Tap water can be used in a humidifier, but it may lead to mineral buildup and the dispersal of minerals and potential contaminants into the air. The best alternatives to tap water for humidifiers are distilled or purified water, which help prevent these issues and maintain optimal performance.
Imagine this scenario: it’s the middle of winter, and you’re nestled under a cozy blanket, trying to find comfort in your warm and toasty home. But there’s one problem – the air inside is drier than the Sahara desert, causing discomfort in your nose, throat, and skin. That’s where a humidifier comes to the rescue, turning your arid indoor environment into a moisture-filled oasis.
However, here’s the catch: not all water is created equal when it comes to humidifiers. While it may be tempting to use regular tap water, there are some important factors to consider. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of using tap water in your humidifier, why it might not be the best idea, and what alternatives you can turn to for optimal performance.
How Humidifiers Work
Before we dive into the tap water dilemma, let’s understand how humidifiers operate. These nifty devices work by vaporizing water molecules and releasing them into the air. This moisture infusion alleviates dryness in your nose, throat, lips, and skin. Plus, it can reduce static electricity, prevent wallpaper peeling, and protect your furniture and paint from cracking during those harsh winter months. Humidifiers can even help reduce snoring and soothe inflamed airways, making them a valuable addition to your home.
However, there’s a twist in this tale. Some types of humidifiers, like ultrasonic and impeller (or cold mist) humidifiers, can release more than just water vapor into the air. They might project microbes and minerals from their water tanks, which can lead to health issues for people with allergies or sensitive respiratory systems. Moreover, it can wreak havoc on the aesthetic and structural aspects of your room, leaving behind scale deposits that can damage equipment and coat your furniture in an unappealing layer of white dust.
Tap Water vs. Your Humidifier
Now, let’s talk about tap water. It’s readily available and seems like a convenient choice for filling up your humidifier. However, there’s a catch, and it’s a pretty big one. Tap water can be a breeding ground for two major concerns: minerals and bacteria (type of germ).
What’s in Your Tap Water?
The United States is known for having one of the safest public drinking supplies in the world. This is largely due to the diligent regulation of drinking water quality by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They set strict limits on waterborne contaminants and dissolved chemicals, ensuring the water you drink is safe.
However, even in this well-regulated system, tap water can contain some unwanted bacteria. Common culprits include giardia, legionella, norovirus, shigella, campylobacter, and salmonella. While water utilities are responsible for preventing disease outbreaks, there’s still a chance of these microorganisms finding their way into your tap water.
Water Hardness
Another factor to consider is water hardness. This refers to the amount of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium, present in the water. While a bit of hardness can be beneficial for dietary mineral intake, it can also be a nuisance. Hard water tends to build up in plumbing and appliances, such as humidifiers, reducing their lifespan.
In the US, water hardness varies by region, with east-central and western areas having higher levels due to aquifers with elevated dissolved solids. This translates to increased water hardness in those areas.
Now, let’s see what happens when you use tap water in your humidifier.
Consequences of Using Tap Water in Your Humidifier
Humidifiers work their magic by breaking down water into tiny droplets, releasing them as mist into the air. Water evaporates quickly, leaving behind tiny minerals and salts in the humidifier. However, once airborne, these particles can potentially settle in your respiratory tract and lungs, potentially affecting your respiratory health.
The impact of inhaling these particles isn’t entirely clear, but there’s evidence suggesting that children may face a greater risk than adults, especially with prolonged exposure. To be on the safe side, it’s recommended to use clean water in your humidifier.
Clean water can either be purified tap water or, more commonly, bottled distilled or deionized water. The EPA specifically recommends using water with low mineral content to prevent the buildup of scale (that annoying white dust) and the dispersion of minerals into the air, especially when using ultrasonic and impeller humidifiers.
Types of Humidifiers and Their Impact
Different types of humidifiers have varying effects on the air quality:
- Ultrasonic or ‘cool mist’ humidifiers: These can aerosolize bacteria, chemicals, minerals, mold, and anything else present in tap or bottled water. Even the cleaning chemicals you use can be sprayed into the air.
- Steam-based humidifiers: These are generally germ-free as they bring water to a boil, killing harmful bacteria. However, they don’t prevent the dispersion of minerals.
- Evaporative humidifiers: These don’t release bacteria or minerals into the atmosphere, but minerals can build up in their filters over time.
Many reputable humidifier brands, such as Vicks, Levoit, Vornado, Crane, and more, recommend using distilled or purified water instead of tap water. This not only extends the life of their filters but also avoids the nuisance of ‘white dust’ left behind by minerals in tap water.
Which Type of Water Is Best for Your Humidifier?
The answer is simple: distilled or demineralized water is your best bet for filling up your humidifier. This choice reduces the buildup of scale, minimizes dust dispersal, and keeps your device running smoothly for longer.
You can also consider using demineralization cartridges or filters if they’re provided or recommended by your humidifier’s manufacturer. However, keep in mind that the effectiveness of these devices can vary, especially in areas with exceptionally hard tap water. If you notice white dust around your humidifier, it’s a sign that the demineralization process isn’t doing its job.
Bottled Spring Water: Not the Solution
Some might wonder about using bottled spring water as an alternative. After all, it comes from natural sources, right? While spring water is intended for drinking and often considered pure, it contains varying levels of minerals, such as calcium, chlorine, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and sulfur. Unlike tap water, there are no strict regulations governing mineral content in spring water. As a result, it’s not recommended for use in your humidifier.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regardless of the type of water you use in your humidifier, maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly and ensuring your indoor air quality remains top-notch. Here are some tips:
- Clean your humidifier regularly: The EPA recommends cleaning portable humidifiers every three days. This includes emptying, brushing, and wiping the tanks to remove scale, deposits, or microbial biofilm.
- Use distilled or demineralized water: Whenever possible, opt for purified water to prevent mineral buildup.
- Keep humidity levels in check: Don’t humidify your indoor air to more than 50% humidity levels.
- Keep the area around the humidifier dry: This helps prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions: Different humidifiers may have specific care guidelines, so always refer to the manual.
While the idea of using tap water in your humidifier might seem convenient, it’s not the best choice for your health or the longevity of your device. Instead, opt for distilled or purified water to ensure you’re breathing in clean, moisture-rich air during those dry winter months. Your nose, throat, and skin will thank you, and you’ll be able to enjoy the cozy comforts of your home to the fullest. Stay humidified, stay healthy!
