Locations:
Search IconSearch
October 24, 2019/Health Conditions/Lung

How You Can Tell If You Need a Humidifier

Humidifiers improve breathing, reduce lung problems

humidifier steam in home environment

Static in your hair or the sparks that fly when you touch someone or something in winter are sure signs the air in your house is too dry.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Setting up a humidifier is your best bet for improving indoor air quality and your breathing, says pulmonologist Kathrin Nicolacakis, MD.

“When the air is dry, your respiratory system just isn’t happy. Even if you have no medical problems at all, you can suffer,” she says. “Your skin and nasal passages get dry – all the way down to your lungs. You can wake up with a dry mouth and start coughing for no reason.”

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping your home’s humidity level between 30% and 50%. It also suggests using filtered water in humidifiers, if possible, to avoid the minerals and micro-organisms that unfiltered water might contain.

When should you use a humidifier?

Dry air can wreak havoc on your nose and lungs and make existing conditions worse, Dr. Nicolacakis says. And, humidity levels that aren’t optimal can harm everyone.

Using a humidifier can relieve:

What type of humidifier do you need?

Regardless of what kind of humidifier you choose, she says, everyone should have some type of humidifier in their home, Dr. Nicolacakis says.

“There’s no magic to a humidifier,” she points out. “But, if you use one, you will feel better.” Here’s a quick breakdown of the types available:

  • Central humidifier: This humidifier is built directly into your home’s heating and air conditioning system and can control the humidity level throughout your entire house. It’s the most expensive option, Dr. Nicolacakis says, but it’s the most effective choice.
  • Evaporators: This type of humidifier blows moisture through a moistened filter. Fans push the humidity out into the room.
  • Impeller humidifier: This option creates a cool mist that is pushed out into the room by disks that rotate at high speed.
  • Steam vaporizer: This electric-powered option heats water and cools it off before pushing water vapor out into the room. Vaporizers can be moved from room to room.
  • Ultrasonic humidifier: Like an impeller humidifier, this humidifier spreads a cool mist through the room via ultrasonic vibration.

Advertisement

How to get the most out of your humidifier

You need to keep tabs on your humidifier to ensure it’s clean and in proper working order, Dr. Nicolacakis says. Try following these three simple steps:

  1. Refresh the water. Room humidifiers use a gallon of water daily, and you must change the water to avoid any mold or bacteria that could grow in standing water. Wash any buckets or filter systems every two to three days, as well.
  2. Change your filter. If you have a central humidifier, change the filter at least as often as the manufacturer recommends, or once a month.
  3. Check the humidity level. Check your home’s humidity level every few days, because too much humidity can also cause lung problems. High moisture levels in the air can trigger allergies and asthma, as well as promote the growth of mold, bacteria, mildew and dust mites.

Consider purchasing a hygrometer that will keep a constant measure of your home’s humidity, she says.

“Humidifiers are a preventive measure. Without proper humidity, the air is uncomfortable,” Dr. Nicolacakis says. “This is about maintaining your health.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Yogurt, granola, fruit parfatis, with fruit on cutting boards
April 26, 2024/Lung
What To Eat When You Have COPD

A change in diet won’t cure COPD — but getting to or maintaining a healthy weight will help

people vaping and holding vap devices
Does Vaping Cause Lung Cancer?

Vaping exposes you to thousands of chemicals, including many that cause cancer and lung disease

Person shoveling snow
March 14, 2024/Primary Care
Shoveling Snow? Tips To Prevent Back Injury or Pain

Stretch before heading outside, keep proper form and avoid jerking or twisting to throw snow

person examining flaky skin on face
March 7, 2024/Skin Care & Beauty
Do You Have a Winter Rash? Here’s How To Treat and Prevent It

A distressed skin barrier can lead to red, itchy and scaly skin

two kids eating snow outside
March 6, 2024/Nutrition
Is It Safe To Eat Snow?

If the flakes are undisturbed, pristine white and come from the top layer, it’s typically safe to indulge in a scoop

Person holding cup of hot tea, with honey jar floating in background
February 23, 2024/Ear, Nose & Throat
Why Your Throat Tickles — And How To Stop It

Often, a throat tickle is due to a cold, allergies or GERD — but see a doctor if it won’t go away

Glasses of alcohol on wooden stump outside in the snow, with bottle nearby
February 16, 2024/Brain & Nervous System
Drinking Alcohol in the Cold? 5 Tips on How To Stay Safe

A cold one out in the cold can cause a false sense of warmth and increase your risk of hypothermia

female on couch, holding mug, under blanket, blowing nose, cat on couch
January 22, 2024/Allergies
Why Are My Allergies Acting Up in Winter?

Indoor allergens know no season!

Trending Topics

Female and friend jogging outside
How To Increase Your Metabolism for Weight Loss

Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress

stovetop with stainless steel cookware and glassware
5 Ways Forever Chemicals (PFAS) May Affect Your Health

PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body

jar of rice water and brush, with rice scattered around table
Could Rice Water Be the Secret To Healthier Hair?

While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims

Ad