Humidifiers -

Can Humidifiers Cause Mold?- The Answer May Surprise You

Mold is a very destructive agent, not only to your home and property but also to your health. Mold growth can also be very consuming when it is left unchecked. And damage can occur very quickly.
Finding the source and stopping it is of the essence when you are dealing with it.

Can Humidifiers Cause Mold?

“No. A well maintained humidifier that is operating in the right humidity range will not cause mold.”

But a humidifier that is not cleaned often and allowed to run with water that has been stagnated will not only accumulate mold and bacteria inside of the basin, it will dispense mold and bacteria into the air you breathe.

Poor air quality that is full of mold and bacteria can be dangerous and cause symptoms that are similar to pneumonia and the flu, etc.

However if a humidifier is being operated how it is intended to be when the humidity in the room has dropped below 40%, it will only benefit you.

Are there any special circumstances where a humidifier could cause mold to grow?

Yes. For instance, you were running a humidifier when the humidity is well above the need for the humidifier to be running.

If you already have 80% humidity and you’re doing something to add more humidity, like run a humidifier, then you’re going to have condensation, which given the right circumstances can begin to grow mold.

Another scenario is that you have a humidifier that has a physical leak and is allowed to drip onto the wall or behind a desk or other furniture.

Anywhere you have a leak in your house, regardless of the source, you have a good chance of finding mold.

But a good working humidifier will not cause mold in the right circumstances. A humidifier doesn’t even have the output to create a huge condensation situation. Even on the scale of taking a shower.

What about the opposite?

Can a Humidifier Prevent Mold?

Yes.
And yes you read that right. Studies have shown that excessively dry air creates a much easier path for allergens like mold spores, pollen, airborne bacteria and viruses, to be able to travel much further.

The idea is that when the humidity of the air in your home, business, School, etc. Is kept between 40 and 60%, the moisture in the air does not allow for these “airborne health threats” to travel nearly as far before they are forced to the surface by the weight of the humidity drops.

The right moisture level in the air will actually keep mold spores from being able to travel as far as they would be able to in dry air. And keep it out of the ambient air that you are breathing in.

Maintaining the optimal humidity in your home has so many benefits that it outweighs any of the potential negatives by a mile.

Benefits of a humidifier:

1. Alleviate dry skin
2. Stop nosebleeds
3. Help control acne
4. Keep viruses at Bay
5. Control static shock
6. Help control dust
7. Helps immunity
8. Help control allergies
9. Increase oxygen

1. Alleviate dry skin

Dry skin is a universal problem that we all deal with from time to time. And it is a problem that is in direct correlation to the amount of moisture in our airstream.
Simply put; if the air is dry then your skin does not have the available moisture to be able to absorb. And to make matters worse, dry air means extra dust in the air, which pulls moisture out of your skin.
A humidifier is the perfect tool to add moisture back to a home that is suffering with low humidity.

2. Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds and congestion are the main telltale signs that it is time to pull out the humidifier for the season.

Whenever the air gets excessively dry because of the low humidity content in the air combined with the heater blasting, dry nasal passages become intolerable.

Humidifiers are one of the best things you can do when you are suffering from nosebleeds and dry nasal passages with congestion.

3. Help control acne

Acne is not something most people associate with low humidity. But according to Hadley King MD” dry conditions expose deeper layers of skin to the outside world”. Increasing the level of moisture in your room can help maintain the level of hydration needed to keep dry cracking skin from allowing acne to get a deeper root.

4. Keep viruses away

Where the air is excessively dry, there is a wide open pallet for particles including viruses, germs and bacteria, to be able to float in the ambient air and much further than when air is properly hydrated.
Humidifiers will add moisture back to the air which can keep viruses from being able to travel as long and as far as they can in dry air.

5. Control static shock/electricity

Static electricity is another one of those telltale signs that the humidity is low.
Without the proper humidity in the air, electrons have a lot less resistance and jump from one body to the next very easily.
Adding moisture to the air with the humidifier will cut down on the amount of static electricity that you are experiencing in your house.

6. Helps control dust

When there is a lack of humidity, dust does not have anything to keep it from floating and moving throughout the air settling on your skin and into your lungs.

Providing humidity back into the air with a humidifier will create moisture in the air that will bind with airborne dust and cause it to settle.

7. Helps immunity

A study published by medical news today states that the hair-like organelles outside of the cells that line the body’s airways, called cilia, do not function as well and dry conditions – they cannot expel viral particles as well as they otherwise would.

It’s Amazing how a humidifier can actually help your body resist viral particles much better when the air is too dry.

8. Help control allergies

Airborne allergies like pollen and mold spores that do not have any moisture in the air to keep them from floating will eventually make it into your airways and cause you to have a whole host of allergic symptoms.

Restoring the humidity in a room with a humidifier will help keep allergens from being able to float nearly as long and far as they are able to and dry air. Which can mean big relief for allergy sufferers.

9. Increase oxygen

Increasing the humidity with a humidifier when the air is dry can indirectly increase your oxygen intake.

“a humidifier is not an oxygen concentrator and it should not be mistaken for one or substituted for one”

The humidity droplets created by humidifiers can weigh down airborne allergens and dust by weighing them down and decreasing their ability to float in the ambient (air that you breathe)airstream.

Thus allowing for better oxygen intake.

Secondly, humidity combined with oxygen producing plants such as rubber plant, aloe vera, and mother-in-law’s tongue can create an oxygen-rich environment. Amazing.

Summary

Can a humidifier cause mold?

A humidifier used correctly at the right time will not cause mold.

Humidifiers are made to add moisture back to the room when the air is excessively dry and under the 40% relative humidity mark.

But a humidifier that is not used correctly or is allowed to be operated when it is unmaintained or has standing water in it, well more than likely has mold and bacteria growing in it and can create an air quality problem that can be very serious.

Other times that humidifiers could be responsible for mold is if they are run when the humidity is already high and does not constitute the use of a humidifier.

And secondly, if there is a physical problem with the humidifier and it is allowed to leak onto the furniture or floor.

Do You Have to Use Distilled Water in a Humidifier? Really?

Do you have to use distilled water in a humidifier?

“No. A humidifier will work with any type of water, distilled, tap, or otherwise, to add moisture back into the air. It’s a fact.”

But certain types of water, because of the mineral and chemical content, will shorten the life of your humidifier and lower its output.
And if the water in the humidifier has been stagnant and is moldy when the humidifier is run, it can actually be dangerous.

Distilled Water For Humidifiers? Why is it Best?

Distilled water is the best water to use in a humidifier because of its low mineral content. Because of the process it goes through, it has the lowest mineral content of any type of water.

This is important for a few reasons:

The mineral content in most drinking water will eventually shorten the life of your humidifier and lower the output by stopping it up.
The minerals in most water are what is responsible for the dust that you see gathering around your humidifier.

Since dust is one of the primary reasons that your skin gets dried out in dry weather, using water with a lot of mineral content in a humidifier can produce the opposite effect than intended.

The higher the mineral content in the water that you use in a humidifier, the more likely, the growth of mold and bacteria in the water.

Can you use tap water in a humidifier?

Is it dangerous to use tap water in a humidifier. No.

Now more so than drinking tap water.

And though most of us probably drink bottled water more regularly than tap water. But most anytime you purchase tea or coffee from a restaurant, it’s going to be made with tap water.

So whether we believe that tap water is good to drink or not, most of us are most likely consuming it on a regular basis.

The issue with tap water being used in a humidifier are primarily about the high mineral content in tap water.

The higher the mineral content in the water that you use in a humidifier, the more likely to get stopped up and not work properly.

And it’s the mineral content in the water that creates the white Dust that accumulates on the humidifier and around it.

Since dry skin is one of the primary reasons people purchase humidifiers and dust is one of the primary things that pulls the moisture out of your skin in dry weather,
operating a humidifier that is creating more dust by using tap water is kinda anti-productive and is producing the opposite result.

Another issue with tap water is that the minerals in the water have more of a chance to become food for mold to be able to take root inside of a humidifier.

And finally, tap water has a whole list of chemicals that are there “for our own good apparently” that you do not necessarily want to breathe in as part of the moisture content in your air.

Tell me again why they put “fluoride” in tap water?

So even though tap water is definitely not the best option for a humidifier, the issues with it are relatively minor. And if that’s all you have at your disposal, you know the risk,

and it’s not like you can’t clean your humidifier extra well after you use tap water in it. And as for the dust, keep it wiped up.

What other water besides distilled can you use in a humidifier?

Bottled?

Bottled water has a lot of minerals in it that could be an eventual problem for your humidifier. Even the water that is produced by using reverse osmosis has the disclaimer on it that minerals are added back to make it more consumable.

It’s a better option than tap water but it still has its fall backs.

Boiled water?

Boiling water causes the minerals in the water to settle. So if you had a way to separate the settlement so that it did not make it into the humidifier with the rest of the water, it would make a great choice.
The problem is, making that happen. Not exactly easy to do.

So as you can see, what type of water you put in your humidifier pales in comparison to so many other problems.

But there is absolutely one type of water you should never run your humidifier with.

“Stagnant water”.

Water that has been allowed to sit inside of your humidifier is going to be moldy and full of germs and bacteria.

And when you turn that humidifier on with that stagnant water still in it, the germs and bacteria in that water will become part of the air that you are breathing.

Now talk about having the opposite effect than you intended, the humidifier that was supposed to make you feel better, has basically become a weapon of germ warfare.

Legionnaires’ disease and humidifier lung are harsh reminders of what can happen when humidifiers and evaporative coolers are allowed to sit with moldy water.

You can easily look up the symptoms of mold allergies and discover that they look very closely like the symptoms of the flu.

So if you think that the humidifier in your house may be making you sick, you may be right. And you should take it seriously.

Humidifiers have become pretty sophisticated devices and many of them have ways of helping control mold growth.

If you’re in the market for a new humidifier, it’s well worth it to look into some of the features that can help reduce the chance mold and bacteria growing in your humidifier and becoming part of the air you’re breathing.

There are additives that you can place in your humidifier that can reduce the chances of a humidifier developing bacteria too.

Summary

Do you have to put distilled water in a humidifier?

No. Even though distilled water is the best water to extend the life of your humidifier and has the least chance of creating humidifier dust and producing mold,
A humidifier will work without it.

And though everyone agrees that tap water is the worst water you want to use in a humidifier, you can use it without having to worry about it being dangerous to you.

The main issue with tap water is that it is filled with minerals that can stop up your humidifier. And those minerals can and will produce humidifier dust on your unit and around it.

If tap water is what you have available, then do your best to keep your humidifier clean with vinegar and keep the dust around the humidifier wiped up so it does not become part of the air quality.

The main thing you should watch out for when using a humidifier is that you do not run it with stagnant moldy water in it.

Mold in your air can produce very similar symptoms to the flu. Pneumonia, humidifier lung, and legionnaires are harsh reminders of what can happen when mold is allowed to grow in water unchecked.

Sore Throat Humidifier- Good Idea or Not?

” When the air is extremely dry, it can make an already painful sore throat feel that much worse. A humidifier is the perfect tool to add moisture back into the room and help alleviate some of the pain. But if you’re talking about the dreaded summer cold when the humidity is already high, a humidifier will not help.”

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up with a sore throat. And to be honest there are very few quick remedies that can make a big difference when you do have a sore throat.

There are some decent sore throat lozenges like the Mucinex and the Vicks brands that provide that ultra cool feeling on your throat but they are not all that long lasting and they do nothing to help at the root of it. And you don’t want to fall asleep with a throat lozenge in your mouth. Or you might end up waking up choking on it.

Drinking a lot of liquids ( coffee and Coke not included) and gargling with warm salt water also have a calming effect on a sore throat. And staying hydrated is absolutely the best policy to get you out of your sickbed quicker.

But the one thing that can exacerbate a sore throat more than any other and in turn help you when you do have a sore throat is maintaining the proper humidity in the room.

Is a Humidifier Good for a Sore Throat?

Humidity levels in the house have a great deal to do with how dry your throat can feel. And though most throat issues are caused by a virus and there’s not a whole lot you can do besides wait it out.

