Haha same here. I watched every relevant video I could find. And ultimately still had to make my own. Thank you, your comment helps save other people from having to
Hey i just left a comment on this video on how to disable the shutoff on the tall honeywell that you liked. I thought you might appreciate that. @stressorprofessor
Hi. I tuned in to see if there were any new recommendations, as my Evap 40s are getting old (6 or 7 years), and the motors are a little noisy. They are very quiet when new. A significant consideration when selecting a humidifier is the control panel. I live in a rural area where power glitches (short interruptions) are not uncommon. The fancy, electronic-type controls do not come back on after a power interruption and must be turned back on after discovery. The Evap 40 has a simple old-fashioned on/off switch that always comes back on after a power interruption. As to your concern about bacteria growing in humidifiers, you can add a biostat solution to the water tanks when you refill them, which you can buy at Lowes or online. You could also soak your wicks in a white vinegar/water solution for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. The important thing is not to squeeze or wring them out afterward, as you will crush the cellulose material inside the plastic-coated wicks. So, after watching your video, it looks like I'll be staying with my Vornado Evap40. Thanks for your research!
Yeah I've had mine for about a year and a half, and I've noticed that the fan is getting a little rickety sounding. I will have to tighten it here soon and see if that does the trick. It's great to hear that someone who has had it for six or seven years is still happy with it. You make some great points, I will take note of them
Thanks for the detailed analysis! I can see so much effort put into it. I also like that you actually tried all the humidifiers and you didnt shy away from recommending one.
Hey so I have some great news about the tall Honeywell. I bought one of those and it's extremely easy to disable the mechanism that makes it auto-shut off. Mine runs until it's dry and keeps running. When you take the top off of the base to do a cleaning, you will see a float cylinder. The cylinder floats when there is water and goes down when it is empty. All you need to do is prop something under the cylinder so that it never goes down, and the humidifier always thinks that there is water. It's extremely simple and easy. I put a small screw just sitting sideways under the cylinder and it does the job. Anything will do, a small piece of Styrofoam or a piece of plastic the right size. I definitely recommend giving it a try.
@@RidgeGTC I'm sure I'll make a Best Humidifier pt. 2 eventually, but til then, it's super simple. When you buy it, the manual will point out the float sensor. Then you just MacGyver to prevent it from descending
i got the Honeywell tower humidifier and just put a small piece of sponge under the float valve to trick it into thinking it is full so it runs and dries itself out. works great
I picked up an Aircare 2300 evap humidifier. It's a top fill and it's 6 gallons. It does have a auto shutoff but that was remedied with putting a rock under the float to keep it elevated.
Thank you for taking the time and putting this detailed, honest and actual user based review out there for consumers such as myself. I was stuck with a few brands and models but couldn’t seem to get that last push. Your review gave me that last push I needed. Worth note with ultrasonic models also that is rarely mentioned: that white dust will over time will mess up a furnace. Our furnace kept shutting off from a clogged air filter. The furnace would fire up then shut off. I recently just became aware of the white dust emitted from the ultrasonic humidifiers. We were sucked in that tap water is safe. We even filtered it even but nope. It is not. I had changed our furnace filter and within 2 weeks it was clogged. Just be aware of that. I also noted that with our gas stove the blue flame had an orange tinge to it from that white dust and whatever was blowing around. I am grateful I came across your review. It’s reviews like yours that actually educate people like myself and we can go forward with better knowledge. Again thank you.Cheers!
@@anothergoogler790 that's very interesting, I never thought about the interplay between the white dust and the furnace. I'll have to look into that more. And very cool, I'm super glad this helped! 😸
Super helpful. I've spent hundreds on crappy humidifiers, kind of having a suspicion that they were spitting stuff into the air that we didn't want. And who wants to buy distilled water every grocery trip? Just ordered from Vornado, and am looking forward to having this settled. Thank you!
I inherited my grandmothers Venta evaporative air washer/humidifier and used it for 8 yrs before it gave out. Now they are way too expensive for me to buy a new one. But let me tell you, it perfectly humidified my 1k sq ft home, and helped keep dust at bay. I noticed a huge difference after it broke. The Venta also had a washable filter! I used filtered water, but still our water is so hard, thats what eventually seized it up. But i highly recommend it! Do not buy one with a wick filter!! Only get one with a washable filter!
@@jade8568_VR which model? I looked at the LW15, and I like that it runs til you turn it off. As long as that's the case and you let the wicks dry out, that'd be fine. But if you let wet wicks sit in water for days on end, blehhh! All in all, my set up costs about $200 with the air purifier included
I have an air purifier running 24/7 but both my ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers seem to cause me to get sick or have lingering symptoms of sickness. I clean them every 3 days and use RO water. I hear the warm mist is the best option to solve this issue. As a bonus there's no need to buy filters every few months or clean every 3 days. It just uses more electricity than the other two kinds.
@@Mind69420 @Mind69420 I recommend stop using all ultrasonic. If you're running those simultaneously with evaporative, then you don't know which is culprit. A warm mist humidifier is synonymous with a vaporizer. In the consumer reports study I shared, and is in the description, the vaporizers and ultrasonics emitted bacteria. Also, I read that boiling water that isn't distilled will result in mineral build up and require more cleaning
Great video, packed with useful information. I really wasn't expecting to learn so much about humidifiers but I'm glad I watched the whole thing. Good luck with your channel.
Make sure The uv light actually shines on every surface that will be consistently moist. The uv light might protect you from some microbes, but you'll need to leave it on as long as it's moist in there. Which is like always. When uv is off, it's an enclosed, dark tank of water. What microbe wouldn't want to live there? You'll still have to use distilled water to avoid mineral dust being spewed into the air
Just bought a humidifier but just found this vid.I guess I'll be picking up that hunky bad boy humidifier for our house, we're in a basement and the air is very dry and it's no help when you're sick with a bad cold and coughing.The good thing is I'm also using a air purifier but that's a must when you have a few kitties living with you.....Thanks for sharing your information.
Thx for sharing your research! Have you seen the combo air purifier and humidifier? Airapex has a few models, one is available on Amazon. The marketing materials mentioned separate water tank so the filter is not “soaked” in water, though I am thinking it needs to be wet enough to humidify the air… not sure the science behind it, but thought perhaps you might weigh in given you’ve researched other models… thx.
The filter isn't soaked because that's for the air purifier. The wick is what gets soaked. Wicks are not filters. The process of evaporation is the "filter" for humidifiers. And yeah, so long as it follows the guidelines laid out in my video, I think it possible to mix the 2
It's a good option, yes, but it's not optimal, as it is reported to remove about 98% of impurities, whereas distilled is 100%. You will still be breathing mineral dust with reverse osmosis
Thank you for the information. I needed a new humidifier. Decided to do some research. My brain is about to explode. Just saw a short video from a professional allergist, she said don’t use humidifiers. They make allergies worse make dust mites worse 😫. I just want a safe and affordable product that actually works and improves my life a little bit. Anyway thanks for breaking down the info. Everything you said makes sense.
@@whiterose1972 I suspect that the professional allergist probably has a cursory understanding of humidifiers. Most people own the ultrasonic type, that's probably where she's getting her precedent. To my understanding, dust mites get worse when you veer away from the ASHRAE standards. If you stay between 30-60% relative humidity, and regularly dust and clean with something like hypochlorous acid that kills the mites, you should be in good position for health
First, i would like to say cool background with two guitars and music 🎶 notes hanging on your wall. I'm looking to make purchases for right humidifier for my small office which is located at the subbasement. I spend at least 8 hours a day 5 days a week at my office. It is really dry during these cold days here in the east coast. Yesterday the humidity in my office was at 17. I do have asthma. I been taking my meds. I'm started to feel this dry air in my office is started to affect my lungs.I'm doing a lot research before making the right purchase. The model that you had recommended seem to be to big for my small office. Do you have any other recommendation? Any tips would help. Thanks.
First off, thank you :) it was fun imagining what to do for studio back drop. But yeah, I still recommend the Evap40. I use it in my bedroom every night. And I'm not rich, my room is like 12x14. I have another video that goes more in depth on that model. Just put like a quarter or half gallon in it at a time. Make sure it dries up between uses. And change the wicks out every few months. Also if you want, lmk if you're thinking about going another way, and I can double check your thought process. Cheers to your health 🙌 thx for letting me help
I'm looking into getting a humidifier and this certainly helped a lot. Evaporative ones are defenetly the best option, even if they are big and clunky.
