How To Find The Right Type Of Humidifier Filters?
John Elrow
There are many reasons people choose to humidify their homes.
Dry air caused by winter or living in a dry climate is
responsible for a range of problems. Physical symptoms of dry
air include: a dry nose and throat, which can make you feel
sick. Other physical problems include chapped lips and tight,
dry skin. Dry air can wreak havoc on your home as well. Static
electricity is caused by lack of moisture in the air. This lack
of moisture causes the air to pull moisture from your wood
furniture and floors, causing cracking and splitting.
You can choose a room humidifier or a whole house model. Whole
house machines are only available if you use a forced air
heating system in your home. Your basic choices for humidifying
your home are warm mist, vaporizer, or cool, pure mist
humidifiers. Vaporizers cause the least amount of health
problems, while cool mist models spread the most germs.
Benefits of Humidifier Filters
For many years, people with respiratory problems have been
advised to use a humidifier. This advice is changing, as more
is learned about potential dangers associated with these
products. Humidifiers can cause respiratory problems, even in
people with no history of difficulty. The main causes of these
problems are bacteria and mold spores.
Improper use of a humidifier can spread bacteria and mold
through the air. These particles are then breathed into the
lungs, causing breathing problems and illness. To prevent this,
you need to use care when using one of these products in your
home. Many cool mist humidifiers are now being made with
humidifier filters to help prevent the spread of these
particles.
Materials used in Filters
A variety of absorbent materials are used in humidifier
filters. Some have microbial coatings. These help reduce
bacteria, but can clog easily. To be efficient, they must be
changed regularly.
The best choice is a machine that uses High Efficiency
Particulate Air (HEPA). People with allergies or asthma need
these products, which are the air filtration option most often
recommended by doctors. The material used in making HEPA
filters is fiber glass and synthetic resin in a tight weave.
This construction traps tiny particles as small as .3 microns.
More particles are removed with HEPA than any other filter on
the market.
There are a few models on the market that are combination
humidifier and HEPA air purifier. People with severe
respiratory problems sometimes use a separate air filtration
system to keep the air clean. Both machines can be used
simultaneously to both moisturize and clean the air without
making you ill.
Replacing a used filter
In most cases, you can purchase a replacement filter in the
store where you bought your machine. Depending on the store,
there may be a less expensive option. Replacements are easily
found on the internet for all humidifiers. You need to make
sure you get the right product and size for your machine.
Pictures are available on most websites. Look at the brand and
model number as well as the picture to be sure you are getting
the correct size. Find out if the vendor has a return policy,
in case you accidentally order the wrong item. Many companies
charge a flat rate for shipping. To save money in the long run,
purchase a few at a time. You will always have a spare when you
need one.
It's important to change filters regularly. Check the
manufacturer's directions to determine the frequency. This
information is only a guideline. If your machine gets heavy
use, replace the filter more often. With even the most minimal
use, it should be changed at least once a year, at the end of
the season. Discard the old filter before you pack the machine
away and put in a new one for the next season.
Humidifier bacteria treatment products are said to extend the
life of humidifier filters. These solutions kill bacteria in
the water, keeping the filter healthier. You place the solution
in the water before every use. A large bottle will last the
season because you only need one capful for each application.
These products can be purchased in many stores selling
humidifiers and at most hardware stores.
About The Author: John Elrow contributed many articles to
http://www.humidifier-tips.com
an online home improvement site.
Within his publication he is working on topics such as filters (
http://www.humidifier-tips.com/humidifier-filters.html ) and air
cleaners.
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