The best humidifier for an apartment. What harm can a humidifier cause? Which is better: ultrasonic humidifier or traditional

Is the air in your apartment too dry? Do houseplants wilt from lack of moisture? It is urgent to take action! Dry air adversely affects human health, as the mucous membranes dry out and there is a threat of respiratory diseases. To prevent this phenomenon in your apartment, you need to purchase a humidifier.

To date, there is a large selection of different models of this kind of devices, they do not need to be mounted, since the humidifier is a small device that does not take up much space and does not produce a large amount of noise.

This article will discuss the types of humidifiers and the key parameters that you should pay attention to when buying.

Choosing the right type of humidifier

Before buying a humidifier, you must first select its type, because each one acts in its own price category.

Today there are three types of humidifiers.

1) Ultrasonic;
2) Steam;
3) Traditional.

Ultrasonic

A common and popular type of air humidifier. Water is converted into "cold steam" using high-frequency vibrations (ultrasound). This type is suitable for moistening plants, because air humidity can reach over 70%. If the model has a humidistat, then you can adjust the humidity level. The average power of such humidifiers is 30-45 watts. , and the maximum is 140 W. Therefore, the use of ultrasonic humidifiers is advantageous due to low power consumption.

The ultrasonic humidifier is notable for its silent operation and the presence of additional functions (ionization, aromatization, ozonation, water heating, use as a night light, etc.). The more functions built into the humidifier, the higher its cost. Therefore, you need to first decide which functions are necessary and which should be abandoned.

An ultrasonic humidifier is suitable for those who have small children in the family, because it is completely safe. Many will surely like the availability of this type of device, because the cost varies from 700 to 9000 rubles, where everyone will choose the right model for themselves.

There are also unpleasant sides - they are “finicky” to the quality of the water used, therefore they require special care. Timely replacement and cleaning of cartridges, filters, use of purified or distilled water.

Steam humidifiers  occupy an average price category, they work on the “kettle” principle. That is, when the water is heated, the water boils, turns into steam and thereby humidifies the room. Such humidifiers are not picky about the quality of the water used, there are no cartridges and replaceable filters in the design, and some models can be used instead of an inhaler. Room humidity when using this type of device can reach over 60%. It would seem that everything is simple, but this type of humidifier has a number of disadvantages that make you think about purchasing it.

If there are small children in the house, carefully choose the place to install the appliance, otherwise the child may accidentally burn himself. In addition, steam humidifiers are noisy during operation and consume more electricity than other types of humidifiers.

"Traditional"

Prices for traditional types of humidifiers are high and unaffordable for many. The principle of operation is "cold" evaporation. Pallets are installed inside the case, they contain special mesh cartridges that are wetted with water coming from a special barrel. Humidification is achieved naturally through the built-in fan. A conventional humidifier can humidify rooms up to a maximum of 60%. The operation of the built-in fan can be unpleasant due to the characteristic noise during operation. Traditional humidifiers have a simple but austere design that won't attract the attention of young children, which in turn will be noted by any parent.

Served area

Agree, it is not wise to use an overly powerful humidifier in a small apartment. Therefore, to choose the right model, rely on the size of your room in which you plan to use the device. Try to choose a more comparable model in terms of the size of the serviced area of ​​a particular room, and not the entire apartment as a whole.

Power consumption

The power depends on the type of humidifier. Steam humidifiers differ from others in that their power consumption varies from 300 to 600 W . In fact, this is a lot, and affects power consumption. But there is one useful plus - high performance (300-360 ml \ h ), although it is not always justified. If your home has low humidity levels, it means your humidifier will run more often, so don't be surprised when you get your electricity bill. The use of ultrasonic models is advantageous. The average power of ultrasonic humidifiers is 30-45W, but there are also more powerful models - 100-140W.  Despite such power, the productivity is high and averages 150-250ml/h. The power of traditional type humidifiers is small, generally does not exceed 40 W . But the performance depends not only on the power, but also on the level of humidity in the room. In this case, the water consumption is from 200 to 500 ml/h.

