It might seem like you could just get some water out of the tap in order to operate your humidifier, but that is not always the case. The water you should use depends on the kind of humidifier in question. Tap water will typically work in most humidifiers, especially those which are steam or evaporative models. Ultrasonic humidifiers, on the other hand, can be a little ‘pickier’ about what kind of water you use.

The best option is to use distilled water, as it will generally work without a problem in any kind of humidifier. The problem there, of course, is that you are going to have to buy the water, which can become both expensive and an additional chore. You should read the instructions which are included with your humidifier and stick with the type of water it recommends.

There are some basic maintenance tasks to perform if you would like your humidifier to work safely for you and your family over the long run. As you might imagine, consistently cleaning your humidifier is the best thing you can do to protect its long-term condition. Follow the instructions provided with the humidifier for cleaning, and keep yourself on a regular schedule to avoid falling behind on this important task. Even if your humidifier comes with some form of self-cleaning, which many do, you should still clean it yourself from time to time.

Some people worry about not being able to move their humidifier around the home when necessary. Fortunately, that will not be a problem for the majority of people in reasonable health. Most humidifiers weigh less than 15 pounds when they are not filled with water. Some weigh as little as 5 pounds or so. It is a good idea to move yours around while it does not have water in the tank.

Generally speaking, humidifiers are relatively reliable products. However, like any machine, they can break down from time to time. If your humidifier stops working suddenly, don’t just throw it out right away. First, you should check the water level to make sure it didn’t get too low. In many models, the unit will shut off automatically if there is not enough water in the tank. Also, be sure to read through the troubleshooting section of the manual for any tips on what to do when the machine stops functioning. The fix could be as easy as replacing a cheap part like a filter or cartridge.

Humidifiers are excellent devices to have on hand in your home. They might not be needed all the time, but they certainly can add to your personal comfort level when they are called for. Now that you have answers to many of the common humidifier questions, you should be ready to get out and find one for yourself.