There are two main types of portable cold fog humidifiers - ultrasonic and evaporation. Although they are effective in humidification, there are significant differences in how they generate fog. If you want to make the purchased machine more suitable for your actual usage situation, you may need to make some trade-offs
There are basically three main differences between ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers: price, noise, and the way each mineral scale (white/gray dust) is treated. But first of all, you need to understand the differences between two types:
Ultrasonic humidifier
Ultrasonic humidifier is a type of device that uses high-frequency sound vibration to generate ultrafine water mist, which is then discharged and added to the room. It is generally believed that both types of humidifiers are relatively quiet. Ultrasonic waves usually do not have filters in design. This has indeed saved operational costs
When operating an ultrasonic humidifier, more dust is generated around the room instead of evaporation, as there are usually no filters to absorb mineral scaling.
Another way to reduce dust is to use softened water in the reservoir, although this may increase your costs
Some people prefer this type of humidifier because it is considered safer because there is no hot water present in the unit, so there is no risk of burns because the unit does not heat water in any way.
Like any humidifier that does not cause water to boil and produce fog, there is a risk of bacteria being present and discharged indoors. Disinfecting a humidifier has become more important than boiling water with a warm water humidifier
Evaporative humidifiers
These humidifiers have been in use for decades and are considered the most common or garden style humidifiers.
. The most basic (traditional) method of humidification in a room is to place a pot or can of water inside the room, allowing the water to naturally evaporate into the air to reduce drynessThe working principle of evaporative humidifiers is basically the same, but the efficiency is higher when removing moisture from the room.
. Evaporative humidifiers can vary according to design. There are several non filter units that simply turn water mist or steam out, but most filters require regular cleaning or replacement. Therefore, in general, there is a continuous operating cost associated with replacing filters for evaporative humidifiers
With a filter, water is sucked into the fan and discharged from the equipment as water mist or spray. Although the term 'filter element' may sound small, the filter element of the filter may be quite large, occupying most of the space in the humidifier casing
Some models can combine some humidification functions and Filter design
This is a popular filter design that, due to its function, traps minerals on a large scale and reduces the risk of fine dust filtering into the room.
. Some models are also designed for Aromatherapy during humidification. Although you may expect the type of humidifier to be clearly distinguishable on the packaging, it is not easy. A key thing to remember is that if a cool fog humidifier has a filter, you need to clean or replace it, but you don't have to worry about scale
1. Price considerations
With two completely different humidification systems, there will definitely be some significant differences in operation
The price of evaporative humidifiers is relatively cheap, but most of them have filters, usually filter membranes, which must be cleaned or replaced regularly.
. Therefore, lower cost upfront and subsequent maintenance costs are higher, let alone the need to find the correct replacement filter. The cost of replacing filters often depends on scale and brand, but most are low and reasonable costs On the other hand, ultrasonic humidifiers usually do not use filters and are usually more expensive than evaporation models. I usually say that there are some models that have an ultrasonic style fog, but there are also some types of filter packs. Ultrasonic humidifiers should still be properly maintained to avoid mold and bacteria, just like any water-based appliance
2. Operating noise
The most common place for portable humidifiers is in the bedroom; The bedroom is the main living space, so no wonder most consumers want a quiet humidifier to run. If humidifier noise is your main concern, ultrasonic humidifiers are your best choice Although there are some low noise products, most ultrasonic humidifiers are quieter than other products. That's because they don't have fans, just like evaporative humidifiers usually do. This can reduce the noise level
If noise is not a problem, but the budget is, choose a more affordable evaporative humidifier.
. You should understand that even humidifiers that boast of quiet operation are more noisy when the water volume is low; It is impossible to completely eliminate the operating noise of the humidifier
3. Humidifier White Dust
Compared to evaporative humidifiers, ultrasonic humidifiers tend to release more white/gray dust, especially if they do not have onboard filter bags. The white/gray dust is actually a mineral deposit of mineral substances, and the harder your water becomes, the more severe it becomes. Hard water is caused by the presence of minerals in the water source, depending on the specific source of your drinking water
The reason why ultrasonic humidifiers generate more dust is that they typically do not have filters to capture or contain these mineral deposits and return to the room with moisture.The measures to control white dust in humidifiers include: using distilled water or reverse osmosis water; If your humidifier model has a humidifier decalcification filter; Alternatively, reduce the humidity of the humidifier to reduce the amount of dust that needs to be cleaned It is impossible to eliminate this white dust. When you choose an ultrasonic humidifier, this is a small drawback. The greater the water output, the more dust will be cleaned. Also, please remember that there are some compact, especially small (desk style) evaporative humidifiers that do not have filters in their design. Due to the small amount of moisture produced, mineral dust is hardly noticeable Which one is most suitable for you If you don't like the filter replacement/cleaning of the humidifier, or just want a quieter humidifier - choose the ultrasonic filter model. You will pay more money and be prepared to clean the environment around the humidifier more frequently
For budget pricing, choose an evaporative humidifier, but be aware that the filter needs to be replaced or cleaned regularly to maintain efficient operation.
. Before purchasing a humidifier, find a replacement filter and always have a backup filter on hand