If the humidity in your house is excessively low, it is going to have a compounding effect on your sore throat which will make it more painful. And since sore throat often accompanies nasal congestion, it follows that you tend to breathe through your mouth more which is only drying out your throat further.

Most professionals including the national library of science say that keeping the humidity level at between 40 and 60% in the home is the optimal level for keeping winter related symptoms at Bay.

“The humidifier is the perfect tool for adding humidity back into a room that is lacking the level of humidity that is required to keep viruses from spreading easier and to provide essential moisture for your nasal passages and throat.”

And humidifiers have become pretty sophisticated devices over the last few years that include hygrometers to be able to measure your own humidity as well as give you the option of using cool or warm mist as well as doubling as aromatherapy diffusers.

And when they are performing in a diffuser mode, there are essential oils like eucalyptus they can also have a clearing effect and offer some relief for a sore throat.

But the humidifier is definitely not the answer in every situation. For instance, everyone is familiar with the dreaded summer cold as well. And most of the time, adding extra humidity to the room in the summer is not the solution since the humidity levels in summer typically range above what would be considered the optimal humidity of 40 to 60% indoors.

At that point, it makes zero sense to try to relieve a sore throat by turning on a humidifier.

Can a humidifier give you a sore throat?

A humidifier can actually give you a sore throat and here’s why.

Humidifiers have to be cleaned often. When they are not well maintained, they can easily become a perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

Anytime that a humidifier is left with standing water in it, it can begin to accumulate mold and bacteria in as little as 48 hours.

Imagine turning the humidifier on after it has had standing water in it for an extended time. At that point, it has basically become a distributor of bacteria into your airstream.

And the symptoms of moldy air on your health look suspiciously like the symptoms of the flu. Sore throat, headaches, sneezing, runny nose, etc.

A dirty humidifier can account for the reason you are having a sore throat in the first place.

There are a few humidifiers and humidifier products that are made to hinder the production of bacteria.

On the subject of Moldy air, humidifiers are not the only source of mold and bacteria that can affect your breathing and cause you to have cold-like symptoms.

The HVAC system (Central heating and Air) is also famous for being a distributor of bacteria throughout the house. Persistent mold allergy symptoms like sore throat and headaches can often be traced back to a dirty heating and Air system.

Most HVAC supplies offer induct air purifiers that are placed inside of your ductwork and have a high kill rate for mold.

RGF REME HVAC HALO 24V Air Purification System Light

24V Installation with included transformer / Professional Installation by an HVAC Tech or Electrical Contractor is recommended ).
It is good against mold, odors, VOC’s, bacteria or viruses. Also: Dust, Particles, Chemicals. (It is recommended to use an electrostatic air filter.)

Evaporative coolers or also known for being a huge breeding ground for bacteria and mold. These machines operate by basically blowing a fan across water to cool the air.

Just like humidifiers, they have the propensity to collect standing water from time to time and must be cleaned often to avoid blowing moldy Misty air into your home.

There are also products you can put into your evaporative coolers to help prevent bacteria from growing.

Summary: Sore throat humidifier. Good idea or not?

Though a sore throat is usually not the direct result of having dry air, dry air can definitely have a compounding effect on how a sore throat feels.

Waking up with a sore throat is often accompanied with other symptoms like congestion that lead you to breathing through your mouth.
Dry air in the room can make a sore throat that much more painful.

When the humidity in the air is low, a humidifier can be a great tool to add humidity back into the air and help relieve some of the pain of having a sore throat.

But if we are talking about a sore throat in the summer when the humidity is typically too high, the humidifier is not the answer to sore throat relief.

Many people have complained about getting a sore throat as a result of running a humidifier.

And yes, even though a humidifier can be a great relief to you when you have a sore throat and they can conditions are dry,

Humidifiers have a huge disadvantage in that they have to be cleaned very often.

Running a humidifier that has had standing water left in it can actually introduce mold and bacteria into the air which can cause symptoms very similar to the flu including sore throat, sneezing, and headaches.

Which all is directly and indirectly the result of poor air quality.

Poor air quality can be the result of an unmaintained humidifier but it can be the result of other circumstances including dirty HVAC ducts and evaporative air conditioning which has the same type of mechanics as a humidifier and needs to be cleaned very well and often.

Humidifier-Dehumidifier Combo-What Are Some Of The Options?

Unless this is the first thing you’ve read about the subject,

You probably have already realized that a humidifier dehumidifier combo is not really a thing that you can easily find on the internet.

Yes, you might find an experimental one somewhere…

But then again there’s probably a reason why they don’t exactly fill the shelves.

A humidifier and a dehumidifier, though they may sound like the same thing or very similar;

Are actually two very different machines with two entirely different functions.

A humidifier is used to add moisture to the air while a dehumidifier is used to extract moisture from the air.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are not two appliances that are ran at the same time.
That’s probably the biggest reason why you don’t find too many combination humidifier and dehumidifier machines available.

Though you might be able to make the case that these two devices could be combined and work well together.

Why not? they both have a basin for water.

And you could easily see that basin being used to capture water when the humidity is too high.
And when the humidity is too low, adding water to the basin to humidify a room….

But the truth is, a dehumidifier is a pretty hefty device on its own that has a full compressor to condense the humidity out of the air.

And even the smaller dehumidifiers are quite a bit larger than a room humidifier.

And considering the usefulness you get out of a dehumidifier compared to a humidifier,

it doesn’t make it all that appealing to have a humidifier that is the size of a dehumidifier.

Another issue that I see is that a region that has a climate with excessive humidity is not likely to have a excessively dry season or vice versa.

And Dehumidifiers are more likely to be used less than a humidifier over the span of a year.

So having a device that is likely to be much bigger out of necessity,
during the time of year you don’t need it, doesn’t make combining a humidifier and a dehumidifier all that appealing either.

The bottom line is that these two devices are just not that useful when combined together. And the expense of doing so would not be worth it.

Dehumidifier Humidifier Combo alternatives

For a lot of people who live in climates that are primary dry, a full blown dehumidifier with pump and hose is just too much.

Desiccants placed around the house can be a good solution and a reasonable combination to go with your humidifier. And they are a fraction of the cost of a full size portable dehumidifier.

The easiest way to describe a desiccant is to remind you of the tiny bags that manufacturers include in packaging to help keep their products fresh.

Those are desiccant bags. And you can find them in everything from cookies to shoes.

But desiccants also come in much bigger sizes and can reduce the humidity in a pretty good sized space.

Here’s a few examples of desiccant dehumidifiers that you can purchase.

Damprid

Damprid is a desiccant container that is available in different sizes. It can also be bought in bags with a hanger similar to what you hang a shirt on.

One kind of Damprid includes activated charcoal that is excellent at getting rid of musty smells.
Damprid is an excellent solution to absorb excess moisture in a small area. It can also be put away from view very quickly.

Eva-dry E-500 Mini Dehumidifier

Eva Dry Dehumidifiers run totally silent, have a 10-year life span, and do not require any refills.
These are dehumidifiers with small desiccant absorber beads which are specifically designed for smaller areas such as safes and closets. You may need more than one.
These units can take in up to 8oz of moisture, without the maintenance and emptying irritations associated with the compressor-based dehumidifiers.

Dehumidifiers do not have to be the size of a portable air conditioner either. There are several models that can be used in much smaller spaces.

Levoair Dehumidifier

A small dehumidifier, with the drain hose.
The tiny dehumidifier is able to reduce humidity up to 333 square feet.
It’s very quiet because it doesn’t have a compressor. Which is the reason that most dehumidifiers sound so loud.
It has a handle that it can be carried around with, and it is water-proof. Easily transportable with fewer chances of spilling.
A drain hose, already built-in, allows you to operate it without having to purchase it separately.

Room ventilation

So far we’ve only talked about combining a humidifier and a dehumidifier in a small portable package.

Many people find themselves with extra dry air in the winter and overly humid air in the summer.

So as we start to go down the rabbit hole of what to do to solve the problem, many times it seems obvious that we need a dehumidifier for the humidity and a humidifier for the dry weather.

But that is not necessarily the the answer.

With modern building practices, houses and homes are usually sealed up exceptionally well.

Though that is something you want, it can also be a problem when you’re talking about keeping the indoor humidity at the optimal level.

Sometimes just opening the window and letting some fresh air in will help with a dry or humid room.

But what about when opening a window is not an option? Like in the Winter.

That’s where adding a fresh air ventilation system to your existing HVAC can provide the fresh air into your home that can reduce humidity.

Many of these fresh air ventilation systems come with humidity sensors so that they do not allow excessive outdoor humidity into the home.

And they also come with built-in dehumidifiers to help reduce the humidity if it becomes a problem also.

Panasonic WhisperComfort Spot Energy Recovery Ventilator

Panasonic WhisperComfort Spot Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a unique way to offer an even airflow with an integrated ceiling ERV.

It is ideal for one room. The Panasonic FV-04VE1 WhisperComfort Spot ERV Ceiling Insert Ventilator has the lowest rate for continuous air exchange. This ventilator provides fresh air to replenish exhausted air, balancing the air pressure in the home.

WhisperComfort Spot ERV Ceiling Ventilator that has Balanced Ventilation and Patent-Pending Capillary core is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for 3 years beginning from the date of purchase. The item is sold only one unit per package.

Quiet, balanced ventilation: WhisperComfort cleanses the air and exchanges heat between outgoing and incoming exhaust air at a quiet pace that you may not even know it’s there.

LONG LIFE GUARANTEED:

Panasonic ventilation fans use lesser energy to transport more significant quantities of air. The less energy used results in less motor failure and overheating and lowers repair expenses.
The warranty is for three years.
Clean air and save energy: Capillary Core cleans air by exchanging heat between outgoing and incoming exhaust air.
Filters are simple to clean and remove.
Easy-to-install: Designed for four” pipes, WhisperComfort has the mounting equipment needed, and it is very easy to install.
Code Compliant: The item is ENERGY Energy Star certified and in accordance with ASHRAE 62.2 LEED as well as Washington VIAQ Codes and Standards.

Extractor fans

Extractor fans are very useful for bathrooms because they pull the moisture out of the room via a fan that expels into the attic.

Removing unwanted humidity by extracting it with a fan can be a much better solution than collecting it with a dehumidifier.

Extractor fans are also a great way to reduce humidity in a damp basement that doesn’t really need or have a place to put a full sized window AC.

AC Infinity AIRTITAN T8 Basement Ventilator Fan

A fan system that is designed to provide airflow and humidity control to basements and crawl spaces.
Reduces humidity by generating exhaust airflow, which helps to eliminate foul scents and fresh air out of your home.
Controller with programmable function and cord that can regulate airflow according to temperature and humidity.
Frame made of stainless steel that is heavy-duty and has IP-44-rated fans that are extremely resistant to liquids as well as dust.
Wall Adapter included | Design: Exhaust | Dimensions. 18 x 9 x 1.6 in. | Airflow: 240 CFM | Noise level: 32 Dba

Air conditioning

Refrigerated air conditioning, whether it be what’s coming into your home via the central heat and air or a window air conditioner automatically combine dehumidification as part of cooling your home.

Summertime heat can be compounded by high humidity in the air.

And it’s at those times that cooling down with a fan or even a evaporative cooler are not going to suffice.

Newer AC units most always come with a dehumidifier setting besides their natural humidifying capacity.

MIDEA MAW12R1BWT

PROS

The LED display on the front of its panel
Provides fast and efficient cooling in rooms that range from 500 square. Ft.
Dehumidification can help maintain a comfortable atmosphere within
Easy to install using all the mounting tools included in the package
EcoSave Function aids the unit to shut off when a temperature is reached to help save energy and money.

CONS
Only one-year warranty available.
Refrigerant with flammable properties that could cause a fire or even an explosion

Recap

Doing a search for a dehumidifier and humidifier combo is mostly likely a dead end.

Even though they may sound like a great combination of products to pair together,

They are not two products that are ever used at the same time and the technologies that they use to do their thing are completely different.

They are not compatible in the same way that say, combing a dehumidifier with an air purifier would be. Since they both work to reduce airborne pollutants.

