An air humidifier is an indispensable device for normalizing the indoor microclimate. can not only humidify, but also purify, heat or cool the air.
Low humidity levels negatively affect the general well-being of people, floor coverings, furniture and plants.
This means that in order to avoid negative reactions, you need to take a closer look at this electrical appliance and think about purchasing it.
Using a functional device is quite simple , but choosing the best model requires certain knowledge. The rest of the article provides an overview of all the important parameters that will help you choose the best humidifier for your apartment or house.
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What is a humidifier?
For your information! An air humidifier is a modern electrical climate control device designed to increase the level of humidity in rooms.
The device is characterized by high performance, silent operation, ease of operation and maintenance, as well as safety.
Therefore, it is great for families with small children.
An air humidifier helps to clean the room efficiently , since all particles of dust and dirt settle in the filters of the device and are eliminated by washing the humidifier.
As a result, the air becomes not only more humid, but also cleaner.
The benefits of a humidifier
When ventilated in winter, the room cools down, which can lead to colds in the family. In this case, half an hour after closing the windows, the air humidity will decrease again, as the heating system and, possibly, additional heating devices are working.
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The best option to stabilize the microclimate in the apartment is to use a humidifier, which has many advantages :
- Dry air has a detrimental effect on the mucous membrane of the eyes. They quickly get tired, become inflamed, and are susceptible to various diseases. Using a humidifier will help avoid these unpleasant sensations.
- The skin also becomes dry. Itching, peeling, and microcracks appear, which indicates an imbalance in the water balance in the room. In this case, the device will be of great benefit for normalizing humidity.
- Infections that penetrate through dry mucous membranes of the mouth and nose easily enter the human body, since overdried organs cannot normally perform their protective functions. As a result, a person is more likely to become infected than others. The device will not only reduce the incidence of illness, but will also have a strengthening effect on human immunity.
- With a lack of moisture, allergic and asthmatic attacks become more frequent. It is during such phenomena that sufficient humidity in the room is necessary.
- A person’s well-being and tone directly depend on the amount of oxygen in the blood. By inhaling moisture-saturated air, the body is filled with vitality and energy.
In a dry room, wood furniture quickly dries out and loses its appearance and consumer value. The air humidifier will have a beneficial effect if the water intended for refilling it (according to the instructions) is free of foreign impurities and salts. Otherwise, the surfaces of the furniture will become covered with a cloudy coating.
Dry air is harmful to musical instruments, paintings, works of art, since a certain level of humidity in the house is a prerequisite for their storage. Plants, just like humans, do not tolerate a lack of moisture indoors. The functioning of the device improves all biological processes occurring in plants.
In what cases is it necessary?
Dry air in an apartment or office becomes a common cause of the development of many diseases.
You should know! It is for this reason that doctors recommend installing humidifiers for preventive purposes to protect yourself and your loved ones from colds.
The device will be especially effective during the heating season , when the air temperature in the room rises significantly.
Thanks to the ability to clean the air from dust, the device will become indispensable for people suffering from allergies.
Lack of moisture harms not only people, but also indoor plants.
Without receiving enough liquid, flowers may wither or lose freshness, which means that those who like to work with plants should not refuse to purchase a functional home assistant.
How to know when it's time to buy a humidifier
If it is easy to judge the dryness of the air by indoor plants - their growth may stop, their leaves may fall off and wither, and they also require watering more often, then a person cannot always understand the cause of the ailment based on his own condition. However, it is dry air that affects premature aging of the skin, difficulty breathing and even headaches.
Dry air is also harmful to furniture; it can cause beautiful and expensive parquet flooring to deteriorate. Even some types of equipment are sensitive to lack of humidity.
To make a house comfortable to live in, the humidity should be in the range of forty to sixty percent. If indirect signs do not convince you, purchase a hygrometer and use the device to check what your actual humidity level is. And if it turns out that it is significantly lower than the specified range, the issue of the need to purchase a humidifier will be resolved. All that remains is to figure out which model to choose. First of all, you need to decide on the type of device.
Types of devices
There are three types of air humidifiers on the domestic market of household appliances , each of which has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Having studied them, choosing a device that suits all parameters will not be difficult, even if such a gadget is purchased for the home for the first time.
Traditional
The operating principle of traditional humidifiers is the cold evaporation of water.
Inside the device there are trays with mesh cartridges located in them - they are moistened with water coming from a separate container.
