Ultrasonic vs Evaporative humidifier
Balancing the ideal humidity levels is crucial. Low humidity in the air is as bad as excessively humid air. Having the right humidifier installed in a space can help to add the required moisture to the air and prevent dry air problems. The right humidifier for the space can help to maintain good air quality, add humidity to the indoor air, prevent excess mold growth, and even ensure that you are preventing excessively humid air.
There are different types of humidifiers that assist to maintain acceptable humidity levels and good indoor air quality. A Warm mist humidifier, cool mist humidifier, evaporative humidifier, ultrasonic humidifier, smaller portable humidifier, etc., are the common names that you will come across in the market.
Finding the right ultrasonic humidifier or evaporative humidifier for your home can be achieved by first understanding the pros and cons of each type. Let us take a brief look at the battle between Ultrasonic VS Evaporative humidifiers further and understand how evaporative humidifiers work and how ultrasonic humidifiers work.
What is an ultrasonic humidifier and how does it work?
Ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers are both excellent choices to add humidity to the air as required. Many ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with advanced features to carry out effective humidification.
Ultrasonic humidifiers tend to be a safer choice in most places being a very simple device. This is because ultrasonic humidifiers produce water vapor as a fine mist. They are similar in work function to cool mist humidifiers. To produce water vapor as fine mist ultrasonic humidifiers make use of high-frequency sound vibrations. These high-frequency sound vibrations have a high pitch that is not audible to human ears thereby making this model a quieter humidifier.
The high-frequency sound vibrations also generate a mild humming sound that acts like a white noise machine. Since ultrasonic humidifiers do not have a wick filter and have fewer parts you will notice that ultrasonic humidifiers tend to be less expensive and easy with filter maintenance. Since an ultrasonic humidifier comes without a wick filter, it contributes to more mineral dust.
Among the predominant ultrasonic humidifier concerns is the product of white dust or mineral dust. As high-frequency sound vibrations take in the water from the tank, the water evaporates in the form of microscopic water droplets that contain minerals. When the water droplets or water evaporates and settles down on surfaces, they emit a fine mist with dust. Therefore the unit will blow cool air or cool mist with this dust, making it harmful to air quality. The formation of fine dust by ultrasonic humidifiers can be avoided by sticking to the use of distilled water alone and not tap water. Inhaling this dust is the main reason for humidifier fever.
When it comes down to ultrasonic vs evaporative humidifiers, you can find those interested in keeping the home smelling fresh resort to an ultrasonic humidifier. Many ultrasonic humidifiers are designed with the provision to add aromatherapy oils. Also, the absence of hot water vapor coming out of the unit makes them a safer option when compared to steam humidifiers. However, the absence of the heating element makes them a probable area to cause bacteria and mold to grow. By using distilled water and avoiding tap water, and adhering to regular and thorough cleaning, one can witness the several benefits of maintaining the perfect humidity level using ultrasonic humidifiers.
What is an evaporative humidifier and how does it work?
The manner in which an evaporative humidifier works is slightly different from ultrasonic humidifiers. This is how an evaporative humidifier works; the unit will blow air over a wick filter to the room. When you blow air over a wick filter, the surface area of the natural evaporation of water will be increased. This mechanism involves a fan that generates noise when evaporative humidifiers work. This is why evaporative humidifiers tend to be louder and certainly not the choice for a quieter humidifier.
Another point to note in evaporative humidifiers is that they contain more number of parts. The humidifier filter, tank, and fan will have to be accommodated and therefore are more complex in design. Like any device, humidifier filter maintenance cannot be ignored. Many evaporative humidifiers also have readily available replacement filters if required. The presence of the wick filter also makes evaporative humidifiers a cleaner choice. They do not emit white dust, unlike the ultrasonic humidifiers’ minerals.
Many evaporative humidifiers also have provisions to add essential oils for aromatherapy. Cleaning and maintenance of the filters and making use of replacement filters when necessary is important for a better quality of air.
Which type is better?
Choosing between an ultrasonic VS evaporative humidifier is indeed a personal choice. Evaporative humidifier uses are quite the same as ultrasonic humidifiers. There are however a few areas you will have to consider.
Evaporative humidifiers tend to be louder and require wick filter changes. Ultrasonic humidifiers consume minimal energy, are quiet, and do not require filter changes but they produce more dust. Evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers are both great options to maintain healthy humidity levels in a space.
Evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers have their own set of pros and cons which can be judged by the user alone. Between ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers, both are good performers as air purifiers, maintaining the ideal air pressure, and keeping indoors balanced with the right amount of moisture.
Do you need distilled water for ultrasonic humidifier?
In addition to keeping the air moist, humidifiers contribute to maintaining air quality. unfortunately, ultrasonic humidifiers are notorious for introducing air pollutants into the environment when the right water is not used.
As aforementioned, ultrasonic humidifiers emit fine mist. This can contain fine white dust mites or mineral deposits that come from using tap water. Using only distilled water or demineralized water will ensure that the water vapor or mist emitted from both ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers is free from any residue. Accidentally inhaling fine white dust is the root cause of humidifier fever. It is therefore crucial to pay attention to the water added inside an ultrasonic humidifier.
Do evaporative humidifiers clean the air?