Some solutions that can help manage humidity in the home and be a good combo with a humidifier or dehumidifier are products like:

Desiccants
Fresh Air Ventilation systems
Extractor fans
Air conditioners

You can purchase a humidifier with all the bells and whistles you can think of. But none of them will dehumidify.

Same thing goes for dehumidifier. There are some amazing units out there that will dry your room out like a prune. But they won’t add a bit of humidity.

Heater with Humidifier Combo-Good Idea or Not?

You might ask yourself why anyone would want a heater that has a humidifier combined with it?

There’s a good reason actually.

Heaters tend to dry the air out and having a humidifier running at the same time adds moisture back to the air.

As far as combination devices go, a heater that has a humidifier built in is probably the most logical of all combination appliances. At least as far as indoor climate control goes.

It makes sense.

Most appliances that combine more than one function are as not meant to use both functions at the same time or even in the same season.

For instance an air conditioner that has a heater will never run the AC at the same time as the heat.

Or a dehumidifier combined with a humidifier. Technically you can get all the components for both devices all in one shell,

but there is never going to be a time when you need to run a humidifier at the same time as a dehumidifier.

Even water air purifiers are only useful for about half of the year when your your home needs the extra humidity.

So the ideal of combining a humidifier and a heater together is actually a good one. And they are both primarily winter appliances.

Some benefits to a heater with a humidifier

1. Cheaper (presumably)
2. Space saver
3. It makes sense to have a heater that also humidifies.
4. All the above

But with that being said, is there actually anyone that is building a heater with a humidifier combo that is getting it right?

Unfortunately, the ideal of what a heater with a humidifier combo could be doesn’t exactly match up with what is available.

For instance, You would presume that because you’re only talking about one device compared to two, that the price would be cheaper or at least not more than double.

And though this doesn’t apply to everyone, there are definitely some companies that think that combining the two appliances justifies raising the cost significantly.

Because the price is about three times as much as you would pay if you bought the two appliances separately.

It would be much different if there were units out there that actually justified raising the price that much.

But so far what I found is:

The heater function in these units seems to be standard. They do carry with them all the usual overheating and tip over protection features. Nothing special but will get the job done..

But…

Its the humidifier function that is the problem.

Think about it…

If I pay $150 for a humidifier and heater combo, you at least expect to get a heater that is worth $75 and a humidifier that is worth $75 also.

But…

$75 can buy you a nice Vornado heater packed with the latest technology and extra safety precautions.

Or…

$75 can buy you a extravagant Levoit humidifier. One that is fillable from the top, has a built-in hygrometer and humidistat. Can be used as a cool mist humidifier or a warm mist and a aromatherapy diffuser to boot.

In other words, the best heater and humidifier on the market.

But the humidifiers that come built in with these heaters, even the one that is on the Dr Heater series, is at best an afterthought.

They are 99% basic evaporative humidifiers that you will find in the pharmacy section in a big box store for 25 bucks.

To be fair, most of these heater humidifiers do not claim to be the best heater or humidifiers. Nor do they reflect it in price.

Unfortunately the technology of a heater humidifier combo has not come anywhere near what you can get if you buy the two devices separately.

But they are a space saver, right?

This point I can give you. The size of these machines does not take up any more space than one or the other if you were to buy them separately.

Heater with humidifier. Good idea?

The ideal is there.

A fully functioning modern heater that has a fully functioning modern humidifier incorporated would be an awesome combination machine.

I could see it being sold as a standard product other than an exception to the rule.

But the market has just not caught up, quite yet.

Here’s a small list of some of the heater humidifier combos you can find on Amazon.

GeekHeat Portable Electric Heater with Humidifier

In contrast to traditional heaters, Geek Heat heater designs with humidifier functions, allowing you to enjoy warmth without drying the air.
Plus, the both functions of heating and humidifier can be run separately or concurrently. Just lightly press the mode buttons to select the humidifier, heat or both. With the 90 degree oscillation feature, Geek Heat space heater spreads warmth and mist to your immediate area.
Safe humidifying: Unlike the conventional built-in humidifying heater for water tanks This portable heater uses an separate water tank to isolate the humidifying system from the heating system, ensuring complete peace of mind. Additionally, the water tank is independent and is simple to refill and keep clean. With a capacity of 200ml and the ability to spray up to 6 hours.
Multi-protection: Apart from the usual tip-over protection and heat protection from overheating. We also create a design that has an auto shut-off feature. It will automatically shut off the humidifying or heating mode after continuous 8 hours or 5.5 hours of work. Additionally, the power switch as well as function switch are separate to prevent accidental touching. ETL certified. More secure than you think.
Small and compact: 5.2 x5.5×9.8in and 2.8lb when placed on your desk will only take just a tiny corner where you can take in the warm mist and warmth closely. The sleek black design blends with the surrounding area easily. You can put it to use in your office and study rooms as well as bedrooms. It provides you with comfortable moisture and warmth during cold winter months.

Remarks
This heater humidifier combo gets the best reviews on Amazon. It has a separate cylinder type water tank that can be easily removed and refilled.
The humidifier is nothing special but it is easily refilled and can last for 9 hours
Out of all the heater with humidifier products available, this one comes in at the top.

Dr. Infrared Heater DR998, 1500W, Advanced Dual Heating System with Humidifier

Dr. Infrared Heater functions in the same way as the light from the sun, heating objects, not air. The infrared light is natural and is efficient in energy use making use of 100% of the heat that is generated and causes virtually zero loss of heat with a minimal cost.
Easy to Maintain
Equipped with an adjustable filter that’s simple to clean and replace to allow for a clean start each time you need it.

Ultrasonic Humidifier & Oscillation Fan. The inbuilt ultrasonic humidifier helps to add much-needed moisture to winter’s dry air. Its oscillation function disperses moist and warm air throughout the entire space quickly.
Make use of a water bottle instead of the water tank
The Ultrasonic Humidifier as well as the heating mode are able to be operated in a separate manner
Can operate as a fan, either with or without humidifier. Ideal for summer heat.

Remarks
This is another standard heater that has a humidifier option. The humidifier in this case is a slot for a water bottle.
Water bottle humidifiers are a cool idea on their own and it does seem like a good idea to combine with the heater.

But the price is around the $150 mark. And neither the heater or the humidifier constitutes paying that high of a price. Plus there’s a replacement filter.

HRC 2-in-1 500W Office/Desktop/Bedroom Space Heater with Mist Humidifier

Contrary to conventional heaters, HRC heaters with a humidifier function allow you to enjoy the warmth and not dry. Plus, the functions for heating and humidifier can be run separately or concurrently. Lightly press the buttons that indicate mode to select the humidifier, heat, or both. With the 90deg oscillation, the HRC space heater spreads the warmth and mist to the area around you.
Warm and comfortable without waiting for the winter months with the PTC Ceramic Heating Technology, the space heater requires 3 seconds to warm the air surrounding it and provide you with instant heat. It is designed with intelligent cooling that allows the heater to run for about 30 minutes to release the heat after turning off the heating. Extending the life of the unit.
Safe humidifying: Unlike conventional built-in humidifying heaters, this portable heater utilizes an independent water tank. This keeps the humidifying system separate from the heating system, ensuring your absolute safety. Furthermore, an independent water tank is simple to refill and keep clean with a capacity of 200ml that allows you to mist for up to 6 hours.
Multi-protection: Other than the standard tip-over protection and the protection against overheating, we have added an auto shut-off feature. It will automatically shut off the heating mode or humidifying mode after a continuous 8 hours or 5.5 hours of work. Additionally, the power switch and function switch have been designed separately to prevent accidental touching. ETL approved. It’s safer than you think

Remarks

Basic heater and basic humidifier combination unit.

This unit is very small it only produces heat up to 500 w. A typical heater is 1500 w on high and 750 on low.

It has a small carrying handle that you can fit your finger into.

The price is set about right though at around $40

Yivibe Electric Heater-Humidifier

Spray working modes Continuous adjustable spray/intermittent spray/ direct spray for about 5 hours. The intermittent spray lasts approximately 9 hours 2. It comes with double spray humidification. The skin is not dry anymore while remaining warm, and the skin remains hydrated.
120-degree shake head feature and area heating. Wide selection of shaking head heating that heats indoor air Close heating is more convenient.
This button can be adjustable by 135deg of rotation. The blowing angle can be adjustable to the desired angle and can be obtained by changing the knob.
The temperature control is available at three levels that correspond to different requirements for use and can be adjusted to a comfortable temperature by pressing the switch.
The water tank has an ambient lamp that can serve as lighting for the night when it’s switched on, with minimal sound and silence, making it easy to accompany you as you sleep.
Safety protection, if the fuselage gets bumped or tilted more than 45 degrees, the fan heater will shut down automatically and turn off the power.

Remarks

Very similar to The Geek Heat unit. Pretty much a copycat other than the price tag that runs about $40 more.

VItCSM 3 IN 1 Multifunctional Heater Desktop Office Household Night Light Humidifier

A powerful and compact personal heater that ensures you don’t get cold in winter. It is portable and easy to use.
If the plug is in place for two seconds and warmth will flow out. It’s not only secure to use it, but also extremely energy efficient
The slim and attractive design is ideal for your bedside desk, table, or coffee table-no matter where you’ll need it.
Ideal for study rooms, reading areas as well as dormitories, work office spaces, home offices, campers, work spaces as well as basements, benches garages etc.
The quiet fan that whispers and soft light at night make it perfect to use all night long to sleep in a peaceful way
Product size: Diameter 135mm Height 212mm
Area of application: 15M2.
Power: 800W
Water tank capacity: 400ml

Remarks

This heater and humidifier combo looks more like the traditional oscillating heater.

The product description says near nothing about the humidifier. But the picture shows the water sitting at the top. Which in my guesstimation means it’s a top fill unit which would make it much easier to manage.

The price is set pretty good at around the $60 mark. Which would be about the same amount if you bought these units separate.

Recap

The ideal of a fully functioning heater with humidifier combo appliance is a good one.

Heaters are known for drying out the air in a room.
And one of the primary reasons people use humidifiers is to combat the dry air caused by a heater.

Why not combine them into one?

Unfortunately even though you can currently purchase a heater with humidifier,

The ones available on the market are quite simple.

Modern heaters and humidifiers come with a full load of bells and whistles when you purchase them separate.

But combining them seems to reduce them down to the most basic of both.

And in some cases the price can be as about as much as three times the price of one or the other.

It’s a Great idea.

Just one that hasn’t fully developed into what it could be and hopefully one day will be.

Best Water for Humidifier-Distilled, Bottle, Boiled or Tap

Best Water for Humidifier?

Distilled water is the best water to use in a humidifier because:

The use of distilled water helps keep your humidifier in good condition. Because of the process in which distilled water is made, It lacks minerals like calcium and magnesium, as well as sodium that can build up inside your humidifier and make it less effective.

Dry air in the Winter causes an array of issues. The skin breaks, the lips shrink and swell, and your nose becomes congested. The worst part is that these issues result from the air you breathe and are surrounded within your home, your own domain. A humidifier is a device that can help avoid these issues. It can help bring the humidity to a level that is comfortable and much more healthy for the people in your home. However, there are some disadvantages to using a humidity system. Incorrectly using a humidifier can increase maintenance expenses. It can also affect the quality of air in your home. If you want to use your humidifier properly, the first thing you’ll need to be aware of is the kind of water you should be filling it with.

Distilled Water for Humidifier

Distilled drinking water is the most suitable kind of water to use in a humidifier. It has been processed to get rid of contaminants like bacteria and minerals. Particles that you do not want in your air or your humidifier.
Think about it…
The bacteria in your water can end up being in the air that you are breathing since it’s going through a humidifier. And Minerals and other particulates can end up damaging your unit and reducing the life of your humidifier.
Distilled water is produced when boiling water evaporates into steam and then cools. The process causes the impurities in the water to be left behind as it turns into condensation. The condensation is collected and bottled as “distilled water”
Mold Prevention. Mold growing in a humidifier is one the biggest problems people face when using one. Distilled water is less likely to have mold spores present in it. Which will help keep mold and bacteria from taking root as quickly in the humidifier.
Less Dusty Humidifier dust is caused by the minerals that are in tap water and drinking water. Because distilled water is treated to eliminate the minerals, it will help keep the problem of “humidifier dust” to a minimum.

