Dealing with super dry air can be a hassle sometimes. Do you want to turn on a humidifier but don't know if you can do this without turning on the AC? Well, we're here to help you figure this out and have the answer for you. Let's get into it.
It is possible to use a humidifier without turning on your air conditioner. Although a humidifier won't lower the temperature inside your house, it will add extra moisture to the air. That said, if it's warm outside, we do recommend also using the AC because heat and a humidifier can create an unhealthy amount of moisture in the air.
As we begin, we will cover all things humidifiers and discuss how to use one in your home. Whether you live somewhere dry or want to try a humidifier for better breathing, we're here to offer some help. So, let's dive right into this topic!
When Should I Use A Humidifier?
You want to use a humidifier if the air in a space lacks moisture. Generally, humidifiers work best in drier climates, like the desert, because they supply the air around you with water.
Even people who live in wetter climates can benefit from using a humidifier, so there isn't one type of candidate for them. With that said, you want to be careful with how often you turn on your humidifier because too much moisture isn't good for you.
Can A Humidifier Be Used As An Air Conditioner?
Although this sounds like a solid idea, you don't want to treat a humidifier like the AC. A common misconception is that humidifiers lower the temperature inside a space, but this isn't true.
Using a humidifier can do the opposite, actually raising the temperature inside your home. And like we said, heat and humidity can be a recipe for disaster, so you might want to also turn on the air conditioner.
How Often Can You Use A Humidifier?
It's usually best to use a humidifier when the air feels very dry. This timeline is different for everyone, but try not to keep your humidifier on for more than 8-12 hours per day.
An easy way to figure out whether you need more humidity is to test the air with a moisture meter, and if it is under 30%, it's time to turn on your humidifier.
ThermoPro TP50 Digital Hygrometer
This meter measures air humidity, and temperature is battery-operated and comes in one or two-pack.
Follow this link to see it on Amazon.
Is It Possible To Overuse A Humidifier?
Yes, it is possible to overuse a humidifier. As we have discussed, too much water in the air can be bad for your breathing, so you should only turn on a humidifier when it's necessary.
You want the moisture levels in your home to stay between 40-50 percent, so if your meter reads higher than that, it's time to turn off your humidifier. Having too much water in the air can also lead to mold and mildew forming, so try to keep humidifier use to a minimum.
Is It Ok To Use A Humidifier With A Fan?
It is ok to use a humidifier with a fan. Doing this is a great way to help circulate moisture through the air and keep your space from getting too damp.
Turning on a fan with your humidifier is also a good alternative to using the AC, although it won't replace it. You also want to keep in mind that if a room gets too cold and there's humidity inside, it can cause you to get sick, so don't go overboard.
Does Using A Fan Make The Air Dry?
Even though sometimes it can feel like it, a fan won't make the air drier. Typically, a fan can only circulate the existing air in a room so that it won't affect its moisture levels.
Moreover, having a fan directly on you can cause the moisture in your skin to evaporate faster, so this might be the problem.
Should I Use A Humidifier At Night?
If you're prone to snoring or you have breathing problems, using a humidifier at night can be beneficial. Turning on a humidifier while you sleep is an easy way to lubricate your nose and throat through the night, which in turn can improve your sleeping schedule.
Keeping a humidifier on through the night can benefit people of all ages and bolster the effects sleeping already provides. They also mention the importance of a good night's rest for your immune system, so using a humidifier may be a great option for you.
AquaOasis™ Cool Mist Humidifier
This humidifier is made for the bedroom, holds 2.2 liters, is quiet, has a 360-degree rotating nozzle, and automatically turns off.
Check out this humidifier on Amazon.
How Close Should A Humidifier Be When You Sleep?
You want to keep a humidifier three or more feet away from your bed while you sleep. Although a cool-misting feels good, breathing in too much moisture while you're unconscious can be harmful.
Even when you're awake, having too much water in the air can cause you to have trouble breathing and make you sick, so try to place your humidifier a few feet away from your bed.
When Should You Not Use A Humidifier?
In general, you want to avoid using a humidifier if the moisture levels inside your home are above 50%. Like we covered, too much water in the air can cause respiratory problems, mold, and mildew, so keep an eye on your meter/thermostat.
It's also not safe to use a dirty humidifier, so if your device looks like it needs a deep clean, make sure to get that done ASAP. Not cleaning a humidifier can result in mold and bacteria growing inside it, so a regular wipe down is a good idea.
Can A Humidifier Make Congestion Worse?
Although a humidifier can be helpful for congestion, if your device isn't clean, it can do more harm than good. As we said above, mold and bacteria can grow inside a dirty humidifier, resulting in poor-quality air around you.
Not only will lower quality air cause you to have trouble breathing, but it can also make allergies and congestion much worse, so this has a domino effect.
Where Should A Humidifier Be Placed In A Room?
You want to place a humidifier somewhere close to you, but not too close. It's best to put a humidifier on a shelf or table with good clearance so it can distribute moisture evenly into the air.
As we said, you want to put a humidifier at least three feet away from where you sleep, which also applies to the other areas/rooms you hang out in throughout your home.
Should A Humidifier Be Placed High Or Low?
It's best to keep a humidifier high up and away from the floor. When you place a humidifier too low to the ground, it is harder for your device to work correctly, essentially making it useless.
Considering a humidifier's job is to disperse moisture into the air, putting yours on the floor won't do much good. This can also cause water damage to your flooring, so the higher, the better.
Do You Need Special Water For A Humidifier?
No, you don't need to get too fancy with your humidifier's water. Generally, you want to use either filtered or purified water in a humidifier, although tap water will work just fine.
Between these, distilled water will be best for your humidifier's system and mist quality, so we recommend it. Distilled water is also free of minerals and microorganisms and won't usually cost you more than a few dollars, which is a plus.
Can You Put Essential Oils In A Humidifier?
You don't want to put essential oils in a humidifier. Although essential oils are great to use, putting them into a humidifier can erode its plastic tank and cause it to break.
Essential oils might also clog your humidifier's filter, so overall, it's a no from us.
To Wrap It Up
Whether you regularly use a humidifier or want to try one, it's essential to know whether it requires AC. From what we found, you can turn on a humidifier without the air conditioner, although we don't recommend doing this in warmer, wetter climates.
It's also best to turn on a fan while you have a humidifier running to help circulate air around your home. When it comes to location, try to keep your humidifier at least three feet away from where you sleep/hang out to prevent breathing in too much moisture.
Regardless, remember to check your home's humidity levels regularly, and don't be afraid to try a humidifier while you're sleeping.
Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related HVAC posts below:
What Should Furnace Humidifier Be Set At [In Winter And Summer?]
![Read more about the article Do Pellet Stoves Smell? [What You Need To Know]](https://hvacseer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Pellet-stove-in-white-painted-wall-300x200.jpg)
