often.
“The Price of Air Purifiers is the initial cost of the air purifier plus the frequent filter replacements that are required for the air purifier to function adequately.”
You would have to admit, the replacement combination HEPA and carbon filter is a pretty crafty way of making a lot more money selling filters on the back end.
Just something to gnaw on….

Posted on August 22, 2021January 19, 2023Categories Air Purifiers, All Posts

Symptoms of High Humidity in Your Home (A Long Frizzy List)

If there is one thing that I have learned this past summer season is that a little humidity goes a long way.
This has been, no doubt, one of the rainiest spring and summer seasons I have ever lived through.
The heat has been through the roof and the air conditioners don’t even feel like they’re on half the time.
I guess we all know how miserable, excessive humidity can feel going through our regular work and school days.
And just about everybody has had an experience with their hair looking terrible because of the humidity outside,
But comfortability and great hair could be the least of your worries when the humidity has risen sky high in your home.

Symptoms of high humidity in your home
If you tell tale signs that the humidity inside of your house is too high.
1. Condensation on the windows
Everybody knows what it looks like in the bathroom when they get out of a hot steamy shower.
The mirror gets completely fogged over in the windows get a layer of condensation on them.
That’s par for the course and completely understandable in the bathroom.
But if you have condensation on the windows in other parts of the house, that’s not normal.
That is definitely a symptom of high irregular moisture in the air.

2. Allergies and breathing issues

Air that is heavy with humidity can be harder to breathe. Especially if you’re coming from an area that is dry and traveling to an area that is extra humid like the tropics.

But adapting to breathing extra wet air is not the only thing that makes humidity tough on your respiratory system.

Humidity just happens to be one of the main ways that dust mites get their nourishment.

Heavy humidity can cause an explosion of dust mites. Which are a common household allergen that can cause you to have multiple symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, and coughing.

Another allergen known to be spurred on by higher humidity is mold. More specifically the mold spores that are released from the mold and travel through the air looking for the next place to take root.

Allergies and breathing problems while in the house can definitely be a symptom of high humidity.

3. Visible mold growing on the wall

If you have mold on the wall, there is no doubt that you have an issue with high humidity in the area of said mold.

Humidity is not only caused by climate, you can just as easily because of a leaking pipe.

Mold only needs a simple recipe of dampness, darkness, and something to feed on.

That’s why you find mold growing in places like under the kitchen and bathroom sinks so often.

If you find mold growing on the walls, you will also find a source of moisture fairly close by. Guaranteed.

4. Wet drywall

If a room is exposed to heavy humidity for too long, the drywall can begin to absorb moisture out of the air.

The result can be areas in the drywall that are damp to the touch or slightly bowing.

Damp drywall can also be a symptom of humidity inside of the walls caused by a leaking pipe inside and near the damp part of the drywall.

Discoloration of the drywall is also a telltale sign that you have excessive humidity somewhere in the area.

If you have a dark discoloration in the drywall, you can be fairly sure that you have a leaky pipe in that area.

You probably noticed the leak like this in the ceiling before.

5. The smell of mildew
Mold and mildew have a specific smell that is hard to miss.
Even when you don’t see any signs of mold growing on the walls or find any areas of dampness,
The smell of mildew is a surefire indication that there is mold growing somewhere.
Your nose always knows so follow your nose.
Excessive humidity in your house can cause mildew to grow in any dark corner it can find.
Which means it will not be obvious to your eyes. So trust your nose, if you smell mildew, you are smelling a symptom of high humidity.

6. Air conditioner doesn’t feel like it’s running

High humidity can make the air conditioner feel like it’s doing very little or nothing at All.

If you got the air conditioner on and you know the filters are clean and there’s nothing going on with the thermostat,

There’s a good chance that the humidity level is just at a point that it’s causing the AC to feel pointless.

An Air conditioner not feeling cold can definitely be a symptom of high humidity and excessive moisture in the air.

7. Excessive condensation coming from your air conditioner

If you are running a window air conditioner or using the air conditioner in your HVAC system and you notice a lot of condensation building up and dripping out of your unit,

You can bet that the humidity is high.

That is because these units convert the humidity in the air to condensation and funnel it outside.

Another way the air conditioner can provide you with a symptom of high humidity.

8. AC is set to “Fan on” instead of “Auto”

If your air conditioner is set to the fan on position, the humidity that is typically funneled out of the air conditioner doesn’t have enough time to evaporate and is blown back into the house through the vents.

This can also happen when your air conditioner unit is too big for your house.

If your unit is too big then it can cause rapid cycling which will also not give the humidity enough time to evaporate before it’s blown back into the house.

Improper settings and unit size of an air conditioner can cause and be a symptom of high humidity in the home.