Tap water in a humidifier?

Tap water for humidifiers is not advised. Tap water is typically a source of solids and minerals that could harm your humidifier. Tap water can result in calcium deposits developing inside of your humidifier.
Utilizing tap water for your humidifier can cause also lower the quality of your ambient air. It is is loaded with chemicals like fluoride that when moved through a humidifier become part of the air you breathe.
Also the white “humidifier dust” that appears on the surfaces around the humidifier can be kicked up into the air. Which will not only inhibit your breathing, will dry out your skin. One of the very things that you wanted a humidifier for in the first place.
In order for mold to grow, it requires three different ingredients; water, low light, and a food source.
Tap water is loaded with minerals that can be considered the food source for mold to grow.
Though It is recommended to clean or replace the humidifier’s filter frequently and also clean the inside of any mineral build-up, using tap water will increase the frequency of replacing filters and increase your cleaning schedule..
Demineralization cartridges are available on many humidifiers and can be bought separately if you decide that using tap water is worth the risk.

Leemone Humidifier Cleaner 12 Pack ，Demineralization Cleaning Ball

Click here for Leemone Humidifier Demineralization cartridges

Bottled Water in a Humidifier?
Using bottled water in a humidifier is only slightly better than using tap water. It is filtered but not to the point that it is free of the minerals that can cause deposits in your humidifier.
A lot of bottled drinking water that you find on the shelf is natural spring water or at least that’s supposed to be the origin.
Natural spring water naturally has a lot of minerals and solids that will end up making your humidifier less effective.
If you read the label good on most bottled water, you will see that it says that minerals have been put back into the water for consumption.
But not to the point or the quantity that you will get from just putting plain tap water into your humidifier. So even though bottled water may not be the best water for a humidifier, it is a step up from tap water.

Should I use filtered water in my humidifier?

Using filtered water in a humidifier is better than using water straight out of the tap. But even filtered water is not 100% pure of minerals and other solids that can end up doing damage to your humidifier.
And water filters are not able to get rid of all the fluoride and chlorine that is in tap water.
Though it is better than using tap water, filtered water still has much of the mineralization and propensity to develop mold and bacteria.

Should I boil the water I use in my humidifier?
Boiling water is a do it yourself technique for humidifying your home without the use of a humidifier. When water is boiled it turns into steam and evaporates.
Boiling water also kills any microorganisms in the water.
But, the pot that you boil the water in is full of deposits and minerals left behind from the tap water.
If you pour the water directly out of the pot into the humidifier, much of the deposits that have been boiled out of the water will get back into the water.
The very thing you’re trying to avoid.
Much is made about how vaporizers and warm mist humidifiers are not as likely to develop mold and bacteria in them because the water is brought to a boiling point that kills the organisms.
  But you have to remember that minerals and deposits are left behind when you boil water.
Even in the case of vaporizers, distilled water is going to be the best water to use in your warm mist humidifier.
Caution: And remember that the humidifier is made out of plastic. Pouring boiling water into it, is going to melt it. Let it cool first if you decide to do it this way.

Should I put hot or cold water in my humidifier?
Humidifiers do not need to have the water brought to any certain temperature before pouring it into the basin.
Normal room temperature is adequate.
Some might get the idea of that because a vaporizer uses steam to humidify, that you have to put boiling water in it for it to work.
Not so. The humidifier is built to warm the water on its own and does not require you to do anything besides fill it with room temperature distilled water.
  But by the same token, if you pour cold drinking water out of the refrigerator into a vaporizer, it’s going to take that much longer to work because it takes longer for cold water to get to a boiling point.
So just stick with room temperature.
  And excessive cold or hot temperatures are not good for plastic and will eventually cause plastic to crack.

Recap
Distilled water is the best water to use in a humidifier because it goes through a process that eliminates the most minerals and microorganisms that can damage your humidifier and get into the air you breathe when you put them through a humidifier.
It also is the best water to avoid the white dust that builds up around humidifiers.
Bottle drinking water is a little better than using straight tap water in a humidifier but it’s still contains a great deal of the minerals that can cause a humidifier to scale up and be less effective.
And it is the minerals in the water that eventually become the white dust that you see settling around a humidifier.
Boiled water does have the advantage of killing the spores and bacteria that can be in your average tap water, but when you boil water, the mineral deposit settle at the bottom.
If you pour that water into a humidifier, you still have the problem of the mineral deposits getting into the humidifier.
Lastly, tap water is easily the worst water you can use in a humidifier.
It is full of minerals and chemical treatments that will not only eventually damage your humidifier, will become part of the air you breathe when you use the water to humidify the air.
Tap water also becomes moldier faster and leaves the white dust that you were trying to avoid around your humidifier faster.

Posted on December 19, 2021December 20, 2021Categories All Posts, Humidifiers

Best Tower Humidifiers for Large Rooms (11 and counting)

Humidifiers are a necessity for regulating indoor humidity and maintaining health and comfort during the dry season.
But humidifiers are not exactly the most convenient device to find a place for.
The constant refilling and cleaning that humidifiers require make placing them in an easy access area and one that is not susceptible to moisture damage important.
One option for placing a humidifier is to pick a “standing floor humidifier” or commonly called “tower humidifier”.
A Tower humidifier is a large humidifier that resembles a tower fan or a tower heater.
Why would you choose a tower humidifier over other types of humidifiers?
Simple. The convenience of being able to put it where you want it.
Other types of humidifiers require a good spot on a table or bed stand,
and they are usually sat on a towel or something that can easily soak up any leakage that you can get from just filling and refilling a humidifier.
Tower humidifiers can easily be placed where you want them and then be easily moved out of the way when you don’t need it there anymore.

For instance you may want to place it closer to your bed at night when you sleep, but don’t want it in the middle of the floor during the day.
Choosing a tower design humidifier makes humidifying very convenient because you can easily move the humidifier anywhere in the house without having to find a table top spot to put it.

And if you want to add another seriously convenient feature to add to the humidifier,
you could pick a tower humidifier that has the option of filling it from the top.
Top fill humidifiers are simply humidifiers that have the fill hole located on the top of the humidifier.
This gives you the option of being able to carry the water to the humidifier and pouring it in rather than taking the humidifier apart and putting the basin underneath the running water in the sink.
The typical humidifier requires you to take the water tank off, turn it upside down and fill it up from the bottom.
Then turn it back over, full of water, and place it back into its spot on the humidifier.
It’s a somewhat complicated process that is designed to get water everywhere in the process.
Top fill humidifiers eliminate that entire process by giving you the option of filling it from the top.
Very convenient.
It’s no mystery that humidifiers suffer from the stigma of being high maintenance appliances.
After all they have to be filled and refilled and then cleaned often.
So It’s really no wonder that humidifiers typically don’t get run as much as they should seeing how they require so much work to use them.
That is precisely why a standing floor, Tower humidifier that you can fill from the top can make humidifying much easier and take much of the hassle out of dealing with one.

What is the Best Tower Humidifier?

In our opinion, the best Tower humidifier is the Govee 6Liter.
It not only can work with your smartphone and with Alexa, it has a super huge tank that can go for 60 hours without refilling and cover up to 600 square feet.
It’s easily filled and cleaned from the top and it can be used with any type of essential oils on 9 different 360° mist settings.
And it has a night light.

What’s the Worst Tower humidifier?
In our opinion, there shouldn’t even be a tower humidifier that you can’t fill from the top. The AirCare D Series has a lot going for it but they’re refilling configuration puts it at the bottom of the list for Tower humidifiers.W

The 11 Top Tower Humidifiers

Aircare D Series
Lacidoll
Honovos
Costway
AILINKE
Govee 6L
Purjoy
Pureguardian H3200WAR
Elecameier
Air Innovations
Honeywell top fill tower

Click here for Aircare D Series

Aircare D Series
This humidifier holds a lot of water but it’s in two tanks that have to be completely removed to refill.
I love the way the person in the video gets water all over the tank when he’s filling it up.
It completely illustrates some of the problems that refilling a humidifier can give you.
It uses the Wick filter technology.
Wick filter technology is very similar to filling a sponge with water and blowing air through the sponge with a fan.
It ensures that the water moves through a filter before being dispersed into the air as humidity.
Air Care d series has two tanks along with two filters to be able to humidify twice as much area.
It also features an adjustable humidistat, which automatically shuts off the humidifier when the dialed in setting for relative humidity is reached.
It has four speeds, a refill indicator, and a check filter indicator.
Manufacturer: Air Care
Dimensions: 10 * 15 * 26 in
Weight : 11.25 lb
Square footage: 1200 ft
Tank size : Two separate 1 gallon tanks
Features:
50 hours without refilling
1200 Square feet coverage
Adjustable humidistat
4 speed Settings
Water fill indicator
Filter check indicator
2 year warranty
Remarks:
Nice humidifier with some great features like being able to handle 1200 square feet.
But this definitely one of the more difficult humidifiers when it comes to refilling the water

Click here to Purchace Lacidoll

Lacidoll 2.1 Gallon Tower Humidifier
A slightly smaller Tower humidifier that can run for 36 hours without a refill and cover 500 square feet.
This humidifier features most of the bells and whistles you can purchase in a modern humidifier.
It does not however future the capacity to be run as a cool or warm mist humidifier.
It is strictly a cool mist humidifier.
But it does feature the convenience of being a top fill humidifier.
Manufacturer: Lacidoll
Dimensions: 30.7 x 10.7 x 10.4 in
Weight : 5.5 lb
Tank size : 2.1 gallons
Square feet covered: 500 sq ft
Features:
Humidity sensor with automatic shut-off
aromatherapy tray
500 square feet
36 hours between refills
Top fill
Remote control
Carrying handle
Water viewport
One year warranty
Remarks :
A very nice looking humidifier that has a convenient Tower design as well as being a top fill humidifier.

Click here for Honovos Tower Humidifiers

Honovos
Honovos is a 3.17 gallon ultrasonic cool mist Top Fill humidifier with 4-speed humidistat and an essential oil tray.
The tank is a sleek clear see through cylinder-shape that can be a very attractive addition to your room decor.
It features everything the modern humidifier should. A fully adjustable leave and set humidistat with several speed settings. An adjustable nozzle and a tray to drop essential oils.
And it covers a 750 square foot space.
Another great addition is the fact that it is filter free. No additional cost ever.
Manufacturer : Honovos
Dimensions : 9 * 9 * 29.9 in
Weight : 5.5 lb
Square footage : 750
Tank size : 3.17 gal
Noise: 30db
Features :
Top Fill
Tower design
Adjustable humidistat
Aromatherapy tray
750 square foot coverage
34 hours between refills on max
Remarks : A very nice humidifier that also comes in a smaller size.

Click here to Buy Costway Standing Floor Humidifiers

Costway
Costway has an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier that has an ionizer incorporated into it. The Tower design makes it easy to find a spot for it in any room.
As for the other extras that you typically find in modern humidifiers, there are not many.
It does have a 6 L tank that will allow it to run for 24 hours without refilling but as far as other features like an aromatherapy tray are missing.
Manufacturer: Costway
Dimensions: 8.5 by 8.5 by 22.5″
Weight: 4 lb
Tank size: 6 l
Remarks:
Combining an ionizer weather in a humidifier should create an ultra clean breathing atmosphere.
Humidity and negative ions reduce the amount of ambient dust very well.
Humidity droplets and negative ions work very similarly to reduce dust in the air. Humidity Bonds dust together with moisture. Ions combine dust particles with polarity to make them too heavy to float.