Water tank capacity, consumption and operating time

These parameters are interconnected. The larger the tank capacity, the longer the device will work. A capacious reservoir affects the dimensions of the humidifier. In this case, something must be sacrificed. For a room up to 20 m 2, it would be logical to use a humidifier with a small capacity from 200 ml to 2.5 liters. If the area of ​​​​the room is from 20 to 40 m 2, then a humidifier with a capacity of 2.5 to 5 liters is suitable. If the area of ​​the premises is above 40 m2, then it is worth choosing humidifiers with a capacity of more than 5 liters.

Water consumption for each model of humidifier is different. The parameter is responsible for how much water will be consumed by the humidifier per hour. The optimal value is 150-300 mg / h. With this value and the capacity of the water tank of about 5 liters, the duration of work will be a little more than a day.

Control

The presence of a display and control buttons allows you to use the humidifier with maximum comfort. Mostly there are models with mechanical buttons . But if you want to purchase a humidifier equipped with a display, touch buttons  or electronic controls , then you can always find a suitable option in any price range.

Additional features and capabilities

In addition to its main purpose, a humidifier can be useful to users due to various additional functions.

Evaporation intensity adjustments

Almost every humidifier supports the ability to adjust the intensity of evaporation . Basically, this setting is done manually using touch or mechanical keys. However, you can find models with automatic intensity control, according to pre-entered values. The humidifier selects the most suitable humidification mode for itself.

The presence of a timer

The presence of a timer  allows you to automatically turn on the humidifier at a specified time, for example, before going to bed, and turn off the device after a few hours of operation.

Hygrostat

A hygrostat is a relay that maintains a predetermined humidity level by automatically turning the device on and off. Therefore, when choosing a humidifier, you need to pay attention to the presence of this sensor , otherwise you will have a constant overabundance of humidity in your house.

But if you like the model of the humidifier that does not have a humidistat, don't be upset, there is a way out! To do this, you can purchase a separate weather station that will show the level of humidity. Such a measurement technique will be even more accurate, since the built-in hygrostat is located close to the source of humidity, so the values ​​\u200b\u200bare a certain fraction of the error.

Ionization function

A humidifier with an ionization function is good for health, since at the time of operation the air is saturated with negatively charged ions, and human blood with oxygen. Moreover, dust is absorbed. The ionization function can also eliminate unpleasant odors from the room, such as suppressing the smell of tobacco smoke.

There are several important factors you should be aware of:

1) You can not abuse the ionization function, since an excess of negatively charged ions also does not lead to anything good. This is due to the fact that with a large accumulation of heavy air ions, dust is retained in the respiratory tract by 40% more, and this is harmful to health;
2) Dust particles become heavier and quickly settle on the furniture;
3) It is necessary to take care of the ionizing element in a timely manner.

Remote control

Sometimes you want to control the device without getting up from the sofa or bed. This is possible with some models of humidifiers. The main thing is that the remote control is included in the package.

Aromatization

Some models of humidifiers have an aroma function . With the help of special devices (capsules for aromatic oils), the room is not only moistened, but a note of incense appears in it. Such use has a positive effect on the psychological level, in such a humid room it will be much easier to relieve stress and relax. Whether or not you need this option is a matter of personal taste.

Design . This price category includes exclusively ultrasonic humidifiers, which differ in size, tank volume, power and functionality. You can find interesting models with a unique design that will perfectly fit into the “special” interior of the apartment. As a rule, budget models are designed for rooms with a small area.

The middle price category (4000-8000 rubles)  includes both ultrasonic and traditional humidifiers. The presence of additional functions and options, affects primarily the price. Models of such humidifiers are more suitable for rooms with a larger area, they are more powerful, and each is equipped with a display.

Over 8,000 rubles are available for purchase for all three types of air humidifiers . The main purpose is to humidify rooms with a large area. Many models are equipped with a hygrostat, aromatization and ionization functions. They allow you to quickly and effectively humidify and clean not only the home microclimate, but also any office space.

That's all for me, thank you for your attention.

Our health and mood depend on many factors, among which an important place is occupied by the surrounding microclimate, in particular, the relative humidity of the air. Everyone suffers from a lack of humidity: furniture with parquet that is drying out, and indoor plants, which first slow down their growth, and then die altogether. The dry climate is especially bad for children. When such air is inhaled, the mucous membranes dry out, resulting in an increased risk of respiratory and infectious diseases due to a decrease in the protective functions of the body.

