Air Purifier Humidifier Buying Guide

Air purifiers and humidifiers are two essential appliances in any household, offering a range of benefits when used together or separately. A humidifier helps to add moisture to the air, which helps you stay hydrated, protects wooden furniture, and reduces respiratory health issues, among other benefits. On the other hand, an air purifier is designed to remove pollutants and irritants from the air, such as dust, pet dander, smoke, and mold spores.

If you’re planning to buy an air purifier and humidifier, there are lots of factors you need to consider to ensure you make the right choice. This guide will take you through everything you need to know before you hit the stores.

Type of Air Purifier Humidifier

There are four main types of air purifier humidifiers available on the market today. Understanding the differences between these models is crucial when making a purchase.

Ultrasonic humidifiers

An ultrasonic humidifier uses ultrasonic vibration technology to create tiny water droplets that disperse into the air in a fine mist that adds moisture to the air. It’s among the quietest models available, making it perfect for bedrooms and nurseries. The only downside is that it needs frequent cleaning to prevent bacteria and mold buildup.

Evaporative Humidifiers

Evaporative humidifiers work by siphoning water from a reservoir and passing it over a wick/filter that evaporates it to the air. It’s an affordable option that offers moderate humidity, which is perfect for most homes. Unfortunately, they produce more noise than ultrasonic humidifiers and require constant maintenance.

Impeller Humidifiers

Impeller humidifiers use a spinning disc to release mist into the air. They’re popular in homes that experience hard water since they do not contain a filter. They’re cost-effective and ideal for medium-sized spaces. The downside is that they make noise and are less efficient than other models.

Steam Humidifiers

Steam humidifiers produce steam that adds moisture to the air. They’re the most effective models, with the ability to humidify large areas quickly. They’re ideal for people with poor respiratory health and allergies. The only drawback is that they use more energy and are costly.

Size of Space

The size of your room or home is another crucial factor to consider before picking an air purifier humidifier combo. It’s important to choose a model that can handle your room size effectively.

A small-air purifier humidifier combo is ideal for small rooms or areas of up to 300 square feet. Medium-sized models can handle room sizes of up to 500 square feet, while larger models can accommodate larger areas of up to 1,500 square feet.

Filtration

The filtration system of an air purifier is perhaps the most critical component. It’s responsible for removing pollutants and irritants from the air, which is why it must be effective.

HEPA, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are among the most effective filters available, with the ability to capture up to 99.7% of impurities in the air. Other filtration systems available include activated carbon, which adsorbs gases and odors, and UV-C light, which works by destroying air pollutant particles at the molecular level.

Noise Level

The level of noise produced by an air purifier humidifier is an important consideration, especially if you plan to use it in the bedroom or living room. Every model creates a different amount of noise, and it’s crucial to choose an appliance that will not interfere with your sleep or daily activities.

Ultrasonic humidifiers and impeller humidifiers are among the quietest models available, producing under 35 decibels of noise, while steam humidifiers are the loudest, generating up to 50 decibels in operation.

Additional Features

Some air purifier humidifiers come equipped with additional features that make them more efficient and user-friendly. Here are some of the features you may want to consider:

Automatic Shut-Off

An automatic shut-off feature shuts down your air purifier humidifier combo when the water tank is empty, preventing damage and conserving energy.

Adjustable Humidity Levels

An adjustable humidity level allows you to set the desired moisture level in your home, which is especially useful in areas with dry climates.

LED Display

An LED display can show you vital information about your air purifier humidifier combo, such as the humidity level, fan speed, and mode settings.

Multiple Fan Speeds

Multiple fan speeds give you full control over the noise level, making it easier to adjust it to your liking.

Remote Control

A remote control makes it easier to adjust settings from across the room, making the appliance more user-friendly.

Price

The price of an air purifier humidifier is an essential factor to consider before making a purchase. It’s important to choose an appliance that fits your budget, although the most expensive models offer more features and higher efficiency rates.

Ultrasonic and impeller humidifiers are the most affordable options, with most models retailing between $25-$40. Evaporative humidifiers are moderately priced, with most models costing between $50-$100. Steam humidifiers are the most expensive, with prices ranging from $100-$500.

Maintenance

Lastly, maintenance is a crucial factor when choosing an air purifier humidifier combo. Regular cleaning ensures that the appliance functions correctly, preventing bacteria and mold buildup, while prolonging its lifespan.

Evaporative humidifiers and steam humidifiers require more maintenance than ultrasonic humidifiers and impeller humidifiers. Air filters require frequent replacement, and the water tank should be cleaned and emptied regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

Conclusion

Buying an air purifier humidifier combo may seem like a daunting task, but with the right information, you can easily make an informed decision. Consider your room size, filtration system, noise level, and budget before making a purchase. Don’t forget to factor in maintenance requirements and additional features that may improve the efficiency of the appliance.