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Why owning a humidifier matters
The cold temperatures of winter don’t just affect the outdoors. Since cold days lead to drier air, this chilly weather also impacts the inside of your home. You’ve likely noticed the difference. Maybe your fuzzy blankets and thick socks create static electricity, or your lips are constantly chapped. We’ve gone to the experts, including heating and cooling specialists and leading dermatologists, to understand these common wintertime concerns and see what they had to say.
One humidifier that’s highly recommended is a bestseller at Amazon, where it’s currently on sale. The Levoit 3-Liter Cool Mist Humidifier normally retails for $44, but with a limited-time deal taking 15% off, the price is discounted to just $37. With over 1,900 perfect five-star ratings and more than 30,000 units sold in the past month, this humidifier is a solid selection.
“When temperatures are coldest, you’ll often deal with annoyances like staticky clothes or dry skin and hair due to the decreased humidity,” said Eli Zimmer, CEO of Luxaire HVAC Services in New York. “Having a humidifier in the home can thus be super helpful, particularly in the winter months.”
Levoit 3-Liter Cool Mist Humidifier, $37 (was $44) at Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon
Why is it so dry in winter?
“Humidity levels will decrease as temperatures drop,” Zimmer explained. “This is because as air cools, it has reduced saturation capacity. Basically, as it gets colder, it becomes less capable of holding water vapor.”
However, the issue with dryness indoors is actually two-fold. On top of decreased humidity from the outdoor weather conditions, people run heaters more in winter, which also pulls moisture from the air. You’ll likely notice the effects from more static electricity on your clothing, but also “because our skin and hair have a high-water content, they also can be affected to some degree,” said Dr. Tanya Kormeili, an MD and Board Certified Dermatologist in Santa Monica.
How does a humidifier help in winter?
One solution to this dryness is a humidifier. “A humidifier can add humidity to the air, which helps with breathing and skin dryness to some extent,” added Dr. Kormeili. Those prone to dryness may even notice sinus irritation or sore throats when the air is too dry, which this humidifier may help soothe.
We love this cool mist humidifier because it has a large 3-liter water tank, which provides up to 25 hours of moisture. If you just use the appliance overnight, the tank can go three nights without requiring a refill. When a refill is required, the simple top-fill design makes it easy with fewer splashes and spills. For those who like a little aromatherapy to unwind at bedtime, there’s even a chamber for essential oils. The scent of lavender is great for relaxing, while a grounding sandalwood creates an at-home spa experience.
Related: Amazon is selling a 4-piece flannel sheet set for only $30, and reviewers rave about how soft it is
Offering ultra-quiet operation, this humidifier won’t disturb you while you slumber. Once the water runs out, it also automatically shuts off, so there’s no wasted electricity. Additionally, the humidifier is constructed with a simple control knob for seamless and user-friendly functions. Depending on where you want the mist, you can turn the appliance’s 360-degree nozzle to aim the vapor in whatever direction you prefer.
Details to know
- Tank capacity: 3 liters.
- Special features: Automatic shut-off and an essential oil chamber.
- Is it quiet?: Yes.
You don’t need to use purified or distilled water with this humidifier, but it is recommended. For those using hard water from the faucet, you may need to change the humidifier’s filter more frequently.
Shop more deals
- Dreo Top-Fill 4-Liter Tank Humidifier, $34 (was $40) at Amazon
- Homvana Cool Mist Top-Fill Humidifier, $30 (was $50) at Amazon
- Everlasting Comfort Large Room 6-Liter Humidifier, $54 (was $75) at Amazon
If you’re dealing with dry skin, frizzy hair, chapped lips, congestion, sore throats, or sinus irritation, a humidifier may be able to help, according to the experts. Find out for yourself for less by scoring the Levoit 3-Liter Cool Mist Humidifier for just $37 at Amazon.
