Humidifiers are useful devices that can transform your living space into a sanctuary for well-being. As with many different air treatment appliances and pieces of technology, a wide array of questions are brought up.
How do they work? How do you maintain them? When should I be using a humidifier? In this comprehensive FAQ guide, we answer all these questions and more to help you gain a better understanding of how Ionmax humidifiers work and make the most of your humidifier.
How does a humidifier work?
Humidifiers from Ionmax utilise ultrasonic UV technology that creates high oscillations and vibrations that transform water from the unit’s tank into fine vapourised mist. The mist is then emitted into the surrounding air to add humidity. Apart from the fine mist produced, ultrasonic technology is also very quiet, allowing you to enjoy better indoor air quality without the noise.
What are the benefits of a home humidifier?
The main benefit of using a home humidifier is of course, improved indoor air quality. Humidifiers add moisture into the air, which can alleviate dryness, making it easier to breathe and reducing discomfort caused by overly dry air.
By adding more moisture into the air, users will also be able to experience healthier skin, better respiratory health, enhanced sleep and also promote faster healing of minor wounds or cuts.
When should I be using a humidifier?
Humidifiers should be used when humidity levels in a room or house are low. Humidity levels can be checked accurately through the use of a humidity meter. Ionmax dehumidifiers come with built-in humidistats to monitor ambient humidity levels.
Apart from this, humidifiers can be used in the following instances
- Dry winter months
- Allergy season: this keeps nasal passages moist to reduce allergy symptoms.
- When sleeping: This prevents you from waking up with a dry throat and congested nasal passages.
- When experiencing respiratory illnesses: moist air can soothe congestion, coughing, sore throats and other allergy symptoms.
What is the ideal humidity level I should maintain?
Ideal humidity levels for comfortable living environments are between 30 to 60%. High humidity levels become breeding grounds for mould, dust mites and other allergens, whereas low humidity levels will cause dryness in one’s eyes, nose and throat, and also cause paint on walls and ceilings to peel.
Extremely low humidity levels also make it easier to catch airborne viruses such as the common cold.
Where should I put a humidifier?
A humidifier should be placed in problem areas in your home that are drier than others. Common and popular places humidifiers are placed are listed below:
- The bedroom: placing a humidifier in the bedroom can improve sleep quality by maintaining comfortable humidity levels.
- Living rooms: apart from bedrooms, living rooms are also a place where inhabitants of a house spend most of their time in.
- Nurseries/children’s room: using a humidifier for babies or children can help ensure a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment.
Can I use essential oils with my humidifier?
Essential oils can be used with the Ionmax Serene humidifier, as this unit also doubles as an aroma diffuser. However, the ION90 humidifier cannot be used with essential oils as it could potentially damage the unit’s tank and technology. These two units are also small and easy to carry around from room to room, which also makes them portable humidifiers.
How often should I use my humidifier?
The frequency or time in which a humidifier should be used depends on several factors, including your location, specific needs, the type of humidifier you have, and ambient humidity level. The ION90 humidifier can be used for up to 21 hours continuously before the water tanks need refilling.
Generally, it is safe to run your humidifier continuously, however, for optimal performance, ensure to always clean your humidifier water tank to avoid any buildup of bacteria. This could instead damage indoor air quality.
What are the common kinds of humidifiers?
There are two common kinds of humidifiers which are explained below:
Ultrasonic humidifiers
This is the technology used by Ionmax humidifiers that use high-frequency vibrations to produce a fine, cool mist. They are generally energy-efficient and very quiet. These kinds of humidifiers tend to only produce cool mists, however, the Ionmax ION90 humidifier produces both cool and warm mists.
Evaporative humidifiers
Evaporative models use a fan to blow air through a filter soaked in water. As the air passes through the moistened filter, it picks up moisture and disperses it into the room.
How do I clean my humidifier?
Clean your humidifier by wiping down the unit’s outer surface with a damp cloth. When it comes to the water tank, empty any water inside the tank, fill it in with clean water and shake it to clean. Pour out the water and wipe down the inside of the tank to remove any remaining residue.
Can I run a humidifier all day?
It is possible to run a humidifier all day. However, keep in mind that the humidifier in question will need to have its water tank refilled when it empties and that the unit will also need to be cleaned and maintained to ensure optimal performance.
What is the difference between a humidifier and a diffuser?
Humidifiers are primarily designed to add moisture into the air to increase humidity levels in dry environments and to alleviate any problems associated with dry air, such as dry skin, nasal congestion, and irritated respiratory passages.
Diffusers are used to disperse essential oils into the air to create a pleasant aroma and promote relaxation, as well as other benefits that come with aromatherapy. Diffusers use water mixed with essential oils for this purpose, whereas humidifiers only use water.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general reference only. Please seek advice from professionals according to your needs.