Due to the built-in fan, air humidification occurs naturally , however, due to the characteristic noise during operation, the device can interfere with the rest of the household.
Advantages
- automatic regulation of humidity levels;
- no possibility of getting burned;
- high performance;
- air aromatization;
- laconic design;
- acceptable price.
Flaws
- additional costs for replacement cartridges;
- the need to use purified water;
- noise during operation.
Steam
A device that operates on the principle of an electric kettle. The pre-infused water is heated by a built-in ceramic plate or coil, evaporating during the boiling process.
After the liquid has completely boiled away, the relay is activated, and then the device turns off.
The steam humidifier equipped with a hygrostat and an inhaler used for therapeutic purposes.
Advantages
- highly efficient work;
- instant humidification of the air mass;
- use of any water;
- Possibility of use as an inhaler;
- attractive appearance.
Flaws
- electricity consumption;
- risk of being burned by hot steam;
- The device makes noise while humidifying.
Ultrasonic
The most popular type of humidifier, characterized by rapid humidification of air masses in both small and large rooms.
After pressing the power button, water flows from the reservoir onto a plate vibrating in the ultrasonic range.
Vibration breaks up the liquid into tiny droplets.
They are light in weight and easily rise into the air, creating a cold mist in the room that does not pose any danger to the user.
Advantages
- the ability to set the required humidity level;
- operational safety;
- a large set of additional options;
- convenient control panel;
- high-quality air purification;
- low power consumption;
- compactness and light weight;
- silent operation.
Flaws
- higher cost;
- the need for regular cleaning of the device.
Types of air humidifiers for apartments: their features, operating principle, advantages and disadvantages
Excessive dry air in the house negatively affects not only the well-being, but also the health of the people in it. It is not always possible to increase the humidity level by opening windows, especially in the cold season, when heating devices dry out the air greatly. Properly selected climate control equipment can solve this problem, however, among the variety of equipment, choosing the most suitable humidifier is quite difficult.
In this article we will look at the main types and types of air humidifiers for an apartment, and also tell you what you should pay attention to when choosing a device.
Functions and purpose of an air humidifier in an apartment
The main task of any humidifier is to create a favorable indoor microclimate by saturating the air with moisture. However, devices often have expanded functionality, implying the ability to purify, aromatize and ionize air.
Conventionally, all air humidifiers can be divided into four categories. Home units are divided into cold humidification devices, hot humidification devices and ultrasonic type devices. The last, fourth type of device - an atomizer - works on the principle of atomization and is rarely found in everyday life.
All of the above types of humidifiers are described in more detail below.
Classic cold humidifiers
The operating principle of classic humidifiers is based on the natural evaporation of water, that is, without thermal heating. In this case, the humidification itself occurs due to the volatilization of water molecules: from a special reservoir, water enters the pan and from there it is redirected to special evaporation devices - a filter, cartridge or disk.
The most budget devices work with replaceable paper filters, which quickly break down. As a rule, they need to be changed at least once every 2-3 months. The water in such humidifiers rises, gradually filling the expansion chamber with moisture, and then enters the room.
In more expensive models, instead of thin paper filters, special plastic discs are used that accumulate moisture due to gradual rotation inside the unit. Then the cooler comes into operation, which, by blowing the evaporative elements, pushes the humidified air into the room.
It should be noted that along with humidification, the air in the room being served is also cleaned, because the cooler moves the air through filters, on which all the contaminants contained in it are deposited.
An obvious advantage of humidifiers of this type is the automatic regulation of humidity levels: the lower the air humidity in the room, the higher the performance of the device. At the same time, there is no need to monitor this process - the humidifier independently regulates its own operation.
The average productivity of traditional devices is 3-9 liters per day, and energy consumption is only 16-60 watts, depending on the power of the specific model.
It is best to use distilled water, since regular tap water will quickly clog the cartridge, and you will have to change consumables more often than usual. In addition, the modern market also offers so-called “softening” cartridges that can easily cope with water hardness. However, their cost is significantly higher than average.
One of the most popular classic cold-type humidifiers is Philips HU4801/01, which has the following technical characteristics:
- continuous operation time: 8 hours;
- water tank capacity: 2 l;
- water consumption: 200 ml/h;
- evaporation intensity/fan speed adjustment: yes;
- noise level: 26 dB;
- dimensions: 340x250x250 mm;
- approximate cost: 5,650 rub.
