Features to consider while choosing a humidifier for large room
Coverage area
If you have a large room that is need of some extra moisture in the air, you’re going to need a humidifier with a large coverage area. The larger the space you’re using it in, the higher this number needs to be. For instance, the Venta LW25 Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier and Air Purifier has a coverage area of 400 square feet. If you’re using it in a room that is smaller than this, the humidifier will work at its optimal level thanks to its Cold Evaporation technology that prevents the device from over-humidifying your room.
If the room is bigger than this maximum coverage area, the humidifier may take much longer to reach the desired humidity levels, or possibly not reach them at all.
Water tank capacity
When looking into a new humidifier, you’ll likely want to check the size of the tank. The bigger it is, the more water it can hold. The more water in the tank, the longer it can run before you need to refill it. The downside is that the larger tanks can be much heavier when you’re trying to haul a full one back to the humidifier from the sink. For this, the best top fill humidifier for a large room is much more convenient. Some models, like the Vornado Evap40, have two tanks instead of one. This makes them lighter to carry if they are bottom-filling tanks, without sacrificing the amount of water they can hold.
Runtime
There are a few factors that determine the runtime of a humidifier. One is the size of the tank, as the bigger the tank, the more water there is to put through the machine. Another is the fan speed. The higher you have it set, the quicker the water will be dispersed through the room. The humidity setting is also something to consider. If you want to increase the humidity by only a few percent, the humidifier will do so and then shut off. Increasing the humidity by 20% will require the humidifier to run longer, so will use the water in the tank much faster, decreasing the runtime.
If there is a filter
Some humidifiers come with a filter, and some do not. Each type has its benefits and flaws. The filter models remove any bacteria and allergens before it sends the moisture into the air. The air is then cleaner, making it safer to breathe. Of course, you will need to replace or wash these filters as they get dirty. This will add an extra cost on top of the price. These models can also be a bit louder than the filterless ones.
Filterless humidifiers don’t have that extra replacement cost and run quietly in most cases. Because they don’t take the dirt and bacteria out of the air in the same way, it can collect inside the humidifier. This will require a much more thorough cleaning every few days, to get rid of any buildup.
Essential oils compatibility
If you like to add a fresh, therapeutic scent to the air, putting a few drops of your favorite essential oil in the humidifier may seem like a good idea. Some models, like the Levoit LV600HH, have a separate aroma box, which holds the oils separate from the internal parts, misting them into the air on their own.
If your humidifier doesn’t have one of these, you may consider adding a few drops to the water tank. This is not a good idea, though. These oils can damage the plastic of the humidifier, plus can collect in the machinery, coating it and causing issues with how the humidifier works. This may lead to the breakdown of the machine, requiring a replacement much sooner than expected.
If your humidifier doesn’t have a separate space for essential oils, you can try moistening a cotton ball with your favorite oil, and place it over the mist outlet. As the humidifier releases the mist into the air, the scent will be diffused and released along with it. This method protects your humidifier while still giving you the option of using your favorite essential oils.
Sound level
Most of the more portable humidifiers on the market today are made to be as quiet as possible, allowing you to use them in any room of your house without disturbing you, even in the bedroom. You need to consider the setting you’re using, though, as the higher the speed, the faster the fan will turn, creating more noise. This usually won’t affect your conversations too much, but if you are bothered by the noise, it may be best to keep the humidifier on the lower settings.
Warranty
Every product you buy needs a decent warranty to cover any issues that may arise. Though usually, warranties won’t cover misuse or neglect of the machine, in most cases, they do cover any defects with the product or workmanship. Since many of these issues don’t show up for a while after you begin to use the process, the more extended the warranty, the more likely it is that any repairs or replacement costs will be covered. A one- or two-year warranty is fine, but a five-year guarantee, like the one included with the Vornado Evap40, covers you for almost any occurrence.
Extra features
The primary purpose of a humidifier is to add moisture to the air in your home, but some models have a few additional features to make them more convenient and easier to use. One is a remote control, like the one that comes with the Levoit LV600HH. This allows you to change the settings from anywhere in the room.
An auto shut-off is also handy. There are a few types of auto shut-off. One turns off the humidifier when the tank is empty. Another turns it off when the desired humidity level is reached. Timer settings allow you to run the humidifier for a set amount of time, be it an hour or all day long. Different speeds will enable you to add moisture to the air slower or faster, as needed.
Some models have an oil diffuser, which lets you add essential oils to a separate compartment. This adds a lovely fragrance to the air as you increase the humidity levels.
Tips to maintain your humidifier
When you spend your money on a new humidifier, you’ll want it to last as long as possible. To keep it clean and working correctly, check out the following tips:
- Though tap water will work in a humidifier, it contains minerals that can be deposited inside the machine. This can lead to bacterial growth. Mist humidifiers can also transfer these deposits onto your furniture as a white film. It’s best to use distilled, filtered, or demineralized water instead.
- Empty the water out of the tanks often, preferably daily. Dry them out and refill with clean water. This reduces the development of mold, bacteria, film, or deposits inside the humidifier.
- Clean the humidifier regularly, every few days. This removes any mineral deposits or film that may have formed inside the machine. Take apart any pieces, including the tank, and use the recommended cleaner for that brand. If none is recommended, try a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, chlorine bleach, vinegar, or another safe disinfectant. Rinse it thoroughly to keep the chemicals from becoming airborne, dry all the parts, and then put it back together.
- If your humidifier uses a filter, depending on its type clean or change it regularly. Most manufacturers have a recommended filter replacement period, though a dirty filter may need more frequent changing.
- Check the area around the humidifier to be sure it is dry. If the floor, carpet, drapes, or anything else nearby is damp, turn down the fan or use it less frequently.
- Give the humidifier a deep cleaning before you store it. Make sure it is completely dry to keep mold or bacteria from growing while you aren’t using it.
