
Dry air can make your home feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, a humidifier is an easy and affordable way to remedy this problem. Once you start shopping for one, you’ll find that there are many options available. While this process may seem overwhelming at first, comparing the two main types of humidifiers will help you narrow down your choices.
Portable Versus Whole-Home Humidifiers
A portable humidifier is a small device that can easily move from one room to another to add humidity. They moisturize the air by turning water into vapor. Depending on the size, portable humidifiers usually can only raise the humidity level in one single room.
A whole-home humidifier is a device that we attach to your HVAC system. When your heating and cooling equipment runs, your whole-home humidifier adds moisture to the air. It then disperses that moist air throughout your entire home.
Types of Portable Humidifiers
There are three types of portable humidifiers that you can choose from.
Evaporative Portable Humidifiers
This option uses a fan that blows air through a damp filter. As water evaporates, it raises the humidity level in the surrounding area. These humidifiers self-regulate, which means they decrease the amount of vapor they make as the humidity level of a room increases. They’re perfect for homes that need to add moisture to a small area.
Ultrasonic Portable Humidifiers
This humidifier uses a vibrating plate to break water down into small droplets. These droplets evaporate into your indoor air, which increases your humidity levels. They have quiet operations and are low maintenance.
Warm Mist Portable Humidifier
A warm mist humidifier relies on a heating element to boil water and make steam. Since the water boils, it reduces bacteria in that steam before sending the moisture into the air.
Types of Whole-Home Humidifiers
There are also three types of whole-home humidifiers available.
Bypass Humidifiers
A bypass whole-home humidifier takes the warm air your furnace produces from the ductwork and passes it through a tray of water. The air collects moisture that it carries throughout your home. We install this humidifier on the supply or return line of your HVAC system. Drainless versions reuse their water supply, which means they use less water. A bypass humidifier can be used in homes with both soft and hard water.
Fan Humidifiers
A fan humidifiers is like a bypass humidifier, but it uses a fan to force air through the water tray. This increases water evaporation. This type of humidifier can create as much as one gallon more humidity each day than a bypass humidifier. The fan uses no more electricity to run than a 23-watt lightbulb, which makes this humidifier an energy-efficient option. No bypass duct is necessary, so it takes up less space. Fan humidifiers are perfect for homes that are on a slab or have their heating system in a closet.
Steam Humidifiers
Steam-based, whole-home humidifiers use electricity to boil water and produce steam. They use your existing ventilation system to distribute steam. These humidifiers are fast and efficient when it comes to increasing your humidity levels.
Pros and Cons of a Whole-Home Humidifier
Pros
A whole-home humidifier allows you to keep a consistent humidity level throughout your home. The air feels more comfortable, regardless of the time of year.
These are great when it comes to relieving the symptoms of respiratory issues, such as nosebleeds and dry sinuses. They can also alleviate allergy symptoms.
Since whole-home humidifiers do a wonderful job of making your home feel warmer, you may be able to lower your humidity costs. Most models include a humidistat, which adjusts your home’s humidity level to a specific amount. They require very little maintenance as well. You can use a smart thermostat to conveniently monitor your humidity levels and adjust.
Cons
Depending on the system you choose and how complex your ductwork is, a whole-home humidifier can require a substantial upfront investment. You’ll also need to schedule routine maintenance approximately once per year. Excessive moisture can cause mold growth and mineral buildup. They need to have regular cleaning and filter changes to avoid this. You may also notice an increase in your monthly water bill, and some models make noticeable noises when they’re running.
Pros and Cons of a Portable Humidifier
Pros
Portable humidifiers are easy to move from one room to another, which makes them effortless to use when you want to focus on a specific area with low humidity levels. They’re easy to use and simple to fill. These humidifiers are also great for small areas such as a bedroom or office. They’re available in a variety of styles. You’re sure to find one that meets your needs and fits in with your home decor.
Cons
Portable humidifiers will only handle one room at a time. It may not be powerful enough for large spaces like a living room or open floor plan. You’ll need to clean and refill it daily to prevent mineral buildup and bacteria growth. Some versions make quite a bit of noise while they’re running.
Whole-Home Humidifiers Versus Portable Humidifiers
Humidity Production
Whole-home humidifiers will manage humidity levels throughout your entire home with little attention from you. Most automatically adjust to your preset demands. Even the best portable humidifier will only effectively handle one room. You’ll also need to fuss over it more. You may have to stop it manually after monitoring your home’s humidity levels yourself.
Maintenance
You must constantly refill a portable humidifier. If you place one in each room, this can be time-consuming. A whole-home humidifier relies on your plumbing system for water, so you don’t have to worry about filling any reservoirs.
Sound
Many portable humidifiers make a noise that you may not appreciate, especially if you run it during the night when you’re trying to sleep.
Space
You need to make room for your portable humidifier. Whole-home humidifiers are out of sight.
Installation
You’ll only need to plug in a portable humidifier. You can do this yourself. Whole-home humidifiers require professional installation, but once we finish installing it, you don’t have to fuss over it daily.
In general, a whole-house humidifier will be the most efficient and convenient. You can enjoy the same level of humidity throughout every room in your house. On the other hand, if you only need to add humidity in certain areas, a portable humidifier is the best option. For example, they’re perfect if you want additional humidity while sleeping, but your family members don’t.
Here at Woodward Heating Air Plumbing in Salem, OR, we have 36 years of experience providing area residents with a comfortable home. In addition to the installation of a whole-house humidifier, we can assist you with all your thermostat, HVAC repairs, installations, and maintenance. This includes ductless systems and heat pumps. We’re also a reliable plumbing service. Our team offers drain cleaning and repair, repiping, and pipe replacement.
We’ll also help you when it comes to water heaters and garbage disposals. We offer name-brand products from Coleman, Honeywell, Mitsubishi, York, and Trane, but we’re familiar with all brands and models. Call Woodward Heating Air Plumbing in Salem today to learn more about our humidifiers and other great indoor air quality services.
