Humidifiers are an important electrical appliance for homeowners. A humidifier ensures that the moisture level inside your home stays regulated and healthy.
Apart from understanding how to operate it, it is also important to place the humidifier correctly.
If you’re operating a humidifier in your bedroom, then you need to determine the place for it where it can work the most efficiently.
But before you do that, you need a hygrometer to determine the percentage of humidity in your bedroom’s air in the first place.
It will help you identify the areas where there is the most and least humidity. In this article, we’ll help you identify the perfect location in your bedroom for the placement of a humidifier.
How to Identify the Right Place for Humidifier?
If you’re not sure where to place your humidifier, then keep reading as we break down the process of choosing the right place for you.
You need to keep in mind that the right location for a humidifier varies based on factors like the number of occupants and the size of the room.
For example, if you share your bedroom with more than one person, then you’ll need a large humidifier and place it 3 feet away from your bed, preferably in a corner.
However, not all humidifiers function the same way. So, let’s dive deeper and understand what location would be best, depending on the type of humidifiers.
There are mainly two types of humidifiers: Cool-mist humidifier and warm-mist humidifier. Let’s learn about each of them in further detail below!
Placement of a Cool-Mist Humidifier
Cool-mist humidifiers are generally considered much safer than warm-mist humidifiers.
That is why you can place this type of humidifier nearer to your bed. In general, place the humidifier at a 3-feet distance from your bed.
If you’re suffering from allergies or cold, then you can move the humidifier closer to your bed, so you get some relief.
Placing the humidifier in a corner is also acceptable. However, you need to ensure that there is a gap between the wall and the device, so it is not hindered.
Make sure to check out the manufacturer’s manual and instructions for any specific model requirements.
Placement of a Warm-Mist Humidifier
Warm-mist humidifiers are also highly efficient at providing relief to people with cold, shortness of breath, and allergies.
However, you need to be much more careful with a warm-mist humidifier’s placement.
This type of humidifier is not suited for placement near the bed when you’re sleeping. At night, keep the humidifier in a corner, at least 3 feet away from your bed.
During the day, you can place this type of humidifier on your nightstand, so it moisturizes the space near your bed more thoroughly.
It is extremely important to take caution at night and keep the humidifier at a safe distance.
Otherwise, the warm-mist humidifier can burn your bed or cause other types of heat damage. Always keep humidifiers away from pets and children if they accompany you in the bedroom.
Should I Place the Humidifier on the Floor or on a Table?
This is a common question that first-time users ask about the placement of humidifiers. Well, the answer varies from situation to situation.
Generally, large humidifiers are not fit for placement on a very high stand or a table. They carry the risk of falling off and causing damage.
However, there are a few protective measures that you’ll have to take even when you place the humidifier on the floor.
Make sure that there is a protective layer between the surface and your humidifier. You can use anything that can hold water droplets and spills from falling on your floor or carpet.
If you have young children or pets, then you need to ensure that the humidifier stays out of its reach. Place it where they can’t touch the buttons or change any settings accidentally.
In the case of a cool-mist humidifier, you should ideally place it as high as possible so the humidity can be evenly distributed across the bedroom.
Since the device generates mist, it can make the surface slippery around it. So, make sure you take caution if you have a wooden floor or carpets on the floor.
It’s best to remove the carpets from around the humidifier as they could become susceptible to mold growth.
Factors to Consider while Placing a Humidifier
There are two main factors that you need to keep in mind while choosing a humidifier for your bedroom. They are as follows:
1. Size of Your Bedroom
It is important to keep the size of your bedroom in mind while buying and placing a humidifier.
For a small room, a large humidifier is far from ideal as it can create too much mist and increase the humidity beyond optimum levels. This can result in the growth of mold and mildew.
If you don’t control the humidity in your bedroom, it can cause severe allergies and sickness.
However, large humidifiers work perfectly in medium and large-sized bedrooms. The vapors are distributed evenly across the room to maintain the humidity levels in the air.
2. Vents and Radiators
When you’re placing a humidifier in your bedroom, make sure that it is not near any vent or a radiator.
Devices that produce heat distort the humidity readings calculated by the humidifier if it has a built-in hygrometer.
If these humidifiers are places near heat sources, they will release a higher amount of vapors and end up making the room overly humid. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
That’s why if you have vents or radiators in the corner, then place your humidifier in the center of your bedroom.
Where Not to Place the Humidifier?
Yes! There are locations that you must absolutely avoid placing your humidifier.
Keep reading below to learn about hazardous spots:
Close to Electrical Outlets
Placing a humidifier near an electrical outlet is like asking for trouble and danger.
The humidity can cause short circuits or rust in your electrical wires and disrupt the entire electrical and wiring system of your home.
Near Digital and Electrical Devices
Always keep the humidifier away from your digital and electrical appliances, such as computers, TVs, and refrigerators.
Droplets from the humidifier can damage these devices and might even cause a fire outbreak.
On or Near Carpets
Never place your humidifier directly on a carpet or even near it.
The droplets and vapors from the humidifier can damage your carpet, make it damp, and turn it into a breeding ground for mold growth.
If you have a carpeted room, then use a plastic tray to shield the carpet from the humidifier.