Steam humidifiers
Steam humidifiers work on the principle of an electric kettle, heating the system using a spiral or ceramic plate. During the boiling process, the water from the device begins to evaporate, and when it completely boils away, a special relay is activated and the device turns off.
A special feature of this type of device is its high safety requirements. Thus, you can turn on the humidifier only if it is assembled and the electrodes are hidden inside the housing.
Increased fire safety measures make steam units as reliable as conventional electric kettles with automatic shut-off.
Some models of humidifiers are equipped with special attachments that allow you to use the device as an inhaler.
The productivity of steam appliances traditionally lies in the range of 6-17 liters per day, while the power of this type of humidifier is much higher than that of its predecessors - from 200 to 800 W.
At the same time, compared to traditional type humidifiers, steam ones are more expensive. The reason for this is a significant complication of the design (ceramic or metal heater, additional sensors, etc.).
Among steam humidifiers, the following models are especially popular:
- STADLER FORM FRED F-005EH: service area: 40 m2;
- water tank capacity: 3.7 l;
- water consumption: 340 ml/h;
- evaporation intensity adjustment: yes;
- noise level: 26 dB;
- dimensions: 363x267x363 mm;
- approximate cost: 7,690 rubles.
- Boneco S450: serviced area: 60 m2;
- water tank capacity: 7 l;
- water consumption: 550 ml/h;
- evaporation intensity adjustment: yes;
- noise level: 35 dB;
- dimensions: 334x355x240 mm;
- approximate cost: 15,890 rubles.
Ultrasonic device type
Ultrasonic humidifiers are rightfully considered the most modern and effective - in them, liquid from the tank flows onto a special plate that vibrates in the ultrasonic range. Due to vibration, the water is broken into fine drops, which, due to their low weight and the operation of the built-in cooler, easily rise up and saturate the air.
What is important is that the steam coming out of the neck of the device is not hot, and its temperature is only about 40 degrees, so it is impossible to get burned on it.
Another advantage of this type of humidifier is the high accuracy of humidity levels, which is extremely difficult to achieve using a traditional model. Moreover, the operation of such devices is almost silent.
Manufacturers include not only a hygrostat, but also a control panel in the package of some humidifiers. At the same time, there are models with remote control, however, all such innovations negatively affect the cost of the device.
Only thoroughly purified water, ideally distilled, should be poured into devices of this type. Otherwise, impurities contained in the liquid will begin to settle on the surfaces surrounding the device in the form of a whitish coating.
The volume of liquid used in ultrasonic devices is 6-13 liters per day with fairly low energy consumption - only 30-60 W.
Some of the most popular ultrasonic devices today are:
- BALLU UHB 205: service area: 40 m2;
- continuous operation time: 10 hours;
- water consumption: 350 ml/h;
- adjustment of direction/intensity of humidification: yes;
- water tank volume: 3.6 l;
- auto shutdown: yes;
- noise level: 35 dBa;
- dimensions: 160x348x160 mm;
- approximate cost: 3,290 rubles.
- Scarlett SC-986: serviced area: 50 m2;
- continuous operation time: 15 hours;
- water consumption: 300 ml/h;
- adjustment of direction/intensity of humidification: yes;
- water tank volume: 4.5 l;
- auto shutdown: yes;
- approximate cost: 1,990 rubles.
Atomizers (spray type devices)
As mentioned earlier, atomizers - also known as adiabatic humidifiers - are rarely used in everyday life and are used mainly in industry.
The principle of their operation is to distribute moisture under pressure through special nozzles, which allows the device to process fairly large spaces. The drops of water spray that the atomizer sprays have a very small volume - only 3-9 microns. Due to this, they are completely converted into steam, being at a distance of 20-50 cm from the nozzle operating under pressure.
The power of atomizers exceeds all of the above analogues combined and can range from 50 to 250 liters per hour, which allows the device to saturate an entire workshop or warehouse with moisture, so purchasing such a device for the home is simply impractical.
Adiabatic humidifiers are small in size and can be wall mounted. At the same time, the main, and, in fact, the only disadvantage of this type of device is its cost, which is often measured in thousands of dollars.
The advantages of atomizers include the possibility of year-round operation and relatively low energy consumption. At the same time, such humidifiers have a wide range of configuration options - many options can be installed at the user’s request, whereas in ultrasonic and traditional devices this possibility is not provided.
