Should a humidifier run all night?
Well, the answer to that question is pretty simple. You see, you buy a humidifier to regulate the humidity of your indoor space.
The ideal humidity level should be around 40% to 60%. If it goes too high or too low, problems could arise. The drying of air is one of its direct repercussions, and you wouldn’t want that to happen. It can cause various respiratory illnesses. At the same time, it can result in the drying of the skin, eyes, and even nosebleeding.
So if your house has humidity problems, you need a humidifier. This is the only device that can deal with that problem.
But how long should it run before it can feel its effect? Is an overnight operation a little bit too much?
Should A Humidifier Run All Night?
Yes.
That’s the answer to this inquiry. Of course, it is still subject to considerations. But as I said, if your home is suffering from air dryness, you need this device to run for as long as it can.
Just see a humidifier the way you see an air conditioning system. An air conditioner is designed to run continuously. It will not sustain damages even if it runs for several days or weeks.
Humidifiers are practically the same. They are engineered to operate for long hours without sustaining any issues. The limit of their run is their capacity, which is determined by the size of their tanks.
The larger their water tanks, the longer they can work.
It is one of the reasons why many households opt for large humidifiers. They know that these devices are capable of regulating the humidity of their home even if they are already asleep.
In fact, some humidifiers can work for more than 40 hours on their lowest setting. Their capabilities are pretty extensive. And that’s an indicator that these humidifiers are designed to serve you for continuous hours without resting.
Benefits Of Running A Humidifier Overnight
Sleeping with a humidifier is quite beneficial. It helps you sleep better. For babies, it is a means of taking care of their sensitive skin and juvenile respiratory systems.
For adults, humidifiers are heaven-sent, too! It will make you more resistant to allergies, throat congestion, and nasal irritation. Moreover, sleeping with a humidifier lets you wake up fresher and more comfortable.
Here are some of the advantages of having a humidifier while you are sleeping soundly at night (aside from improved sleep quality):
Prevents Sinuses And Nose Bleeding
Nose bleeding is typically caused by the dryness in the air. Your nasal passages require moisture so that it will not be susceptible to scratches and wounds.
Meanwhile, sinus congestions take place when the dry air enters your system. When the air is dry, the mucus membranes become ineffective in catching bacteria and germs, which, in turn, could cause allergic reactions.
Furthermore, it can trigger chronic sinusitis and colds if you let the dry air persist in your body.
Reduces Risk Factors Of Infections
A humidifier is not similar to air purifiers. By all means, it cannot filter pollutants, contaminants, and germs. However, this doesn’t mean that it cannot give you a safety wall against these airborne invaders.
When the dry air wounds your lips, scratches your skin, and weakens your nose, these elements will be able to enter your body quickly. Moreover, an environment that is too damp or too dry is a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria.
Humidifiers are capable of regulating the humidity to the right levels so that you will no longer have to worry about these foreign bodies.
Quicker Recovery
One should know that humidifiers also benefit the recovery rate of a person who is sick. You see, it is easier for your body to heal when the environment has the right levels of humidity.
The water vapor in the air will naturally moisturize the body with additional oxygen. The higher the oxygen content of your system, the easier it is for you to relieve yourself from various illnesses.
Decreases Your Electricity Bill
Many people are hesitant to run a humidifier overnight because of the possible increase in their power bills. Of course, that’s pretty understandable.
But one should know that it can actually help you cut the cost. If you are living in cold regions, running a humidifier will make you less dependent on heaters and HVACs. These devices are known to consume too much electricity. Improving the humidity of your room can make the environment feel warmer. Not hot. Not damp. Just the right level of warmth.
Protects Wooden Floors And Furniture
Dry rotting is a common predicament when the air in your home is too dry. Once this predicament happens, all the wooden components of your property–such as tables, cabinets, and doors–will get damaged.
Cracks will form on them, and crumbles will start to appear one by one. If prolonged, the quality of these wooden items will drastically deteriorate. Letting this happen would cause additional expenses on your part. You will have no other choice but to replace them.
Guidelines In Using A Humidifier Overnight
As I said, it is beneficial to run a humidifier overnight. But just like any appliances, you need to do things properly. Otherwise, you might encounter errors or hazards.
Here are some of the guidelines in using a humidifier properly:
- Operate it with a full tank. If you are going to use the humidifier overnight, make sure that its tank is full. If it becomes empty while still plugged, the circuits of the device could get damaged.
- Use a hygrometer to measure the room humidity. If the humidity is within 40% to 60%, there’s no actual need for a humidifier. If you persist in operating a humidifier under this condition, you will just add excess moisture to the room, which is bad. Mold spores will grow in extremely damp environments.
- Don’t put the humidifier near you. Place it at least three meters apart, especially if it is a warm mist humidifier. Meanwhile, a cool-mist humidifier is quite suitable for babies and children.
- Put the humidifier on an elevated platform, such as a table. It will allow the device to spread moisture evenly and thoroughly.
- Clean the humidifier from time to time. Every after use, take out the humidifier and clean its tank. In this way, you can guarantee that no bacteria or germs are being spread on the air.
Conclusion
It is actually safe and beneficial to run a humidifier overnight. It will help you address the problems that come along with dry air. You should never hesitate to do so if you deem that your living room or bedroom is exceptionally humid.
I hope you learned from this guide. If you have other questions or suggestions, just drop them in the comment section below.