What You Need to Know About Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Humidifiers help regulate the amount of moisture in the air to improve air quality and reduce ailments caused by dry air such as sinus problems, colds and dry skin. Ultrasonic humidifiers provide a low-cost, energy-efficient way to maintain a healthy environment.

How Ultrasonic Humidifiers Work

Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound waves to oscillate a metal diaphragm very rapidly through water to produce a fine vapor mist, which is released into the air with the help of a small fan.

Droplet Size

Because ultrasonic humidifiers emit a finer mist than steam humidifiers, they are quicker to evaporate, meaning there's a smaller risk of water accumulation on objects and furniture near the humidifier.

Price

Generally, at-home ultrasonic humidifiers range from $15 for personal models to more than $200 for room humidifiers. The price also depends on whether the model is manual or digital, can mist both cool and warm water, and other features.

Energy Cost

Especially when using a cold mist, ultrasonic humidifiers consume very little power compared to other humidifiers. According the Humidifirst.com, ultrasonic humidifiers use only 7 percent of the power required to operate a steam humidifier.

Reducing Impurities

Although ultrasonic humidifiers typically include a built-in water filter, these filters are not 100 percent effective. To avoid misting harmful minerals and bacteria into the air, distilled water should be used.

References

• iAllergy.com: Humidifier Buying Guide
• Humidifirst: Ultrasonic Advantages
• Amazon.com: Ultrasonic Humidifiers