Click here to Purchase AILINKE

AILINKE
Another attractive Tower humidifier that is top filling. It honestly has everything you could possibly want in a humidifier save that it doesn’t have the capacity to run as a warm mist humidifier.
It can go for 36 hours without being refilled because of its 2.3 gallon size tank.
It also covers up to 500 square feet and does so very quietly at only 35 db.
Adjustable humidistat and antimicrobial infused plastic construction combined with aromatherapy essential oil tray round out the features.
And if that’s not enough, it doesn’t require any type of filter change whatsoever.
Manufacturer: AILINKE
Dimensions:260 mm x 240 mm x 745 mm ( 26″)
Tank size: 2.3 gallons
Affected room size:500 sq ft
Noise level: 35 db
Features:
500 square feet
36 hours without having to refill
Top fill Tower design
Adjustable humidistat
Remote control
Ultra quiet
Antimicrobial plastic
Remarks:
This is one of those humidifiers that sounds amazing and does everything amazing. But… This humidifier is inundated with bad reviews on Amazon. Mostly saying that it broke down very quickly after it was purchased. Pity.

Click here for the Govee 6l Tower Humidifier

Govee 6l
This Tower humidifier is a Wi-Fi, downloadable app included, Alexis friendly modern smart humidification unit.
Smart appliances are pretty much a thing now across all types of machinery.
For some appliances, it makes a lot of sense, and for some, not so much.
It’s hard to imagine there ever being a humidity emergency that requires you to have to have alerts coming into your inbox on the relative humidity of your house or the fact that your humidifier is near running out of water.
But just like any other convenience, it is very easy to be able to schedule your humidifier or turn it on and off from your phone. And if you have Alexa, you can use the voice control function and just tell your humidifier to come on or change settings.
Being Wi-Fi enabled is not the only advantage this Govee humidifier has.
It is actually one of the more well-rounded units that I have had the pleasure of reviewing.
It covers up to 600 square feet and can go 60 hours without refilling.
It can be set to auto mode and through the power of its on board sensor, it will change settings on the humidifier to ensure that the proper relative humidity in your room is being kept.
Aromatherapy tray combined with ultra quiet operation and 9 mist levels are just piling on the features at this point.
Did I mention the night light?
Manufacturer: Govee
Dimensions:7.28*7.28*18.27″
Weight:8.5 lbs
Square footage: 600
60 hours between refills
Noise level: 27db
360° nozzle
Remarks:
Very well reviewed unit that piles on the features.
The only thing missing is the warm mist capability and the anti-mold construction.

Click here for Purjoy

Purjoy
Purjoy features the best features that you’re going to find on a tower humidifier and it has an optional green color.
Which may sound like a small point but there are not too many humidifier manufacturers that are taking chances with the actual color of the units. Typically White and black are your options.
This humidifier does look good and it has the best of the best features that you will find on the humidifier.
It runs 50 hours without refilling and it covers 500 ft. It’s super quiet at 35 db.
It has adjustable sensor technology that controls the humidifier based on the relative humidity of the room. And a remote to boot.
It also features an essential oil tray and it is easily refillable from the top of the machine.
This humidifier definitely checks all the boxes for a large Tower humidifier.
Features:
2. 11 gallon Tank
50 hrs without filling
500 sq ft coverage
Sensor
35 db Low Noise
Top fill
Essential oil tray
Green
Remote
Cool mist ultrasonic
Remarks
The only feature this humidifier doesn’t carry is the capacity to be able to run it as a warm mist humidifier as well as a cool one.

Buy Pureguardian H3200WAR here

Pureguardian H3200WAR
Pureguardian humidifiers stand out because of their use of antimicrobial materials that infuse silver into the plastic.

Silver is an all natural antibiotic that resists mold and bacteria.
They are also the makers of the popular Aqua Stick, which is an additive that you place into the water of a humidifier. It helps reduce mold and bacteria.
This particular pure guardian Tower humidifier has a lot going for it.
One of the most outstanding features is that it can run for 100 hours without refilling.
And that’s on only a 1.5 gallon tank.
It’s also filter free and covers 450 ft.
And though it does have the obligatory adjustable sensor and auto shut off when it runs out of water, it misses the boat on one big point. It is not fillable from the top.
Features:
Treated tank resists mold
100 hrs run time without refilling
1. 5 gal Tank
450 sq ft coverage
Filter free
Dimensions: 8. 82*8.74*21.93″
Makers of Aqua Stick
Remarks:
Pureguardian understands the main issue with humidifiers being that they can become tainted with mold and bacteria very quickly.
The main selling point of this humidifier is that it is made from mold resistant materials.
Unfortunately it is not a top fill humidifier.

Click here for Elecameier Humidifiers

Elecameier
Elecameier is a tall tower humidifier that has a shape that is similar to a wine bottle.
It comes in white or an alternate wood tone that looks pretty sleek. It is definitely a humidifier that will look good in a living room or as part of the decor in an office building.
It features a remote control and automatic shut off when it runs out of water and it can also be ran as a warm mist humidifier or a cool mist humidifier.
And it is ultra quiet, only coming in at 25 db.
But though it is a tower humidifier which does indeed make it much simpler to find a place to put it since it will not take up any valuable table top space or shelf space,
It has to be taken apart to put the water in.
The design is basically a three-part piece that has a base, a body, and an extruding nozzle.
So in order to fill it with water you have to take off the nozzle and the body and fill it from the bottom of the body.
And compared to other models of tower humidifiers, it’s maximum run time is only 12 hours between refills.
Which as we’ve already pointed out, is a built-in hassle with this humidifier.
Manufacturer: Elecameier
Dimensions: 17.2×11.42×7.68 in
Weight: 2.64 lb
Tank size: 2.3 l
Remarks: It has to be taken apart to refill.

Buy Air Innovations here

Air Innovations
Air Innovations have long been one of the most stylish humidifiers on the market. Their top fill Tower humidifier keeps the same tradition.
Hands down the most unique looking humidifiers that you can buy.
It also has a lot of great features including a huge run time of 100 hours between refills.
Air Innovations are known to be innovators of using antimicrobial materials in their construction.
This humidifier has silver infused into its plastic which resists mold and bacteria inside of the water tank.
There is a version of this humidifier that is made for the baby’s room that is BPA free also.
The humidifier can handle 700 square feet and has a 2.15 gallon tank.
The digital humidistat is top of the line..
Manufacturer: air Innovations
Dimensions: 10.25 * 10.25 * 16.25 in
Weight: 5.2 lb
Square footage: 700
Tank size: 2.15 gallon
Filter less
Remarks:
The aromatherapy feature requires that their own formulated scents be used. I assume this is an additional reoccurring purchase.

Click here for Honeywell top fill tower Humidifiers

Honeywell top fill tower
Honeywell has a reputation of building long lasting products.
The main feature on their Tower humidifier is that it fills from the top.
It also has an adjustable humidistat to set and leave it.
But it is slightly smaller than many of the other Tower humidifiers in its price range and it does require a separate purchase of a filter from time to time.
You should expect to refill this humidifier at least once every 24 hours.
You can either take the basin off and carry it to the sink to refill it or you can transport water to the humidifier and pour it into the top.
It is strictly a cool mist humidifier and it doesn’t have some of the modern features like Wi-Fi or aromatherapy capabilities.
Remarks:
A basic humidifier that has both a tower design for easy placement and that is Top fill for easy refilling.
And it does have the strong reputation of being built by Honeywell.

Recap
Tower humidifiers take the hassle out of having to find a tabletop for a shelf to put a humidifier.
They can stand in the middle of the floor and be moved easily from room to room or brought out at night and put to the side in the morning very easily.
But if you are in the market for a tower humidifier, there is one thing that you should take into consideration before bringing one home.
That is that they are hard to take apart and fill unless you purchase one that has the capacity of filling it from the top.
Truthfully, humidifiers can be more of an investment than other types of appliances because they do require you to fill and refill and be cleaned fairly often.
So finding a humidifier that takes as much hassle out of using it as possible is a good place to start when you’re sifting through the different features that you can find on a humidifier.
A top fill Tower humidifier that is easily cleaned from the top is an easy solution to many of the aggravations that come with humidifiers.
In fact, pulling the tank off of the humidifier and having to turn it over in the sink to fill it, is something that should be left in the past by now.
And don’t forget the humidistat.
Another feature that should be standard on all humidifiers by now is a humidistat/hygrometer.
Having the capacity to know what your humidity is before you start blasting the humidifier is a necessity when you’re trying to reach the optimal 40-60% humidity for your room or home.

Posted on December 4, 2021December 5, 2021Categories Humidifiers, All Posts

Self Cleaning-Germ Free-Low Maintenance Humidifiers. Really?

Humidifiers are notorious for being high maintenance machines because of the nature of their design and that they require a basin of water to work.
3 different types of Humidifiers that qualify as “self cleaning”:
1.UV sterilization
2. Germ resistant plastic
3. Germ and Bacteria Resistant Water Additives
4.Vaporizer
Why does that make Humidifiers high maintenance?
Because of the easy formation and growth of mold that happens inside of a humidifier when it is not maintained properly  And the fact that the mold growth inside of the machine becomes part of the humidity being expelled into the room when the unit is in operation.  Breathing mold spores can trigger asthma and exasperate allergies. That’s not good.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was such a thing as a “self cleaning humidifier”?
Technically a vaporizer is a type of Humidifier that is considered a self cleaning humidifier because is boils water as a means of creating steam. The boiling process kills any mold or bacteria in the operation.
But vaporizers are not for everyone and most people considered them to unsafe to keep in the babies room or children regardless.
So where does that leave the idea of a self cleaning humidifier?
There is not yet such a thing as a completely self cleaning humidifier that requires no maintenance.
But there are multiple ways that the issue the mold growth in humidifiers is being addressed,
and different technologies that are being invented and used to make humidifiers safer.
1. Antimicrobial plastic
One of the most exciting innovations in humidifiers is the use of germ and bacteria resistant materials in the construction of the humidifier.
Antimicrobial plastic contains biocide polymers that combat the production of mold and mildew on the surface of the plastic. It has a ton of applications and seems to be perfectly suited for humidifiers.
Not only can humidifiers be completely built out of antimicrobial plastic, the filter inside of the humidifier can also be coated with the same type of product to keep the filter from becoming a moldy mess too.  Which, as you probably have already realized, is an amazing leap for appliances like humidifiers and dehumidifiers, as well as air conditioners and water-based air purifiers.
Since the one thing all of these appliances have in common is that they are subject to mold and bacteria growth,
If the materials that the humidifier is constructed of are resistant to mold growth, and the filters within them are also resistant to mold, then the search for a self cleaning humidifier is nearly half over.
Nearly half?
Yes, nearly half. The reason is, that humidifiers not only grow mold on the plastic and construction itself, they also have a tendency to get mold on the surface of the water inside of the basin when it is not changed often.
And keep in mind, the whole point of the humidifier is to use the water in the basin to emit into the air to increase the humidity in a room.
If the water in the humidifier basin has mold and mildew when the machine is running, then the humidity droplets in your air will also be full of mold spores and bacteria.
Keeping mold and mildew from growing on the surface of the humidifier, regardless of it being inside or out, is a mind-blowing advancement in humidifier innovations, but it is yet only half the battle.
Keeping mold and germs from growing in stagnant water is the other side of the equation that would make a humidifier actually “self cleaning”.
2. Ultraviolet sterilization
Fortunately there is already people who are making products to remedy the situation of mold growing on the surface of the water inside of a humidifier.
UV lamps are used in multiple industries to help reduce the spread of mold, bacteria, and viruses.
You have probably seen aquariums with a blue light inside of them. The blue light is a ultraviolet lamp that is targeted on the inside of the aquarium to help reduce the amount of algae and mildew that tends to take over an aquarium pretty fast.
Another place might have seen this same procedure in action is in a barber shop. Barber shops oftentimes have a cylinder that they put their Combs and scissors in that employees a UV lamp to clean and disinfect their utensils while they are not in use.
This is exactly the same way that ultraviolet light can be used in a humidifier.
Positioning a ultraviolet light inside of a humidifier to continuously Target the water inside of the basin is a proven method of reducing the amount of contaminants that may be emitted into your airstream in the humidifying process.
Combining ultraviolet light in a humidifier that is constructed out of antimicrobial plastic seems to cover all the bases in the search for a self cleaning humidifier.
3. Germ and Bacteria Resistant Water Additives
Another technology that is used to combat the production of mold in the water of a humidifier is anti mold and germ pods that you purchase to place inside of the basin with the water.
This is more of a back road country recipe that has become more mainstream.
The ideal is to put an additive in the water that keeps mold from taking hold.
Colloidal silver is a natural antibiotic that also has antimicrobial properties.
Although you can purchase colloidal silver and just add it to the water in your humidifier, you can also purchase pods and sticks that contains silver in them that will do the same thing as adding colloidal silver.
“There is a problem with these additives though, they are only useful in ultrasonic humidifiers“.
Another do-it-yourself home recipe for keeping the water in your humidifier fresher longer is to add a little bit of vinegar to the water in your humidifier.
Vinegar is actually one of the best all natural mold cleaners there is. Even edging out bleach because of its ability to get down under the surface better.
Some people even advocate breathing vinegar steam to get rid of chest and head congestion. But if that is something you want to try, you should do your own research and probably stick with apple cider vinegar which is loaded with enzymes and vitamins.
Recap
There is no humidifier that it is 100% self cleaning. But there are newer technologies available that make it nearly a reality.
Technologies like antimicrobial plastic that resists mold growth can be used in the construction of the humidifier making the materials the humidifier is made out of already mold resisting.
The filters inside of humidifiers can be coded with the same type of polymers that are contained in the antimicrobial plastic, which we’ll also help the filter for becoming a mold farm.
As for the water in the basin, there is a couple of technologies that can help keep the water fresher, longer.
One one is the use of ultraviolet light targeting the surface of the water so that mold and algae cannot take root.
Another is to add anti mold pods that contains silver. Silver is a natural antimicrobial that can help the water in the basin of your ultrasonic humidifier stay safer.
After all the point is to add clean humidity to your air so that you can breathe better.
Adding humidity that is laced with mold and germs is a quick way to trigger allergies and asthma.4

