Best Position For Humidifier Placement (It Matters More Than You Think!)

Don’t know if you agree with me, but I think that it is very important to know the best position for humidifier placement in your home.

But if you think different, continue reading this article and I’ll convince you otherwise by giving you reasonable facts.

For example, bedrooms are the most common places for portable units.

However, right placement of the humidifier is crucial.

So, if you don’t spend much time in the bedroom and for example sleep in the kids’ room, placing it in the bedroom would be pointless, right?

Maybe you want to put a humidifier in a living room because it’s the largest area or everyone can get benefits from it?

One thing is sure, you should place the humidifier where you need it the most.

Also, you should have the size of the room where you want to place a humidifier in mind because every device has it’s own capacity and may not be sized it for that particular room.

Placement of your humidifier can make all the difference.

TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST POSITION FOR HUMIDIFIER PLACEMENT

There are reasons to place a humidifier in specific locations throughout a home.

Those locations are a bedroom where closer proximity is needed.

Or, a more centralized space like a living room that’s large enough to benefit anyone in the room.

And, it can be a smaller area like a baby nursery.

The fact is that the humidifier should be appropriately sized for the particular room or space.

If you live in a dry climate and your home has a second floor, the natural tendency is to want to fight rising heat.

Maybe it would be necessary to have a humidifier or two in the room to alleviate dryness, particularly if you or some of your family member suffer from breathing issues or coughing.

Depending on your needs or a doctor’s recommendations, a humidifier can be placed in any room in a home or apartment, but the most common spaces for them are baby nurseries or a bedroom.

HUMIDITY

It’s very needful to use hygrometer in the area where the humidifier is going to be used before you place and use them.

It will measure the level of relative humidity in the room.

You will need to turn on the humidifier if the gauge measures less than 40 percent.

Otherwise if humidity level it’s over 50 percent, don’t turn on a humidifier because any surplus moisture in the air can create mold and other issues with furnishings and flooring.

HEIGHT

The most important thing is that a humidifier should be placed where it’s most beneficial.

Whether using an ultrasonic humidifier or evaporative humidifier, you want to place either type of them above ground level.

Keep in mind that any area in direct vicinity to the humidifier can become slippery and moist from the humidifier’s moisture output.

This can create mold or mildew issues with flooring or carpeting beneath or can cause accidents.

So, the humidifier should be placed on a small table or other pieces of furniture at least two feet off the ground.

Also, you can place a towel under the humidifier to protect any furnishings.

BEST POSITION FOR HUMIDIFIER PLACEMENT IN BEDROOM

Depends on your commitment to using the device properly is where you should place the humidifier in your bedroom.

You need to understand that according to the type of the humidifier you have the location will be affected too.

Remember this, none of these machines are created equal.

Before you can sleep soundly even when your humidifier is in your bedroom certain conditions should be met.

Use a hygrometer to easily find out which area in your bedroom needs humidifier the most.

That is only relevant if you are using it to add humidity to the air.

The size of a humidifier that you’ll need depends on the number of people that are typically in your bedroom.

More people mean larger humidifier.

In order to properly disperse mist into the air, bigger humidifiers need a little bit more space around them.

So if you have a large one, place them in a corner.

BEST POSITION FOR HUMIDIFIER PLACEMENT – COOL-MIST HUMIDIFIERS

If you invest in a humidifier for the bedroom to make your sleep more comfortable because of its cooling mechanism, then it is a brilliant idea to place it near the bed.

Also, it’s very advisable to place your humidifier next to your bed if you would like to address the allergens present in your room.

Place a humidifier on a nightstand next to your bed, and this would be a just right place to improve your breathing.

One advice more, if your humidifier has a built-in filter, place it near to you as possible.

Because the air you breathe in will be cleaner depending on the proximity of the humidifier.

It’s crucial for cool-mist humidifiers to leave a space of at least half feet between the device and wall to allow proper air circulation.

BEST POSITION FOR HUMIDIFIER PLACEMENT – WARM-MIST HUMIDIFIER

When we talk about warm-mist humidifiers and where to put them in your bedroom, you’ll need to be very careful.

Although warm mist humidifiers can relieve discomforts due to allergens and colds, it can only stay near the bed while you aren’t sleeping.

Otherwise, you’ll need to put them on a very stable platform.

All this is because of safety reasons.

We all know that warm mist humidifiers make use of boiling water in the process.

In case it falls or the level of humidity is not regulated properly, it can be dangerous and cause medical emergencies.

