Figuring out how to use the devices in your home can be tricky sometimes. Did you recently purchase a humidifier but don't know how long you should keep it on? Well, we've done our research and have the answer waiting for you. Let's discuss this.
It's best to limit humidifier use to about 8-12 hours per day. Although there isn't a strict rule for this, humidifiers will create excess moisture in your home, which isn't always a good thing. That said, using a humidifier overnight is a great way to utilize its healing benefits and keep your space mold and mildew-free.
As we begin, we will cover all things humidifiers and share some tips on using yours. Whether you have tried a humidifier before or this is your first time, we're here to offer some help. With that said, let's dive right into this post!
How Long Does A Humidifier Run?
Depending on the size of your humidifier, you could get anywhere from eight to over 16 hours of misting. For a two or three-gallon humidifier, you can expect between 11-16 hours of continual power, which is more than enough per day.
Like we covered, you don't want to run your humidifier any longer than 12 hours daily, so there isn't usually a need for a multi-gallon device. That said, most new humidifiers will have various time settings that you can choose according to your schedule.
Do Humidifiers Turn Off Automatically?
Yes, humidifiers will usually turn off on their own. Typically, a humidifier will automatically shut off once its timer is up or it runs out of water, so you don't have to worry about it.
Of course, this depends on your device's settings, but for most new humidifiers, you can expect an auto-turn-off feature.
Is It Bad To Keep A Humidifier On All Night?
Although we don't recommend going overboard, keeping your humidifier on through the night is a great idea. Not only will doing this moisten your skin, mouth, and throat, but it is also an easy way to improve your breathing while you sleep.
That said, you want to make sure the humidity in your space is 30% or lower before using a humidifier overnight to prevent mold and mildew from forming. It's also important to regularly clean your humidifier, especially if you keep it on overnight, so you know that the air you're breathing is 100% safe.
How Close Should A Humidifier Be To Your Bed?
It's generally a good idea to keep your humidifier at least three feet from your bed. Although an extra misting may feel nice, being exposed to too much humidity in close range can cause you to have trouble breathing, making for unsafe sleeping conditions.
You also want to place your humidifier somewhere it can distribute moisture evenly throughout your bedroom, so try to keep it in an open area.
Can You Over Humidify A Room?
Yes, it is possible to over-humidify a room. Like we mentioned earlier, it's not a good idea to turn on a humidifier if your space is above 30% humidity because this can make for unsafe breathing conditions.
A good way to tell if your room has too much humidity is to take a deep breath. If the air in your space feels super moist or difficult to breathe in, you've overdone it with the humidity and should turn off your device for a day or two.
How Do I Test A Room's Humidity Levels?
If you want to test the humidity in your room, this shouldn't be too hard. Our first recommendation would be to purchase a humidity tester, which you can use to monitor the moisture levels in the air.
If you can't get a testing device, you can also try the old ice cube trick. To do this:
- Place two to three ice cubes into a clear glass.
- Add water to your glass and stir it around with the ice.
- Leaving your glass alone, wait three to four minutes.
- If the glass has condensation on the outside, this means your room is too humid.
Of course, this isn't as accurate as an actual meter, but it will tell you if your room has too much moisture in the air.
Homidy Indoor Humidity Meter
This humidity meter has a 3.5-inch display, features a clock, tracks temperature and humidity changes in the air, and will alert you if your room is out of a comfortable climate.
See this humidity meter on Amazon.
Where Should A Humidifier Be Placed In A Room?
It's generally best to keep a humidifier in an open area of your room, like on a shelf or table. Especially in the bedroom, you want to make sure your humidifier is far enough from you that it won't create too much moisture while you're sleeping.
Three or more feet away from your bed is ideal, although six feet is what we recommend. Again, just because your humidifier's mist feels good doesn't always mean that it's benefiting you.
Where Should You Not Put A Humidifier?
When it comes to where you shouldn't put a humidifier, the list goes on. A few areas/things to avoid are:
- Electrical outlets and circuits
- Technology (TVs, computers, plug-in appliances)
- Direct sunlight
- Carpeting and rugs
- Confined spaces
Although these are just a few big ones, try to keep a humidifier away from anything remotely electrical, and try to avoid placing yours too close to a window/direct sunlight.
Can I Keep My Humidifier On The Floor?
We wouldn't recommend keeping your humidifier on the floor. In general, you want to have your humidifier be at least two feet above ground level.
Placing a humidifier too close to the floor will affect how it mixes with the rest of the air in your space, essentially making it useless. Doing this can also cause water damage to your flooring, so try to keep your humidifier at least two to three feet off the ground.
Can You Put A Humidifier In The Basement?
Although it may seem like a good idea, you shouldn't put a humidifier down in your basement. Considering that mold and mildew thrive in basement settings, adding extra moisture to the air can cause serious problems.
That said, using a dehumidifier in the basement is a good way to remove excess water from the air rather than create it, so you might want to look into that option.
Vacplus Basement Dehumidifier
This dehumidifier covers 1,500 square feet, holds 30 pints, includes a drain hose, and automatically turns off when full.
Click this link to see it on Amazon here.
Does A Humidifier Make A Room Colder?
Humidifiers won't usually impact the temperature in a room. Using a humidifier can actually cause your space to feel a bit warmer due to increased moisture in the air.
That said, a humidifier might help maintain your room's climate if the weather outside is colder, but don't depend on one in warmer temperatures. If you need your space to cool down, it's best to use a fan or turn on the air conditioner.
Does Using A Humidifier Have Any Benefits?
Yes! Using a humidifier in your home can help increase moisture in the air, which is great for people with respiratory issues and dry skin. Humidifiers are also beneficial to those who snore and have trouble sleeping, which is why they are so commonly used in the bedroom.
Having extra moisture in the air can also help speed up cold symptoms, including congestion, so you might want to try one the next time you're sick. Of course, too much moisture can make these problems worse, so try to limit your daily humidifier use to under 12 hours.
To Wrap It Up
Whether you have used a humidifier before or want to get one, knowing how long to keep yours on is essential. From what we found, it's best to limit your humidifier use to around 12 hours a day to prevent mold and mildew from developing in your home.
It's also not good to breathe in too much moisture, which is why you should keep your humidifier at least three feet from your bed. You also want to place your humidifier two to three feet off the ground and in an open area so it can distribute water into the air correctly.
Regardless of where your humidifier is, remember to turn it off after 8-12 hours, and don't forget to test your room's humidity levels every so often.
Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related posts below!
How Much Does It Cost To Add A Humifidfier To Your Furnace?