9 Self Cleaning Humidifiers and or Options
Aqua stick
Safety First A clean humidifier
Pure guardian h5450bca
Dyson am-10
Pure Enrichment Mistaire Eva
Air innovations
Winix humidifier
Crane
Boneco

Many of the reviews of so-called germ-free humidifiers are negative because people seem to have the expectation that there is no cleaning involved whatsoever. Unfortunately that’s just not the case.
For instance, The main issue with using UV in a humidifier is that the UV light has to be targeted directly on the bacteria or mold to be effective at destroying the germs.
So even though incorporating a UVlamp inside of a humidifier will definitely help cut down on mold and bacteria,
You shouldn’t expect every square inch of the humidifier to be in the direct target of the UV.
Some, like the Dyson a.m. do a much better job then others,
But the idea that you do not have to clean the humidifier ever because it has a UV lamp is not realistic.
The same thing goes for humidifiers that have the antimicrobial silver induced plastic. Do they help reduce germs in the water tank of a humidifier? Yes, no doubt.
But does that mean that there is no cleaning to be done? Not at all. There has yet to be invented an additive but you can place it in a humidifier that will completely kill 100% of all bacteria and mold.
Self-cleaning humidifiers are better called low maintenance humidifiers because they incorporate methods to help curb bacterial growth and reduce the amount of cleaning.
Some are better than others.
But there is no such thing as a humidifier that is completely germ-free.

Click here for AquaStick

Aquastick

Aqua stick is an additive that you place inside of your humidifier similar in looks to a cleaning stick that you place in the back of your toilet.

They are an inexpensive way to help keep mold and bacteria from growing inside of your humidifier. They can be used for up to two to three months without having to be replaced.

They also have a reputation of being able to use tap water. Which carries with it a huge advantage.

Many of the humidifiers that we review that are designed to be antimicrobial for less cleaning use silver induced materials in their construction.

Aqua stick is a way of using silver in your humidifier tank without having to pay for a humidifier that is made from antimicrobial silver induced plastic.

This product is made by guardian technologies who also build antimicrobial humidifiers.

Remarks:
One of the easiest ways to keep bacteria and germs from growing in your humidifier. And they work with any humidifier regardless of the brand.

Buy Safety 1st Stay Clean Here

Safety 1st Stay Clean humidifier
The entire marketing of this humidifier is based on the fact that it is supposed to be self cleaning. But to be fair, the literature says there is “less cleaning”.
Unfortunately the reviews on Amazon are pretty heavily slanted to the opposite. Lots of complaints of pink residue in the bottom of the humidifier.
The fact that the Blue lamp in this humidifier is an LED light and not an ultraviolet light is probably the reason people are not seeing the results they expected.
As a basic humidifier it does not require a filter which is a plus but it does not have any of the regular features like humidistat, or aromatherapy tray.
Dimensions 10.75 * 8.9 * 8.9 in
Weight 3 lb
Square footage: unlisted
Tank size: unlisted
Features:
Antimicrobial LED light

Buy Pure Guardian Here

Pure Guardian H5450BCA
This humidifier has different methods to help to keep bacteria and mold from growing inside of a humidifier.
The first is a non ozone UV-C light. The second is that it has silver embedded into the housing.
The third is the fact that it works as a warm mist humidifier as well. Which means that the water in the humidifier must be risen to a boiling temperature which will destroy bacteria.
Ultraviolet light is a proven method of destroying germs and bacteria when it is targeted directly upon them.
Silver is an all natural antibiotic that has a purifying effect on water.
This humidifier doesn’t make any claims suggesting that it is 100% germ-free or self-cleaning, only that it has incorporated a couple of methods that work to help reduce germs and cleaning.
And this pure guardian humidifier has a lot of features that make it an excellent humidifier regardless.
Features:
Works as a warm mist or a cool mist humidifier
UBC
100 hour runtime
380 square feet coverage
Aromatherapy tray
Remarks
The real deal. Pure Guardian not only employs the UV lamp to target bacteria and germs inside of the tank, the tank itself is embedded with silver, an all natural antibiotic known to reduce bacteria.

Purchase Dyson AM-10 Here

Dyson am-10 humidifier
This is a humidifier and fan all-in-one.
Dyson am-10 uses a UV lamp that exposes every drop of water to the ultraviolet light.
And claims to kill 99.99% of bacteria inside of a tank.
It is an intelligent appliance that measures the temperature and moisture of the air to control to keep the ideal climate continuously in your room.
It is a 3 l tank and works up to 12 hours before having to have a refill.
Manufacturer: Dyson
Dimensions: 8.7 by 9.4 by 22.8 in
Weight: 7.5 lb
Tank size: 3 l
Square footage: not listed
Type: ultrasonic
Features:
UVC lamp
Fan
Humidistat Auto shut-off
Remarks:
This is a Dyson product so the price is significantly higher than most.
They do have a reputation of being very effective and the fact that it is a powerful fan as well as a germ-free humidifier makes it very interesting.
This air purifier doesn’t feature a way to diffuse essential oils.
The reviews are a mixed bag. Some people love this humidifier, other people hate it.

Click here for Pure Enrichment Mistaire Eva

Pure Enrichment Mistaire Eva
This is a low maintenance humidifier that incorporates an antimicrobial filter.

It doesn’t make any huge claims of killing 99% of bacteria or even reducing it.
Only that it helps fight allergies by trapping and killing airborne allergens in the filter.
It does claim to dramatically reduce the amount of white dust you typically find around ultrasonic humidifiers though.
The humidifier uses a technology called whirlwind fan that captures cools and humidifies the air up to 500 square feet.
It offers for fan speeds and an auto off timer. It also offers turbo speed.
It also serves as a night light that can be changed to 7 different colors.
One feature missing is the aromatherapy option.
Item model number: PHHUMEVA
Dimensions: 9.5 by 9.5 x 13.5 in
Weight: 5.49 lb
Square footage: 500 square feet
Tank size: 2.8 l
Warranty: 5 years
Features:
500 square feet
Antimicrobial filter
25 hour runtime
Multiple settings including turbo mode
7 color night lights
Remarks:
It has an amazing new technology that helps it cover large areas. But they don’t tell say what it is or how it works. A little fishy.

Purchase Air Innovations on Amazon

Purchase Air Innovations at Sylvane

Air innovations
Air innovations feature one of the most stylish humidifiers available.
But style is not the only thing it features.
This humidifier can run 96 hours and humidify a room up to 600 square feet without refilling.
It also includes a remote and a digital display hygrometer / humidistat.
The reason it is featured as a low maintenance, germ-free humidifier is that it is made from antimicrobial plastic. Which resists the growth of mold and bacteria in the tank.
Manufacturer: great innovations
Dimensions 8 by 8 by 18.5 in
Weight: 3.83 lb
Square footage covered: 600 square feet
Run time without refilling: 96 hours
Features:
Adjustable humidistat that adjust according to the relative humidity in the room
Remote
Auto shut off and beat notification when it runs out of water
15 inch extension nozzle
Aromatherapy option
Antimicrobial plastic construction
Remarks:
Easily one of the all around best humidifiers available. The humidifier features just about everything you can possibly want out of a humidifier and looks great doing it.

Buy Winix LightCel UV Humidifiers Here

Winix Ultrasonic humidifier with LightCel UV

Winix is known for their air purifiers that feature Plasmawave technology.

With this humidifier they have dove into the humidification world with a humidifier that has a UV +LED Light that targets bacteria and germs before they can become an issue and your humidifier.
It includes demineralization capsules that will help reduce the amount of cleaning also.
This humidifier holds two gallons of water and it will run for 120 hours without having to refill it.
And it can also be used as either a cool mist or a warm mist humidifier.
Manufacturer: Winix
Dimensions 8.5 x 10.6 by 14.6 in
Weight: 5.9 lbs
Tank size: 2 gallons
Maximum noise level: 30db
Features:
UV + LED antibacterial light
120 hours between refills
2 gallon tank
Programmable timer
Auto shutoff
Very quiet at 30 fb
Warm mist and cool mist
Demineralization capsules included
Remarks:
Winix have successfully managed to carve out a space for ionic technology in the air purification world that is dominated by HEPA filters.  And it looks like they have managed to design an excellent humidifier that helps control bacteria as well as keeps the humidifier cleaner longer as well.

Click here for Crane Humidifiers

Crane humidifier with UV
This is a humidifier that features all the bells and whistles but with a twist, it contains a UV lamp to kill bacteria and germs in the water tank before they become a cleaning issue and a breathing issue.
Variable speed settings and an adjustable 360 degree Mist lid make it excellent for using in a large area. It can humidify rooms up to 500 square feet and run for 24 hours without having to refill.
But it does not contain an aromatherapy option.
Manufacturer: Crane
Dimensions: 14 by 10 by 16 in
Weight: 7.26 lb
Square footage covered: 500
Tank size: 1.2 gallons
Run time: 24 hours between refills
Features:
ultraviolet ionizing light
500 square feet
Adjustable sit and leave humidistat
Easy to clean
Remarks
This crane humidifier does not feature an aromatherapy essential oils option.
But it does say that it creates a refreshing smelling mist.

Ionizing air purifier manufacturers often spin the smell of ozone coming from their units as an “after a thunderstorm fresh smell”.
This humidifier doesn’t make any claims of ozone production but it is interesting that they use the same language and that they have an ultraviolet ionizing lamp included.
The reviews are hit-and-miss with a lot of people saying that the humidistat failed fairly soon after their purchase.

Click Here to Purchase Boneco s450

Boneco s450

There is a way to bypass all the issues of adding a ultraviolet lamp to a humidifier or putting additives in the tank or purchasing a humidifier that’s made out of antimicrobial plastic,
And that is to purchase a warm mist humidifier that boils the water before it is emitted into the air as steam.
Warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers are not for everyone because steam will raise the temperature in a room.
But as far as warm mist humidifiers go, Boneco has a humidifier that is next level.
It can humidify an area as large as 860 square feet. And it is very quiet coming in at 37 db on the high side.
Manufacturer: Boneco
Country: Switzerland
Dimensions: 13.2 by 9.5 by 14 in
Tank size: 2 gallons
Weight: 10.1 inches
Wattage: 480
Features:
860 square feet coverage
Humidity display
Humidistat
Mist output control
Safety Auto shut-off
Programmable timer
Essential oil options
Remarks
This is a warm mist humidifier that has all the bells and whistles you typically find with the big brands like Levoit
Warm mist vaporizers or an easy way to get a bacteria free experience from a humidifier.
But they do use steam to humidify, which can make a room feel swampy.
This is a real nice humidifier but personally I would pick a humidifier that has a cool mist option as well as a warm mist often.

