Cool Mist Humidifier: Fill & Download for Free

Yes, cool mist humidifiers are notorious for harboring harmful bacteria and mold that can cause dangerous respiratory infections. Don’t huff the mist!

Yes. The mist of water created will evaporate, and this takes energy. Adding water to warm dry air will make it both cooler and less dry.

Cool Air HumidifiersCool mist humidifiers work by continually dispersing room-temperature moisture into the air and are available in evaporative or ultrasonic models. Evaporative models have an internal wick that absorbs moisture from a reservoir, and a fan blows across the wick, releasing cool, invisible moisture into the air. Ultrasonic models use ultrasonic vibrations to generate a micro-mist that disperses almost silently.These cool mist humidifiers are a great option for energy efficiency, as they consume less energy to operate than warm mist humidifiers because the water doesn’t need to be heated, and the unit is often overall less expensive. It’s also a good option for families, as you don’t have to worry about the risk of child injury due to hot water vapor. If you have kids suffering from croup, cool mist humidifiers can be therapeutic. Besides, cool mist humidifiers work well for large rooms and even whole houses (more details here).Cool mist humidifiers require meticulous maintenance, as they are susceptible to bacteria and mold development, as well as the mineral buildup. The wick needs replacement every few months, depending on the frequency of use.The downside to using evaporative cooling mist humidifiers is the noise factor. These units use a fan to push moisture into the room, which can lead to more noise than other types of humidifiers. Cool mist can also make a room feel slightly cooler than usual.​Warm Air HumidifiersWarm mist humidifiers have an internal heating component that gently boils water before releasing it into the air. This process kills off waterborne bacteria and mold, and due to its lack of fan runs much quieter than other types. There are also ultrasonic models of warm mist humidifiers. Many of these models also include a separate reservoir that allows you to include therapeutic additives such as eucalyptus; some doctors prefer this type of humidifier, as it can make breathing easier and is soothing if you suffer from colds or the flu.Although the unit is quiet, it is more expensive to operate, as the heating element requires more than electricity. Warm mist humidifiers are also not as useful for large rooms and are better suited to small areas. This type of unit is also a little harder to clean, as the heating process leaves behind mineral deposits, but many users say it’s a very comfortable option in the winter months. The hot water can burn wandering hands. If you have children, a warm mist humidifier can be risky and curious.​Warm + Cool Mist HumidifiersSome humidifiers offer the best of both worlds and allow to change to cold or warm mist settings, depending on your seasonal preferences. Many people like to run warm mist during the winter and cool mist during the summer.