Super helpful video. I’m about to move to Utah and my nose and skin is always bleeding and I’m looking for a humidifier for my electric guitars as well. Desert climates ruined a Floyd Rose guitar of mine in the past from drying out the neck
Have you considered an air washer instead? My research journey has bought me to evaporative humidifiers and I’m about to try the Stadler Form Oskar soon but I’ve been interested in their air washers now as they combine cleaning air with humidifying. They are supposedly easier to keep clean, as many models have a self cleaning function.
I looked into the Stadler back when I made the video on the Evap40 here ua-cam.com/video/n3IaWEQAp5k/v-deo.htmlsi=wAwe_lq-kYNwHlnU . I had a discussion in the comments, but I don't see the response from my interlocutor anymore. Oh well. Main reason I was hesitant of Stadler was the auto-shut off. If that happens, then it will harbor mold. Make sure it stays on long enough to dry up completely between uses. Otherwise you'll have to clean it weekly at least to stay safe. Whereas Evap40 and air purifiers require very little maintenance
@@stressorprofessor the use of interlocutor (learned a new word today) and the sound of the cats meowing when the cardboard is dumped has earned you a sub. Haha I wasn’t aware of the dangers of the auto shutoff causing the issues with bacteria, mould, etc the Stadler has a silver water cube to act as an antibacterial agent - so I’m guessing that helps. I’ll reach out to them and see that they say, I like the design and form factor but for sure ease of cleaning and filter life aka ongoing costs are a priority. Also agree about the analogy of one dedicated machine per task. I can obtain a new Stadler George air washer for around 40% cheaper than the next best retail price I can find so I’m tempted by it.
@@kray9438 Oh awesome :) yeah I'm pretty sure that term originated with the Socratic Method? That's atleast a famous usage. Well you can get the Evap40 for $120 and a decent air purifier for $75. Is that more expensive than the model you're looking at? I looked at how the "Robert" Stadler Form works. I think it's a decent setup. The only thing I don't like is that the water stays in there at all times. And even though there isn't a wick, mold can still grow on plastic. I'd love to hear how your experience goes if you do go through with it
Hello! Great video! I wanted to follow-up after 11 months on here and ask if you still stand by your Honeywell or did the filter location prove to be an issue? I'm in search of a new humidifier for this winter season and would love to see if you are till happy with it or wound up finding something new that surpassed the Honeywell. Thanks!
In the video, I do not recommend Honeywell. Vornado Evap40 was my choice. And yes, I still stand by it, and even bought one for my mom. If you notice a few months later that it's not humidifying the room as well, you may need to change the wicks ( this video goes into that invmore detail ua-cam.com/video/jN_oUUAKNAg/v-deo.html ), or make sure the room is closed. I leave the door cracked for my cat, and I still get 43% humidity when it's 33% in rest of the house, and I only run it on medium
@ I keep at max setting and runs out of water when I’m at work then get back home to a dry house and a filter that’s not staying wet….need more water capacity unit
According to a review on vornado website "So, only downside, no auto shut off. But my daughter who normally gets sinus infections this time of year, has been infection and cough free". So, probably will stay on
Both of my Boneco (aka Air-O-Swiss) S450 steam humidifiers leaked their entire contents into my upstairs hallway. I had to cut a hole in the ceiling below to remove the water. That's a mold hazard.
@@ThePoolboy789 This is false. A simple test with a hygrometer will show that a fresh dry wick works just fine and quick. However you do raise a good point that if run without drying for days on end, antimicrobial agent would be wise
@@stressorprofessor I'm assuming it's alright. But some humidifiers have an auto-shut off when it runs out of water so I'm wondering if it's the proper way to dry out the filter
Hi Professor, this is an excellent video, and very helpful. Hope you get more subscribers. I had a question, lots of people online saying the Vornado humidifier fails after some time and has other issues (too biug Would you recommend the "LEVOIT Superior 6000S". It is similar to the honewell one, but has dry mode. Your opinion would be hugely appreciated. Cheers
@@historyghazi might you be thinking of the 1000S? That one looks more like the Honeywell to me. But ya, I've been asked about the 6000S a couple times on here, and I think it looks like a pain in the ass to have to wheel it into the kitchen to fill it up. I prefer the easy jug system of the Evap 40. The Honeywell is workable tho too. You just need to hack the float sensor
@@chanmaung I looked at the LW15, and I like that it runs til you turn it off. As long as that's the case and you let the wicks dry out, that'd be fine. But if you let wet wicks sit in water for days on end, blehhh! All in all, my set up costs about $200 with the air purifier included
Thank you for all the informations! I would prefer a vertical looking humidifier for my room as I dont have much space. Is there anything else on the market that would be as good as the evap40? What about this one…Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier or Brondell O2 Revive TrueHEPA Air Purifier and Humidifier? I would love your opinion :)
I found the 6000S to be gigantic and would be a pain in the ass to wheel back and forth from my kitchen to bedroom. The Evap40 makes the process so easy with the jugs. Brondell looks like an air washer. I've never tried one out myself, but I get the idea they intend for you to fill it up with water and leave water in there for days on end. That just sounds like a recipe for mold to me 🤷 I'm open to being swayed
Great video! I've had allergies my whole life and started using a humidifier once I met my fiance. That being said, we definitely use a ultrasonic humidifier. After doing some research, I never want to use it again! It's been a little more than a year now since this video was made...have they come out with any new, sleek, less-bulky evaporative humidifiers other than the one marked as the best option in this video?
Great to read that it helps!🎉 Hmm I'm not sure. There's so many humidifiers coming onto the market, I can't keep up with them all. I just know this one checks all the boxes, so I moved on to other subjects. But as long as you get an evaporative model that you can run until it dries completely, you're good 😎👍 I reviewed the EV100 which is smaller, but it makes an annoying revving sound :/
@@stressorprofessor I'm fine with the EVAP40, but I highly doubt my fiancé will be 😂anything that looks out of place or messes with the aesthetic of the room is a big no-no! Are ultrasonic humidifiers okay to use as long as you keep up with the maintenance? I also read that someone got a water filter for their home so that all of their water now comes out filtered so the concern of not using non-hard water has essentially been resolved. Might just have to bite the bullet and keep up with the maintenance until evaporative humidifiers make some progress.
I'd at least try to get it. Maybe even buy it, set it up, make it look pretty as possible, and return it if she doesn't like it. I would just be afraid of lazy or busy periods where the ultrasonic doesn't get cleaned as much as it needs. And yeah, the whole house filter is worth considering. I just found out that even distilled doesn't get rid of everything. Will have to do a comparison vid on filtration processes... Anyways, good luck!
Hi, I was looking for a humidifier as it's been getting quite dry lately at my apartment but I wasn't too sure which kind I should buy. After watching this video and your other humidifier review video, I decided to go with the evaporative humidifier (I bought a Honeywell HEV355C thats smaller than the one in this video) instead of a warm mist or ultrasonic one. One question I have is that when you mention that by making sure the humidifier continues running after the water is depleted, so the wick is fully dried out to prevent bacteria or mold growth, would you say it is still necessary to use a Bacteriostat or any sort of treating agent in the water to prevent bacteria or mold growth in the wick? I'm just a bit worried about the bacterial and mold growth, but right now only been a few days of using the wick so I haven't noticed any issues with the wick. The water here is quite hard so I use a brita elite filter to filter the water I put into the humidifier (I do know the filter isn't that effective at softening the water but it's probably better than straight tap water.) However, I've also seen comments online that when using a water filter, it may remove some of the chlorine (Brita filter reduces chlorine) that would normally help prevent mold and algae/mold, so tap with bacteriostatic treatment or distilled will be an option, so I'm not sure on whats the better option. Right now I'm just making sure that the humidifier fans keep running after the water is gone so the wick is dried out. Also, do you happen to run the humidifier every day or only a few hours at night? I only need the humidifier from evening to early morning as it gets quite dry with static shocks indoor at night, so I think next time I'll probably only just fill the tank with a bit of water so it lasts the night instead of half a day. Thank you for the informative video!
@@l3k21 I only run it at night. Since it's bone dry most the day, this disrupts the life cycle of microbes. I still wipe it down with hypochlorous acid a couple times a year when I change the wick. You could always do it more often if concerned When to Consider Bacteriostats If you notice odors, discoloration, or visible biofilm (slime) despite drying. If you forget to let the humidifier dry occasionally or plan to run it continuously in the future.
