As a parent, we look for ways to keep our kids comfortable. It is from properly cleaning bath toys to whether a cool mist humidifier makes the room cold.
Unfortunately, the uncomfortable cold temperatures are not the only thing to worry about in the winter. Cold winter air is also dry. As a result, this leads to many problems. Including chapped lips, irritated skin, respiratory issues, and cold and flu cases.
The excellent news is that you can do something about it by adding moisture to the air using a humidifier. You may also wonder if a warm mist humidifier is more suitable if you have toddlers and kids.
Also, does a cool mist humidifier make the room cold?
The bottom line is that both can get the moisturizing job done. However, they work differently and have varying cons and pros, which should determine the one you purchase for your home.
Does A Cool Mist Humidifier Make the Room Cold?
The simple answer is NO!
On the contrary, humidifiers generally do not cool the air in the room but make the room feel slightly more relaxed than before.
The more the humidity levels in the room, the more it is likely to feel warmer.
Cool mist humidifiers dispense vapor to make the space feel more relaxed, fresher, and less dry due to the addition of moisture.
You shouldn’t expect a significant cooling effect since they don’t affect the room temperature like regular AC systems.
Why Purchase a Cool Mist Humidifier In The Winter?
Low humidity levels cause rashes and dry skin, especially for the young ones.
Static electricity leads to skin irritation.
Dust builds up due to forced air heaters.
Dry air increases the chances of experiencing respiratory illnesses.
Dry eyes are likely to form tears consistently.
Babies are likely to be more affected due to their susceptibility. Adding moisture with the help of a cool mist humidifier can give them comfort.
What Is a Cool Mist Humidifier?
A cool mist humidifier is an excellent tool for enhancing your home’s air quality. Still, it can get confusing when it has ‘cool’ in its name, yet you are looking for a cold and flu solution.
Which brings about the question, how does it work? Most importantly, is it safe for use in environments with babies?
Can you use the humidifiers at night?
Cold mist humidifiers are the safest for babies and younger kids due to the no-burn hazard. Typically, the process incorporates a fan to evaporate water into the air, which could cause a chilling reaction in the room.
It is versatile and ideal for winter as summer, making it useful throughout the year, unlike the warm mist humidifier.
However, the cold mist humidifier operates noisily and may require proper maintenance to avoid accumulating bacteria. Fortunately, they are straightforward to clean.
Types Of Cool Mist Humidifiers
This winter essential comes in two technologies: Evaporative humidifiers and Ultrasonic humidifiers. They are similar in functionality but designed differently.
Evaporative humidifiers
They utilize a fan, which draws air through the wet wick; alternatively, the wick filters to release vapor.
Compared to their counterparts, they have a lower probability of causing mild or mildew growth as they don’t result in over-condensation on floors and surfaces.
Its maintenance may be a bit demanding, requiring a replacement of the wick or filter regularly to restrict the growth of bacteria.
Ultrasonic humidifiers
Its high-speed vibrating plate converts water into a fine mist. Ultrasonic moisturizers are quieter cool mist humidifiers, thanks to their smaller fans and no gurgling water.
Moreover, they run on ultrasonic vibrations. So, are ultrasonic humidifiers safe? Its cleaning is considerably straightforward.
All you ought to do is rinse the tank and the internals. Keep these parts raised and off the ground to prevent water from puddling.
Evaporative vs. Ultrasonic humidifiers
Both are great for adding moisture to any room and come in varying shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that suits your space.
Advantages of Cold Mist Humidifiers
Ideal for use around kids and pets.
Helpful throughout the year.
Boasts more energy-efficient capabilities than its warm mist counterpart.
Disadvantages
Bacteria and mold growth could accumulate if not properly maintained.
Its fan technology is noisier than the alternative humidifier.
Warm Mist Humidifier
It uses a heating component to boil water and create steam, warming the room’s air slightly. Due to the heat, it should be kept away from the reach of children and pets.
On the brighter side, these humidifiers are preferred for reducing bacteria and germs and can attain higher moisture saturation.
And with this new gadget, it might be time to figure out when babies stop wearing onesies because you might not need to layer your baby with clothes soon.
They also allow owners to incorporate medicated products for enhanced cough relief.
As for noise, they are quieter because they run without an internal fan. Still, they may need more energy from the heating element. Also, the heat may worsen eczema symptoms.
Advantages Of a Warm Mist Humidifier
Best at minimizing bacteria and germs.
Quieter option as opposed to the cool mist humidifier.
It tends to warm the cool winter air.
Disadvantages Of a Warm Mist Humidifier
Hot steam is a safety hazard for kids and babies.
It consumes more energy.
What’s The Difference Between A Warm And Cool Mist Humidifier For Babies?
All babies are susceptible to their immediate environment, so choosing an ideal humidifier is necessary.
A cool mist humidifier is often the best option for babies. While warm mist options can warm the air, they also dry out the baby’s skin because of the steam.
Moreover, warm mist humidifiers work by boiling the water inside the tank, which poses an injury risk without close supervision.
If the baby is already moving, they may knock down the machine or touch it, causing burning.
On the other hand, cool mist humidifiers are a much safer choice as they don’t create any heat.
Can cool mist humidifiers cool down a room?
No, they don’t cool the air in the room. Instead, they make the room feel slightly more relaxed.
The good thing is that the room tends to feel warmer as the humidity levels increase. This makes it perfect for the winter season.
What are the benefits of a cool mist humidifier?
Relieves cough with cold and flu cases.
Boosts moisture levels for easier breathing.
Minimizes dry skin and nasal passages.
Reduces the likelihood of suffering from airborne illnesses like bronchitis, flu, and pneumonia.
Relieves minor throat and mouth irritation symptoms.
Minimizes static electricity in the air while preventing hair from frizzing.
Decreases dirt, dust, and allergens to boost air quality.
Increases comfort levels for the home’s inhabitants.
Can a cool mist humidifier make a cold worse?
No. When you inhale moisturized air through your nose, it decreases irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages.
Generally, it eases respiratory and sinus discomfort related to colds, coughs, and other diseases.
However, a cold mist humidifier can only worsen your cold, allergies, and sinusitis when it is not correctly maintained. It is by realising bacteria and other harmful microorganisms into the air.
Does a humidifier let out cold air?
A cool mist humidifier emits cool air into the room’s atmosphere.
While you may feel a slightly cold sensation, they don’t make the air cooler.
These humidifiers utilize a wicking filter and soak up water, allowing it to vaporize. Therefore, they are effective at moisturizing the room.
Final thoughts
Does a cool mist humidifier make the room cold? The truth is that these humidifiers only make the room seem more relaxed as they release moisture.
But they don’t make the air colder as far as temperature change is concerned.
On the fence about a cool and warm mist humidifier? Both can add moisture to any room, easing discomfort from colds, coughs, and other respiratory-related illnesses.
The thumbs rule is to never use the latter in a room with babies, toddlers, young kids, and pets since it poses a burn hazard.
Still, cool mist options require regular maintenance to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