Summary
Symptoms of high humidity in the home come in the form of condensation on the windows and mold growing on the walls.
Other symptoms that suggest does the humidity is too high inside of the home is an air conditioner but just doesn’t feel like it’s doing anything
or having a hard time breathing because of the amount of dust mites and mold spores traveling through the air because of the high level of moisture feeding them.
And if you are smelling the musty smell of mildew, you can bet there is mold growing somewhere around you.
Another symptom that you have high humidity in your home.
What to do?
Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a device that pulls humidity out of the air. Dehumidifiers come in all sizes and range from simple ” dump the water out yourself models” to modern Wi-Fi units that include humidistats with a pump and a hose attachment that make it super convenient to use.
Dry mode on the AC
There’s a good chance that the settings on your air conditioner include “dry mode”.
“Dry mode” is the dehumidifying function of a refrigerated air conditioning unit.
The AC itself
Though the humidity can get to a point that it makes the cool function of an air conditioner seem like it’s not doing anything,
Running the air conditioner, provided we are talking about a refrigerated AC, will still reduce the humidity inside of your home.
And many times, it’s not the temperature that’s making your home uncomfortable, just the humidity itself.

Posted on August 16, 2021September 14, 2023Categories Dehumidifiers, All Posts

Should You Use Air Purifier and Diffuser at the Same Time?

Achieving a relaxing atmosphere is an integral part of making your space enjoyable. This includes the air, fragrances, and other elements that create this atmosphere.
To achieve these goals in your home or office, you need both a great air purifier and the best diffuser to enrich with a calming fragrance.
Here, many people face challenges – deciding how to use them together in the best possible way?
If so, then look no further! Here is everything you need to know about these two devices and whether it is recommended to use them together or not.

What Does an Air Purifier Do?
It is essential to provide your home with filtered, clean air for the health of everyone who inhabits it.
An air purifier removes allergens, bacteria, and other particles that can harm your respiratory system.

This ensures that you are getting fresh air in your home all day, every day, and multiple settings on a cleaner will allow you to use it only when necessary – at night while sleeping or when cooking food, for example.
An air purifier does not emit a subtle scent as a diffuser does. If you have pets, children, or smoke in and around your home – an AIR PURIFIER SHOULD BE YOUR PRIORITY! D

What are Diffusers For?

On the other hand, a diffuser emits a subtle scent and is typically used to create a relaxing experience. It can be used for both aromatherapy and home fragrance. The amount of time that you should run them concurrently depends on your needs and preferences.
Today’s diffusers are available in various shapes, sizes, capacities, and types of water and oils used. These can be broken down into two categories: cool mist and ultrasonic.

Cool-mist diffusers work by heating water or a variety of oils until the natural compounds in these substances evaporate into the air – hence, creating the wonderful fragrance that they are so well known for!

Is it Possible to Use an Air Purifier and Diffuser Simultaneously?

It is possible but not necessary. The two devices perform different functions, so using one may disrupt the effectiveness of the other in some cases.

Some air purifiers are sensitive to odors; essential oils will be trapped inside, contaminating them with smell rather than allowing their scent to permeate through open spaces for aromatherapy benefits.
So Which One Should You Use?

Air purifiers and diffusers are both magnetic products. Diffusing essential oils can be an easy way to help you live a healthier lifestyle, but using a quality air purifier is too!
They perform two different functions: the one traps pollutants like dust mites or pet dander while the other wrap your room in beautiful scents- perfect for mood-boosting therapy sessions at home without any of those pesky side effects we’ve all come to know from synthetic fragrances.

What is the Solution?

Suppose you find yourself in a situation where both an air purifier and a diffuser are needed.
We recommend first using your air purifier to eliminate unwanted particles or contaminants.
After it is safe for breathing again, go ahead and enjoy the fresh scents of essential oils from your diffuser.

Bottom Line

Air purifiers and diffusers both have their purposes, but it’s not always possible to use them simultaneously.
If you want a quick solution that will help clean your home of allergens, viruses, bacteria, or other pollutants, then an air purifier is the right choice for you.

However, if you are looking for something more long-term, like better sleep quality or improved mood, then diffusing oils may be the best option since they can last up to 8 hours in a room! But you can get the best of both worlds by using them alternatively in a systematic way.

We hope this blog post could shed some light on which one would work best for your needs. Which do you think suits what you need?

Posted on August 11, 2021January 19, 2023Categories All Posts, Diffusers

Can a Humidifier Make you Sick? (A Better Question is When?)