@@stressorprofessor Thanks for the advice, I don't need my humidifier running during the day, from now on I'll only fill it up with enough water to sustain the night, so the wick can have more time to dry out during the day. Another question I have is, do you keep the fans running after the water is depleted? And if so, how long? Because I feel like it's probably better to still keep the fan running just after the water's depleted to speed up the drying, but after a while air drying the wick without the fan should be fine right? I saw that these wicks usually need to be replaced every 30-90 days depending on how hard the water is, I see you mentioned that if there is odor, discoloration or slime developing despite drying the wick, I should consider using Bacteriostats. Just for clarifications, the development of odor and yellowing/browning discoloration is bound to eventually happen right? When odor or discoloring develops, it just means its time to replace the wick, so by using Bacteriostats, it can extend the time it takes for the next wick replacement right? I hope my questions were not too wordy, I'm just quite worried that I am correctly using the evaporative humidifier and its wick. I really appreciate your helpful info and advice, thanks!
@@l3k21 I keep the fan on until the week is completely bone dry. If you have to leave before that, just leave it on. In to be clear, you definitely want to replace the wick if you see all three of those happening. But just discoloration by itself, is not much to worry about. Just pay attention to how well the humidifier efficiently improves RH% Also, I'm personally just as worried about mold and fungus as I am bacteria. So keep that in mind when you're looking for microbial agents
@@stressorprofessor @stressorprofessor Got it. I'll definitely be on the lookout to see how the wick turns out, but hopefully, there won't be any odor or slime besides discoloration. Thanks again for the advice, I really appreciate it.
03:30 the filters doesn't look too good 🙈 If you just clean you're humidifier, it won't emit bacteria etc, and it's stated that you should clean between every use too.. Those with larger capabilities, are cleaned less by nature since they run longer with alot more water running thru them...
Watch the video by consumer reports. They showed that they emit bacteria. Do you have the measuring devices that they do? How do you know that there is no bacteria being emitted from your humidifier? Also, having to clean the humidifier everyday is way too much work. I have more important things to do than that, especially since there is an alternative that doesn't require such high maintenance
Hoping you respond quick if possible since im trying to buy one ASAP. Did you ever figure out a solution for the Honeywell one not drying out all the way? I saw someone comment a solution wondering if you tried that and would still say thats the best one. Need something that doesnt take as much room as the vornado. Thanks
@@ghettochicken8420 yeah I think that's a great choice. Once that guy mentioned the hack for overcoming the float sensor, now I don't see anything wrong with that one
It's ultrasonic. That means you'll have to use distilled water. And that means you'll have to clean and sterilize it often. Sure, it's stainless steel nature makes it easier to sterilize, but why buy something that takes so much work?
Finally! A useful video with actual use experience and thoughtful pointers... and not just some imbecile reading off the manufacturers marketing like every other 'review' video seems to be. thankyou
I've been using a ultrasonic for a few years I just put 1 or 2 oz of white vinegar in it when I fill it and it stays sanitized and I like that I can monitor the water level
@@Mosizzle600 your digestive tract is more equipped to handle minerals than your lungs are. Also, the filtered water that people drink is fresh. The water that sits in the humidifier breeds microbes
some the air pollution experts recommend not using humidifiers, or using them with distilled water to not have minerals... it would be a pain in the ass to get distilled water every time you used the machine. is there one with a mineral filter?
@@paulmcqueen4749 I've had my sights on the LW15 from Venta. People review it as quiet and very effective. I also read that it doesn't turn off until you turn it off, which would allow you to let it dry in between uses. I just looked at it and the lw25 is selling for the same price. Sweet deal amzn.to/4e7ZwAW
Speaking of health, and humidifiers, everyone should have a reversis osmosis filter under their sink. They are so affordable. Just don't get some branded one that a company jack's the price up on. Wateranywhere is a great dealer (just personal experience, not affiliated) but those brands can be had other places. Shouldn't cost more than 200 bucks and will make thousands of gallons of pure water a year. Filter media and membrane replacement is maybe 75 dollars a year. Plus you cook with it, give it to your dogs, make coffee with it, etc. Thousands of gallons are no sweat for these. 50 or 100 gallons per day is the smallest unit, lol. No plastic going in a landfill, no buying distilled water or bottles. I have a remineralizer as my last stage, as should you (they have kits that say alkaline in the name) , but I have a line setup for humidifiers before that, that is pure distilled-like water. Even the evaporative humidifiers will off gas co2 and chlorine from the air. Plus wicks will last longer with ro water and not be prone to mold if you don't perfectly dry them out once in awhile. No buildup. Skip the plastic. Live healthier. Please. Don't pay for water that's in plastic. Total dissolved solids in distilled in ppm, 0. TDS in typical tap, 150 or higher. 500 plus if on well water. Typical TDS in ro made at home, 1, 2, worst case 5 if your getting water from a well. Add uv sterilizer, a real one, if on well water. Sorry, I like water. I don't like cadnium, arsenic, forever chemicals, etc. And yes, I have positive arsenic tests from tap water. Edit: if the Honeywell has an auto shutoff, I'd disable it. Could probably do it with a paperclip cleverly placed under the float. Actually, don't use that crap metal. But something.
The ev100 is much smaller, but I just hate the sound that it makes. And I don't remember if it has an auto shut-off. I have a small bedroom. But I like this model so much, that I just fill up the water jug like a quarter of the way
Using Lysol may be as damaging as smoking cigarettes. I recommend something more natural, like hypochlorous acid, and using good practices to prevent mold and bacteria growth to begin with www.housedigest.com/843876/why-you-should-stop-using-lysol-immediately/#:~:text=This%20means%20that%20if%20your,inflammation%20in%20more%20mild%20reactions.
Ive had astma and allergies since youth. Late teens both where practically gone, I had zero issues. Unhealthy lifestyle throughout my 20s and it started to come back. Im now in my 30s and I have problem with my nasal passages/sinuses and astma, dryness and coughing. Ive look into humidifiers and purifiers before, but never got to the point of buying one. Ive been sick the last 2 weeks and now is the time, I will spend (approx 500-600 is my budget) money on a purifier and a humidifier. If I get a better quality indoors its all worth it. I found this video, I hope you have some advice. Most humidifiers, according to what Ive found, work on the ultrasonic principle, which has some drawbacks healthwise. What do you reckon about the Philip devices that use "nanocloud" technology (their patent?)? It says that it doesnt create this vapor stream, and that it does shoot out any nasty particles. What do you think? Im thinking about one of those Philip devices, they cost around 200 bucks and are able to humidify my restroom, and also my living space I think, if I give it some time to work throughout the day?
Also, consider mold, fungus, and chemical toxins. Is there anywhere in your environment that could be harboring them? Bathrooms are notorious for mold. As are HVAC ducts. Is there anywhere that may have a leak and mold could grow behind the drywall. Likewise, is there anything with excess chemicals, like paint, sprays, machines, etc, that could be burdening your immune system
@@stressorprofessor for one thing Its quieter right? And its abit more pleasent to have standing in your apartment. I were just wondering if you have anything to say about their nanocloud process, because it seem that they have tried to adress the issue with the steam?
@@stressorprofessor everything is possible. Ive moved several times during the years. Ive fucked up my astmah and allergies mainly due to my unhealthy life style during my 20s, no need to get more into it than that. But sure, my current residence seem to have worse air quality, thus Im making the decision to buy a purifier and humidifier. Both are good to have no matter what. The humidity here in winter time is like 20% and I live in a city, so!
The consumer reports video makes no sense. They added bacteria to the humidifers to see whoch would spread it in the air. Which of course the ones throwing out actual mist would produce more than evaporative ones. But thats in the event that you put bacteria filled water in your tank. Evaporative humidifers on principle will produce more bacteria, a damp wick will produce more bacteria than a simple tank of water with a vibrating disc in it.
@@HpToujoursPur what principle? Do bacteria prefer damp material over bodies of water? But even if so, they don't get flung into the air, which was demonstrated by the consumer reports study. My method of letting it air dry will greatly minimize any microbial growth
There will always be new humidifiers on the market, playing on peoples' ignorance. With this video, you can now wisely avoid any new, slick, yet unhealthy humidifiers
Noticed Consumer Reports only gave the Levoit LV600S ar rating of 62 out of 100, still recommended but their higher rated humidifiers are rated up to the mid 90's.
