Humidifiers come in all shapes, sizes, and apparently, animal likeness. While variety is always a good thing for consumers, knowing which product is best for your specific needs and home can be a daunting task. 

To clear up some of the confusion, our colleagues at Consumer Reports put together an interactive video for humidifier-buyers, detailing the various tests they perform, along with a few tips for picking the unit that makes the most sense for their needs.

The video is divided into five chapters — Cool Mist, Warm Mist, Key Features, Room Size, and Maintenance — that viewers can use to jump to features that matter most to them in their search for a new device.

There are generally two types of humidifier: cool mist and warm mist. Each device is suited for a different need. While cool mist humidifiers are great for warm, dry climates, warm mist humidifiers are suited more for dry, cool climates.

Cool and warm mist devices also differ in their construction, cool mist uses filters, while dry mist doesn’t. Warm mist uses more electricity, while cool mist doesn’t.

These are all factors CR suggests potential buyers keep in mind, as well as whether or not a unit is convenient for your home and lifestyle.

For example, size really does matter. If you opt for too large of a unit, you could end up with excess condensation, which can result in a mold problem.

The interactive video also has you covered once you bring home your unit, with tips and tricks to keep your humidifier in tip-top shape.

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