The best humidifiers are designed to put moisture into the air—particularly helpful during the dry winter months—but as you shop for one of these appliances, you’ll find that there are multiple types to choose from. In particular, people often get confused about cool mist vs. warm mist humidifiers and which option is best for their needs. While the main difference between these two types of humidifiers is the temperature of the mist, there are other benefits (and drawbacks) to both cool and warm mist humidifiers that you’ll want to take into account.
When deciding between a cool mist vs. warm humidifier, the main goal is to choose a device that puts ... [+]
Both types of humidifiers will help raise humidity levels in your home, helping to make the air feel more comfortable: “Humidifiers play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality by adding moisture to dry air, which can be especially beneficial during the winter months or in arid climates,” says Brad Roberson, president of heating and cooling company Aire Serv. “Proper humidity levels contribute to a more comfortable living environment, alleviating issues like dry skin, irritated nasal passages and static electricity.”
The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50% for optimal comfort. While both warm and cool mist humidifiers will help maintain comfortable humidity levels in your home, there are key differences in their recommended uses, noise levels, energy consumption, and safety for children and pets. Read on for guidance on the best cool mist vs. warm humidifiers, along with the best options on the market right now.
Cool Mist Humidifier Pros And Cons
Cool mist humidifiers tend to be the more common choice for most households. Here are the main benefits and drawbacks of this type of humidifier.
Pros:
- Cool mist humidifiers are ideal for year-round use, as they don’t change the air temperature
- Because cool mist humidifiers don’t heat up during use, they’re safer for children and pets
- They use less energy during operation than warm mist humidifiers
- Cool mist humidifiers work better in larger spaces
- There are many cool mist humidifiers available, including smart models with high-tech features
Cons:
- Cool mist humidifiers use fans to disperse mist throughout the room, so they’re often a bit noisier
- They need to be cleaned more often to prevent bacteria growth
Warm Mist Humidifier Pros And Cons
While not as popular, there are still several noteworthy benefits of warm mist humidifiers.
Pros:
- The warm steam helps prevent bacteria growth
- Warm mist humidifiers are generally quieter during operation
- The steam can help warm the air during cold winter months
Cons:
- The hot steam can be dangerous for children and pets
- These humidifiers require more energy
- There aren’t as many warm mist humidifier models available
Cool Mist Vs. Warm Humidifiers: Key Differences
As you decide between a cool or warm mist humidifier, there are several differentiating factors that you’ll want to consider. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Mist Temperature
Both warm and cool humidifiers add moisture to the air via a fine mist, and the primary difference between the two styles is the temperature of the mist. As their names suggest, warm mist humidifiers create a heated mist, while cool mist humidifiers give off a room-temperature mist.
“Cool air humidifiers release a cool mist into the air, making them ideal for adding moisture without raising the room temperature,” says Roberson. “These are commonly used in warmer climates or during the summer months.” There are multiple types of cool mist humidifiers—evaporative models work by drawing air across a wet filter to release water vapor into the air, while ultrasonic humidifiers have a high-speed vibrating plate that turns water into a fine mist.
On the other hand, warm mist humidifiers heat up water to release warm steam into your home. “This type is suitable for colder seasons, as the warm mist can contribute to a more comfortable and soothing environment,” says Roberson. “Warm mist is also considered beneficial for individuals experiencing respiratory issues or congestion.”
Noise Level
Because cool mist humidifiers typically use a fan to disperse mist throughout your home, they tend to be a bit louder during use. That’s not to say they’re noisy—most are still only around 40 decibels at their highest setting—but they might be a tad bothersome if you’re a light sleeper. Warm mist humidifiers are often the quieter option, as they don’t require a fan for operation.
Energy Consumption
If you’re planning to use your humidifier year-round, you’ll want to keep in mind that warm mist humidifiers use more power than cool mist models. This is because they have to heat up water to a boil, which requires more energy.
For comparison, the Levoit 4-Liter Smart Cool Mist Humidifier uses 24 watts of energy, while the Vicks Warm Mist Humidifier requires 260 watts. These units are approximately the same size, but the warm mist model uses 10 times more energy. If you run your humidifier constantly, the extra cost of a warm mist unit can add up quickly.
Safety
There’s also the matter of safety to consider, especially if you have young children or pets. The steam created by warm mist humidifiers is quite hot and could cause burns if children or pets touch it or knock the unit over. For this reason, cool mist humidifiers are recommended for nurseries and households with children.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home team covers lifestyle products across the board, and in particular, has published a plethora of air purifier, humidifier and heating and cooling stories to keep your abode healthy and comfortable year-round. From the best humidifiers to the best portable air conditioners (based on rigorous testing), we’ve spent hours researching, writing about and testing devices and appliances so you can find the right options for your space.
Camryn Rabideau, the author of this piece, is a regular contributor with experience covering a breadth of home and lifestyle topics. For this article, she enlisted the help of Brad Roberson, president of heating and cooling company Aire Serv. (His quotes are incorporated throughout the comparison piece.) Further, this story was overseen by editor Katherine Louie, who have produced a wide range of home and lifestyle stories.
Is A Warm Or Cool Humidifier Better?
There are benefits to both warm and cool humidifiers, so the best choice for your home depends on your needs. Cool mist humidifiers are often best-suited for everyday use, as they’re safe for children and pets and use less energy overall. There are also a wide range of cool mist humidifiers out there today, ranging from pocket-sized portable units to high-tech smart models that automatically maintain the moisture levels in your home.
On the other hand, warm mist humidifiers are generally preferred during the winter, especially if you’re dealing with a cough or congestion. The warm mist is often soothing when you’re sick, and it can also help to keep your home a bit warmer.