Have you found any research to verify that it doesn't spew bacteria? Regardless, you'll still have to use distilled water, or you'll breath in mineral dust and other crap Ultrasonic doesn't seem worth the health and hassle to me. I'm open to being swayed
Where is the bacteria from?? If it's from the water, then not only do we drink that every day... but the water quality is extremely different, depending on where you live in the world.. If it's from not cleaning it for a certain amount of time, then how about people who DO actually clean it?? Me and my gf cleans ours every 2 weeks because before that, there's 0 visible stuff to clean. I'm really confused on where you believe these unhealthy bacteria is coming from? (As an example, would a brand new one have bacteria already? I doubt that..) Maybe what you're trying to say is that the evaporative ones don't need cleaning? (That would be nice!) but ofc unless you clean the fan ones in a while, then dust is gonna come on it, just like a pc :p
Even if you bought it brand new and used only distilled water, bacteria will inevitably get in. They float in the air and find places (like humidifiers) to breed and multiply. The point is... how many of these does the humidifier transmit out into your air? Here is the consumer reports study: ua-cam.com/video/W0nmmHwtjjc/v-deo.htmlsi=Qd7mSrNeGQnkhfl7 and the other key point that I make is a way to minimize microbe proliferation is to make sure the humidifier dries out often. Damp, dark places are prime for microbe colonization
I love that Honeywell HEV620B. Use distilled water for a cleaner safer environment. You want it to shut off when there is no water for lifetime of the unit. That's not algae, fungus, nor mold on the filter/wick, it's dirty air and substances in the water filtered out that makes the filters need changing.
I just looked on Consumer Reports and they absolutely do not say ultrasonic humidifiers harbor mold. Hard to trust the rest of your review if it's predicated on that falsehood.
If you listen carefully, i never say consumer reports mentioned mold. They reported on bacteria on the vid i watched. You can watch their video here: "Bacteria Breeding Humidifiers" ua-cam.com/video/W0nmmHwtjjc/v-deo.htmlsi=Xe8rJL8kP2dKp4bK But I did a quick search, and found that consumer reports does confirm mold also: "A humidifier that’s not thoroughly cleaned can breed unhealthy mold spores, which, when spread by the humidifier’s mist, can be harmful to people with mold allergies" www.consumerreports.org/appliances/humidifiers/how-to-clean-your-humidifier-a3350069620/ And my argument is that mold is harmful to everyone, not just people with allergies
@@stressorprofessor the tests they ran included them ADDING bacteria to the water. If you use distilled water from the get go then these issues are mitigated
@@JasonLourenco Agreed 😎👍 Distilled + evaporative = optimal safety. It's just more than I'm willing to do, since idk how much safer it is, and thus, if it's worth the trouble of lugging gallons of distilled water on the regular. It's like, yes, it would be safer to wear knee and elbow pads on a hike, but I feel safe enough without
@@beachboardfan9544 sure, inhaling bleach fumes sounds like a great idea. If you do a thorough assessment, where you measure the amount of bacteria before and after using vinegar over an extended period of time, with details on how much you use and how often you run the ultrasonic humidifier. If it matches the evaporative levels, then I would take your hypothesis seriously
@beachboardfan9544 Congratulations! You are a danger to those gullible souls around you. But worry not! Here are some tidbits about bleach... Chemicals don't just break down in the body and the other components vanish. Your body has to process those toxic components Consuming even a very small dose of bleach can be harmful. Bleach is a corrosive substance, containing sodium hypochlorite, which can damage cells and tissues in the body on contact. Here’s what happens if bleach is consumed: 1. Immediate Irritation: Bleach irritates the tissues it touches, particularly in the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. This can lead to a burning sensation, sore throat, nausea, and vomiting. 2. Tissue Damage: As a corrosive, bleach can erode the mucosal lining, causing potential bleeding, inflammation, and even ulceration in the digestive tract. 3. Chemical Reaction in Stomach: The stomach's acidic environment can cause bleach to release chlorine gas. This gas can irritate the respiratory system if inhaled, causing coughing and difficulty breathing. 4. Systemic Toxicity: While a small dose may not absorb significantly into the bloodstream, any absorbed bleach can potentially lead to toxic effects, damaging cells and potentially disrupting enzyme function. Chlorine-based compounds are not metabolized by the body and are instead expelled, but even small amounts can trigger toxic effects depending on the individual’s health. 5. Potential Long-Term Risks: Repeated small doses can cause cumulative damage to the digestive tract and could contribute to long-term issues, such as gastrointestinal inflammation, chronic respiratory problems, and other systemic effects due to persistent tissue irritation. 6. Lastly inhaling it is different than ingesting it. Just as it's toxic to consume too many minerals in the water, it's worse to inhale those minerals through ultrasonic humidifiers. I'm unsure which is worse with bleach, but either way, I don't plan to partake without better convincing than "you'll be fiiiiine"
Thank you for this video. I saw the consumer report video ua-cam.com/video/qB4OCQTN5UQ/v-deo.htmlsi=WwKM9SPdKTgkOv-d . At the end of the news report it says they recommended the $15 Vicks Vaporizer and the Honeywell Evaporative. Did you see this one? What are your thoughts about the Vicks Vaporizer?
@@DeeStee-s1q considering they said that all but one of the vaporizers and all but one of the ultrasonics emitted bacteria, but none of the evaporative emitted any bacteria, that leads me to conclude that evaporative is the way to go. Their conclusion that if you have kids with asthma or allergies you should get the Vicks vaporizer, I think is incredibly naive. Why would that model be better than an evaporative? Does it actually pump Vicks vapor rub into the air? Even if so, that doesn't outweigh the dangers of microbial exposure
I spent weeks doing this research and bought about 8 humidifiers through the process. Wish I found this first
Haha same here. I watched every relevant video I could find. And ultimately still had to make my own. Thank you, your comment helps save other people from having to
Hey i just left a comment on this video on how to disable the shutoff on the tall honeywell that you liked. I thought you might appreciate that. @stressorprofessor
Hi. I tuned in to see if there were any new recommendations, as my Evap 40s are getting old (6 or 7 years), and the motors are a little noisy. They are very quiet when new. A significant consideration when selecting a humidifier is the control panel. I live in a rural area where power glitches (short interruptions) are not uncommon. The fancy, electronic-type controls do not come back on after a power interruption and must be turned back on after discovery. The Evap 40 has a simple old-fashioned on/off switch that always comes back on after a power interruption.
As to your concern about bacteria growing in humidifiers, you can add a biostat solution to the water tanks when you refill them, which you can buy at Lowes or online. You could also soak your wicks in a white vinegar/water solution for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. The important thing is not to squeeze or wring them out afterward, as you will crush the cellulose material inside the plastic-coated wicks.
So, after watching your video, it looks like I'll be staying with my Vornado Evap40. Thanks for your research!
Yeah I've had mine for about a year and a half, and I've noticed that the fan is getting a little rickety sounding. I will have to tighten it here soon and see if that does the trick. It's great to hear that someone who has had it for six or seven years is still happy with it.
You make some great points, I will take note of them
Thanks for the detailed analysis! I can see so much effort put into it. I also like that you actually tried all the humidifiers and you didnt shy away from recommending one.
Thank you. Altogether, it took me a year of trial and error and research. I'm glad it shows 🙂 And I'm glad it helps
Hey so I have some great news about the tall Honeywell. I bought one of those and it's extremely easy to disable the mechanism that makes it auto-shut off. Mine runs until it's dry and keeps running. When you take the top off of the base to do a cleaning, you will see a float cylinder. The cylinder floats when there is water and goes down when it is empty. All you need to do is prop something under the cylinder so that it never goes down, and the humidifier always thinks that there is water. It's extremely simple and easy. I put a small screw just sitting sideways under the cylinder and it does the job. Anything will do, a small piece of Styrofoam or a piece of plastic the right size. I definitely recommend giving it a try.
@@Dynamik777 Wow. I feel silly for not thinking of this haha. Genius tip, good sir. Thank you!
Could you take a picture or make a video showing it?
@@RidgeGTC I'm sure I'll make a Best Humidifier pt. 2 eventually, but til then, it's super simple. When you buy it, the manual will point out the float sensor. Then you just MacGyver to prevent it from descending
@@stressorprofessor Took it apart and figured it out Thanks
@@stressorprofessorcan’t wait for the followup.
i got the Honeywell tower humidifier and just put a small piece of sponge under the float valve to trick it into thinking it is full so it runs and dries itself out. works great
I picked up an Aircare 2300 evap humidifier. It's a top fill and it's 6 gallons. It does have a auto shutoff but that was remedied with putting a rock under the float to keep it elevated.
@@willgriff9559 Nice. What made you choose this model over the Evap 40?
