Humidifier

Heating systems get the rap for dry indoor air, but in fact it’s the cold of winter that’s to blame. And a humidifier can bring that dry indoor environment back into balance. Cold air is drier than warm air because it holds less water vapor. When that cold air enters your home through unsealed crevices—or by people opening outside doors—the resulting dryness can make you less comfortable. Your skin can start to itch, your nails can split, and even your lips can bleed, among other woes. An effective humidifier can help prevent or relieve those annoyances, the What’s the right level of indoor humidity? Based on information from Energy Star, the ideal moisture level in your home is between 30 and 50 percent. In colder areas during heating season, it should range from 30 to 40 percent to prevent window condensation. Overhumidification can promote the growth of mold, bacteria, and dust mites, the But with so many models out there, how do you decide which In Consumer Reports’ humidifier lab, we evaluate models on six criteria: moisture output, convenience, noise, energy efficiency, humidistat accuracy, and hard water output. Our moisture output tests are conducted in a chamber set to 70° F and 30 percent relative humidity, an industry standard for testing humidifiers. Manufacturers typically claim that their humidifiers are intended for a specific room size or area, so we measure a humidifier’s moisture output and calculate how well it humidifies the specified area. We also gaug...

Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. Waking up with nasal congestion, cracked skin, or a nosebleed is clearly not an ideal way to start your day. Investing in a good humidifier goes a long way in reducing these symptoms and getting more restful sleep. Humidifiers are also essential for those who receive supplemental oxygen or use a CPAP machine. As noted by Whitney Hall, MD, a Texas-based doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat health, humidifiers release moisture into the air to alleviate nosebleeds and nasal congestion or coughing caused by colds, sinus infections, asthma, and allergies. Humidifiers also relieve painful, cracked skin, especially in the colder months. Our editors tested some of the most popular humidifiers available today to see how they defended against allergies, asthma, dry skin, and nosebleeds. We used each humidifier for three months and then rated its design, overall value, and ease of use. During our testing process, it quickly became clear that humidifiers are not all created equal. Our top nine picks were quiet, effective, and easy to clean. An ...

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Winter’s chill means drier air, indoors and out. Cold air tends to hold less water vapor than warm air, and that can make the air drier, even indoors. An effective humidifier can restore moisture and stave off a host of problems. For one, a humidifier can Humidifiers also can help keep the things you own in good condition. Without enough moisture in indoor air, leather goods can crack, Our tests have found that some humidifiers are much better than others at pumping out the amount of moisture the manufacturers claim they produce. And some humidifiers are quieter, more convenient to use and clean, or use less energy. Another factor in how well a humidifier works: matching the unit to your room size. “Ensure that the humidifier you choose can handle the area of your space,” says Misha Kollontai, the engineer who leads Consumer Reports’ humidifier testing. Keep in mind, for instance, that open-plan rooms may require You’ll see dozens of models in our humidifier ratings. Most are cool-mist, the more widely used type. A handful are warm-mist, also known as steam vaporizers, which shouldn’t be used around children. (The humidifier tank contains hot water that can burn a child if they get too close or if the hot water spills.) And avoid warm-mist humidifiers if you have a cold. The warm moisture can cause your nasal passages to swell, making breathing more difficult. Here’s a look at five top-rated humidifiers, one for each size we test. For more shopping advice, see our Tobie St...