The conclusion is obvious - it is necessary to take urgent measures to combat the increased dryness of the climate for your apartment or house.

All models of household humidifiers do not require installation and are able to work around the clock in a closed room (room, office, study, etc.). Do not be afraid to install it in the bedroom, the noise level of the device is so low that it will not disturb your sleep.

The humidifier is very easy to operate. You just need to fill the tank with water and plug it into the socket, the device will do the rest. Many people ask the question: how to choose which air humidifier is best? The answer to it depends on the operating conditions and the requirements that apply to the humidifier. The Rusclimat company offers models from well-known manufacturers:, and. Using the most popular models as an example, let's see what kind of microclimate in a residential area is most comfortable for a person, and then we will see how certain types of humidifiers cope with maintaining it.

Optimum relative humidity (pH)

• For a person - 40-60%
• For office equipment and telecommunications equipment - 45-60%
• For plants in winter gardens, greenhouses and greenhouses - 55-75%
• For furniture, parquet and musical instruments - 40-60%
• For books in libraries, art museums and galleries - 40-60%

Steam Humidifiers

Works on the principle of "hot" evaporation. Water with the help of two electrodes is heated, reaching a maximum temperature, and is converted into steam.

Among the wide range of steam models presented on the Russian market, BONECO Air-O-Swiss humidifiers enjoy well-deserved popularity. Using their example, we will consider all the advantages and disadvantages of steam humidifiers.

Characteristic features are the ability to increase humidity by more than 60% and the largest, in comparison with other humidifiers, performance - evaporation up to 700 gr. liquids per hour. For ease of use, there is an indicator of the amount of water remaining in the tank. The original design will not allow you to turn the device over, and the folding handle will help you move the device to another place.

The reliability of the device is beyond doubt, because for the manufacture of the case a special plastic is used, which is characterized by increased heat resistance. As for safety in operation, a three-fold protection system is used here. For example, if you loosely close the water inlet cap, the appliance will not work. When the water has completely evaporated, the unit will also automatically turn off.

An important point is the ease of maintenance of the steam humidifier. It does not require any consumables such as cartridges and filters.

Compared to the many positive features, the disadvantages of BONECO Air-O-Swiss humidifiers are insignificant - high power consumption and the absence of a built-in hygrostat (it is purchased separately).

You can use steam humidifiers for aromatherapy and inhalations. Forget the time when you had to sit over a pot of freshly boiled potatoes with a towel over your head. Now it is enough just to add the necessary medicinal infusion to the device and, sitting next to it, inhale the medicinal vapors. And special fragrances will create pleasant smells of exotic fruits or favorite flowers in your room, having a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state of a person.

Humidifiers are simply indispensable for winter gardens, greenhouses and greenhouses. Steam appliances are able to create an optimal microclimate in them, similar to tropical thickets, where high humidity is required.

High performance, simple design and reasonable cost are the fundamental factors of steam humidifiers.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers:

They are the most popular and perfect type among other similar devices, as they are developed on the basis of high technologies in the field of air humidification.

The principle of operation is to transform water into a "water cloud" through high-frequency vibrations. Dry air is sucked in by the fan from the room, passes through a "cloud" consisting of microscopic particles of water and air, and is fed into the room in the form of a cold and humid fog. Therefore, do not be afraid to get burned by hot steam - ultrasonic humidifiers are completely safe to use even for small children.

Advantages of ultrasonic humidifiers:

• The built-in hygrostat allows the device to turn on and off independently, maintaining the humidity level within the specified parameters.
• The high-performance filter cartridge purifies water before conversion from minerals and impurities. it also prevents the formation of a white coating on furniture and other interior items, which is characteristic of similar devices from other brands and manufacturers. The service life of the unique filter cartridge is on average 3 months (depending on the hardness of the water and the degree of contamination).
• Automatic shutdown of the device when there is no water in it, low noise level, wide range of humidity and a rotating atomizer that directs steam in any direction are characteristic of all Boneco humidifiers.