What else should you pay attention to when choosing a device?
When choosing a humidifier, experts strongly recommend paying attention to such technical parameters of the equipment as:
- type of equipment (ultrasonic and traditional humidifiers are best suited for bedrooms and children’s rooms, and steam humidifiers are best for greenhouses);
- area of the serviced premises (the power of the equipment must correspond to the dimensions of the room);
- productivity (the higher it is, the more moisture evaporates, and the more efficient the device is);
- noise level (for bedrooms and children's rooms you should choose the quietest models);
- type of installation and dimensions (for servicing small rooms, it is better to give preference to miniature desktop models);
- difficulty of maintenance (if it is not possible to regularly change consumables, then it is better to choose humidifiers without replaceable filters).
We suggest you familiarize yourself with interesting videos on this topic here:
Thus, household air humidifiers are most often traditional, steam and ultrasonic, and each type of device has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, in each individual case, it is necessary to choose equipment based on your own needs.
Feb 22, 2018A P
Criterias of choice
When you decide to purchase an air humidifier, you should first familiarize yourself with the basic criteria for choosing a functional home assistant.
They will help you purchase the best model for your home with a set of useful options.
Important! Particular attention should be paid to several parameters that determine the operation of the electrical appliance and the ease of its operation.
Performance and service area
The higher the performance indicator, the faster after turning on the device the user will feel how the air in the room has changed.
Powerful models are capable of instantly humidifying the air in large rooms up to 70 sq.m.
However, for a small apartment a model with an area of 30-35 sq.m. will be sufficient.
Placement method
There are two types of humidifiers based on the type of installation: tabletop and floor-standing.
Desktop devices are usually more compact, which is why buyers prefer this option.
Note! Devices designed for installation on the floor are less popular, however, their cost is often lower.
Applied filters and their parameters
Today, popular manufacturers produce air humidifiers with the following types of filter elements :
- carbonic. Made on the basis of activated carbon, which traps allergens and bacteria, as well as eliminates unpleasant odors and impurities in the air;
- coarse - they are a frame with a stretched plastic or metal mesh. The element is used in traditional humidifiers and helps clean the air from large particles of dust, animal hair and insects;
- electrostatic - presented in the form of several plates that create an electrostatic charge in the air flow. Dust particles stick to the positively charged plates, settling in a separate container. The filter is used in ultrasonic devices;
- photocatalytic - a cassette with a catalyst and an ultraviolet lamp. When the catalyst interacts with UV rays, substances with high oxidizing capacity are produced. As a result, almost all mechanical and organic components are destroyed;
- HEPA is a high-tech device that captures microparticles that are in the air. HEPA filters are classified by degree of purification, but expensive models eliminate up to 99% of contaminants.
Water consumption
Keep in mind! A parameter that characterizes the performance of an electrical appliance.
For different models, this figure varies between 20-600 ml per hour.
The more, the faster the device can humidify the air in the room.
Duration of work
The operating time shows how long it will take for the device to exhaust all the water from the tank.
The operating time of the device can be from 5 to 24 hours, but the best option would be a device designed for 12-15 hours of operation.
Noise level
Silent operation of the device will be an incomparable advantage of the device.
Because this will allow you to install the device in any room without worrying about the possibility of disturbing the sleep of loved ones or interfering with their rest.
Remember! The best option is a device with a reading of up to 40 dB - such a device will not be able to distract the user and will do its job without attracting attention.
Control: mechanical, electronic
On sale you can find electrical appliances with mechanical and electronic control types.
The devices are equally easy to use ; however, devices equipped with an electronic control panel are more expensive.
Availability of indicators
The presence of an indication of switching on, water level and filter contamination will help simplify the work with the device.
Indeed, in this way, the user will immediately notice that it is time to fill the humidifier with liquid or insert a replacement filter.
Ultrasonic and traditional humidifying devices
The ultrasonic device is popular among consumers. The principle of operation of an air humidifier is as follows: water from a special container is supplied to a membrane that vibrates at an unusually high frequency. This is how water is transformed into “cold steam” under the influence of high-frequency vibrations (ultrasound).
Air humidity can reach over 70%. If there is a hygrostat, it is possible to regulate the level. On average, the power of such devices is 30-45 W, and the highest at which the device operates is 140 W. Therefore, its use will be beneficial due to its low electricity consumption. There are some other advantages :
- quiet operation of the device;
- precise adjustment of the supplied moisture.
