If there’s one thing that anyone who owns a computer knows, it’s that you don’t want to get it wet. Water is the enemy of any electronic device, and if you’ve ever spilled near your phone or laptop, you know the consequences can be dire.
The fact that computers and moisture don’t mix may have you wondering, “Is it safe to have a humidifier near electronics?” Whether you work at home or commute to an office,keeping a humidifier in your workspace can make you more comfortable and help with uncomfortable distractions, like dry skin and congestion. But you may have heard that using a humidifier near a computer is risky and can cause problems with the internal components, leading to a breakdown.
We have good news: If you use the right humidifier correctly, it’s perfectly safe in a room with a computer or other electronic components.
Humidity and Computers
The primary concern about humidity and computers is the effect that moisture has on the internal components. In short, when the relative humidity in the room is too high, it can create condensation that leads to corrosion and short circuits. If the humidifier is too close to the device, the air intake fan can suck in moisture, which will also contribute to corrosion. This damp air can also mix with dust, creating a thick, paste-like mixture that blocks airflow and causes overheating.
However, dry air is just as detrimental. When the air gets too dry, there’s an increased potential for static electricity. Not only can touching a computer when there’s a build-up of static give you a nasty shock, but it can destroy the internal components and circuitry.
Because too much or too little humidity is detrimental to computers, IT experts recommend keeping the relative humidity within a 30% to 60% range, with 50% being ideal. If the air in your office tends to be on the drier side, the best way to achieve that ideal humidity is with a humidifier.
How to Safely Use a Humidifier in a Room With a Computer
The short answer to the question, “Can I have a humidifier in a room with a computer?” is “Yes.” But to get the most out of both devices, you need to carefully select the humidifier, put it in the correct place, and monitor the overall humidity in the space.
Choose the Right Humidifier
Running a humidifier that creates a constant stream of mist isn’t ideal when using a computer or other electronics. These devices create heavy water droplets that can land on surfaces and wreak havoc on your devices. A better option is to use an evaporative humidifier, like the newCanopy Portable Humidifier. This model uses a hybrid method to hydrate, which combines evaporative technology—which uses a fan to disperse water from within the unit without heating it—and a light mist that can be directed by the unit’s fan and angled grate.
In addition to choosing the right type of humidifier, you can safely use it near a computer if it’s the right size. This compact portable humidifier offers a 4-foot radius, keeping the moisture where you need it most in a small office or cubicle. If you have a larger enclosed office, try the originalCanopy Bedside Humidifier. For an open-concept space, try theCanopy Large Room Humidifier. Both devices are completely evaporative, so you don’t have to worry about placement.
Smart features like an automatic shutoff and humidity detection can also help protect your computer from excessive moisture. The larger units will detect humidity levels and cycle on and off accordingly to prevent over-humidification. The Portable Humidifier offers low, medium, and high options you can select based on your needs.
Don’t Run the Humidifier Too Close to Your Computer
Placing the humidifier at an appropriate distance from the computer can also help prevent damage. The air directly around the humidifier has the most concentrated moisture, but the percentage decreases as you move away from it. Keep your humidifier at a safe distance from the computer, or use one designed for smaller spaces. The Canopy Portable Humidifier has a hydration radius of about 4 feet, making it ideal for use on your desk or while traveling and commuting without putting your electronics at risk.
If you’re still concerned about the moisture around your computer, angle your humidifier away from it and adjust the mist to a lower level.
Now that you have the answer to “Are humidifiers bad for computers?” shop for the perfectCanopy device for your office or workspace.
FAQs
Running a humidifier that creates a constant stream of mist isn't ideal when using a computer or other electronics. These devices create heavy water droplets that can land on surfaces and wreak havoc on your devices.
Are humidifiers safe around computers? ›
4. Close to your tech products. Similar to getting too close to anything electrical, you don't want your humidifier to be putting out mist that falls directly on your phone, computer, tablet or TV that would be harmed by water damage.
Can I put a humidifier next to my TV? ›
You should avoid putting your humidifier near air vents, in direct sunlight, and close to electronic devices. As humidifiers vaporize water and expel it in the air, placing it near electronic devices can lead to short circuits, which is a safety hazard.
How far away should a humidifier be from you? ›
Keeping a humidifier at least three or more feet away from where you sit or lie can help eliminate the risk of directly inhaling the humidity that the humidifier releases.
What is the greatest hazard of using a humidifier? ›
Lung issues, from flu-like symptoms to serious infection, are your main worries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Experts have also identified something they call “humidifier fever,” a form of viral lung inflammation caused by colonized humidifier bacteria.
How close can a humidifier be to a computer? ›
Don't Run the Humidifier Too Close to Your Computer
The Canopy Portable Humidifier has a hydration radius of about 4 feet, making it ideal for use on your desk or while traveling and commuting without putting your electronics at risk.
Where should you not use a humidifier? ›
Warm mist humidifiers
They should not be used in children's rooms, nurseries, or within reach of household pets. Because the water in a warm mist humidifier is boiled to create steam, the mist from these humidifiers has less of a chance (if any) of dispersing bacteria and other organic pollutants into the air.
Should I close the windows when using a humidifier? ›
Air Quality
Most people can only open their windows during the mild spring and fall weather. Unfortunately, allergens also peak during these seasons. Keeping the windows shut while running the humidifier may be a better solution for achieving a comfortable temperature, ideal moisture levels, and breathable air.
Is it bad to sleep too close to a humidifier? ›
Also, while keeping a humidifier near your bed for fast and quick relief is fine, be sure to maintain a reasonable distance so that you're actually diffusing moisture through the air rather than directly inhaling it!
Should you leave a humidifier on all night? ›
Although running your humidifier all night is perfectly safe, there are humidifier safety tips to bear in mind: Monitor your home humidity levels: The optimal home humidity levels range from 40% to 60%. Humidity levels exceeding 60% create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, which can infiltrate your home.
Dirty water tanks and filters in humidifiers can grow bacteria and mold. This mainly can cause problems for people with asthma and allergies.
What are the symptoms of humidifier sickness? ›
Under appropriate exposure conditions susceptible individuals may succumb to an episode of humidifier fever, an influenza-like illness with pyrexia and malaise as the main symptoms, but cough, chest tightness, dyspnoea and weight loss may also be seen.
Can I use tap water in my humidifier? ›
So, can you use tap water in a humidifier? While you technically can; it's not recommended. Instead, look for demineralized, distilled, and purified water at the store. This kind of water is less likely to result in mold and bacteria growth inside your humidifier.
Will a humidifier break electronics? ›
depends on the humidity in the air around the pc and other components. if you are in a dry environment and the humidifier creates a normal humidity level then you are fine. if the humidity is high then you might have problems as high humidity can cause electrical failure due to condensation.
Is humidity bad for computers? ›
Computers need proper cooling to function well and prevent overheating, especially in hot and humid environments. Excess heat and moisture can damage the components, cause performance issues, and shorten the lifespan of your device.
Will humidity damage electronics? ›
How does high humidity affect electronics? When it's humid, the air is filled with moisture – and this can have some big impacts on a huge range of consumer electronics. Dampness can cause rusting and corrosion to the exterior or, if there's a point of ingress, the interior too.
Is it safe to sleep near a humidifier? ›
Running a clean humidifier while sleeping is quite useful and safe because it moisturizes the skin, mouth, and throat. However, it is critical to keep humidity levels in the air below 30 percent. Humidifiers require cleaning at least one time a week. Additionally, you must empty, rinse, and dry the base and tank daily.