For ease of use, some of them are equipped with an indicator that displays the level of humidity in the room. Some models are equipped with a rotary knob, others with touch buttons, depending on the type of device control. Some ultrasonic humidifiers (Boneco 7133 and Boneco 7135) have a "warm steam" function that kills germs in the water, thereby providing antibacterial protection.

The scope of ultrasonic humidifiers, in addition to ordinary apartments or rooms, extends to greenhouses and winter gardens, by analogy with steam devices, in order to maintain optimal humidity for them. It is also very good to use these devices in rooms where there are interior items and antiques that require a special level of humidity: antiques, furniture, parquet, musical instruments, etc.

Of course, the price of ultrasonic humidifiers is quite high, but compactness, low power consumption and high performance fully justify this. You pay only once, and the ideal climate of your home is created for many years.

Traditional (classic) humidifiers

They work on the principle of "cold" evaporation. Water is poured into the tank of the device, from where it enters special evaporative elements. The built-in fan sucks dry air from the room and drives it through the evaporator. Thus, natural humidification of the air occurs.

Let's take a closer look at steam humidifiers using the BONECO Air-O-Swiss trademark as an example.

Classic humidifiers are characterized by economical power consumption, easy operation and low noise level. They work without a hygrostat, and the optimal level of humidity in the serviced room is maintained automatically. If you want to increase the performance of the device, we recommend placing it near a heat source or in a place with the highest air circulation. At the same time, the evaporation rate will increase, and the air will not only become saturated with water vapor, but will also be cleaned of suspended microparticles, dirt and dust. You will not achieve such a positive effect, even after wet cleaning the room.

The modern design of the device is designed with ease of use in mind, so you can always see how much water is left in the tank. Some models have an antibacterial cassette, thanks to which pathogenic microorganisms are destroyed.

Models of the BONECO Air-O-Swiss brand are distinguished by the ability to switch to the desired operating mode: normal (low noise level) and night (almost silent operation).

Many traditional moisturizers can also be used for aromatherapy. To do this, you just need to install a capsule containing an aromatic substance. The appliance will slowly release and maintain a pleasant aroma in the room. This will not only create a comfortable microclimate in your home, but also help you relax, relieve stress, and improve blood circulation.

Classic appliances that humidify the air are great for offices and apartments. Due to the absolute safety of operation, they are recommended for use in children's rooms and bedrooms. The disadvantage is the limitation of humidity (no more than 60%), so they are not used in greenhouses and winter gardens.

In principle, any traditional humidifier can solve the problem of dry air in your home. It will be relevant not only in hot summer weather, but especially in winter. There is a simple explanation for this: in winter, atmospheric air has a high relative humidity, but when it enters a warm room, it heats up, and the humidity level drops sharply. In this case, the absolute moisture content remains unchanged. Therefore, it is necessary to humidify the air artificially all year round - with the help of humidifiers.

"Air Washers"

Combines the functions of a humidifier and an air purifier. So, the device brand Air-O-Swiss 2055 is very popular, which we will consider in more detail.

The design of the device is very original: a system of plastic discs lifts water from the tank and converts it into a water bath. The “mist” obtained in this way humidifies the air and cleans it of house dust, pollen and other harmful particles.

You can evaluate the advantages and benefits of the air washer:

• Antibacterial defense system,
• High quality components with a long service life,
• Two power levels with low noise level,
• Ease of handling, etc.

Limiting air humidification to 60% is perhaps the only drawback of "air washing".

The main feature of such a device is an ionizing silver rod - a proprietary technological novelty. The antibacterial properties of silver make it possible to effectively disinfect water, while the concentration of ions remains practically unchanged during the entire long period of the rod.

If you want to constantly feel fresh and clean air in your room (like after rain), then the Air-O-Swiss 2055 “air washer” can easily cope with this task, and in rooms with heavy dust, this device is simply necessary to quickly restore normal microclimate.

Humidifiers with air purification (climatic complexes)

It is both a humidifier and an air purifier. A striking example of such a device is the Air-O-Swiss 2071 brand device. Its principle of operation is similar to other types of humidifiers: a fan drives air through the evaporator, as a result of which it evaporates and saturates the air with water vapor - natural humidification occurs.

