Ultrasonic Humidifier
Unlike other humidifiers, an ultrasonic humidifier uses vibrations to form visible cool mist into the air. This water droplets help reduce dryness in the air and improve your overall indoor air quality.
However, it is important to note that ultrasonic humidifiers can generate mineral dust. This dust can be emitted into the air and settle on surfaces, such as your furniture. Using distilled or demineralized water can reduce the amount of mineral dust that is released into the air.
What is an Ultrasonic Humidifier?
Humidifiers are ubiquitous in the modern home, endorsed by high-brow Instagram content creators who tout the benefits for skin, hair, and newborns. While there are several different types of humidifiers on the market, ultrasonic humidifiers are particularly popular for their ease of use and quiet operation.
These units use diaphragms to create vibrations in the water reservoir, producing a mist that is dispersed into the air. This process does not require heating, which drastically reduces energy consumption, making these appliances ideal for lowering electricity bills.
Since the ultrasonic vibrations are inaudible, these appliances operate quietly and can be Ultrasonic humidifier placed anywhere in a room without disrupting sleep or comfort. As an added bonus, many of these devices are able to emit either a cool or warm mist, depending on preference.
While these features make ultrasonic humidifiers a popular choice, the EPA recommends using distilled or demineralized water in these machines to minimize the release of minerals into the indoor air. These minerals can settle as a fine white dust on surfaces within the room, necessitating frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent this problem.
Another potential drawback to this type of humidifier is that it may produce a ringing or buzzing sound from the vibrating diaphragms, which some find disturbing or irritating. This is especially true for dogs, which may perceive the noise as painful or uncomfortable. While this issue can be remedied by using a lower-frequency setting, this may not eliminate the noise completely.
How Does an Ultrasonic Humidifier Work?
Humidifiers are a crucial part of maintaining optimal indoor air humidity, preventing a host of uncomfortable issues like dry skin, sinus irritation, and sore throats. Ultrasonic humidifiers in particular are widely popular due to their quiet operation and energy efficiency.
An ultrasonic humidifier works by utilizing advanced high-frequency technology to transform liquid water into a fine mist that can be dispersed throughout the room. At the heart of the humidifier is a metal diaphragm that’s set into motion by rapid vibrations at a frequency beyond the human hearing range, known as ultrasonic frequencies. These vibrations cause the water on the diaphragm to break apart into tiny droplets that can be propelled into the air.
The ultrasonic vibrations don’t generate any heat and are safe to use around children Ultrasonic humidifier supplier and babies. They’re also more efficient than other types of humidifiers, since they don’t require any filters and produce very little noise.
However, ultrasonic humidifiers can still be problematic if they’re not regularly cleaned and disinfected. Because they don’t use a filter, any minerals and contaminants in the water will be propelled into the air along with the water droplets. This can result in a fine gray or white dust that will settle on furniture and electronics in the space. Using distilled water in the humidifier and regularly cleaning and disinfecting it will help reduce mineral buildup and white dust. The EPA recommends a cleaning solution such as a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide to be added to the water reservoir once every three days.
Can I Use Tap Water in an Ultrasonic Humidifier?
Using tap water in an ultrasonic humidifier can lead to problems that can affect your health. Ultrasonic devices use a metal diaphragm to break water into droplets and propel them into the air. These water droplets are extremely small, which makes it easy for them to travel into your lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can cause irritation and asthma, especially in children. It can also cause your skin to dry out and become itchy. If you want to use a humidifier in your home, we recommend that you use demineralized water instead of tap water.
Another problem with ultrasonic humidifiers is that they do not have filters, so they can disperse bacteria and other microorganisms into the air that you breathe. The EPA suggests that you clean your humidifier every three days to reduce these risks.
Additionally, ultrasonic devices can emit a high-frequency sound that can be irritating to some people. These sounds can disturb some pets, as well. We recommend that you use a different type of humidifier in your home if you have pets.
How Do I Clean an Ultrasonic Humidifier?
An ultrasonic cool mist humidifier works well to combat dry textures like cracked heels and elbows, ashy skin, and frizzy hair. However, without routine cleaning, your humidifier can also become a breeding ground for bacteria, which are then spewed into the air along with water vapor.
The good news is, your humidifier can be easy to clean. Just unplug it, then remove the water tank and any filters or nozzles from the base of the unit. Wash all removable parts in the sink with mild dishwashing soap, rinsing thoroughly and drying completely before reassembling. For a deep cleaning, use three percent hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to disinfect the base of your humidifier.
For an ultrasonic humidifier, pour one to two cups of the solution into the reservoir, making sure to slosh it around a bit so that every corner and crevice gets soaked. Let the solution soak for 15 to 20 minutes, then empty it and rinse the base and tank.
If you have an evaporative humidifier, the process is similar, except that you may need to remove the wick. If so, do so and replace with a fresh wick pad. Rinse the wick and base, then allow them to soak in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for four or five minutes.