Ultrasonic Humidifiers: Benefits, How They Work & Buying Guide

Humidifiers help regulate the amount of moisture in the air to improve air quality and reduce ailments caused by dry air such as sinus problems, colds and dry skin. Ultrasonic humidifiers provide a low-cost, energy-efficient way to maintain a healthy environment.

How Ultrasonic Humidifiers Work

• Ultrasonic humidifiers use high-frequency sound waves to oscillate a metal diaphragm very rapidly through water to produce a fine vapor mist, which is released into the air with the help of a small fan.

Droplet Size

• Because ultrasonic humidifiers emit a finer mist than steam humidifiers, they are quicker to evaporate, meaning there's a smaller risk of water accumulation on objects and furniture near the humidifier.

Price

• Generally, at-home ultrasonic humidifiers range from $15 for personal models to more than $200 for room humidifiers. The price also depends on whether the model is manual or digital, can mist both cool and warm water, and other features.

Energy Cost

• Especially when using a cold mist, ultrasonic humidifiers consume very little power compared to other humidifiers. According the Humidifirst.com, ultrasonic humidifiers use only 7 percent of the power required to operate a steam humidifier.

Reducing Impurities

• Although ultrasonic humidifiers typically include a built-in water filter, these filters are not 100 percent effective. To avoid misting harmful minerals and bacteria into the air, distilled water should be used.