Thank you for taking the time and putting this detailed, honest and actual user based review out there for consumers such as myself. I was stuck with a few brands and models but couldn’t seem to get that last push. Your review gave me that last push I needed. Worth note with ultrasonic models also that is rarely mentioned: that white dust will over time will mess up a furnace. Our furnace kept shutting off from a clogged air filter. The furnace would fire up then shut off. I recently just became aware of the white dust emitted from the ultrasonic humidifiers. We were sucked in that tap water is safe. We even filtered it even but nope. It is not. I had changed our furnace filter and within 2 weeks it was clogged. Just be aware of that. I also noted that with our gas stove the blue flame had an orange tinge to it from that white dust and whatever was blowing around. I am grateful I came across your review. It’s reviews like yours that actually educate people like myself and we can go forward with better knowledge. Again thank you.Cheers!
@@anothergoogler790 that's very interesting, I never thought about the interplay between the white dust and the furnace. I'll have to look into that more. And very cool, I'm super glad this helped! 😸
you’re amazing. this is absolutely the best humidifier and you helped inform me. thank you so much!!!
That makes me so happy to read. Good morning :) thank you!
Super helpful. I've spent hundreds on crappy humidifiers, kind of having a suspicion that they were spitting stuff into the air that we didn't want. And who wants to buy distilled water every grocery trip? Just ordered from Vornado, and am looking forward to having this settled. Thank you!
You're welcome. Glad I could expedite the process for you :)
I inherited my grandmothers Venta evaporative air washer/humidifier and used it for 8 yrs before it gave out. Now they are way too expensive for me to buy a new one. But let me tell you, it perfectly humidified my 1k sq ft home, and helped keep dust at bay. I noticed a huge difference after it broke. The Venta also had a washable filter! I used filtered water, but still our water is so hard, thats what eventually seized it up. But i highly recommend it! Do not buy one with a wick filter!! Only get one with a washable filter!
@@jade8568_VR which model? I looked at the LW15, and I like that it runs til you turn it off. As long as that's the case and you let the wicks dry out, that'd be fine. But if you let wet wicks sit in water for days on end, blehhh! All in all, my set up costs about $200 with the air purifier included
Did you try vinegar water to disolve crystalized minerals?
@@reezek3956 no, I'm not concerned with minerals, as they don't evaporate
I have an air purifier running 24/7 but both my ultrasonic and evaporative humidifiers seem to cause me to get sick or have lingering symptoms of sickness. I clean them every 3 days and use RO water. I hear the warm mist is the best option to solve this issue. As a bonus there's no need to buy filters every few months or clean every 3 days. It just uses more electricity than the other two kinds.
@@Mind69420 @Mind69420 I recommend stop using all ultrasonic. If you're running those simultaneously with evaporative, then you don't know which is culprit. A warm mist humidifier is synonymous with a vaporizer. In the consumer reports study I shared, and is in the description, the vaporizers and ultrasonics emitted bacteria. Also, I read that boiling water that isn't distilled will result in mineral build up and require more cleaning
Thank you for your work - and it is work. Really appreciate the effort you put into this to allow us to make better decisions.
I've been putting moist towels over my radiator heaters to help bring up my humidity levels
Creative 😎👍
Great video, packed with useful information. I really wasn't expecting to learn so much about humidifiers but I'm glad I watched the whole thing. Good luck with your channel.
@@simplesimon755 Thank you. I was just as surprised as you that there was so much to learn 😆
Sold!! Will get one for my dad!! Thank you.
Hey good video, what do you think about the the Xiaomi smart humidifier and “antibacterial” can work?
Make sure The uv light actually shines on every surface that will be consistently moist. The uv light might protect you from some microbes, but you'll need to leave it on as long as it's moist in there. Which is like always. When uv is off, it's an enclosed, dark tank of water. What microbe wouldn't want to live there? You'll still have to use distilled water to avoid mineral dust being spewed into the air
THE video I needed to both learn what to look for as well as some good products
Just bought a humidifier but just found this vid.I guess I'll be picking up that hunky bad boy humidifier for our house, we're in a basement and the air is very dry and it's no help when you're sick with a bad cold and coughing.The good thing is I'm also using a air purifier but that's a must when you have a few kitties living with you.....Thanks for sharing your information.
What air purifier do you have?
@@patpatmoomoo5524 Winix 5300
@@patpatmoomoo5524 Winix 5300
Wondering if you have reviewed the Lamon humidifier? Thanks!
I have not. Why are you still considering it after watching this?
Thx for sharing your research! Have you seen the combo air purifier and humidifier? Airapex has a few models, one is available on Amazon. The marketing materials mentioned separate water tank so the filter is not “soaked” in water, though I am thinking it needs to be wet enough to humidify the air… not sure the science behind it, but thought perhaps you might weigh in given you’ve researched other models… thx.
The filter isn't soaked because that's for the air purifier. The wick is what gets soaked. Wicks are not filters. The process of evaporation is the "filter" for humidifiers. And yeah, so long as it follows the guidelines laid out in my video, I think it possible to mix the 2
Im pretty sure you can mod the honeywell humidifier to not shut off when its low on water.
@@ahmetcemalyasar6975 correct. A few other people have mentioned that, and I have already added it to the description. Thank you tho!
Thank you. Great detailed explanation.
I just want one that doesnt require a damn app
Can also use reverse osmosis filtration system to not buy distilled water for ultrasonic humidifier.
It's a good option, yes, but it's not optimal, as it is reported to remove about 98% of impurities, whereas distilled is 100%. You will still be breathing mineral dust with reverse osmosis
Wondering if you have reviewed the Lamon humidifier?
No. You can see the ones I've reviewed here
ua-cam.com/play/PLD4Bs_lQExXPK-w3JE_-ZqHFVlSp0jthS.html&si=LAIcc7KJEzYyoT8L
Thank you for the information. I needed a new humidifier. Decided to do some research. My brain is about to explode. Just saw a short video from a professional allergist, she said don’t use humidifiers. They make allergies worse make dust mites worse 😫. I just want a safe and affordable product that actually works and improves my life a little bit. Anyway thanks for breaking down the info. Everything you said makes sense.
@@whiterose1972 I suspect that the professional allergist probably has a cursory understanding of humidifiers. Most people own the ultrasonic type, that's probably where she's getting her precedent. To my understanding, dust mites get worse when you veer away from the ASHRAE standards. If you stay between 30-60% relative humidity, and regularly dust and clean with something like hypochlorous acid that kills the mites, you should be in good position for health
Excellent informative video! Thx so much😊
First, i would like to say cool background with two guitars and music 🎶 notes hanging on your wall. I'm looking to make purchases for right humidifier for my small office which is located at the subbasement. I spend at least 8 hours a day 5 days a week at my office. It is really dry during these cold days here in the east coast. Yesterday the humidity in my office was at 17. I do have asthma. I been taking my meds. I'm started to feel this dry air in my office is started to affect my lungs.I'm doing a lot research before making the right purchase. The model that you had recommended seem to be to big for my small office. Do you have any other recommendation? Any tips would help. Thanks.
First off, thank you :) it was fun imagining what to do for studio back drop. But yeah, I still recommend the Evap40. I use it in my bedroom every night. And I'm not rich, my room is like 12x14. I have another video that goes more in depth on that model. Just put like a quarter or half gallon in it at a time. Make sure it dries up between uses. And change the wicks out every few months. Also if you want, lmk if you're thinking about going another way, and I can double check your thought process. Cheers to your health 🙌 thx for letting me help
I'm looking into getting a humidifier and this certainly helped a lot. Evaporative ones are defenetly the best option, even if they are big and clunky.
Super helpful video. I’m about to move to Utah and my nose and skin is always bleeding and I’m looking for a humidifier for my electric guitars as well. Desert climates ruined a Floyd Rose guitar of mine in the past from drying out the neck
@@moneyball32 yeesh 😬 that's scary. I should have mentioned that in the video
Have you considered an air washer instead? My research journey has bought me to evaporative humidifiers and I’m about to try the Stadler Form Oskar soon but I’ve been interested in their air washers now as they combine cleaning air with humidifying.
They are supposedly easier to keep clean, as many models have a self cleaning function.