Near Direct Sunlight
Always keep the humidifier away from direct sunlight as it affects its efficiency big time.
Moreover, the sunlight can cause the growth of bacteria in the water vapors that are released from your device. This can cause respiratory problems and aggravate allergies and asthma.
Inaccessible Location
Never place your humidifier in a place where you can’t easily access it, and keep an eye on its settings.
Place it in a spot where you can easily reach out to clean it. It will also allow you to turn it off at times when the humidifier is overheated.
How to Maintain a Humidifier in your Bedroom?
If you have a humidifier in your bedroom, then you need to maintain it in a way that it keeps performing at its best. Here are two top tips:
Clean the Humidifier Regularly
It’s very important to keep the humidifier in your bedroom clean.
You don’t want bacteria or mold to grow in your room, so make sure you clean the device once a week and look out for any excessive bodies of water around it.
Keep the Moisture Level in Check
Although keeping your bedroom sufficient moisture is important, you also have to make sure you don’t overdo it.
Excessive moisture is never good for the indoor environment, so always keep an eye on the moisture. The optimum humidity level inside a bedroom ranges from 30% to 50%.
How to Tell If Your Bedroom Needs a Humidifier?
Ideally, the humidity inside your bedroom shouldn’t exceed 50%. However, if the humidity in your room is lower than 30%, then that isn’t healthy either.
To determine whether your bedroom needs a humidifier or not, you need to check the humidity levels with the help of a hygrometer.
If the humidity in your room is lower than 30%, then you definitely need a humidifier.
Always aim for 50% humidity, as that is the most optimum level.
Another great indicator of the need for a humidifier in your bedroom is if you start experiencing dry skin and aggravated allergies.
Health Benefits of Bedroom Humidifiers
Humidifiers are beneficial in many ways for your health, especially when placed in your bedroom. They work by adding moisture to the air, which can alleviate a variety of health issues and improve your overall well-being.
One major benefit of using a humidifier in your bedroom is the relief it provides for allergy symptoms.
Dry air can irritate your nasal passages and throat, leading to increased allergy symptoms. By maintaining a comfortable humidity level, you can prevent allergens like dust and pollen from spreading in your bedroom.
In addition to allergies, humidifiers can help with respiratory problems like asthma and congestion. Dry air can cause your airways to become inflamed, which can worsen asthma symptoms and make it difficult to breathe.
A humidifier can soothe your airways by maintaining an optimal humidity level and provide relief from respiratory issues.
When you’re dealing with the flu, a bedroom humidifier can help alleviate some of its symptoms. By adding moisture to the air, you can reduce sinus congestion and relieve dry throat issues.
This can make it easier for you to breathe and sleep during a flu bout.
Humidifiers can also combat dry skin, a common problem experienced during colder months when heating systems reduce indoor humidity levels.
By maintaining proper humidity levels in your bedroom, you can prevent itchy, dry skin, as well as chapped lips and other dry skin-related issues.
In summary, a bedroom humidifier can provide relief from allergies, asthma, congestion, flu symptoms, and dry skin.
By choosing a good spot for your humidifier and following proper usage guidelines, you can enjoy a more comfortable and healthier sleeping environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a humidifier be placed on the floor or nightstand?
It is recommended to place a humidifier at least two feet above the ground, such as on a nightstand or a small table.
This elevation ensures even distribution of mist and reduces the risk of accidental slips or knocking the machine over. Remember, the higher, the better, as the mist needs to mix well with the air.
How close should a humidifier be to the bed?
A humidifier should be placed near the bed to effectively increase the humidity level and maintain a comfortable environment in the bedroom.
However, ensure the mist isn’t directly hitting you while you sleep and avoid placing it too close to electrical devices.
What is the best location for a humidifier in a two-story house?
In a two-story house, place your humidifier on the floor with the most living spaces or areas where you spend the most time.
Consistent humidity levels in these regions will help ensure overall comfort. Remember to still follow general placement guidelines, like keeping the unit at least two feet above the ground.
How long should you run a humidifier in the bedroom?
The duration you should run a humidifier depends on various factors like room size, indoor humidity level, and personal preferences.
You can start by running it for a few hours before bedtime and adjust the settings according to your needs.
It’s essential to monitor the humidity level in your bedroom, maintain it at around 40-60% to avoid excess moisture and related issues.
Is it safe to sleep with a humidifier every night?
Yes, it is generally safe to sleep with a humidifier every night, as long as you maintain proper humidity levels (40-60%) and follow manufacturers’ guidelines for cleaning and maintenance.
Regular cleaning prevents bacteria and mold growth in the humidifier and ensures a healthy, comfortable sleeping environment.
How close does a humidifier need to be to a baby?
When placing a humidifier near a baby, maintain a safe distance of a few feet to avoid direct exposure of mist which could cause discomfort.
Keep the unit away from their crib or play area, ensuring it is placed at least two feet above the ground. Also, regularly monitor the humidity level, adhering to the recommended 40-60% range.
Final Thoughts
The best spot for placing a humidifier in your room is at least 3 feet away from the bed and close to a corner.
Make sure you leave some space between the walls and the humidifier.
If you don’t have children or pets, then you can place the humidifier in the center of the room for better and even reach across the room.
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