Is there any truth to the idea that using a humidifier can make you sick? Why exactly do you think that could be?
Think about it…

The humidifier falls into a category of appliances and machines that use water and have a basin to fill with water.
Other machines like evaporative coolers, air washers, and dehumidifiers all fall in the same category.
The one thing that each of these devices or machines have in common is the chance of getting contaminated when not maintained adequately.
More to the point, the water in them has a chance of getting contaminated when it is left standing.
Bacteria and mold can begin to take root and get a foothold in as little as 48 hours in standing water.

Can a humidifier make you sick?

A humidifier can make you sick when it is not maintained correctly.
A dirty humidifier with contaminated water can become a literal germ distributor when it is operated.
Diseases like Legionnaires are directly connected to breathing in the mist from bacteria contaminated water.
Pontiac Fever is a lesser version of the disease that occurs the exact same way.
Most people agree that a humidifier is not as likely to get bad enough to spread Legionnaires disease.
But it is a strong enough threat that the Israeli Ministry of Health issued a warning about the incorrect use of domestic humidifiers and their connection to Legionnaires.

The bottom line is that humidifiers
must be emptied once a day and cleaned thoroughly once a week.
And that yes, there is a chance of a humidifier making you sick if it is not cared for adequately.
And if you already have a predisposition to mold allergies, the chance of getting sick from an unmaintained humidifier can be that much worse.
So if you are in the market for a humidifier, it would be well worth it to search for one that is easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.
Many brands of humidifiers are starting to use features like ultraviolet light and carry additives that help keep mold and bacteria from growing or at least nearly as fast.

Over Humidifying

Another way that humidifiers can affect your health adversely is using one when the humidity is already high.
Air that is thick with heavy humidity can be harder to breathe.
And it’s very hard to breathe if you already suffer from a condition like asthma.
High humidity also promotes dust mite and mold growth.
Both of which fall into a category of airborne allergens that can cause symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, and fatigue.
Mold can also take root in your house, hiding in dark spaces where it can grow out of control and cause a great deal of damage in a very short time.
Maintaining a relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent is the key. And if the humidity is already above that range,
Running a humidifier will only make it more humid and exasperate the problem.
A dehumidifier or simply running the central heat and air would be a better solution to help reduce the humidity and thin the air.

Humidifier Pros Though Bro

But with all the talk of how a humidifier can be dangerous when not properly kept,
It makes you forget how beneficial a humidifier actually is, when it is properly used and maintained.
And how important maintaining the proper relative humidity is to your health.
Humidity is a subject that most people don’t consider to be related to anything other than a bad hair day or a muggy uncomfortable afternoon.
But humidity has much more to do with staying healthy then you may have thought.
Like I previously mentioned, keeping the relative humidity at the optimal point is the key.
An actual quote in the National Library of Medicine states “the majority of adverse health effects caused by relative humidity would be minimized by maintaining indoor levels between 40 and 60%.
That’s a pretty big statement.
Another study concluded that “rodents and environments with 10 to 20% relative humidity succumb to influenza virus infection or rapidly than those housed in 50% relative humidity”
This leads to the conclusion that relative humidity is much more important to maintaining your health than previously thought.
Wouldn’t you say?

Benefits of Optimal Humidity
Some of the benefits of using a humidifier when the air is too dry include:
Reducing flu and viral transmission
Studies show that a proper relative humidity keeps viral droplets from being able to travel as far during cold and flu season.
Repairing Dry skin
Dehydrated skin equals dry skin. When there is not enough mouth in the air , the air itself becomes an absorber, pulling the moisture out of your skin.
Dry skin is also at the heart of acne. A lack of moisture in the air also exacerbates psoriasis.
Increasing the moisture in the air with a humidifier can help improve and heal dry, damaged skin.
Managing Dust
Dust is made up of a huge list everything you can think of including dead skin and the exoskeletons of insects. As well as pollen and mold spores.
Running a humidifier helps add weight to the dust particles floating through the air. This keeps dust from being able to enter your airways and cause any number of allergic symptoms.
And for asthma sufferers, it can be the difference in breathing or not and triggering an attack.

Recap
There is no question that a moldy humidifier can make you sick.
There are conditions including Legionnaires and Pontiac Fever that are caught by breathing in humidity droplets that are tainted with mold.
It is obviously very important to keep your humidifier clean as well as any other devices or machines that you have in your home that require adding or emptying water like in the case of a dehumidifier.
But don’t let the maintenance involved in using a humidifier keep you from doing so.
The benefits of keeping the relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent are as important to your health as eating, drinking, and sleeping well and enough.
Your skincare is absolutely dependent and maintaining the proper humidity as well. This includes treating Acne and helping to relieve psoriasis.

Posted on August 10, 2021January 19, 2023Categories All Posts, Humidifiers

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