I looked into the Stadler back when I made the video on the Evap40 here ua-cam.com/video/n3IaWEQAp5k/v-deo.htmlsi=wAwe_lq-kYNwHlnU . I had a discussion in the comments, but I don't see the response from my interlocutor anymore. Oh well. Main reason I was hesitant of Stadler was the auto-shut off. If that happens, then it will harbor mold. Make sure it stays on long enough to dry up completely between uses. Otherwise you'll have to clean it weekly at least to stay safe. Whereas Evap40 and air purifiers require very little maintenance
@@stressorprofessor the use of interlocutor (learned a new word today) and the sound of the cats meowing when the cardboard is dumped has earned you a sub. Haha I wasn’t aware of the dangers of the auto shutoff causing the issues with bacteria, mould, etc the Stadler has a silver water cube to act as an antibacterial agent - so I’m guessing that helps. I’ll reach out to them and see that they say, I like the design and form factor but for sure ease of cleaning and filter life aka ongoing costs are a priority. Also agree about the analogy of one dedicated machine per task. I can obtain a new Stadler George air washer for around 40% cheaper than the next best retail price I can find so I’m tempted by it.
@@kray9438 Oh awesome :) yeah I'm pretty sure that term originated with the Socratic Method? That's atleast a famous usage. Well you can get the Evap40 for $120 and a decent air purifier for $75. Is that more expensive than the model you're looking at? I looked at how the "Robert" Stadler Form works. I think it's a decent setup. The only thing I don't like is that the water stays in there at all times. And even though there isn't a wick, mold can still grow on plastic. I'd love to hear how your experience goes if you do go through with it
@@kray9438 Did you get one and try it out?
Love this vid, thank you so so much!! 🩷
Great video thank tou
Hello! Great video! I wanted to follow-up after 11 months on here and ask if you still stand by your Honeywell or did the filter location prove to be an issue? I'm in search of a new humidifier for this winter season and would love to see if you are till happy with it or wound up finding something new that surpassed the Honeywell. Thanks!
In the video, I do not recommend Honeywell. Vornado Evap40 was my choice. And yes, I still stand by it, and even bought one for my mom. If you notice a few months later that it's not humidifying the room as well, you may need to change the wicks ( this video goes into that invmore detail ua-cam.com/video/jN_oUUAKNAg/v-deo.html ), or make sure the room is closed. I leave the door cracked for my cat, and I still get 43% humidity when it's 33% in rest of the house, and I only run it on medium
Great video bro!
Thank you! This one literally took a year of trials and research
I jave the honeywell and I used distilled water and need to use a filter a week
Have you tried using the float sensor hack to keep it from automatically shutting off?
@ I keep at max setting and runs out of water when I’m at work then get back home to a dry house and a filter that’s not staying wet….need more water capacity unit
Does the EV100 stay on once the water is out?
According to a review on vornado website "So, only downside, no auto shut off. But my daughter who normally gets sinus infections this time of year, has been infection and cough free". So, probably will stay on
Both of my Boneco (aka Air-O-Swiss) S450 steam humidifiers leaked their entire contents into my upstairs hallway. I had to cut a hole in the ceiling below to remove the water. That's a mold hazard.
@@Glorbinq absolutely
Much appreciated tips‼️
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
dry wicks can take some time to fully re soak. best to use some specialized anti bacterial treatment and just run the machine daily
@@ThePoolboy789 This is false. A simple test with a hygrometer will show that a fresh dry wick works just fine and quick. However you do raise a good point that if run without drying for days on end, antimicrobial agent would be wise
Thank you! i was about to buy another one of those nebulizers
Save! 😝👍
Is it alright to leave the humidifier running with no water in order to dry out the filter?
Why do you think it might not be alright to leave a fan on?
@@stressorprofessor I'm assuming it's alright. But some humidifiers have an auto-shut off when it runs out of water so I'm wondering if it's the proper way to dry out the filter
@@infermex the auto shut off feature, I presume, is meant to save energy. I also presume they are unaware of the negative health impact
@@stressorprofessor That makes sense. Thanks for the info
Hi Professor, this is an excellent video, and very helpful. Hope you get more subscribers.
I had a question, lots of people online saying the Vornado humidifier fails after some time and has other issues (too biug
Would you recommend the "LEVOIT Superior 6000S".
It is similar to the honewell one, but has dry mode.
Your opinion would be hugely appreciated.
Cheers
@@historyghazi might you be thinking of the 1000S? That one looks more like the Honeywell to me. But ya, I've been asked about the 6000S a couple times on here, and I think it looks like a pain in the ass to have to wheel it into the kitchen to fill it up. I prefer the easy jug system of the Evap 40. The Honeywell is workable tho too. You just need to hack the float sensor
Have you compared it with the Venta LW25?
@@chanmaung I looked at the LW15, and I like that it runs til you turn it off. As long as that's the case and you let the wicks dry out, that'd be fine. But if you let wet wicks sit in water for days on end, blehhh! All in all, my set up costs about $200 with the air purifier included
@@stressorprofessor Thanks for your reply, I really enjoy your videos.
Thank you for all the informations! I would prefer a vertical looking humidifier for my room as I dont have much space. Is there anything else on the market that would be as good as the evap40?
What about this one…Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier or Brondell O2 Revive TrueHEPA Air Purifier and Humidifier?
I would love your opinion :)
I found the 6000S to be gigantic and would be a pain in the ass to wheel back and forth from my kitchen to bedroom. The Evap40 makes the process so easy with the jugs. Brondell looks like an air washer. I've never tried one out myself, but I get the idea they intend for you to fill it up with water and leave water in there for days on end. That just sounds like a recipe for mold to me 🤷 I'm open to being swayed
Great video! I've had allergies my whole life and started using a humidifier once I met my fiance. That being said, we definitely use a ultrasonic humidifier. After doing some research, I never want to use it again!
It's been a little more than a year now since this video was made...have they come out with any new, sleek, less-bulky evaporative humidifiers other than the one marked as the best option in this video?
Great to read that it helps!🎉 Hmm I'm not sure. There's so many humidifiers coming onto the market, I can't keep up with them all. I just know this one checks all the boxes, so I moved on to other subjects. But as long as you get an evaporative model that you can run until it dries completely, you're good 😎👍 I reviewed the EV100 which is smaller, but it makes an annoying revving sound :/
@@stressorprofessor I'm fine with the EVAP40, but I highly doubt my fiancé will be 😂anything that looks out of place or messes with the aesthetic of the room is a big no-no!
Are ultrasonic humidifiers okay to use as long as you keep up with the maintenance? I also read that someone got a water filter for their home so that all of their water now comes out filtered so the concern of not using non-hard water has essentially been resolved. Might just have to bite the bullet and keep up with the maintenance until evaporative humidifiers make some progress.
I'd at least try to get it. Maybe even buy it, set it up, make it look pretty as possible, and return it if she doesn't like it. I would just be afraid of lazy or busy periods where the ultrasonic doesn't get cleaned as much as it needs. And yeah, the whole house filter is worth considering. I just found out that even distilled doesn't get rid of everything. Will have to do a comparison vid on filtration processes... Anyways, good luck!
how about a safe small evaporative one for a large bedroom? hopefully easy to clean if they have to be cleaned every 3 days to be safe. thank you:)
I suggest you watch the video again. Your question indicates that you didn't watch it carefully
I thought the Honeywell was also huge
just answer him mate, no timeztamps either@@stressorprofessor
Hi, I was looking for a humidifier as it's been getting quite dry lately at my apartment but I wasn't too sure which kind I should buy. After watching this video and your other humidifier review video, I decided to go with the evaporative humidifier (I bought a Honeywell HEV355C thats smaller than the one in this video) instead of a warm mist or ultrasonic one.
One question I have is that when you mention that by making sure the humidifier continues running after the water is depleted, so the wick is fully dried out to prevent bacteria or mold growth, would you say it is still necessary to use a Bacteriostat or any sort of treating agent in the water to prevent bacteria or mold growth in the wick? I'm just a bit worried about the bacterial and mold growth, but right now only been a few days of using the wick so I haven't noticed any issues with the wick.
The water here is quite hard so I use a brita elite filter to filter the water I put into the humidifier (I do know the filter isn't that effective at softening the water but it's probably better than straight tap water.) However, I've also seen comments online that when using a water filter, it may remove some of the chlorine (Brita filter reduces chlorine) that would normally help prevent mold and algae/mold, so tap with bacteriostatic treatment or distilled will be an option, so I'm not sure on whats the better option.
Right now I'm just making sure that the humidifier fans keep running after the water is gone so the wick is dried out. Also, do you happen to run the humidifier every day or only a few hours at night? I only need the humidifier from evening to early morning as it gets quite dry with static shocks indoor at night, so I think next time I'll probably only just fill the tank with a bit of water so it lasts the night instead of half a day. Thank you for the informative video!
