Traditional humidifiers are a longtime tool for generating moisture when indoor air is too dry. Whether they’re used as a treatment for cold symptoms or as a supplement to improving indoor air, a humidifier is a staple of the dry winter season. Ultrasonic humidifiers have emerged as an improvement on the classic because they are quieter and more energy efficient than their predecessors. Rather than heating water and then pushing out a mist with a fan, ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers use high-frequency sound wave technology to release a fine mist of water. The ultrasonic vibrations make for a quieter air quality appliance, which make them the best humidifiers for bedrooms and living areas where a peaceful environment is a priority. They’re also safer because they don’t use a heating element to create the vapor, so there isn’t risk of injury if they’re knocked over. This is especially important when they’re being used for baby care or in children’s bedrooms. Some models come with filters to trap unwanted particles but filling the humidifier reservoir with filtered water to begin with can also help.

When it comes to choosing the best ultrasonic humidifier for your home, there are various features that can enhance your appliance, like automatic shutoff, low water indicators, and adjustable mist settings. During the winter when the air is dry due to lower temps and the increased use of space heaters and fireplaces, ultrasonic humidifiers help to restore moisture to the air and reduce annoyances like dry skin and eyes, sore throats and static electricity. Even when the weather is warmer during allergy seasons, ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers can help alleviate allergy symptoms caused by particles in the air, especially when used in conjunction with air purifiers that keep the air fresh. You can usually tell when it’s time to plug in your humidifier by your rough skin patches or a case of the sniffles. However, it’s better to get ahead of the problem by reading the results of your smart thermostat, which lets you know when the humidity dips below a healthy level so you can run the ultrasonic humidifier before any discomfort occurs.