Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What size humidifier do I need?
A: Measure the dimensions of your room or enclosure. Multiply the height x width x depth. Select the humidifier that covers the cubic volume of your enclosure. Volume estimates should be increased for installations in very arid climates (e.g. deserts, high mountains, etc.) to allow for the drying effects of forced air heat or air-conditioning. In addition, the physical construction of the space, including vapor barriers as well as sealed doors and windows, should be considered in sizing the proper humidifier.
What is the difference between an evaporative humidifier, an atomizing humidifier and an ultrasonic humidifier?
An evaporative or wick humidifier, has a wick which absorbs water from a reservoir and spreads it throughout its large surface area. A fan blows air into the wick to carry the humidified air out into the room, allowing drier air to enter and evaporate more moisture from the wick. The drier the air, the more rapidly the water will evaporate.
In an atomizing humidifier, a rotating disc throws water at a diffuser, which breaks the water into fine droplets that float into the air. Because they produce droplets they need to be mounted high up and have large open areas to disperse into for effective evaporation.
An ultrasonic humidifier contains a metal diaphragm vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency which creates extremely fine water droplets that silently exit the humidifier in the form of a cool fog.
In both atomizing (impeller) and ultrasonic humidifiers any suspended material in the water such as microorganisms and minerals will be transferred along with the water into the air. It is therefore recommended that distilled or reverse osmosis filtered water be used in these humidifiers. These humidifiers should also be cleaned regularly.