@@l3k21 I only run it at night. Since it's bone dry most the day, this disrupts the life cycle of microbes. I still wipe it down with hypochlorous acid a couple times a year when I change the wick. You could always do it more often if concerned
When to Consider Bacteriostats
If you notice odors, discoloration, or visible biofilm (slime) despite drying.
If you forget to let the humidifier dry occasionally or plan to run it continuously in the future.
@@stressorprofessor Thanks for the advice, I don't need my humidifier running during the day, from now on I'll only fill it up with enough water to sustain the night, so the wick can have more time to dry out during the day.
Another question I have is, do you keep the fans running after the water is depleted? And if so, how long? Because I feel like it's probably better to still keep the fan running just after the water's depleted to speed up the drying, but after a while air drying the wick without the fan should be fine right?
I saw that these wicks usually need to be replaced every 30-90 days depending on how hard the water is, I see you mentioned that if there is odor, discoloration or slime developing despite drying the wick, I should consider using Bacteriostats. Just for clarifications, the development of odor and yellowing/browning discoloration is bound to eventually happen right? When odor or discoloring develops, it just means its time to replace the wick, so by using Bacteriostats, it can extend the time it takes for the next wick replacement right?
I hope my questions were not too wordy, I'm just quite worried that I am correctly using the evaporative humidifier and its wick. I really appreciate your helpful info and advice, thanks!
@@l3k21 I keep the fan on until the week is completely bone dry. If you have to leave before that, just leave it on.
In to be clear, you definitely want to replace the wick if you see all three of those happening. But just discoloration by itself, is not much to worry about. Just pay attention to how well the humidifier efficiently improves RH%
Also, I'm personally just as worried about mold and fungus as I am bacteria. So keep that in mind when you're looking for microbial agents
@@stressorprofessor @stressorprofessor Got it. I'll definitely be on the lookout to see how the wick turns out, but hopefully, there won't be any odor or slime besides discoloration. Thanks again for the advice, I really appreciate it.
@@l3k21 sure thing. I've had mine for a couple years and have never seen any slime or had any smells. Hopefully that holds true for you too
03:30 the filters doesn't look too good 🙈 If you just clean you're humidifier, it won't emit bacteria etc, and it's stated that you should clean between every use too..
Those with larger capabilities, are cleaned less by nature since they run longer with alot more water running thru them...
Watch the video by consumer reports. They showed that they emit bacteria. Do you have the measuring devices that they do? How do you know that there is no bacteria being emitted from your humidifier?
Also, having to clean the humidifier everyday is way too much work. I have more important things to do than that, especially since there is an alternative that doesn't require such high maintenance
is there an evap humidifier that is exceptionally quiet?
@@ColocasiaCorm not that I'm aware. I never looked for quietness
Hoping you respond quick if possible since im trying to buy one ASAP. Did you ever figure out a solution for the Honeywell one not drying out all the way? I saw someone comment a solution wondering if you tried that and would still say thats the best one. Need something that doesnt take as much room as the vornado. Thanks
@@ghettochicken8420 yeah I think that's a great choice. Once that guy mentioned the hack for overcoming the float sensor, now I don't see anything wrong with that one
Hello, new subscriber. Do you have any intel on the CarePod ($275)?
It's ultrasonic. That means you'll have to use distilled water. And that means you'll have to clean and sterilize it often. Sure, it's stainless steel nature makes it easier to sterilize, but why buy something that takes so much work?
Any thoughts on the Levoit Evaporative Humidifier compared to the one you recommended here?
@@andrewrodriguez8050 the 6000S? It looks annoying to fill up. Otherwise looks good. I like that it has a dry function
Finally!
A useful video with actual use experience and thoughtful pointers... and not just some imbecile reading off the manufacturers marketing like every other 'review' video seems to be.
thankyou
@@andrewmacaldaz2771 you're welcome:) I've learned so much through UA-cam university, feels great to give back
I've been using a ultrasonic for a few years I just put 1 or 2 oz of white vinegar in it when I fill it and it stays sanitized and I like that I can monitor the water level
But then isn't it just pushing out the vinegar into the air aswell? As far as I understand that's how ultrasonic humidifiers work?
How is the ultrasonic more dangerous with filtered water if most people are also drinking that water?
@@Mosizzle600 your digestive tract is more equipped to handle minerals than your lungs are. Also, the filtered water that people drink is fresh. The water that sits in the humidifier breeds microbes
@@stressorprofessor Have you tested using an ozone generator to purify the water before using with an ultrasonic humidifier?
@@Mosizzle600 that sounds like more work. I've already found a great system that doesn't require extra steps
By evaporative, you mean warm mist humidifier?
No. Evap models don't create mist
some the air pollution experts recommend not using humidifiers, or using them with distilled water to not have minerals... it would be a pain in the ass to get distilled water every time you used the machine. is there one with a mineral filter?
@@paulshealthfitness7922 I get the impression that you did not watch the entire video. This is addressed with the humidifier that I suggest
Any suggestions for smaller bedside units? My wife says the glug glug glug of the evap40, so I need to put it in a closet.
@@paulmcqueen4749 I've had my sights on the LW15 from Venta. People review it as quiet and very effective. I also read that it doesn't turn off until you turn it off, which would allow you to let it dry in between uses. I just looked at it and the lw25 is selling for the same price. Sweet deal
amzn.to/4e7ZwAW
1:15 the funniest part of this video
Speaking of health, and humidifiers, everyone should have a reversis osmosis filter under their sink. They are so affordable. Just don't get some branded one that a company jack's the price up on.
Wateranywhere is a great dealer (just personal experience, not affiliated) but those brands can be had other places. Shouldn't cost more than 200 bucks and will make thousands of gallons of pure water a year. Filter media and membrane replacement is maybe 75 dollars a year. Plus you cook with it, give it to your dogs, make coffee with it, etc. Thousands of gallons are no sweat for these. 50 or 100 gallons per day is the smallest unit, lol.
No plastic going in a landfill, no buying distilled water or bottles.
I have a remineralizer as my last stage, as should you (they have kits that say alkaline in the name) , but I have a line setup for humidifiers before that, that is pure distilled-like water.
Even the evaporative humidifiers will off gas co2 and chlorine from the air. Plus wicks will last longer with ro water and not be prone to mold if you don't perfectly dry them out once in awhile. No buildup.
Skip the plastic. Live healthier. Please. Don't pay for water that's in plastic.
Total dissolved solids in distilled in ppm, 0.
TDS in typical tap, 150 or higher. 500 plus if on well water.
Typical TDS in ro made at home, 1, 2, worst case 5 if your getting water from a well.
Add uv sterilizer, a real one, if on well water.
Sorry, I like water. I don't like cadnium, arsenic, forever chemicals, etc. And yes, I have positive arsenic tests from tap water.
Edit: if the Honeywell has an auto shutoff, I'd disable it. Could probably do it with a paperclip cleverly placed under the float. Actually, don't use that crap metal. But something.
I just need a smaller one for the bedroom maybe 3-4Liters. Those are so big!
The ev100 is much smaller, but I just hate the sound that it makes. And I don't remember if it has an auto shut-off. I have a small bedroom. But I like this model so much, that I just fill up the water jug like a quarter of the way
Can you spray the wicks with lysol time to time?
Using Lysol may be as damaging as smoking cigarettes. I recommend something more natural, like hypochlorous acid, and using good practices to prevent mold and bacteria growth to begin with
www.housedigest.com/843876/why-you-should-stop-using-lysol-immediately/#:~:text=This%20means%20that%20if%20your,inflammation%20in%20more%20mild%20reactions.
Although to be clear, I don't spray mine. I just change it out two to three times a year, and always run it til it's dry
Is this a real comment?
Ive had astma and allergies since youth. Late teens both where practically gone, I had zero issues. Unhealthy lifestyle throughout my 20s and it started to come back. Im now in my 30s and I have problem with my nasal passages/sinuses and astma, dryness and coughing.
Ive look into humidifiers and purifiers before, but never got to the point of buying one. Ive been sick the last 2 weeks and now is the time, I will spend (approx 500-600 is my budget) money on a purifier and a humidifier. If I get a better quality indoors its all worth it.
I found this video, I hope you have some advice. Most humidifiers, according to what Ive found, work on the ultrasonic principle, which has some drawbacks healthwise. What do you reckon about the Philip devices that use "nanocloud" technology (their patent?)? It says that it doesnt create this vapor stream, and that it does shoot out any nasty particles. What do you think?