Among the disadvantages is the fragile design: if the vibrating membrane fails, it will need to be replaced with a new one, the cost of which is from 500 to 2 thousand rubles, depending on the type of model. Although financial costs are fully compensated by energy costs (20-50 W). An ultrasonic air humidifier can provide a room with a fairly large amount of moisture, so it is used not only in apartments, but also in winter gardens and greenhouses.
Traditional models have a simple design and work on the principle of natural evaporation of moisture. The fan pumps and then directs the air masses to the filtration wet cartridge.
Passing through it, the air is saturated with moisture and enters the room. The main thing here is to fill the tank with water in a timely manner so that the porous filter can constantly be in contact with the liquid to perform the functions assigned to the device. The performance of a traditional humidifier is directly proportional to the humidity level in the room. The larger it is, the slower evaporation occurs. Due to this, the microclimate in the room is stabilized naturally. Device maintenance consists of :
- timely refilling with liquid;
- cleaning the filter - 2 times a month (rinse under the tap).
We recommend reading: How to humidify the air in a room?
In order for the device to function as best and as long as possible, it is necessary to fill it with distilled, demineralized water. Some manufacturers supplement the design with a cartridge that softens the liquid. This extends the life of the filter and allows you to use regular water.
Additional functions
Modern air humidifiers are equipped with many useful options, which often increase the cost of the device several times.
Attention! In order to purchase a suitable model without spending extra money, it is important to know which functions you cannot do without if there are allergy sufferers or small children in the family.
Air aromatization
The presence of the aromatization function allows you to quickly and effectively get rid of unpleasant odors and conduct an aromatherapy session.
To do this, the user will only have to pour a small amount of essential oil into a special container and place it in the compartment.
Ionization
Models with humidification and ionization functions fill the air in the room with negatively charged ions and cleanse the air masses of various impurities.
In addition, air quality is noticeably improved, and harmful bacteria and germs are completely destroyed.
Ozonation
The function is used to disinfect various objects and surfaces, fight germs and viruses , freshen the air and purify water.
Ultraviolet
For your information! A device with ultraviolet light is distinguished by its ability to neutralize bacteria and viruses that cause colds.
Ultraviolet light destroys the DNA of microorganisms and sterilizes air masses.
Therefore, the user can be sure that he will breathe only clean and fresh air.
Ultrasonic freshener-humidifier
This type of humidifier is considered to be the most effective. In it, liquid from the reservoir flows onto a special plate, which vibrates in the ultrasonic range. With the help of vibration, water breaks up into tiny drops, water dust, which is light in weight and easily rises into the air with the help of a cooler located inside the case.
Humidifiers with an air freshener function may create fog in the room.
Operating principle of an ultrasonic humidifier
At first glance, it may seem that the steam that escapes from the neck of the device is hot, although in reality it is not. It is cold, wet, and poses no harm to the owner.
The advantage of this type of humidifier is the high accuracy of indoor humidity, which is difficult to achieve with traditional models. In addition, the temperature of the steam that comes out of the device is approximately 40 degrees, and this value is the most acceptable. Among the advantages, low noise during operation can be noted.
Some models of air fresheners and humidifiers are equipped with not only a hygrostat, but also a control panel (in some cases it can be touch-sensitive). There are devices with a remote control, however, all these innovations negatively affect the cost of the device itself.
Today there are also decorative models. The design of such devices allows them to be given various shapes (for example, an apple-shaped humidifier). It should be noted that a decorative air humidifier is most often ultrasonic, but there are also traditional devices.
Read more about ultrasonic humidifiers>>>>.
Power
This type of device should only be filled with distilled water. The volume of liquid used is 6-13 liters per day with a fairly low power consumption of electricity (only 30-60 W).
Advantages and disadvantages
Devices of this type have earned popularity due to their efficiency and quiet operation. But sometimes, due to the operation of an ultrasonic humidifier, a white coating may appear on furniture. Using distilled water will help avoid this.
White residue from a humidifier occurs due to the use of tap water
Price categories
The cost of different models of air humidifiers will differ depending on what type of device you choose:
- traditional - you can buy an electrical appliance for 4000-5000 rubles;
- steam - the cost varies between 6,000-10,000 rubles;
- ultrasonic – you can buy the device for 7,000-14,000 rubles.
