Humidifier

[Inconnu]

I need to get a new humidifier for the bass room. What's the best choice between a cool mist and a warm moisture type ?

[Bill Bentgen]

I use two Hunter Permawick humidifiers. It's not a warm moisture type, but don't know if it would be classified as "cool mist" either. I use two because my bass area has a high ceiling and isn't enclosed from the rest of the house. The two humidifiers plus the humidifier on the central heating keeps the bass area around 45% during the winter.

These humidifiers are better than others I've used in the past because the filters are easily cleaned and/or replaced. (I have 2 sets of filters so that I can replace them quickly and run the other set through the dishwasher.) They also use a pump to trickle water to the top of the filter rather than using wicking action. They're under 60 bucks each at Home Depot.

[Cody Sisk]

I have done some experimentation with humidifiers for those unlucky orchestra directors who are housed in portables. The best humidifier option I have found to combat the 11% humidity blowing from the heater vents is several of the cheaper warm mist humidifiers. You shouldn't need more than one within 5-10 feet of your bass to keep sufficient moisture levels.

The evaporative types were unable to keep up with the constant drying the heating was doing. The cool mist devices seemed to only humidify a couple cubic yards..

[baileyboy]

Some additional tips when relative humidity falls below 45 degrees:
1) Humidifier hooked up to furnace so moisture blows through heating ducts
2) Kettle on top of wood stove so moisture is constantly being added to the air
3) Do not put exhaust fan on when you shower- this can add up to a pint of water to your home
4) Water house plants often
5) Get clothes rack to hang-dry clothes indoors
6) Add Zorb-It packets to bass case- they add/release humidity as needed

Other than these tips, I use warm mist humidifiers-they generally don't need filters as do the cool mist type, so are easier to maintain.

[drurb]

I greatly prefer evaporative to misting type humidifiers in a "normal" household environment. The misting types can leave residue and can over-humidify.

[Cody Sisk]

Having one of these bad boys helps to determine which course of action to take...

[Inconnu]

Thanks. I'm getting a warm mist one today, one with a built in humidistat and that comes on and off as needed. The room where the bass is doesn't get all that dry, just enough to keep me worried all winter ! I guess it'll do the trick.