Of particular note is its function as an air purifier with a three-stage system of 2 HEPA filters and a special carbon filter.

"Catches" microparticles, dust, plant pollen, etc. Passing through the evaporator, the air is saturated with moisture vapor, and antibacterial impregnation kills microorganisms. The carbon filter eliminates unpleasant odors, harmful gases and tobacco smoke.

The device has many advantages that facilitate its operation and are aimed at creating comfort in your home: convenient carrying handles, two removable transparent containers with handles, an on/off indicator, low power consumption, etc.

In addition, it can be used for aromatherapy with a special capsule. Your room will be filled with a pleasant aroma, and fragrant oils will calm the nervous system, relieve tension, and have a tonic effect.

Among the shortcomings of the climate complex, only the limitation of humidity (no more than 60%), overall dimensions and periodic replacement of consumables (filters) should be singled out.

The range of application of such a device covers both offices and premises with parquet, as well as children's rooms. Highly efficient air circulation makes it ideal for heavily dusty or smoky environments.

Of course, a device with the functions of cleaning, moisturizing and aromatization cannot be cheap, but this is an acceptable price for an elite climate complex that combines modern design with the latest technology.

Why do you need humidifiers? Everyone at least once saw an advertisement for these miracle devices. But not everyone thought about the benefits of having such a device at home. What do these devices do? The answer is simple - humidify the air. The best percentage of air humidity ranges from 40 to 60. In such a room, the person himself, his skin and all mucous membranes feel comfortable. It is easy to breathe in this room. Once the moisture in the air starts to evaporate, everything that felt good begins to suffer. This is because the air begins to compensate for the lack of moisture in all available ways: from freshly washed things hanging in the room, plants, an aquarium (if any) and, of course, from people. Everyone knows the truth that a person consists of water by 74%. This percentage begins to rapidly decrease in a very dry room, worsening health. The eyes, the nasal cavity dry up rapidly, discomfort appears, the formation of microcracks makes it easier for viruses to enter the body. There is an urgent need to normalize humidity.

When do you need a humidifier? How to choose a device? It depends on many factors: the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, the general humidity of the climate of the place of residence, the number of people permanently located in the perimeter, the presence of vegetation and aquariums, as well as the season of the year. Humidity is measured by a special device called a hygrometer. But in the age of modern technology, there is no need to run around the shops in search of it. It is enough to download the application to your smartphone - and now the result is already known, what is the percentage of humidity in any room. Now it has become clear why air humidifiers are needed, but another question arises: how to choose a device? There are several types of these devices: ultrasonic, traditional, steam, multifunctional complexes. To understand which humidifier is suitable for an apartment, you need to learn more about each type.

Ultrasonic

The principle of its operation is that the liquid that falls on a constantly vibrating plate is split into water sprays. These tiny drops form a "cloud" of steam, which is thrown into the room in portions, saturating the air with life-giving moisture. In other words, this principle of action forms a kind of "fog" in the house. Silent and efficient.

The released water suspension is absolutely safe for people and animals. It is cold, which eliminates the possibility of getting burned. The ultrasonic humidifier autonomously maintains the optimum level of humidity, working automatically (it turns on and off by itself), so the question “How often should I turn on the humidifier?” disappears by itself. Such a device consumes less energy and is more compact than its competitors. The most visible drawback can be called a replaceable cartridge. It will have to be periodically replaced with a new one, otherwise the entire moisturizing process will be interrupted. At the moment, this particular device is in great demand among citizens.

Traditional

It is the simplest in its design and principle of operation. Water is poured into a special tank and descends to the pallet, where it sucks in and humidifies the air with the help of a fan and filter elements. Compared to ultrasonic, this device is noisier, although it can only be heard in absolute silence. Also has replaceable filters. Its special highlight is that you can add aromatic oils to the tank and fill the house not only with life-giving moisture, but also with a wonderful fragrance.

Doing yoga and other relaxing procedures will be a real pleasure. Such an air humidifier for an apartment will be an ideal, inexpensive option.