WHERE NOT TO PUT A HUMIDIFIER IN YOUR BEDROOM

However, advice from my own experience is to place warm-mist humidifier far away as possible from the bed.

The reasons are numerous.

Once I put tap water in my warm-mist device instead of distilled water and when I wake up I was covered with white dust.

Also if the warm-mist humidifier is located near the bed, sheets and pillows can get damp.

Any humidifier that does not get cleaned regularly should not be placed near your bed.

Some humidifiers have filters which can help clean the air that we inhale inside our rooms.

The fact is that the bacteria, mildew, and molds that were trapped can multiply inside the system will soon be emitted if you don’t clean it according to the manufacturer instructions.

One reason more to not put a humidifier near the bed is that certain humidifiers create mechanical noise.

If you are light-sleeper, like me, this can be a problem.

So, place the device as farther it should be in your bed so that you can sleep soundly.

If you have pets and they sleep in your bedroom, do not place the humidifier on the ground exactly.

Because you don’t want that your pet mess with the humidifier.

Cool-mist humidifiers should not be put directly into a wall.

It’s very important because of the mechanism behind the machine.

WHERE TO PLACE HUMIDIFIER IN LIVING ROOM

Seems wise to place a humidifier in a living room because it’s the largest area and where everyone can be benefited from it.

You should place the humidifier where you need it the most, just pay attention that it’s sized it for that room.

Pay attention because any wood surface may be ruined.

I had a problem like this and I just buy a plastic table and covered it with a decorative linen.

Nobody noticed that is plastic.

Another solution is to find one piece of furniture like small foldable table and use it just for a humidifier.

When you don’t use a humidifier, store them you can also put away this little table easily.

But if you use a humidifier daily, my advice is to put some towel or plastic tray underneath because water may leak.

WHERE NOT TO PLACE A HUMIDIFIER IN A LIVING ROOM

You should remember, avoid placing your humidifier near a vent or register.

If you have the heat in your living room and the humidifier is around it, the reading of the relative humidity can be skewed.

The air, which comes from the vent or register is often very low in humidity.

Therefore built-in hygrometers of most humidifiers will read that very low moisture and run much more than if placed more centrally in a living room.

BEST POSITION FOR HUMIDIFIER PLACEMENT – BABY’S ROOM

A humidifier is an effective and easy way to protect your child or baby from the negative effects of very dry air.

In order that a humidifier gives the best effects, you need to make sure that you place them in the best location for your kid.

Don’t think that it’s ok as long the humidifier just sits in the room.

But without good planning, you can risk your baby’s safety and comfort.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

You should consider a few factors when setting up the humidifier.

It’s needful to understand any safety concerns and place the device a proper distance from your kid.

Be sure that the humidifier is not close enough to cover your kid in mist.

Consider one thing more, drafts or air conditioning in the room can sometimes blow the mist towards your baby.

The steam vapor can be very hot.

If you’re not careful they can burn your child.

So, for a sleeping baby, the steam should be a good distance away from your kid.

A warm mist humidifier works in a similar way as a steam vaporizer.

The main difference is that the steam is slightly cooled before being sent into the air.

This means your child is at less risk for being burned by the mist.

A FEW MORE TIPS

But still, if you have an active kid, any carelessness can mean injuries from the humidifier.

You have fewer safety risks to worry about if your baby is still an infant and too young to move around.

They won’t be able to climb, crawl, and pull on humidifier cords, risking that way their own safety.

So you’ll just need to make sure the humidifier isn’t close enough to spray mist directly on them.

As your baby grows, you should be aware of how their activity level can endanger them around a humidifier.

There’s an easy trick to know if your humidifier is too close to your baby.

The humidifier is too close baby’s crib or bed if any excess moisture from the mist can collect on your hand.

You can by a plastic tray and place it on top of a nightstand or dresser.

My advice is to look at the stores by the disposable kitchen pans and stuff.

If you have carpet as I, cut out a piece of cardboard from the box.

I change cardboard piece about once monthly.

WHERE NOT TO PUT A HUMIDIFIER IN BABY’S ROOM

If you don’t place a humidifier properly in the baby’s room, you can risk your baby’s health.

It’s never minding if they’re sleeping or playing.

Always keep the humidifier away from their arm’s reach if your child is playing.

Also, they shouldn’t be able to pull on the cord to the humidifier.

It can topple the humidifier.

BEST POSITION FOR HUMIDIFIER PLACEMENT –  WHOLE HoUSE HUMIDIFIER

 

A whole-house humidifier is a great solution for you if you want to improve the air quality in the entire home.

