Choose a humidifier for the room and a cleaning routine you can maintain. EPA distinguishes ultrasonic and impeller cool-mist units, evaporative models and steam vaporizers. Check the product's coverage, fill method, humidistat and care instructions. EPA recommends changing portable-unit water daily, cleaning them every third day and keeping indoor relative humidity at or below 50 percent.
A humidifier adds water vapor to indoor air, but the right unit depends on the room, how often you plan to use it and whether you can keep its tank clean. Choose for maintainability as much as output.
Pick a format and mist type
- Portable: easy to move between rooms, with a tank that needs regular filling and care.
- Console: a larger unit intended for floor use. Follow the manufacturer’s water-change and cleaning directions.
- Central: installed as part of a home’s heating or air-conditioning system. Check the system’s compatibility and maintenance instructions.
EPA describes several portable humidifier technologies. Ultrasonic and impeller models make cool mist in different ways. Evaporative models use a fan and a moistened wick or filter. Steam vaporizers heat water; warm-mist models cool the steam before it exits. The types differ in water handling and care, so use the EPA comparison and the product manual when choosing.
Check room coverage and controls
Match the manufacturer’s coverage guidance to the room where you intend to use the unit. Compare tank size, how it refills, how easy it is to clean and whether replacement filters or cartridges are required. A built-in humidistat can help set the unit, while a separate hygrometer can show the room’s relative humidity.
EPA advises against raising indoor relative humidity above 50 percent. If condensation appears on windows or nearby surfaces become damp, reduce the setting or use the unit less. Place the humidifier where mist will not wet curtains, carpeting or furniture.
Make maintenance part of the purchase
EPA recommends emptying, wiping dry and refilling portable humidifiers daily, and cleaning them every third day. Standing water can allow microorganisms to grow. Ultrasonic and impeller units can also disperse minerals from water, so EPA recommends using water with lower mineral content for those types. Check both the EPA advice and the maker’s instructions for water, cleaning products, filters and replacement parts.
Keep steam-vaporizer models out of children’s reach because steam and boiling water can burn. For another humidity-control decision, see our dehumidifier size guide and air purifier buying guide. Browse appliances.
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Common questions
What is the difference between cool-mist and warm-mist humidifiers?
Ultrasonic and impeller models produce cool mist. A warm-mist model is a type of steam vaporizer that heats water and cools the steam before it exits. Follow the product instructions, and keep steam vaporizers out of children's reach because hot steam and water can burn.
How often should I clean a portable humidifier?
EPA recommends emptying, wiping dry and refilling portable units daily, plus cleaning them every third day. Follow the product maker's instructions for the model you own.
Can I use tap water in any humidifier?
Water guidance depends on the type. EPA recommends lower-mineral water for ultrasonic and impeller units to reduce mineral dispersal and scale. Check the manufacturer's instructions before choosing water or a replacement filter.