Steam

The principle of operation and design resemble a boiling kettle. Water is heated inside the container, and at a certain moment it is released with a hot jet of steam. Exactly hot! The temperature ranges from 52 to 63 degrees Celsius. Where should the humidifier be placed? The device must be placed away from places where children, animals and even adults can be.

The air is humidified and heated at the same time, which cannot be said about the first two devices. A big disadvantage is the high energy consumption and rather loud noise. Nothing can be done about it. One of the main (and perhaps the only) advantages is the possibility of using it as an inhaler for colds and prevention. Special nozzles are sometimes sold as a set.

Multifunctional buildings (climate complexes)

Often they are called "washers". Analogues of traditional, but more perfect. They quickly humidify and in parallel ionize (clean) the air. The consumable is a simple H 2 O, which greatly simplifies their use, no replaceable cassettes or filters. Virtually silent, but quite expensive. Do kids need a humidifier? Undoubtedly, this is the best option for the nursery.

control mechanism

Another thing that distinguishes one product from another is the control mechanism. It can be mechanical (more simple, 1-2 control knobs) and electronic (display, touch buttons). A humidifier for an apartment is suitable for anyone who wants a person. When choosing, everything depends on finances and the desire of the client. It is worth paying attention to the size of the room in which the device will be located, and to the health features of family members (contraindications to humid, hot air are possible). In case the buyer is completely confused and does not know what to buy, competent consultants will help him and tell him what to choose.

Peculiarities

In order for him to serve for a long time and carry a good service, it is necessary:

1. Undoubtedly, read the entire instruction from beginning to end, so as not to inadvertently pour tap water into an expensive ultrasonic device.
2. Monitor the performance of the hygrometer in a timely manner (if the mechanism has this function). These figures should be at least 46% and not rise above 61% for rooms where there are adults, and 49-72 for rooms with children

The benefits and harms of a humidifier

Some buyers, with improper use and a frivolous attitude to devices, end up not with good health, but with a lot of trouble. It is not the apparatus that is to blame, it is the person who is to blame for all the troubles.

Untimely change of filters, improper location of the device, high humidity lead to disastrous consequences, bringing not benefit, but harm. You should carefully study the instructions and strictly follow its advice.

To better understand what harm humidifiers can do, let's analyze the intricacies of their use in more detail, step by step.

A traditional humidifier runs on replaceable cartridges and requires frequent replacement. If the buyer ignores this need, the cassette will become a breeding ground for pathogens. They are then sprayed along with moist air, causing allergies and unpleasant diseases in all family members.

A steam appliance, as mentioned earlier, throws out a very dangerous hot jet of steam. It can harm living organisms. But it can also spoil household items if you install it, for example, near electrical appliances. It is very easy to spoil expensive wallpapers or your favorite picture with such a steam. It is necessary to correctly and competently approach the installation site of such a mechanism.

winter use

Many are also interested in another question: do I need a humidifier in winter? In such a period of time of the year, air humidity drops to 14%, which is significantly below the optimum level. The air then can be compared to that of a hot desert.

There is an opinion that in winter the air is dried by batteries. They dry wet towels, so they do the same with him. Although in reality it's all fiction. Wet things dry on the radiator, because the water in them turns into steam. And the liquid that is present in the air is a priori in a gaseous state. And no matter how hot the battery is, it cannot dry the air. But in winter, the air in the house really becomes drier. Why then is this happening? It is possible to dry the air not by heating, but by adsorption, that is, you just need to take moisture from the air. Simple physical and chemical processes are at work here. Getting from the street, cold air begins to warm up and its moisture capacity increases. As a result, the relative humidity decreases. It no longer contains the optimal amount of water vapor as it did a few minutes ago. Dry air is more thirsty. Now, in search of the missing moisture, he sucks it out of everything around, and, of course, a person serves as its main supplier.

Air enters the house through any gap or opening, an open window or a constantly opening front door. Such regular ventilation launches even more cold air into the apartment. And, as a result, greatly reduces the relative humidity. So it has now become clear whether a humidifier is needed in winter.