 

Some of the whole-house humidifiers need to be attached to a furnace, other ones are stand-alone.

 

The decision is up to you, which ones fit your needs best.

STAND-ALONE HUMIDIFIERS

This unit is compact enough to set up in an inconspicuous corner of your home.

 

They all should keep multiple levels of your home.

 

Most of the stand-alone models are unattractive and you may just want to hide them in some discrete place of your home.

 

But there are some models that are very attractive and you’ll want to put them in some visible place.

 

Some of them can even customize it by replacing the top tile to match your decor.

 

 

HUMIDIFIERS THAT ATTACHES TO FURNACE OR COOLING SYSTEM

 

This type does a great job maintaining the moisture level in large homes.

 

They are designed to be directly attached to a furnace, where it will distribute moisture throughout your home.

 

It’s the fact that the humidifier is more needful true the winter when the air is very dry.

 

However, if you live in a dry climate, it can be very useful.

 

Some models come with both, summer and winter settings to make the process of adjusting easier.

 

If you’re asking yourself where to mount it – on the supply or on the return side, for most of the humidifiers it doesn’t matter.

 

The furnace has a positive pressure on the warm air side and a negative pressure on the return air.

 

So the air is going to flow from the warm air through the humidifier, whichever side is mounted on, and back into the return air.

 

Another common question is related to the under-duct-type humidifier, on which line should they be placed.

 

Either one, you can place it at the one goes towards the kitchen or the one that goes towards the bedrooms, etc.

 

It’s because humidity migrates at over 25 ft per second.

 

It’s like somebody was cooking a fish and you walked in and smell it throughout the house.

 

Humidity travels the exact way.

 

WHERE NOT TO PLACE A WHOLE-HOUSE HUMIDIFIER

 

Occasionally, every humidifier requires maintenance, for that reason don’t put it in a place that will be difficult to service.

 

You won’t be able to do any maintenance if it’s hard to approach.

 

If you have uninsulated ducts or a lot of your ductwork resides in an unconditioned area, like your attic, the “moldy ducts” scenario is more likely to happen.

 

The moisture accumulates on the ducts when your humidifier is working because it’s cold in the attic.

 

So, mold starts to grow there.

 

For this reason, avoid placing a humidifier at the attic or similar spaces as I mentioned.

 

BEST POSITION FOR HUMIDIFIER PLACEMENT – IN OFFICE

If you work in a cubicle or an open-office and the air in your office is very dry, a portable humidifier is your best choice.

You can try using a small, travel-size humidifier.

There is no need for a big and noisy humidifier.

A better solution are the USB-powered desktop versions.

This type of a humidifier isn’t powerful enough to raise the moisture level in the whole office, but it will probably make you more comfortable if you keep it close to you.

There are plenty to choose, ones you place in over a water bottle or just fill it up with water.

You just need to plug it into your computer or a regular outlet and get ready for blissful hydration.

We all know how the crowded and uncomfortable office can be.

So, when we talk about your office the best choice is small humidifiers that can stand on your working table.

WHERE NOT TO PLACE A HUMIDIFIER IN YOUR OFFICE

Imagine a small office, full of furniture of other things that you’ll need for work.

Now you need a humidifier and don’t know where to place it.

Don’t place it on the floor, because when you want to move through the office you may get out of a humidifier.

This is risky because you don’t want to fall down or break your device.

Also, if you share the office with more colleagues, you can’t just put a humidifier in a center of the room.

Maybe your coworkers don’t need a more humid air, or maybe their health condition doesn’t allow them higher humidity levels.

So, you need to have all this in mind when you want to place a humidifier in an office.

CONCLUSION

I would be happy if my article was able to help you resolve the dilemma where to put a humidifier.

We all have doubts when need to decide what place would be the best for the humidifier and offer us maximum benefits.

You need to understand that the location also depends on the type of a humidifier you own.

So, keep in mind that not all humidifiers are created equal.

As we discussed above, there are many factors to consider before you place your device in a proper place.

Whether you want to place the humidifier in a bedroom, living room, baby’s room, or some other place, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Why do you need a humidifier?
  • Is your appliance too loud and can you tolerate the noise from them?
  • What size is your room or entire home where you want to install a humidifier?
  • If you have kids or pets, think about possible injuries from the humidifier, if they are nearby? 

If you still aren’t sure, where to put your home humidifier, for the best results, consult an HVAC expert.

They can help you establish the amount of space that needs to be covered and the right size of the device, for proper mist release within a room.

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