How to get the best out of a Humidifier and Diffuser in Summer

In the summer, humidifiers can help stabilize your home’s temperature and your body temperature. The cool mist from a humidifier can also be refreshing on warm days.

I have been using the GuruNanda Saltair Lamp & Essential Oil Diffuser for some weeks now. It does a quadruple duty. Not only does it feature pure Himalayan salt, but it is also an essential oil diffuser, room humidifier, and a soft, soothing, colour-changing night light all in one.

With a 100 ml capacity, it runs for up to 2.5 hours at a time and has an auto shut-off feature so you can rest easier.  It’s the essential sleep enhancer that every bedroom needs.

 

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It is advantageous to utilize a humidifier and diffuser to create a pleasant and healthful atmosphere. Here are some effective ways to use both devices during this season:

Using a Humidifier in Summer

1. Monitor Humidity Levels:
   • Check Humidity: Use a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels. Ideal indoor humidity is typically between 30% and 50%. In summer, high humidity levels might make the air feel sticky, so you may not need to use the humidifier as much.
   • Adjust Accordingly: If indoor humidity falls below 30%, consider using a humidifier. In areas with naturally high humidity, you might only need to use it occasionally or not at all.

2. Choose the Right Type:

1. • Evaporative Humidifiers: These are self-regulating and can be a good option as they add moisture to the air only when needed.
   • Cool Mist Humidifiers: These are preferable in summer as they do not add heat to the air, keeping the room feeling cool.

3. Set Up Properly:

1. • Location: Place the humidifier in a central location, but not too close to walls or furniture. Ensure it’s on a flat surface.
   • Clean Regularly: Clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent mold and bacteria growth. This is especially important in warmer weather when humidity can exacerbate these issues.

4. Use Wisely:

1. • Nighttime Use: Using a humidifier at night can help with respiratory comfort, especially if you’re using air conditioning which can dry out the air.
   • Air Conditioning: If you’re running air conditioning, a humidifier can help counteract the dry air it often produces.

Using a Diffuser in Summer

1. Select Appropriate Essential Oils:
   • Cooling Scents: Opt for essential oils with refreshing and cooling properties, such as peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus oils like lemon and orange. These can help create a revitalizing atmosphere during hot weather.
   • Avoid Heavy Scents: Steer clear of heavy or overly warm oils like cinnamon or clove, which might feel overpowering in the summer heat.

2. Diffuse Strategically:

1. • Cooling Spaces: Place the diffuser in areas where you spend time relaxing, like living rooms or bedrooms, to enjoy the cooling benefits of the essential oils.
   • Avoid Overuse: In summer, you may need to use the diffuser less frequently or for shorter periods to avoid overwhelming the senses with strong scents.

3. Adjust Settings:

1. • Mist Output: Use a lower mist setting if the room is already humid or if the weather is particularly hot. This helps prevent the room from becoming too damp.
   • Timer Functions: Utilize the timer function if your diffuser has one, to ensure it runs for an appropriate amount of time without over-saturating the air.

4. Maintain Cleanliness:

1. • Regular Cleaning: Clean the diffuser regularly to prevent the buildup of essential oils and mold. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, typically involving rinsing and wiping down the unit.

Combining Both Devices

1. Balance Humidity and Aroma:
   • Optimal Use: If using both devices, ensure that the humidity level does not become too high, which could make the space feel uncomfortable. Use a hygrometer to keep track.
   • Aroma Distribution: Place the diffuser in a separate area from the humidifier to distribute aroma evenly without interfering with humidity levels.

2. Energy Efficiency:

1. • Use Wisely: Run both devices as needed rather than continuously. This helps maintain comfort without overworking either device.

3. Room Size Considerations:

1. • Appropriate Sizes: Match the size of your humidifier and diffuser to the room size. Large rooms may require more powerful devices, while smaller rooms benefit from appropriately sized units.

By using a humidifier and diffuser thoughtfully during summer, you can enhance comfort and create a pleasant living environment, even as temperatures rise.

Benefits of Using a Humidifier and Diffuser in Summer

Even though summer is typically associated with higher humidity levels, using a humidifier and diffuser can still offer several benefits. Here’s how each device can enhance your summer experience:

Benefits of Using a Humidifier in Summer

1. Improved Air Quality:
   • Counteract Air Conditioning Dryness: Air conditioning can dry out indoor air, leading to dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory discomfort. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, mitigating these effects.
   • Reduce Static Electricity: Increased moisture levels can help decrease static electricity, which is beneficial for both comfort and protecting electronics.

2. Enhanced Comfort:

1. • Prevents Dry Skin: Maintaining optimal humidity levels can prevent your skin from becoming dry and irritated, which can be particularly useful when spending time in air-conditioned environments.
   • Relief from Allergies: Proper humidity levels can help alleviate allergy symptoms by preventing dry air from aggravating respiratory issues and maintaining the natural moisture in nasal passages.

3. Improved Sleep Quality:

1. • Comfortable Sleeping Environment: A humidifier can help create a more comfortable sleeping environment by preventing the air from becoming too dry, which can improve sleep quality and reduce nighttime coughing or snoring.

4. Preservation of Wooden Furniture:

1. • Prevent Cracking: If you have wooden furniture or musical instruments, maintaining proper humidity can help prevent them from drying out and cracking due to the dry air from air conditioning.

Benefits of Using a Diffuser in Summer

1. Refreshing Aroma:
   • Cooling Scents: Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus can create a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere, helping you feel more energized and relaxed during hot weather.
   • Mood Enhancement: The pleasant aroma from a diffuser can boost mood and promote a sense of well-being, making hot summer days more enjoyable.

2. Aromatherapy Benefits:

1. • Stress Relief: Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile can have calming effects, helping you unwind and reduce stress even during the busy summer months.
   • Respiratory Support: Oils like eucalyptus and tea tree can support respiratory health, providing relief from allergens or seasonal colds.

3. Natural Insect Repellent:

1. • Bug Repellent: Certain essential oils, such as citronella and lavender, can act as natural insect repellents, helping to keep bugs at bay during outdoor activities or inside your home.

4. Improved Air Quality:

1. • Freshening Air: A diffuser can help freshen indoor air by adding pleasant scents, which can be especially beneficial if you have indoor pets or if the air inside your home feels stale.

Combining Both Devices

1. Balanced Environment:
   • Optimal Humidity Levels: Using both a humidifier and a diffuser can help you maintain a balanced indoor environment. A humidifier ensures the air doesn’t become too dry, while a diffuser adds pleasant scents and can complement the humidity.

2. Enhanced Relaxation:

1. • Comfort and Aroma: Combining the moisturizing effects of a humidifier with the calming or invigorating scents from a diffuser can create a relaxing and comfortable space, enhancing overall well-being during summer.

3. Adaptable Use:

1. • Customizable Comfort: Adjust the settings on both devices to suit your needs. For example, if your home is already humid, use the diffuser alone to enjoy aromatherapy benefits without increasing humidity levels.

By comprehending and utilizing the advantages of both a humidifier and a diffuser, you can elevate comfort, enhance air quality, and establish a delightful living atmosphere during the summer season. To learn more, explore how these devices can transform your space