It is important to remember that both ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers are designed to add moisture to the air and increase humidity levels. They are not specifically designed to enhance the air quality of the area like air purifiers. However, be it an ultrasonic humidifier or ultrasonic dehumidifier, or an evaporative humidifier, each of these has an indirect impact on the quality of air that one breathes in and on respiratory health as well.
Warm mist steam humidifiers or cool mist humidifiers by maintaining the ideal humidity level of the area, these units diminish the probability and fertility essential for mold, mildew, and other allergens. When you add humidity to a dry environment in the correct measure, you ensure that the air is free from allergens and contaminants. You can also experience improved nasal health, lesser cold symptoms, reduced allergies, and a clearing-up of chest congestion.
Which is the best evaporative humidfiier?
The best evaporative humidifier in the market that can guarantee you excellent humidification is the Vornado Evap40 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier. This model is a superior choice to other evaporative humidifiers in the market because of its design and efficiency.
Many evaporative humidifiers are built with sturdy blades to deal with the harsh dry air in the environment. The Evap40 unit has two humidifying filters into which large volumes of air are pulled in via the deep-pitch blades. It is indeed one of the best whole-room evaporative humidifiers due to its 4-gallon capacity. This not just holds the sufficient water required to convert to water vapor or water mist for 24-hour seamless humidification but is also adequate to add moisture to an area of up to 1,000 sq. ft.
The user-friendly controls of the simple control panel make it easy to select between the low, medium, and high RPM speeds of the fan. The humidification speed can be selected using the humidistat dial to suit your comfort. Moreover, the Evap40 humidifier is also equipped with an intelligent humidification system to adjust the water mist circulation automatically to maintain the desired humidity level.
The other feature that makes Evap40 one of the best evaporative humidifiers is its low maintenance spill-free and leak-free removable tank. Not to forget, it is also one of the ideal portable humidifiers. Do you want to bring home this evaporative humidifier for seamless humidification? Visit Amazon.com right away to purchase this unit at the best offer price.
Pros and Cons of Vornado Evap40 Whole Room Evaporative Vortex Humidifier
- Large 4-gallon tank capacity.
- Effective humidification to cover an area of 1,000 sq. ft.
- Equipped to carry out a 24-hour humidification cycle.
- Adjustable 3 fan speed settings for humidification.
- Intelligent humidistat to automatically monitor and adjust humidification.
- Spill-free and leak-free removable tank.
Which is the best ultrasonic humidifier?
The best ultrasonic humidifier that is available in the market to provide your home with perfect humidification is the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier. Being one of the best portable humidifiers on the market, this ultrasonic humidifier comes with several benefits that can make your home a comfortable place to stay.
The Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier has a large capacity 6L tank. This quality is sufficient to run this ultrasonic humidifier for 6 nights. A special feature that makes this model one of the best ultrasonic humidifiers is its multidirectional adjustable settings. The 360-degree nozzle helps the user to choose the direction in which the cool mist must be aimed at.
Like most ultrasonic humidifiers, this model also delivers whisper-quiet operation. It also can automatically shut Off when the water level in the reservoir is low. Keeping the humidity balanced is a simple task for this unit. Another added advantage of the Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier is its designated essential oil tray to add the desired aromatherapy oils.
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Pros and Cons of Everlasting Comfort Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
- One of the best ultrasonic humidifiers that guarantee seamless performance.
- 6L water reservoir that can last up to 6 nights per fill.
- Multidirectional adjustable settings to choose the direction of humidification.
- Automatic shut Off when the water level in the reservoir is low.
- Essential oil tray for calming aromatherapy.
FAQ Section
1. What is the healthiest type of humidifier?
The healthiest type of humidifier is the ultrasonic humidifier. Cool mist humidifiers are safer than warm mist humidifiers because they do not have a hot water vapor outlet to be concerned about. However, it is crucial to use only distilled water in cool mist humidifiers to experience the healthy benefit of humidification without the formation of fine white dust.
2. What are the benefits of an ultrasonic humidifier?
Ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers, both have their own share of benefits. Ultrasonic humidifiers are:
- Whisper-quiet units.
- Easy to maintain.
- Have fewer parts that require attention.
- A safer option to be used around children and pets.
- Relieves several of the dry air and low humidity symptoms like; dry skin, itchy eyes, dry throat, dry nasal passages, allergies, frequent coughs and sore throat, dry sinuses, headaches, chapped lips, chest congestion, difficulty in breathing, etc.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers also consume lesser energy due to their lack of a heating element.
3. What type of humidifier is best for dry air?
As aforementioned, ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers are both excellent choices to add moisture to the dry environment and balance the humidity level. It is a personal choice and the requirement of the family that decides which of the two will be an ideal choice.
4. Is ultrasonic more quiet than evaporative humidifiers?
Yes. If you were to compare the noise generated by ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers, ultrasonic models are quieter than most evaporative humidifiers. This is due to the lack of the heating element and the presence of the high-pitch vibrations used to disperse water vapor.
5. Do evaporative humidifiers cause white dust?
Evaporative humidifiers can also lead to white dust formation if you fill the reservoir with hard water. Increased mineral content in hard water is the cause of white dust.
Wrapping Up
With this, we have reached the end of the article. We trust you have a clear understanding of the individual features and highlights of using evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers. Share with us in the comments below your experiences in using evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers and the models that have impressed you the best.
About The Author
Olivia — a self-confessed air quality addict — is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.