Benefits & Instructions for the Use of Air Humidifiers / Vaporizers

Humidifiers will protect your skin from drying out in dry air conditions. But they can also help relieve the dehydrating symptoms brought on by colds and the flu, helping nasal passages breathe easily again and easing the irritation of coughs and sore throats. It offers a wonderful alternative therapy for children, those who prefer not to take over-the-counter medications, and those who can’t take decongestants due to pregnancy or incompatibility with other medications.

• Benefits of Increased Humidity Levels:
  • Moistens the respiratory system
  • Help actually fight off viruses, bacteria, and pollutants.
  • Cuts Down on the Electric Bill: In the winter, the air is normally dry inside our homes and we typically require a higher temperature to be comfortable than we would in a humid environment. Therefore, efficient humidifiers are a good investment for energy conservation.

• When is the humidity too high?
  • If you see steam on windows, you are over-humidifying.

• Natural Alternatives to Humidifiers:
  • To achieve an increase in humidity without any appliances and associated energy cost, you can try the following:
    • Spraying into the air (using filtered water in a spray bottle) throughout the day - as this will help keep humidity up. If this isn't enough ...
    • Put bowls filled with water on top of radiators / heaters.
    • Add indoor plants as they filter common pollutants from indoor air and continuously release oxygen and moisture into our home.

• Recommendations:
   
  • Whether or not you are using a humidifer, it is important to keep your home ventilated. It is a good idea to let fresh air in and stale indoor air out once or twice throughout the day - to ensure a good indoor air quality ... This will also reduce the risk of mold growing, which could cause aspergillosis and other health concerns in humans or birds.
  
  
  • Keep bacteria levels down by adding hydrogen peroxide to the water: Mix 1 pint 3% hydrogen peroxide to 1 gallon of water. Hydrogen Peroxide is inexpensive and available at any drug / grocery store.
  
  
  • Monthly, it is recommended to put some vinegar into the water tank to dissolve any mineral deposits. Sterilize the tanks afterwards and rinse well.
  
  
  • Clean the humidifier once a week and rinse it thoroughly afterwards.
  
  
  • IMPORTANT FOR BIRD OWNERS!
    • Do not use any scented fluids that may come with a unit (air fresheners). They may not be safe for your birds, even if they are "natural" essential oils or Vicks VapoSteam. These inhalants and the resulting medicated vapor are not safe around birds.
    • Avianweb Visitor Pauline Reports: "The Vicks humidifier has a non-stick material" Therefore, it should not be used around birds.
    • NOTE: Humidifiers have been mentioned by veterinarians and others as a possible source of mold spores that can cause aspergillosis in birds. Humidifiers need to be properly maintained (as mentioned above). Vets suggest that parrot owners use warm mist humidifiers or vaporizers that boil water prior to releasing it into the air.