A humidifier has been shown to not only improve health, but to keep a home and possessions in good condition. Even the Environmental Protection Agency has said that humidifiers can lessen the opportunity for mold or mildew to grow in a space where levels of humidity are higher than they should be. The first thing to do is determine whether you need a humidifier, so test out the air in your home with a hygrometer, an inexpensive instrument that helps monitor the air you breathe.

After that, determine what type of humidifier you will need, whether it's warm mist or cool mist. Do your research on what type of humidifier does what; some models both humidify and purify the air, and though they're more expensive, they're usually worth it. Compare prices of humidifiers, both cool and warm mist versions, and then make a list of what to do next.

You'll need to decide which room to put the humidifier in, and configure the square feet with the humidifier model's details. You'll need a humidifier that will cover more area than the actual room size; models for 700 square feet are usually adequate for a small room or bedroom. However, if you buy one that is too large, condensation will form on the inside of the windows and mold and mildew could develop.

Next, look at the convenience of cleaning your humidifier. Portable units are sold in various sizes of water reservoirs, from a 1-litre to a 5-gallon tank or larger. Many portable units have a two-gallon tank that runs for 1.5 days, but a 1-litre tank will have to be filled more frequently.

The last few things to look at are operation noise level and settings, safety shut off features, benefits of humidifiers with filters, and regular maintenance and warranty information. If the humidifier is for your bedroom, seek out a model with a low or silent option with at least low and high setting levels. Safety shutoff and a built-in humidisat are must have in the way of safety features in case you forget to turn off the humidifier when the water reservoir is empty, while also regulating the humidity level in your home.