The Importance Of Humidifier Filters

An air humidifier helps to increase the humidity levels in your indoor air by dispersing moisture into the air. A humidifier contains many parts and mechanisms, which are important for the efficient working of the machine. One such part, which we will focus on in this article, is a humidifier filter.

Certain types of humidifiers; especially cool mist humidifiers, ultrasonic humidifiers, and evaporative humidifiers, contain humidifier filters in them. Cool mist humidifiers have a fan which forces air through a moisturized humidifier filter, which is then released into the air. Even in the case of ultrasonic humidifiers, vibrations help to break up the water into droplets, which then passes through a filter before exiting the humidifier. Thus, many humidifiers use filters in this manner.

Humidifier filters also serve another purpose. In addition to moisturizing the air, these filters also help to trap mineral particles and microorganisms. The water that is used in humidifiers, regardless of whether it is hard or soft water, contains certain minerals and microorganisms, which can be released into the air along with the moisture. Such mineral particles and other substances present in the water can be harmful to your health and cause allergies in people. Thus, humidifier filters help in blocking the entry of such harmful matter into the air.

As a humidifier filter performs important tasks, it is essential that you not use the filters more than their recommended life. If you continue to use a humidifier filter even after it has outlived its usefulness, it will not trap mineral particles efficiently, which will ultimately result in many health concerns.

When buying any humidifier, you will generally be advised as to how often to change your humidifier's filter. Most wick filters (those which are present in console and cool mist humidifiers) need to be changed every 6-8 weeks. Water purification filters (which are generally contained in warm mist and ultrasonic humidifiers), have a slightly longer life and can be replaced every 2-4 months. A general rule of thumb is that if you see your filter becoming brown in color, or if you notice white dust settling on surfaces, then it is time to replace your humidifier filters.