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Posted on November 27, 2021November 28, 2021Categories All Posts, Humidifiers, Mold Issues

Top Fill Humidifiers -Waves of the Future

Humidity is a subject that if you were to be honest, may be one that you might not find very interesting.
But as you begin to learn about the multiple benefits that maintaining a healthy humidity level can do for you and your family, or your plants,
you may find yourself being a little more interested in relative humidity then you probably thought you were.
Humidifiers are the go-to machine when your humidity is too low.
But traditionally humidifiers are kind of a pain to deal with since they have to be cleaned so often and refilled even more regularly.
And the fact that simply refilling a humidifier in the past has been nothing short of a chore.
What if that were no longer an issue?
Like say…
Is there a humidifier that fills from the top?

Top filling humidifiers are becoming very popular because of their ease of use.
Elechomes is on a different level when it comes to top fill humidifiers. Check it out here.
The daily grind of refilling a humidifier can be quite a task when you’re talkin about pulling the tank off, turning it upside down and putting it in the sink to fill it.
Then turning it back upside right, full of water and carrying it back to the humidifier location.
Quite frankly it’s a task that leads pretty quickly to not wanting to mess with it.
Which leads to not using the humidifier as much as you need to.

How does a top fill humidifier work?
A top filling humidifier does not require that the water tank be turned upside down to fill the tank up. You simply pull the basin out, unscrew the lid, and put it under the spout to fill it up.
Optionally, you can fill up a pitcher or a plant watering can and transport the water to the humidifier and pour it in without ever having to lift or disassemble any part of the humidifier.
This not only makes it much more convenient, it makes a way simpler for people who simply do not have the strength to carry a full basin of water.

Top fill vs. bottom fill humidifier
Traditional bottom fill humidifiers require the water tank to be completely removed and turned upside down in order to refill the water. It is an awkward, messy task. And one that requires a lot of muscle.
Top fill humidifiers are designed so that the whole lid comes off. This completely eliminates the need of turning the water tank upside down.
And like in the case of the Elechomes humidifier, the water basin has a handle that pools the tank completely off and gives you a way of transporting the basin much like any other bucket.
And since the lid comes off, It means that water can be transported to the humidifier without pulling the tank off at all.
Imagine, if you are a plant enthusiast, how much more convenient it is to add water to your humidifier by carrying the water to your humidifier while you’re already watering your plants.
Or, consider how much easier it can be for people like the elderly that simply do not have the strength to carry a water tank back and forth. Much less flip it over a couple of times in the process.
Cleaning is the other aspect that makes top fill humidifiers much less tedious to deal with.
Since the whole lid comes off, all the internal parts are easily accessed and scrubbed.

Best Top Fill Humidifier

1. Elechomes SH8820
2. Honeywell top fill Tower humidifier
3. Honeywell top fill cool mist humidifier
4. Homedics Total comfort top fill humidifier
5. Crane Warm and Cool mist humidifier
6. Pure enrichment Hume max top fill humidifier
7. Levoit 300S 6L top fill cool mist ultrasonic humidifier
8. Geniani Top Fill cool mist humidifier
9. Honovos Large Top Fill Humidifier with no filter.
10. MZTDYTL
11. Megawise top fill adjustable humidifier

Buy Elechomes SH8830 Here

1. Elechomes SH8830
Elechomes SH8830 is probably the best rated humidifier I have ever come across.
Because of the size of the 6.5 l a huge water tank, It can run up to 72 hours without having to be refilled.
It’s whispers quiet. And when they say whisper-quiet, they mean what they say. This machine comes in at 20 db. Probably the quietest humidifier in the world.
It can also handle an extra large amount of square feet, up to 861.
The built-in hygrometer and humidistat are the best to be found in humidifiers.
It also can be used as a cool mist or a warm mist humidifier and or a aromatherapy diffuser.
The top filling aspect of Elechomes makes it one of the easiest humidifiers to refill and keep clean.
a 360-degree rotatable nozzle allows you to focus on any part of the room without moving the humidifier.
And it features waterless shut off.
And it does all this with a Top fill design that makes filling and cleaning the humidifier extra easy.
Negatives:
The main drawback is that it is not filterless.
Manufacturer: Elechomes
Dimensions: 10.2 * 8.4 * 13.3 in
Weight: 6 lb
Noise level: 20 db
Applicable area: 430-861 square feet
Water capacity: 1.72 gallons
Working time: up to 72 hours
Features:
861 square feet
Extra quiet 20 db
Cold or warm mist
360 degree Mist nozzle
Up to 72 hours between refills
Hygrometer/humidistat
Waterless shut off
Set it and forget it mode
Top fill design
Remote control
Remarks
The only things that can make this humidifier any better would be the addition of a UV lamp. And ditch the filter.

see Honeywell top fill Tower humidifier here

2. Honeywell top fill Tower humidifier

Honeywell is one of the go to brands when it comes to small appliances and air quality.
The top fill Tower humidifier by Honeywell is easily one of the most popular in top filling humidifiers.
The tower design means that it takes up less space and can be easily tucked away.
It is a 1.5 gallon tank and a 12 hour timer with three speeds.
The humidistat has a digital readout that keeps you alerted to your humidity at all times.
Honeywell top fill humidifier is a 3-speed humidifier with a programmable humidistat that you can set and forget. It has a 12 hour timer and can be filled in a sink or filled at the humidifier. It also has a refill light to indicate when the water is near empty.
Again it does have the drawback of not being filterless.
Manufacturer: Honeywell
Dimensions: 9.84 * 8.66 * 24.72 in
Weight 12.5 lb
Tank capacity: 1.5 gallons
Features:
12 hour timer with auto shut-off
3 speed setting
Easy grip handle
Digital programmable humidistat
1.5 gallon tank
Remarks
Honeywell has a good reputation for building long-lasting products.
This humidifier does feature a humidistat but it does not control the humidifier like a thermostat would the air.
It also does not include an aromatherapy option nor does it offer the capacity to run as a cool mist or warm mist humidifier.
Noise levels are not given, nor is the square footage covered listed either.

Buy Honeywell top fill console humidifiers here

3. Honeywell top fill console humidifier
Another great humidifier by Honeywell that is intended for smaller spaces and has a tank size of 1.25 gallons.
This humidifier has an adjustable humidistat that can be set to high, medium or low and automatically turns off when the desired humidity level is reached. The auto shutoff feature also turns off the humidifier when it runs out of water.
And the top fill function makes the Honeywell cool mist an excellent small room humidifier.
The humidifier is not filterless.
Manufacturer: Honeywell
Dimensions: 23.23 * 15.35 * 16.38 in
Weight: 19.41 lb
Tank size 1.5 gal
Features
Adjustable humidistat with auto shutdown
Easy Top fill design
Remarks
Honeywell has the reputation of building excellent products.
But when it comes to giving you some basic details like how much square footage a humidifier covers, they don’t seem to be too interested.
They also don’t seem to care about how louder units are, or giving you any information about their warranty length or procedure.

Buy Homedics Total Comfort top fill humidifiers here

4. Homedics Total comfort top fill humidifier

The homedics Total comfort is built with simplicity in mind.
The humidifier has a 3.7l tank that can run up to 45 hours without having to refill it.
The simplicity of the design makes it super easy to clean.
And the top fill function allows you to easily fill the humidifier without having to take off the tank or turn it over in the sink.
It also has a couple of nice features like an essential oil tray and the night light.
There’s a lot to be said for simplicity in a humidifier.
Manufacturer: Homedics
Dimensions 13 * 9.75 * 9.6 in
Weight: 4.75 lb
Tank size 1 gallon
Effected space: 278 square feet
Features
Top filling
3 mist settings
Aromatherapy tray
278 square feet
Runs 45 hours without having to refill it.
Remarks
The one thing that Homedics continually put in their marketing materials is that they use “clean tank technology”.
But there is no information to be found on what this technology actually is or does.
Judging by the extras available for the humidifier. Clean tank technology is a demineralization stick that you put in the water.
Homedics also makes a much fancier version; it runs up to 85 hours without refilling. You can check it out here.

Buy Crane warm and cool mist top fill humidifiers here

5. Crane warm and cool mist top fill humidifier
If Homedics represent simplicity in humidification, then Crane offers an extra wide load of features.
Some of these features include an adjustable 360 degree mist lid, remote control, and a 1.2 gallon tank.
One noticeable difference is the addition of a UV lamp that targets bacteria and mold before they can become in issue in the humidifier.
Unfortunately reviews seem to indicate that the humidistat can be inaccurate and be less than enduring. Pity.
Manufacturer: Crane
Dimensions: 14 * 10 * 16 in
Weight: 7.26 lb
Tank size : 1.2 gallons
Applicable space: 500 square feet
Features:
Covers 500 square feet
Runs 24 hours without being refilled
Top fill/ easy cleaning access
UV antimicrobial light to reduce bacteria and mold growth
Remote control
Hygrometer / humidistat auto adjust and shutdown
Remarks
Curiously, For a humidifier that seems to have every Bell and whistle you can think of, it does not have an essential oil tray.
This is Cranes largest all inclusive humidifier. They also have many other models that are worth checking out. See them here.

Buy Pure Enrichment Hume Max here

6. Pure Enrichment Hume Max top fill humidifier with no filter
Another simple design that is ideal for bedrooms. It can handle 300 square ft.
It can also run for 30 hours at low speed without having to refill it.
The humidifier has a one gallon capacity tank.
It is top filling for easy refilling and easy cleaning.
It doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles like a digital humidistat,
But it does have one major one. It does not require a filter change whatsoever.
Another big element to this humidifier is its look.
It seems like the more features you put in a humidifier, the boxier and uglier they get.
The pure enrichment Hume Max looks as good as it works.
And it has a guaranteed 5 year warranty.
But the main reason it is included in this list is because of its high ratings. Easily one of the best reviewed.
It is a very powerful, well-made machine worthy of checking out.
Manufacturer: pure enrichment
Dimensions: 7.5 * 7.5 * 11.5 in
Weight: 2.4 lb
Square footage: 300 square feet
Tank size: 1 gallon
Features:
30 hours of runtime between refills
300 square foot coverage
Three settings
Top fill easy refilling and cleaning access
Ultra sleek
5 year guaranteed warranty

Buy Levoit 300S 6L here

7. Levoit 300S 6L top fill cool mist ultrasonic humidifier
Levoit is the standard when it comes to quality products. Regardless of whether you’re looking at humidification for air purification, Levoit consistently comes out on top.
The Levoit 300s top fill humidifier is no different.
This humidifier is Wi-Fi-enabled and can be voice controlled by combining it with an Alexa Echo or other device.
The top fill design makes it very easy to refill with water.
Considered a smaller humidifier because it only covers 505 square feet.
It actually has an extra large 6 l tank and can run for 60 hours without having to refill it.
A digital hygrometer keeps you informed on the relative humidity of your room or home,
And a smart humidification sensor adjusts the level of mist as well as turns the machine on or off.
The Levoit 300s also humidifies the room as much as four times faster than other leading brands.
And if you had enough value yet, the classic 300s is super quiet and never gets over a level of 30 db.
Which is perfect when you are trying to watch TV or you do not want a loud humidifier running while you are trying to get your baby down to sleep.
A soothing ambient night light is also included if you need a night light for your baby or toddlers.
Item model number: classic 300s
Dimensions 9.6 * 7.5 * 13.4 in
Product weight 4.3 lb
Loudness 30 db
Effective area 215 to 505 square feet.
Features
6 extra large water tank
Essential oil tray
Wifi-enabled
60 hour run time without refilling
Top filling (super easy to fill and clean)
Night light ( on or off)
360-degree rotating misting nozzle
Automatic shut-off
ETL certified
Cleaning brush included

Click here for Geniani Top Fill cool mist humidifiers

8.Geniani Top Fill cool mist humidifier

This humidifier won the Red Dot award for concept and design.