Types of devices
Currently, there are several types of humidifiers, which differ in operating principles, additional functions and characteristics. Each of them has its own pros and cons. When buying a device, many people wonder how to choose the best air humidifier for an apartment. To do this, you need to familiarize yourself with each of its types.
We recommend that you read: Choosing an ultrasonic humidifier
Steam humidifier. It is clear from its name that the device increases humidity due to the evaporation of moisture. Purified and sterile steam enters the room, the temperature of which varies depending on the model of the device - from 60 to 80 degrees.
The operating principle of a humidifier with a steam function can be imagined by looking at a kettle of boiling water. Manufacturers have added a cleaning device to the design, and some models have steam cooling to protect users.
This device differs from others in its high performance. It has the ability to evaporate up to 600 ml of water per hour, while ultrasonic and mechanical ("traditional") humidifiers evaporate up to approximately 400 ml per hour. The microclimate created by such a device is beneficial for plants. They grow and develop well in a room with a humidity of 60−70%, so steam humidifiers are often used for growing plants in greenhouses.
Another important advantage of a steam device is the lack of consumables. This type does not require replacing the cartridge or filter, therefore there is no need to spend additional money from the family budget. To use it, you only need water, and to keep it clean, you need products that are used to clean a regular kettle.
Some models of steam appliances are equipped with a hygrometer that regulates the humidity level. When the set value is reached, the device automatically turns off.
A steam humidifier without a built-in hygrostat can be used for inhalation and aromatherapy. The kit includes special attachments for performing treatment procedures.
The disadvantage of such a device is its high electricity consumption (up to 400-500 W). To bring water to evaporation, a humidifier must consume a lot of electricity. That is why it is characterized by high performance.
Which option to choose for a children's room?
When choosing a humidifier for installation in a children's room , the following parameters must be taken into account:
- high device performance;
- sufficient volume of water tank;
- presence of a hygrometer;
- low noise level during operation;
- replacement filters and the possibility of purchasing them.
The best option would be an ultrasonic device designed to quickly and, most importantly, efficiently moisturize and purify the air, while eliminating any unpleasant odors.
Important! Humidifiers for children's rooms have an attractive appearance and can be made in the form of your favorite cartoon characters or animals.
They do not have a wide range of functions, however, they are absolutely safe for babies and are inexpensive.
Popular manufacturers
Among the many companies involved in the production of climate control equipment, the most popular are:
- Xiaomi is a trusted Chinese company, widely known for the high quality of its devices and their durability. The best-selling models were:
- VH Man;
- DEM-SJS600;
- CJXJSQ02ZM;
- Smartmi Air Humidifier.
- Electrolux is a Swedish company, one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional and household appliances. According to experts, the following models deserve special attention:
- EHU-3310D/3315D;
- EHU-3710D/3715D;
- YOGA health line EHU-3815D;
- YOGA health line EHU-3810D.
- Stadler Form is a Swiss company that develops and produces household appliances for a comfortable life. The following devices are in great demand among buyers:
- Fred;
- Oskar Original O-020OR;
- Oskar Big Original O-040OR;
- Oskar Little O-060.
- Boneco is a Swiss brand that produces high-quality humidifiers and air purifiers. Among the large number of devices offered by the manufacturer, users choose:
- S200;
- S450;
- S250;
- U700.
See our article with a full rating of humidifiers, which contains the TOP 20 models according to customer ratings and reviews.
conclusions
When choosing a humidifier for your home, you should pay attention to the following points:
- important parameters are productivity and service area, water consumption and operating time ;
- For convenient operation, you also need to take into account the presence of indicators and the type of control ;
- The best option for an apartment and a children's room would be an ultrasonic humidifier with several additional functions.
Which humidifier is better: basic criteria for choosing devices
Thanks to modern technologies, high-quality and functional equipment is entering the market, which is designed to improve the quality of human life. Air humidifiers are aimed not only at maintaining a comfortable level of humidity, many of them effectively purify the air and also prevent the spread of bacteria dangerous to humans.
Air humidifiers maintain a comfortable level of humidity, effectively purify the air, and prevent the spread of bacteria
The stores offer dozens of manufacturers and many models, so most buyers are lost at the sight of such a variety. There are a number of criteria that will allow you to determine the choice of a suitable device and select the best device for specific operating conditions:
- type of humidifier – humidifiers, climate complexes, humidifiers-purifiers (“air washers”);
- humidification rate;
- filtration system;
- type of humidifier (based on operating principle);
- service area;
- power level;
- water tank capacity;
- noise level;
- additional functionality;
- manufacturer.
