A humidifier is a great way to add moisture to the air; it can help with many respiratory problems. It’s winter, and you’re starting to feel congested.
You go to the store and buy a humidifier, but when you get home, you realize that you don’t know how to use it. Do you put hot or cold water in a humidifier? The answer might surprise you.
It is recommended to use cold water in a humidifier. Cold water will not only prolong the life of your humidifier, but it is also better for your health. If you live in an area with hard water, you may consider using distilled water in your humidifier. This will help to prevent any build-up of minerals in the unit.
In this blog post, I will discuss the benefits of using hot or cold water in a humidifier and help you decide which is best for your needs.
Benefits of Using Cold Water in a Humidifier
Using cold water in a humidifier comes with a few benefits.
Prolongs the Life of Your Humidifier
The cold water helps to prolong the life of your humidifier. Hot water can cause the internal parts of the humidifier to break down over time.
If you want your humidifier to last, it is best to use cold water.
Better for Your Health
Cold water is also better for your health. Hot water can promote the growth of bacteria and mold in the unit, which can harm your health.
Better Breathability
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that the cold mist is far more refreshing and breathable compared to a warm mist humidifier. It goes without saying that breathing in cold water vapor makes breathing much easier and reduces allergies farther away.
Additionally, it works better in reducing nasal passage from swelling and mucus blockage. Perfect if you struggle to fall asleep at night due to respiratory problems.
Helps with Congestion
Cold water can also help with congestion. Hot water can actually make congestion worse by drying out the air and making it harder to breathe.
The moisture in the air from a cold mist humidifier can help break up the congestion and make breathing easier. It is also helpful in reducing coughing fits.
Safer for Kids and Pets
If you have kids or pets, it is best to use a cold mist humidifier. Hot water poses a burn risk, especially for young children and pets.
Accidents can happen, and even seemingly insignificant acts can dramatically change one’s life. I discourage using hot water over cold since it could burn your child.
Your children or pet may accidentally tip the humidifier over while moving or running around the house. A first-degree burn would result as heated water from the humidifier will spill out.
Additionally, there is a chance that the young child’s wandering hands will come in contact with the warm-mist humidifier’s heated steam.
Doesn’t Cause Mold Growth
Cold water is less likely to cause mold or bacteria growth in the humidifier. Hot water can actually provide the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow.
If you are using your humidifier in a child’s room, it is important to use cold water to help prevent any health problems.
Using Hot Water in a Humidifier
Warm mist humidifiers are not as popular as cold mist humidifiers but have their own benefits.
Moisturizes the Skin
The Hot water in a humidifier can actually help to moisturize your skin. Hot water can help open up the pores and allow moisture to penetrate the skin.
This can be a benefit if you have dry skin.
Reduces Static Electricity
If you live in an area with hard water, you may consider using distilled water in your humidifier. This will help to prevent any build-up of minerals in the unit.
Cons of Using Hot Water in a Humidifier
While there are some benefits to using hot water in a humidifier, it is not recommended.
Dries Out the Air
The hot water dries out of the air, making it harder to breathe. Hot water evaporates faster, so you will need to refill the humidifier more often.
Can Cause Health Problems
Hot water can cause health problems. The hot water can promote the growth of bacteria and mold in the unit, which can harm your health.
Poses a Burn Risk
The hot water poses a burn risk, especially for young children and pets. If your humidifier is tipped, the hot water can spill out and cause a first-degree burn.
Additionally, they could be burned if your child or pet comes in contact with the hot water.
Enhances Mold Growth
Hot water enhances mold growth. Hot water provides the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow.
If you are using your humidifier in a child’s room, it is important to use cold water to help prevent any health problems.
Cost More to Operate
Hot water costs more to operate than cold water. Hot water will increase your energy bill, so it is not recommended if you are trying to save money.
In addition, warm water humidifiers require more cleaning than cold water humidifiers. This is because the hot water promotes the growth of bacteria and mold, which can be difficult to remove.
Things To Consider When Choosing Between Cold and Hot Water for Your Humidifier
Now that you know the pros and cons of using hot and cold water in a humidifier, you need to decide which is best for you.
There are a few things to consider when making your decision:
The Type of Humidifier You Have
The type of humidifier you have will determine whether you can use hot or cold water. Cold mist humidifiers can only use cold water, while warm mist humidifiers can use both hot and cold water.
Your Location
If you live in an area with hard water, you may want to use distilled water in your humidifier. This will help to prevent any build-up of minerals in the unit.
Your Health
If you have health problems, you may want to consider using cold water in your humidifier. Hot water can cause health problems, so it is not recommended if you are trying to improve your health.
Your Budget
Hot water costs more to operate than cold water. If you are trying to save money, you may want to use cold water in your humidifier.
Your Personal Preferences
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use hot or cold water in your humidifier is a personal preference. Consider all the factors above and make the best decision for you.
Research and experiment with hot and cold water to see which you prefer.
Final Thoughts
I would recommend using cold water in your humidifier. Cold water helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, and it is more cost-effective than hot water.
Hot water can actually cause health problems, so it is not worth the risk. I hope this article has helped you to decide whether to use hot or cold water in your humidifier.
Thanks for reading.
Please be careful and use at your own risk
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