The jury the preside over the prize stated:  “the humidifier is characterized by a user-friendly concept that effectively combines modern technology with a classic timeless design”
This Geniani top filling humidifier covers 220 square feet. And it has a 4 l or 1.05 gallon water tank that will last 18 hours before you have to refill it.
It is not only a humidifier, it is a fully functioning essential oil diffuser as well. Essential oils and aromatherapy are known to help alleviate symptoms caused by sinus and allergies and even help you to calm and relax.
The top fill design of this humidifier is also interesting because you can either take the lid off or you can or water run into the small insert at the top of the humidifier.
That makes it a little more convenient.
It is also who is very quiet then comes in at 38 DB noise level. About the same as a ticking clock.
And it does come with the obligatory night light option.
Item model number: Huron
Dimensions: 9.06 x 6.69 x 12.2 in
Weight: 4.17 lb
Noise level: 38 DB
Square footage: 220
Features:
4 / 1.05 gallon tank
Covers 220 square feet
Top filling
Last 18 hours without refilling
Aromatherapy diffuser
Auto shutoff
One button control
2 year warranty
Negatives
This humidifier also claims to have a smart sensor that reduces or increases the humidity according to the relative humidity in the room.
But it does not have a hygrometer to read the humidity in the room.
Does that sound a little suspicious?
It also doesn’t come with its own brush to clean it with.

Click here for Honovos Large Top Fill Humidifiers

9. Honovos Large Top Fill Humidifier with no filter.
The Honovos top fill humidifier uses a humidifier with some panache.
This large capacity tower humidifier has a transparent tank with a blue decorative light that gives this humidifier a very sleek look that would be beautiful in any room.
But it doesn’t depend on its looks.
It has some of the best features that you can actually find on a humidifier.
This humidifier runs for 34 hours with a 12 L tank and can cover a room up to 750 square feet.
It features customizable humidity from 45% to 95% relative humidity.
Built-in hygrometer and 4 speed humidistat allow you to dial in the humidity level that you want and then turn the humidifier off when the targeted humidity level is reached.
Built-in aromatherapy tray is this very quiet humidifier, about 30db, a nearly silent frequency for your peace of mind.
It also has a 24 hour timer.
Item model number: Honovos
Dimensions: 9 * 9 * 29.9 in
Weight: 5.5 lb
Square footage covered: 750 square feet
Noise level: 30db
Features
Cover 750 square feet
12 L tank for fewer refills
Top filling refill
Aromatherapy tray
Hygrometer/Humidistat
Auto shutoff
Completely filter free
One year warranty
Remarks
This is a very well reviewed stylish humidifier.
Many people say that they enjoy the blue UV lamp.
But there is nothing in the description that indicates that the blue light is anything other than a decorative light.
So don’t count on the blue light having any type of antimicrobial purpose.

Click here to see MZTDYTL Humidifiers

10. MZTDYTL
What does it spell? Apparently it spells the maker of a very impressive top fill humidifier.
While it is one of the smaller humidifiers on our list, it has a lot of great features that make it a very popular and positively reviewed humidifier.
This little cool mist humidifier can moisturize the air up to 24 hours of continuous operation without refilling.
The tank size is 3 l or roughly .79 gallons and it can easily handle a room that is 350 square feet.
Some of its functions include 360 adjustable nozzle, short water auto shutdown, and use as an aromatherapy diffuser.
The humidifier is also completely filterless.
As for the noise level over the humidifier, the only specification given is that it is quiet.
This is a small top fill humidifier that is meant to be simple, not only to refill with water but also to clean and to dial in the settings that you want the humidifier to run on.
Item model number: MZTDYTL
Dimensions: 9.4 in by 3.15 in
Effective range: 350 square feet
Materials: bpa-free plastic
Features
350 square feet
3 l tank
360 degree Mist nozzle
Short water Auto turn off
Aromatherapy tray
Top fill design
24-hour operation
1 year hassle free warranty
Remarks
This top filling humidifier gets a lot of outstanding reviews due to good craftsmanship, nice design, and it’s simplicity. Many people say that it is just the right size.

Click here for Megawise top fill adjustable humidifiers

Megawise top fill adjustable humidifier
This is another humidifier that is small but has a very sleek vortex look that can fit into the decor of any room.
It can handle a space as big as 322 sq ft which is perfect for any room including the living room, the bedroom, a baby’s room or an office.
The water tank holds 4.5 l/ 1.18 Gal. and can run for 40 hours without refilling.
Is also one of the quietest humidifiers on this list coming in at 28db.
It also features a sleep button that allows the humidifier to be completely silent and shut off the light.
It features a sensitive touch screen for settings and is very easy to operate.
It also does not have to be disassembled or a lid be taken off in order to refill the humidifier.
Built-in timer allows it to run for 1 hour 2 hours 4 hours or 8 hours and it has an adjustable three level Mist setting.
Item name: Megawise
Package Dimensions: 13.82 * 8.03 * 7.99 in
Weight: 2.08 Oz.
Affected area 350 square feet
Noise level 28 db
Features
Covers 350 square feet
1.18 gallon tank
40 hours of operation between refills
Top filling
360 degree mist nozzle
Adjustable timer
Remarks
This is a small humidifier with many of the bells and whistles including aromatherapy tray or humidistat.
Though it does not have many of the features that humidifier manufacturers are rushing to offer, it is a very sleek looking humidifier that is also one of the quietest humidifiers available.

Top fill humidifiers are the wave of the future.
After using a top fill humidifier, why would you ever want to go back to the awkward mess of filling and cleaning an old traditional style humidifier.
If you were in the market for a humidifier, top filling is the way to go, hands down.

Q and A
Do cool mist humidifiers make the room cold?
Cool mist humidifiers may make you feel a little cold directly in front of the nozzle emitting the cool mist, but they do not put out enough cool mist to change the temperature of an entire room.
One of the main culprits that is drying out the air in the first place is the heat running.
Since low humidity can be typically a winter issue more so than other times of the year, humidifiers and heaters are usually running simultaneously.
The cool mist from a humidifier can actually be quite refreshing when you are in a dry heated house.

Do warm mist humidifiers make the room hot?
Warm mist humidifiers are basically steam machines. Steam will heat up a room and make it feel swampy.
Running a warm mist humidifier in an already warm room, that is being warmed by a heater can actually make a very uncomfortable feeling in the environment.
The best use of a warm mist humidifier is to use it in conjunction with a medicated salve like Vicks or eucalyptus.
Steam along with the medicinal additives can open up your airways nicely and help you breathe easier when you are congested.
But it would be well worth it to run it in a cooler room rather than a heated room.

Can humidifiers be harmful?
The reason humidifiers could be considered dangerous or harmful is the easy growth of mold and bacteria that can happen when a humidifier is not properly maintained
The main issue is leaving water in a humidifier when the humidifier is not in use.
Standing water can begin to form mold and bacteria in as little as 48 to 60 hours.
Imagine running a humidifier that has had water standing in it for a week.
The result would be that the germs and bacteria that have been growing in the standing water would be emitted throughout the air of the entire room.
Everyone in the room would then be breathing in the mold and bacteria from that humidifier that has been allowed to go without being maintained
This is precisely how a humidifier can be considered harmful.
But maintaining the proper relative humidity with a humidifier is one of the easiest and best things you can do to protect your health from humidity related problems like dry skin and bloody noses, etc.
That is one of the main benefits of using a top fill humidifier. They are so much easier to clean because all the parts are accessible from the top.

What happens if a humidifier runs out of water?
Most humidifiers when they run out of water will automatically turn off.
But if you have a cheaper type cool mist humidifier that doesn’t have an auto shutdown future when the humidifier turns off, then the humidifier will continue to run.
Fortunately, it will not damage the humidifier if the water runs out.

Posted on November 23, 2021December 5, 2021Categories All Posts, Humidifiers

Do You Put Water in a Dehumidifier?

It can be a little confusing deciphering all the different types of devices on the market that do something to your air.
For instance, You got air conditioners, air purifiers, air humidifiers, air compressors, just to name a few.
And trying to understand what each one does compared to one another is a pretty big demand to place on the consumer.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are a couple of devices that people seemingly confuse with one another quite often.
And why not, they practically sound like they’re the same machine.
But the similarity in name is where it ends.
Do you put water in a dehumidifier?
You do not add water to a dehumidifier like you do to a humidifier.
Dehumidifiers are the opposite of a humidifier. They are a device that removes moisture from the air.
Compared to a humidifier that effectively adds moisture to the air.
Dehumidifiers pull the moisture out of the air by reducing it to condensation and funnel it into a container which is built-in as part of the machine.
When the container gets full, you dump it out. Dehumidifiers often come with a garden hose hook up to drain the water from the machine rather than dump the container when it fills.

Humidifiers on the other hand, are made to add moisture back into the air.
So they do require you to add water to them before they can perform their function.
Dehumidifiers – remove moisture from the air and require you to dump it out of the machine.

Humidifiers- add moisture to the air and require you to add water to the machine.

What is the purpose of a dehumidifier?
The purpose of a dehumidifier is to remove excess moisture out of the air.
One of the most popular ways of using a dehumidifier is to help dry out a basement.
Basements, being carved underground and basically sitting in moist soil, tend to be very moist inside as well.
The air in the basement can be very humid compared to the rest of the house.
And where there is excess moisture in a home, there is the high possibility of mold growth in that region.
Areas like basements that have high humidity also tend to have a lot of bugs because moisture provides a source of nutrition for them.
High populations of dust mites are another symptom of having high humidity that often occurs in a basement.
Using a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture inside of a humid room like a basement helps cut down on the amount of mold and allergens caused by mold and dust mites, making it easier to breathe, and protecting the area from mold damage.
In short, it means getting an overall better use out of the room.

Do I need a dehumidifier?
For a lot of people, the dry mode (dehumidifier mode) on their air conditioning may be plenty to keep the high humidity inside of their home in check.
But there are many times when the temperature does not warrant running an air conditioner but the humidity is still high.
The basement for instance.
So if you have above normal humidity but the temperature does not warrant using an air conditioner, then you do need a humidifier to reduce the excess moisture from the air.

What is the purpose of a humidifier?
Humidifiers are machines that intentionally add moisture into the air.
Humidity is fickle and in order to maintain optimal health and environment, a relative humidity of between 40 and 60% is required.
While dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air when the humidity is too high, humidifiers add moisture when the air is too dry.
Dry air is usually associated with winter for a couple of reasons.
One, the climate produces less humidity, and two, heaters are used regularly. And heaters have a drying effect on the air.
Dry air is air that has a relative humidity of 40% and below.
The symptoms of dry air are many.
1.Dried and cracked nasal passages and skin top the list.
2.Low humidity also aids in the spread of colds and viruses.
3. Sinuses and allergies are also symptoms of low humidity.
How does a humidifier help with so many of these everyday problems?
Simple.
Moisture droplets are heavier than dust.
Without enough humidity in the air, dust, including dust particles like pollen, viruses, and bacteria,
are free to float and travel further through your air and eventually come in contact with your eyes, mouth, and nose.
Humidified air causes dust to be too heavy to float and out of the ambient air that you breathe.
Most of us have no idea how impactful the relative humidity is on our health.

Hygrometer
You may be thinking, that’s all fine, but how do I know what my relative humidity is or how would I track it?
Fortunately, there is a handy device that you can purchase cheaply at your local hardware store that measures humidity.
It’s called a hygrometer.
They are usually paired with a thermometer. Called a thermohygrometer.
How do you read a hygrometer to know when to run a humidifier?
A hygrometer gives you your relative humidity in the form of a percentage.
If the hygrometer reads 40% or below, you need to run a humidifier to raise your humidity to about 50%.
If the hygrometer reads 60% or more, reducing the humidity is necessary.
That may mean using a dehumidifier unless the temperature is high and the dehumidification process of the AC can handle the humidity.

Recap
It’s easy to get confused between what a humidifier is and a dehumidifier is.
There are so many air related devices that sound similar, and knowing which device does what is not always intuitive.
Dehumidifiers are appliances that remove moisture water from the air and do not require any water to be added to them.
Humidifiers add moisture to the air and do require water to be put in them.
One is for removing moisture. One is for adding moisture.

Posted on October 10, 2021October 10, 2021Categories Dehumidifiers, All Posts, Humidifiers

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