Im thinking about one of those Philip devices, they cost around 200 bucks and are able to humidify my restroom, and also my living space I think, if I give it some time to work throughout the day?
Why do you think the Philip device would be better than the Evap 40?
Also, consider mold, fungus, and chemical toxins. Is there anywhere in your environment that could be harboring them? Bathrooms are notorious for mold. As are HVAC ducts. Is there anywhere that may have a leak and mold could grow behind the drywall. Likewise, is there anything with excess chemicals, like paint, sprays, machines, etc, that could be burdening your immune system
@@stressorprofessor for one thing Its quieter right? And its abit more pleasent to have standing in your apartment.
I were just wondering if you have anything to say about their nanocloud process, because it seem that they have tried to adress the issue with the steam?
@@stressorprofessor everything is possible. Ive moved several times during the years. Ive fucked up my astmah and allergies mainly due to my unhealthy life style during my 20s, no need to get more into it than that.
But sure, my current residence seem to have worse air quality, thus Im making the decision to buy a purifier and humidifier. Both are good to have no matter what. The humidity here in winter time is like 20% and I live in a city, so!
@@koettfaers I'll look into it soon
The consumer reports video makes no sense. They added bacteria to the humidifers to see whoch would spread it in the air. Which of course the ones throwing out actual mist would produce more than evaporative ones. But thats in the event that you put bacteria filled water in your tank. Evaporative humidifers on principle will produce more bacteria, a damp wick will produce more bacteria than a simple tank of water with a vibrating disc in it.
@@HpToujoursPur what principle? Do bacteria prefer damp material over bodies of water? But even if so, they don't get flung into the air, which was demonstrated by the consumer reports study. My method of letting it air dry will greatly minimize any microbial growth
Are there new Evaporative Humidifiers on the market?
There will always be new humidifiers on the market, playing on peoples' ignorance. With this video, you can now wisely avoid any new, slick, yet unhealthy humidifiers
I’ve been using humidifiers my entire life and at I’m just now finding out I need to be using distilled water to not have the white crusties 😭
Better late than never. Spread the word! It's nuts how many people damage their health while trying to make healthy choices 🤪
So you bought all of these to make a UA-cam video Now your gonna send them all back
I owned some too long to return
I own a water distiller for the purpose of putting in my humidifiers and myself!!!!
@@Adeline9418 that's awesome! How much did one of those run ya?
Noticed Consumer Reports only gave the Levoit LV600S ar rating of 62 out of 100, still recommended but their higher rated humidifiers are rated up to the mid 90's.
Carepod 1s stainless
Have you found any research to verify that it doesn't spew bacteria?
Regardless, you'll still have to use distilled water, or you'll breath in mineral dust and other crap
Ultrasonic doesn't seem worth the health and hassle to me. I'm open to being swayed
Where is the bacteria from?? If it's from the water, then not only do we drink that every day... but the water quality is extremely different, depending on where you live in the world.. If it's from not cleaning it for a certain amount of time, then how about people who DO actually clean it?? Me and my gf cleans ours every 2 weeks because before that, there's 0 visible stuff to clean. I'm really confused on where you believe these unhealthy bacteria is coming from? (As an example, would a brand new one have bacteria already? I doubt that..) Maybe what you're trying to say is that the evaporative ones don't need cleaning? (That would be nice!) but ofc unless you clean the fan ones in a while, then dust is gonna come on it, just like a pc :p
Even if you bought it brand new and used only distilled water, bacteria will inevitably get in. They float in the air and find places (like humidifiers) to breed and multiply. The point is... how many of these does the humidifier transmit out into your air?
Here is the consumer reports study:
ua-cam.com/video/W0nmmHwtjjc/v-deo.htmlsi=Qd7mSrNeGQnkhfl7
and the other key point that I make is a way to minimize microbe proliferation is to make sure the humidifier dries out often. Damp, dark places are prime for microbe colonization
I love that Honeywell HEV620B. Use distilled water for a cleaner safer environment. You want it to shut off when there is no water for lifetime of the unit. That's not algae, fungus, nor mold on the filter/wick, it's dirty air and substances in the water filtered out that makes the filters need changing.
Your ignorance is showing 😉
I just looked on Consumer Reports and they absolutely do not say ultrasonic humidifiers harbor mold. Hard to trust the rest of your review if it's predicated on that falsehood.
If you listen carefully, i never say consumer reports mentioned mold. They reported on bacteria on the vid i watched. You can watch their video here:
"Bacteria Breeding Humidifiers" ua-cam.com/video/W0nmmHwtjjc/v-deo.htmlsi=Xe8rJL8kP2dKp4bK
But I did a quick search, and found that consumer reports does confirm mold also:
"A humidifier that’s not thoroughly cleaned can breed unhealthy mold spores, which, when spread by the humidifier’s mist, can be harmful to people with mold allergies"
www.consumerreports.org/appliances/humidifiers/how-to-clean-your-humidifier-a3350069620/
And my argument is that mold is harmful to everyone, not just people with allergies
@@stressorprofessor the tests they ran included them ADDING bacteria to the water. If you use distilled water from the get go then these issues are mitigated
@@JasonLourenco Agreed 😎👍 Distilled + evaporative = optimal safety. It's just more than I'm willing to do, since idk how much safer it is, and thus, if it's worth the trouble of lugging gallons of distilled water on the regular. It's like, yes, it would be safer to wear knee and elbow pads on a hike, but I feel safe enough without
thumbnail has so much aura
Why all the drama around bacteria growth? Cant you just put an eye drop or two of bleach or distilled vinegar into the water to prevent that?
@@beachboardfan9544 sure, inhaling bleach fumes sounds like a great idea. If you do a thorough assessment, where you measure the amount of bacteria before and after using vinegar over an extended period of time, with details on how much you use and how often you run the ultrasonic humidifier. If it matches the evaporative levels, then I would take your hypothesis seriously
@@stressorprofessor Bleach will just turn into salt and water in the body. As long as the amounts of it consumed are small, its perfectly harmless.
@beachboardfan9544 Congratulations! You are a danger to those gullible souls around you. But worry not! Here are some tidbits about bleach...
Chemicals don't just break down in the body and the other components vanish. Your body has to process those toxic components
Consuming even a very small dose of bleach can be harmful. Bleach is a corrosive substance, containing sodium hypochlorite, which can damage cells and tissues in the body on contact. Here’s what happens if bleach is consumed:
1. Immediate Irritation: Bleach irritates the tissues it touches, particularly in the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. This can lead to a burning sensation, sore throat, nausea, and vomiting.
2. Tissue Damage: As a corrosive, bleach can erode the mucosal lining, causing potential bleeding, inflammation, and even ulceration in the digestive tract.
3. Chemical Reaction in Stomach: The stomach's acidic environment can cause bleach to release chlorine gas. This gas can irritate the respiratory system if inhaled, causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
4. Systemic Toxicity: While a small dose may not absorb significantly into the bloodstream, any absorbed bleach can potentially lead to toxic effects, damaging cells and potentially disrupting enzyme function. Chlorine-based compounds are not metabolized by the body and are instead expelled, but even small amounts can trigger toxic effects depending on the individual’s health.
5. Potential Long-Term Risks: Repeated small doses can cause cumulative damage to the digestive tract and could contribute to long-term issues, such as gastrointestinal inflammation, chronic respiratory problems, and other systemic effects due to persistent tissue irritation.
6. Lastly inhaling it is different than ingesting it. Just as it's toxic to consume too many minerals in the water, it's worse to inhale those minerals through ultrasonic humidifiers. I'm unsure which is worse with bleach, but either way, I don't plan to partake without better convincing than "you'll be fiiiiine"
you lost me when you spoke the word 'covid' out.... pffffffff
Idk what you mean
Thank you for this video. I saw the consumer report video ua-cam.com/video/qB4OCQTN5UQ/v-deo.htmlsi=WwKM9SPdKTgkOv-d . At the end of the news report it says they recommended the $15 Vicks Vaporizer and the Honeywell Evaporative. Did you see this one? What are your thoughts about the Vicks Vaporizer?
According to that video neither emitted bacteria.
@@DeeStee-s1q considering they said that all but one of the vaporizers and all but one of the ultrasonics emitted bacteria, but none of the evaporative emitted any bacteria, that leads me to conclude that evaporative is the way to go. Their conclusion that if you have kids with asthma or allergies you should get the Vicks vaporizer, I think is incredibly naive. Why would that model be better than an evaporative? Does it actually pump Vicks vapor rub into the air? Even if so, that doesn't outweigh the dangers of microbial exposure