Humidifiers can have many additional features
How to choose a humidifier for your home based on technical parameters
The speed of air humidification depends on the performance of the device, its power, and the size of the room. The device should be selected with this in mind.
Selecting performance by room size:
| Room area, m? | Productivity (air exchange), m?/h |
| 15 | 45 |
| 20 | 60 |
| 30 | 90 |
| 50 | 150 |
| 80 | 240 |
The power of modern humidifiers is in the range of 20-300 W. The larger the room, the higher this figure should be. When purchasing, it is worth remembering that overly powerful devices consume a large amount of energy.
The service area is indicated by the manufacturer directly on each model. The humidifier must be selected taking into account the size of the room where it will be used. As practice shows, the power declared by the manufacturer does not always correspond to the actual capabilities of the device. This nuance was noticed by many consumers who have already purchased an air humidifier; there are plenty of reviews on this topic on the Internet. For this reason, it is recommended to select a device slightly exceeding the required value.
Selecting a container according to the size of the room:
| Room area, m? | Water tank volume, l |
| 15-20 | 4-5 |
| 30-40 | 6-7 |
| 50-60 | 8-9 |
How to determine noise exposure level:
| Noise level, dB | Manifestation |
| 10 | whisper |
| 20 | normalized noise indicator for residential premises |
| 40 | quiet |
| 50 | average volume |
| 60 | noisy |
| 70 | very noisy |
Which air purifiers-humidifiers are better for the home: choosing a filtration system
Manufacturers of climate control equipment use different types of filters.
Coal - effectively and easily neutralizes smoke, unpleasant odors and chemicals harmful to humans from the room. The disadvantages include a limited service life, because the filtration system must be replaced within the time strictly specified by the manufacturer. If this is not done, bacteria and harmful microorganisms begin to accumulate inside. They are often used in conjunction with other types of filters.
HEPA - the system performs fine cleaning, which removes almost 100% of impurities and harmful substances. This type of filtration systems is used in medical facilities. There are two varieties - washable and replaceable. The maximum service life is 1 year. This type of filters has a high cost.
Filter set for air humidifier - catalytic, combined (deodorizing) and TRUE HEPA filter
Photocatalytic – purification efficiency is 95%. The purification process involves not only the removal of toxic substances from water, but also their further oxidation and decomposition. The air is purified from gases, harmful bacteria and impurities. These filters have long service lives.
Ultraviolet - removes pathogenic bacteria from the air and fungal spores. This type of filter does not require careful care and treatment.
Ionizing (electrostatic) - aimed at trapping charged particles. They do an excellent job of purifying the air from soot and dust, but are not able to eliminate toxic substances. Most often, these filters are used in conjunction with others. Their advantages include low price. Repeated use is allowed.
Coarse cleaning – capable of removing only large dust particles and dirt fragments from the air. Filters can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or washed with water.
The use of filters allows you to clean the air from dust particles
Which air humidifier is better to buy for maximum comfort: additional features
There are humidifiers with improved functionality on sale. Such structures are capable of performing several functions at once and maintaining the air in an optimal state for humans. The ionization option allows you to improve the quality of cleaning in your home. Due to particles with a negative charge, dust settles. To remove it, just do a wet cleaning or vacuum the floor. You can buy an ionizer and humidifier for your home at almost any HVAC store.
Devices with an ozonation option disinfect indoor air. Some humidifiers have an aroma function. Natural essential oil is added to a special container, due to which the humidified air acquires a pleasant aroma.
Among the additional functions in demand are air aromatization and the possibility of hot inhalations.
There are humidifiers with additional functionality:
- Ability to adjust the intensity of humidification - thanks to this function, the user can change the intensity of humidification if necessary.
- Hydrostat - due to this addition, the device can control the level of humidity in the room and, if necessary, turn off. The device turns off automatically as soon as the humidity reaches the norm. Many steam humidifiers do not have this feature, which is not very convenient.
- Possibility of adjusting the direction of flows - the user can manually set the device so that the flows of moist air are directed in a certain direction, for example, towards flowers or away from the outlet.
- Car adapter – a device used to maintain normal humidity levels in a car. The cigarette lighter is used as a power source.
