Humidifier tips: 7 questions and answers about humidifiers

Find out in this article

• Why is a humidifier worthwhile?
• Humidifier comparison: which humidifier systems are available?
• What role does room size play? 
• Positioning your humidifier correctly: where is the best place to put it?
• How do I clean and maintain my humidifier correctly?
• What mistakes should I avoid at all costs?
• Extra tips for an optimal indoor climate

Why is a humidifier worthwhile?

The air in our rooms is often drier than it should be. In winter, heating reduces the relative humidity in the room. You can find out why the air in rooms is particularly dry in winter here. In the summer months, air conditioning often leads to dry air. The optimum humidity is between 40 and 60 percent. If the value is below 40 percent, this quickly becomes noticeable. The skin becomes dry, the lips chapped, the mucous membranes irritated and the throat feels scratchy. Headaches and fatigue can also be caused by dry air. 

A humidifier keeps the humidity at a constant, comfortable level. This has several advantages. 

• Better breathing: more humid air protects the mucous membranes and respiratory tract. This is another plus for people with allergies or colds. 
• Protecting the skin barrier: the skin remains supple and the feeling of tightness disappears. 
• Better sleep: an optimal indoor climate promotes deep sleep. You wake up feeling refreshed and your throat is not dry. 
• Prevents dry eyes: your eyes dry out less and are not irritated. Contact lenses are better tolerated. 
• Protection for furniture and instruments: wood is less prone to warping. This prevents cracks and deformation.

Humidifier comparison: which humidifier systems are available?

When purchasing a humidifier, it is important that the system is tailored to your own needs and living situation. There are four humidifier systems, which are briefly explained below. 

• Evaporator: this system works according to the natural principle of evaporation. When there is sufficient humidity, evaporation slows down by itself. Dry air is passed through a wet filter and released back into the room optimally humidified. Evaporators are particularly suitable if you have hard tap water. 
• Ultrasonic nebuliser: this system is very powerful and turns water into mist. The moisture released is usually cold. With this system, the humidification is visible through the mist. 
• Vaporiser: the water in the humidifier is brought to the boil and then released into the room as water vapour. Heating the water distributes clean, warm steam into the air. 
• Air washers: air washers are a combination of humidifiers and air purifiers. The humidification principle is based on the evaporator system, with the difference that here the air is additionally washed and thus freed from particles, pollen and odours.

Are you unsure which humidifier is right for your home? With our test set, you can test the humidity and water hardness in your home. The customer service team at Stadler Form will be happy to help you find the right device for your comfortable indoor climate.

What role does room size play?

The size of the room plays an important role in choosing the right humidifier. The volume of air to be humidified depends on the height and square footage of the room. A compact humidifier with low power is sufficient for a small bedroom. For a large living room, a more powerful device is recommended in order to quickly achieve and maintain optimal humidity. 

The larger the room, the larger the water tank and the higher the power should be. At Stadler Form, you will find humidifiers for small and large rooms. For a good guide to your individual room, you will find recommendations for room sizes on our website. 

The design of your home also plays an important role. In Minergie or passive buildings, the humidity can quickly fall below 30 per cent or lower in winter, making it extremely dry. Find out why the indoor climate in energy-efficient buildings needs special attention and how this can be solved in our blog article here.

Positioning your humidifier correctly: where is the best place to put it?

Humidifiers are best placed on a stable, level surface in an open space. 

Depending on the model, the device can also be placed on a small table or sideboard. Ensure that there is sufficient space around the device between furniture, curtains and walls. This allows the air that is drawn in and emitted to circulate optimally. 

• Distance from walls, furniture and curtains: your humidifier should be at least 50 cm away from these objects. 
• Distance from wet rooms: the device must not be used in the immediate vicinity of a bathtub, shower or washbasin. For safety reasons, a minimum distance of three meters must be maintained.
• Distance from heat sources: ensure that the humidifier is not located in the immediate vicinity of heat sources (radiators, fireplaces, chimneys, etc.). 

How do I clean and maintain my humidifier correctly?

Regular maintenance of the humidifier is important, just as you would regularly clean a coffee machine. The humidifier should be filled daily with fresh, cold tap water. Regular addition of Hygiene Tabs ensures optimal water hygiene. Regular use of Stadler Form's Cleaner & Descaler in the water tray and water tank improves hygiene and helps to extend the life of the humidifier. Alternatively, standard household vinegar can also be used. 

If you have an evaporator, you should replace the filters approximately every two to three months. If the water is very hard, it is advisable to replace the filters earlier, as limescale deposits build up more quickly and impair the function. 

In ultrasonic systems, the anticalc cartridge ensures that hard water is softened. This reduces the unwanted release of limescale particles into the environment. With ultrasonic nebulisers, the mist outlet and water tray should be cleaned regularly. 

In the case of an air washer, the disc pack, water tray and water tank must be cleaned regularly. 

Do you own a Fred vaporiser? Clean the steam pipe and water tank regularly. To reduce limescale deposits on the heating plate, use a anti-limescale ball and remove mineral buildup on a regular basis. 

You will find more detailed information on cleaning here and in the operating instructions for the respective device.

What mistakes should I avoid at all costs?

The humidifier is our everyday hero when the air is dry. But it also needs to be looked after. Here are a few things you should avoid.

Uncontrolled continuous operation
Many humidifiers have built-in humidity sensors that stop operation as soon as the ideal humidity is reached. This feature is called a hygrostat and allows you to programme the desired humidity. If there is no hygrostat, the humidifier should not be left running uncontrolled at a high setting all day. If the humidity rises above 60 per cent, this can lead to condensation around the device in the case of ultrasonic nebulisers. Permanently high humidity can promote mould growth. A separately available hygrometer displays the current humidity so that the humidifier can be switched off manually if necessary. 

Rarely or never cleaning
If cleaning is neglected, a microfilm can form in the water tank and water tray, which can lead to an unpleasant odour. Depending on the device system, the bacteria that develop can also spread into the air. Regular cleaning, daily replacement of the water and the use of Hygiene Tabs are therefore important. 

Not changing the filter regularly
If your humidifier has a filter or anticalc cartridge, it is essential to replace it regularly. Old, dirty filters not only reduce the performance of the device, but can also promote the growth of bacteria. We therefore recommend changing filters and cartridges every two to three months. 

Leaving water in the tank or container
Finally, the most common mistake: leaving residual water in the water tank or container when switching off. If you are not using the humidifier, be sure to empty the water. 

Your humidifier will appreciate a little attention – so that it remains what it should be: your companion for an optimal and healthy indoor climate.

Extra tips for an optimal indoor climate

For a pleasant indoor climate, it is best to use your humidifier in combination with a hygrometer. The hygrometer shows you the current humidity. This allows you to see at a glance whether the air in the room is too dry or too humid. The relative humidity should be between 40 and 60 percent. The temperature also influences our perception of an optimal indoor climate. Warm air can store more moisture, cold air less. The ideal temperature is around 20–23 °C in the living area and 16–19 °C in the bedroom. However, these are only guidelines that you can adjust to your personal preferences and well-being.

Would you like to find out more about how a humidifier can help you feel better or what different humidifier systems are available? You can find more information on our information page about humidifying the air.

More about humidifying the air

If you have questions related to indoor room climate, please get in touch with us. Or subscribe to our newsletter to regularly get informed about current topics regarding indoor climate, experience reports or Stadler Form insights.