Humidifier Filters
by Sheila
Using the right humidifier filters and replacing them regularly is the key to getting the best performance and longevity from your humidifier. Humidifier filters will also help improve the air quality in your home.
The Benefits Of Using Humidifiers
The ideal level of humidity for us to be comfortable is around 45%. During the winter months humidity levels in the home are well below that because heating the cool air reduces the moisture in the air.
Low humidity will dry our skin as well as our mucous membranes causing things like itchy skin, chapped lips, dry nasal passage and a sore throat when waking up in the morning. It will also dry out our plants and even furniture.
Besides drying things out low humidity levels will increase static electricity and impact the way the temperature feels. Humidity makes the air feel warmer, so in the winter months using a humidifier can make the air in your home feel warmer and more comfortable. This will allow you to turn the thermostat down a couple of degrees to save money each month on your energy bills. After all it’s less expensive to use a humidifier to add moisture to the air than it is to heat the air, especially when you consider the other benefits of humidifiers for home use.
Too much moisture in the air isn’t good either though, so you may want to use a humidifier with a humidistat or get an inexpensive hygrometer to monitor the relative humidity in your house.
When it comes to choosing a humidifier filterless is an option, but there are a number of benefits to using humidifiers that require a humidifier replacement filter or a wick filter.
The Importance of Humidifier Filters
Part of maintaining a good humidity level includes the use of humidifier filters. Humidifier filters remove minerals and other pollutants to keep the humidified air you are breathing cleaner. Using a quality humidifier filter can also help keep that white dust, caused by minerals, from forming on your furniture, tv and computer screens.
In evaporative humidifiers wick humidifier filters preform an additional function. In an evaporative humidifier wick filters are used to create greater surface area for evaporation.
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When it comes to humidifier filters mold can be a concern for some. But because they are exposed to water for long periods of time humidifier filters are generally coated with an antimicrobial treatment to help prevent the and transfer of bacteria, mold and fungus. For additional protection you can use a humidifier bacteria treatment that will give additional protection from bacteria and algae build-up. But changing the humidifier filter regularly will also help with this problem.
Whether you need a furnace humidifier filter or a portable humidifier filter using and regularly replacing humidifier filters is important in units that require them.
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Changing Your Humidifier Filter
To get the best results from your humidifier it is important to change the humidifier filter according to manufacturers recommendations. For portable humidifiers a replacement filter is usually recommended once every 4-6 weeks, and for whole house humidifiers usually once a season but this can vary depending on your water quality.
You will need to use a replacement humidifier filter cleaning a humidifier filter isn’t a good idea, unless you have a filter that is specifically made to be cleaned. Humidifier replacement filters are not that expensive and they are easy to find so don’t take the chance of using a dirty filter as it will reduce your air quality by adding bacteria and mold to the air.
For best results buy the brand of humidifier filter that goes with your humidifier, for example if you have a Holmes humidifier buy Holmes humidifier filters, a Honeywell humidifier buy Honeywell humidifier filters. Generic brands may not be made as well so you may sacrifice quality as well as the right fit. One exception to this is with Kaz humidifier filters. Kaz sells a variety of quality humidifier filters for various brands of humidifiers.
It is important to clean the humidifier itself regularly as well. How often will vary depending on the model of humidifier you have. Or you may want to use a humidifier cleaner that is simply added to the tank for continuous cleaning. Humidifier cleaners are easy to use and time saving for those with busy schedules.
Whether you want a humidifier for allergies, a humidifier for baby or just for increased comfort be sure to read humidifier reviews and find the one that fits your needs best. When you find the right one you should also buy replacement humidifier filters right away so you have them on hand when you need them.
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