Best Humidifiers in Canada

The TaoTronics is the top pick in this list of the best humidifiers in Canada because it’s a universal device for literally anyone. This humidifier features a 4L water tank and can keep the optimal level of moisture in your bedroom for up to 30 hours.

The TaoTronics is a cool-mist humidifier that uses ultrasound to disperse the water particles into the air. The advantage of cool-mist humidifiers is their safety: cool vapor won’t burn you if you get too close to the stream.

The device also features an integrated LED screen that can work as a nightlight. Alternatively, you can turn it off and enjoy a sound sleep without any interactions. Another good thing is, that the TaoTronics works pretty quietly — the manufacturer states that the noise level is less than 38 dB — so it is suitable even for sensitive sleepers.

Finally, this model features the Humidistat option that allows you to set the desired humidity level. Once the air in your room reaches this level, the TaoTronics stops, which makes it a good energy-saving option.

All things considered, this humidifier by TaoTronics is an effective and safe solution to improve the air in your home. Plus, it has great value for money.

Highlights

• 24 hours of constant work;
• comes with a cleaning cartridge that prevents bacterial contamination;
• auto shut-off when empty;
• 0.5 and 1-gallon size options available.

Highlights

• can cover up to 753 sq.ft (70 sq.m.);
• Auto Mode, various mist settings, easy humidity controls;
• up to 36 hours of continuous use.

Highlights

• Very quiet, as little as 30 DB of noise, which is basically silent;
• Has an essential oil tray to provide you with them all through the day;
• The 6 liter water tank capacity is enough for around one week;
• The amount of mist that the device produces can be adjusted.

Humidifier Types 101

Today, there are four main types of humidifiers on the market. Let’s take a look at each of them in more detail.

Cool Mist Humidifiers

Cool mist humidifiers are the most common option today, so those looking for a highly rated humidifier in Canada are very likely to end up with this option. These devices are easier to clean than other models because they have a detachable filter that traps water impurities.

Cool mist humidifiers are an ideal pick for a kid’s room because they won’t hurt your little one with a hot vapor or liquid (1). Also, they make a better option for those who live in warmer climates, as the cool mist might drop the air temperature a bit.

Now, the main drawback of cool mist humidifiers is the possibility of water contamination. Cold water doesn’t have disinfecting properties and can become impure when still. So, it’s advisable to let the humidifier dry out once a day before you refill it, to prevent bacteria growth. 

Warm Mist Humidifier

Warm mist humidifiers have a heater that warms up the water and releases the warm mist into the air. These models may moisturize the air faster than others because warm vapor spreads more quickly.

Also, warm mist humidifiers have a lower risk of water contamination and mold growth because the water is heated. However, if you do not use purified water here, the minerals can calcify on the heating element pretty soon, thus making the device less effective.

Warm mist humidifiers can also have a section for the inhalants and essential oils, which makes them good for treating colds or nasal congestions.

As for the downsides, here are some you can expect:

• Increased risks of burns. Do not leave the device without supervision, especially if you use it in your kid’s room.
• Noisier operation. Heated water comes out under the higher pressure, causing the nozzle to make whistling sounds.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifiers use a flexible metallic diaphragm that vibrates at high frequencies and produces tiny water droplets that are released into the air. This construction results in the following advantages:

• Little to no operational noise. The human ear isn’t susceptible to ultrasound, so you can use this device at night in your bedroom without worrying about your sleep.
• No hot surfaces. Ultrasonic humidifiers are safe to use in children’s rooms because they won’t cause burns.
• Energy-efficiency. Ultrasonic humidifiers use approximately 58% less energy compared to cool-mist humidifiers (2). In fact, energy is only needed for the diaphragm vibrations, unless your device carries some extra features.

Want to know the best part?

There are hybrid ultrasonic humidifiers that combine warm and cool settings, allowing you to adjust the device for round-year use.

Sounds about perfect, right?

Still, you need to know that ultrasonic devices share some of the downsides of cold mist models. Particularly, they’re prone to water contamination, so be sure to dry yours out regularly. Also, this type of humidifier is likely to be on the expensive side.

Evaporative Humidifiers

Evaporative humidifiers are pretty similar to cold mist ones, except that they use a fan to create water mist. This design is typically cheaper and safe for homes with children and pets.

Also, evaporative devices are relatively easy to clean and maintain. All you need to do is dry them out regularly and thoroughly clean the fan.

However, this type of humidifier isn’t a good choice if you or other family members are sensitive sleepers. The fan makes pretty annoying noise that takes quite a time to get used to. Also, since the device doesn’t heat the water, there’s still a risk of bacterial contamination.

Other Things to Consider when choosing a humidifier

Now, even though every humidifier type has its own strong and weak points that can help you make a choice, type is not the only thing that matters.

Here are a few factors that may be important for you as well.

Area

There’s no point in buying a humidifier that fails to deliver an optimal humidity level in your home, right?

Knowing the area in sq.m. that you want to humidify is essential for calculating the needed water output. For example, smaller houses up to 500 sq.ft. (46.4 sq.m.) need a device with an output of 1.5-2 gallons (5.7-7.6 liters) per day. If your house is larger than 1,000 sq.ft. (93 sq.m.), you may need a device that can deliver more than 5 gallons (19 liters) per day to ensure optimal humidity (3).

Runtime

This parameter defines how often you’ll have to refill the tank. Runtime depends mostly on the humidifier’s type and tank capacity.

Generally, a 2 or 3-gallon humidifier should run for 11-16 hours depending on the setting (4). You can do the refill every day before bedtime or right after waking up to ensure continuous operation.

Ease of Maintenance

Humidifiers not only moisturize your room air but also trap some dust and debris unnoticeable to the human eye in their filter. And when these particles end up in the tank with still water, they create a perfect environment for bacteria.

That’s why most manufacturers recommend emptying the humidifier’s tank once a day and letting it completely dry before refilling.

If you want to be able to do it easily, choose models with simple tank design, no hard-to-reach corners, and a construction that is easy to assemble and rinse. 

Also, note that it’s preferable to use purified or distilled water in a humidifier to prevent mold or mineral buildup. You can also use tap water (if it isn’t too hard) by installing demineralizing cartridges directly in the water tank.

Extra Features

These aren’t essential,  but they can make the use of a humidifier a bit more convenient:

• Humidistat. This feature helps you set the desired humidity level, and once the device reaches this level, it will go into the standby mode, thus decreasing the energy waste.
• Automatic shutdown. This is a good option if you plan to use your device during the night and are worried about safety. The auto-shutdown will detect when the tank is empty and turn the device off, so you can sleep peacefully.
• Aroma diffuser. This option is most common in the warm mist and ultrasonic devices. You can use aroma cartridges or just add a few drops of essential oils right into a special section and enjoy the scented air.

FAQ