Originally posted on https://humidifiermentor.com/blog/cool-mist-humidifier-summer

 

All You Need to Know about Using a Cool Mist Humidifier in Summer

Do you really want to keep summer the best season ever? Well, it’s time for you to turn on your anti-allergy device, a.k.a. cool mist humidifier, and here’s why. 

Summer is all about fun, sun-basking activities, but along with the bikini lines and the golden tan comes an elevated level of pollen and humidity. As summer draws closer, you and your household becomes more exposed to allergens that can easily take the fun out of this much-awaited season.

True enough, investing in a dehumidifier can help you survive the humid season with flying colors. But did you know that a humidifier can also be an important summer tool? Yes, you heard it right. A humidifier is not just perfect for winter as it can also be a year-round device that can help you get the best out of the happiest season of the year.

Humidifier in Summer: Considerations

Runny nose and allergies are not new during the hottest months of the year, especially since mold and pollen counts are at an all-time high during this season. If your sinuses are sensitive, you can expect a series of allergic reactions as seasonal changes expose you to irritants.

Not to mention, as temperatures escalate, homes and offices are more likely to keep their air conditioners working 24/7, which only means one thing: stale, dry air.  Add this to a high pollen count and you have the perfect formula for nasal irritation.

The solution: a humidifier.

What Does a Humidifier Do?

A humidifier is an electrical device designed to add moisture into the air, which explains why it is commonly used during winter. However, this does not undermine the importance of using the right humidifier once winter comes to a close. Remember, air quality should always be your top priority regardless of the season.

Cool Mist Humidifier in Summer

Adding moisture to the air may not sound right in times when humidity levels are at a rise, but the constant use of air conditioners in summer can drain air moisture, leaving you with dry, recycled air. Since the sinuses can become easily inflamed by dry air, you can be at risk for nasal conditions.

Luckily for you, a cool mist humidifier can help alleviate congestion and coughing since it, by default, improves overall indoor air quality. To help you find your perfect summer buddy, here are some of the most popular types of cool mist humidifier in summer:

• ​Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Unlike other humidifiers designed with a fan, an ultrasonic cool mist humidifier is a fanless device that uses sound vibrations to produce moisture. Because of its unique mechanism, it operates quietly and is ideal for bedroom use.

However, since most ultrasonic humidifiers do not have a built-in filter, it may produce dusty particles once you use tap water. For best results, you have two options: buy a separate filter or use distilled water.

• ​Evaporative Cool Mist Humidifier

Like a typical humidifier, an evaporative cool mist humidifier uses a fan and a wick filter to propel moisture into the air. Between the two, this is more cost-efficient, but it requires more maintenance since it is more prone to mold buildup.

​What Kind of Humidifier to Use in Summer

As compared to its warm mist counterpart, a cool mist humidifier is more ideal and is safer to use during the summer season since it eliminates the possibility of burns. If you’re still having a hard time choosing between an ultrasonic and an evaporative cool mist humidifier, below is a summary of their comparison:

 

 

Bonus Humidifier Tip

Do you have many rooms in your house, or many people who might be spread out over more than a thousand square feet? Perhaps even across multiple floors?

 

If so, you might consider a whole house humidifier. These humidifiers connect to your central heat and air systems to provide the same benefits as portable cool mist humidifiers would to a single room. While these devices are more expensive, they are simple to operate and maintain, especially compared to managing humidifiers in multiple rooms.

Maintenance

Although the ultrasonic variant is generally easier to maintain, it doesn’t mean that you can ditch regular cleaning practices. Letting the water stagnate for over 24 hours while the device is inoperational can eventually promote bacterial growth and mineral deposits.

To prevent any of this from happening, change the water on the tank on a daily basis. You can also use undiluted white vinegar or a mixture of 90% water and 10% bleach to wash parts of the humidifier where minerals can be slowly building up. If you are using a wick or a filter, always check for discoloration and replace it with a new one if necessary.

​Final Buying Tip

​Every humidifier has its own sets of pros and cons, so when it comes to buying your own humidifier, it all boils down to application and personal preference. Also, keep your hands ready for any after care as bacterial growth can do your household more harm than good.