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Lockedwarm or cool mist

posted on December 22, 2009 at 02:06PM Inappropriate?

For general health benefit, what is the difference between cool mist or warm mist?  And does the warm mist humidifier use a lot of electricity?  Thanks.  Jo Ellen

replies: 10 latest post: February 24, 2010 at 05:53PM by grandmaofnine
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posted on December 22, 2009 at 02:14PM
 

This is a good question, Jo Ellen.  I have always wondered this.  But, I don't think I see too many cool mist humidifiers around.

We use a warm mist humidifier pretty regularly in the winter, for my asthmatic son.  He really does sleep more comfortably with it on during these months. 

posted on December 22, 2009 at 03:23PM
 

from what i gather, a cool mist is actually better for asthmatics... it's kind of a de-humidifier... 

 and a warm mist is a humidifier... it just puts moisture in the air to help with dry noses and throats.. so i'd say a warm mist for winter and cool mist for summer.

neither uses much electricity.. nothing measurable anyway.  and we let ours run all night.

posted on December 22, 2009 at 03:30PM
 

Cool mist is not a dehumidifier. It will add moisture to the air, but without adding heat. They generally use an ultrasonic vibration to turn the water in the tank into a mist, which is then blown out with a fan. It can contribute to a drop in room temperature if the room is small enough. These are best used in summer months.

Warm mist uses a heating element to turn water into steam. That steam rises out of the humidifer and into the air. That steam increases the humidity of the air in the room. This can result in a net increase in air temperature, so it's best used during winter months, especially when the air is super-dry and the room may lose heat faster.

There are also evaporative humidifiers, which draw air through a water-wicking filter, and send the moisture-laden air into the room. This is the simplest form of humidifier, and has the least effect on room temperature, though can contribute to a net decrease in temperature. It is also less likely to result in wetness on floors or other surfaces, because the water is not being expelled in microdroplet form or steam, but as humid air caused by evaporation. The only disadvantage is the need to replace the wick filters, usually every month during use.

posted on December 22, 2009 at 03:42PM
 

That would be the downside, to the the warm mist, for sure, BlueCrew.  We have to keep my son's door open a bit, because the condensation on the walls, floor and windows is too much.

That is interesting about the evaporative humidifier!  I have never heard of this.  Will need to take a look!

posted on December 22, 2009 at 04:05PM
 

Thank you BlueCrew... I was thinking that in my head, but it came out wrong.

posted on December 24, 2009 at 11:15PM
 

Adding moisture to the air can interfere with allergy sufferers, in the form of mold growth and proliferation of dust mites.

Just a warning - from an allergy sufferer...

posted on December 28, 2009 at 03:40PM
 

I HAVE A HOMES HUMIDIFIER AND NO INSTRUCTIONS. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE?

CHOLENE ANDERSON

ALBION, IN

posted on January 10, 2010 at 06:37PM
 
In response to AdamO's post from December 24 2009 11:15PM

Keeping humditiy level under 50 % will prevent the proliferation of mold and dust mites. Many of the humidifiers come with built in humidistats, which vary in their accuracy, so you might want to by a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer that tracks humidity as a double check. You can get them through Sears or at any big box home improvement store, usually located in the garden dept.  You can find them for under $20. 

posted on February 16, 2010 at 11:22AM
 

A warm mist humidifier will have the added benefit of killing germs present in the air since they won't survive contact with the steam.  Cool mist humidifiers do not provide this benefit.  This can be helpful if you are using one during illness.  It could aid in the prevention of spreading the illness within the family as the air passes through the steam, gets sterilized, and circulated through the room.  I don't know which type of humidifier uses less electricity, and I'm sure it would vary by model as well as type.

posted on February 24, 2010 at 05:53PM
 
In response to BlOnDe-GuRrL's post from December 22 2009 03:23PM

what do u use? My husband always wanats the cool air. it helps his cough. but i get the white dust. what is the best to use?

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