Summer use

What about the summer period? Why do we need humidifiers in summer? Many will say that at this time of the year the air in the room and outside is about the same temperature. And such ventilation does not make the air dry at all, and they will be right. The air dries up in the summer for a completely different reason. Air conditioning! Almost every second family has this miracle of technology at home. After all, it saves so much on hot summer days, cooling the air in the room. While doing a good deed, it also dries the air a lot. Therefore, a humidifier is just as necessary in the summer as it is in the winter months.

Conclusion

Now you know why air humidifiers are needed at any time of the year in every health-conscious family. And whether it is worth it to spend a certain amount on it, it is up to the potential buyer to decide. In our article, we talked in detail about the benefits and harms of a humidifier.

Water is one of the most important products that make up the human body. The functioning of all vital organs depends on the amount of fluid consumed. At the same time, the climatic conditions in which a person is located play an equally important role. In order to humidify the air, a special device is used that can create an optimal microclimate. What is a humidifier, what is it for and how it works is described in this article.

What is a humidifier

The optimal indicator for the human body is from 40 to 70%. If the level of moisture in the environment is below the norm, unfavorable conditions for stay are created. The lack of fluid in the room affects the skin and organs of the respiratory system. Also, serious changes are observed in the work of the heart and kidneys. Violations of functions in the work of the body entail the development of dangerous diseases. Especially the problem of dry air is relevant in winter, when the heating system is used.

Previously, to humidify the air in the room, they put jars of water, hung wet towels, and often washed the floor. But these actions required additional efforts and did not contribute to a complete solution of the problem. Today, it is much easier to normalize the microclimate if you use a humidifier. What it is for is clear from the name itself. The humidifier is a device for industrial and domestic purposes. This simple and highly efficient device takes up little space and does not require special installation. In addition, the humidifier can be used for any room. The device is easy to use and completely silent.

What is a humidifier for at home?

Doctors say that people who often ventilate the apartment and maintain a high level of humidity are less likely to get sick. In dry rooms, there is much more dust, which contains bacteria and pathogens. Allergens, plant pollen, and pet dander can also be found in dry air. Therefore, air humidification is recommended for people prone to allergies.

Also, dry air adversely affects indoor plants, pets. Parquet and furniture dry out from low humidity.

Babies especially feel the lack of moisture in the air. Their body is actively growing and requires more fluid. In young children, the processes of thermoregulation have their own characteristics. Low humidity leads to violations of the daily regimen of the kidneys and the development of dysbacteriosis. Complications of already existing diseases are also possible. Taking medications may not give the desired result if the temperature and humidity conditions are not normal.

Why do we need a humidifier, pediatricians repeatedly explain. According to them, this device promotes sound and restful sleep, which is important for the full development of the child's body. The use of humidifiers improves the health of babies. It has been proven that families who have purchased a climate device are much easier to tolerate viral diseases.

Modern industry produces several types of humidifiers, which differ in power and principle of operation. Steam, cold and ultrasonic humidifiers are suitable for home use.

Cold steam humidifiers

In such a humidifier, the air flow passes through a wet filter, as a result of which it cools and is moistened. The effectiveness of these humidifiers depends on the humidity in the room. The lower the humidity level, the higher the evaporation rate and vice versa. Thus, cold humidifiers always maintain optimal humidity in the room. The productivity of such devices is from 3 to 8 liters of water per day.

Cold steam appliances only work with distilled water. If you use ordinary water for the humidifier, the cartridges will clog and break more often. To further protect the device from hard water, a softening cartridge can be used.

Steam Humidifiers

No less effective is Why it is needed and how to use it correctly, doctors know in detail. This humidifier can be used for medical purposes due to the presence of inhaler nozzles.

Steam humidifiers work in a similar way to electric kettles. In order for the water to begin to evaporate, it is brought to a boil. Special allows you to maintain a given level of humidity.

The daily output of steam humidifiers ranges from 7 to 16 liters.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Devices of this type are produced specifically for humidifying large areas. Ultrasonic humidifiers have high performance and have more power. They have a perfect design and are most popular among buyers.

Small and silent. During operation, the device creates inaudible ultrasonic vibrations, which are emitted by a high-frequency piezoelectric device into a container of water. There is an increase in pressure above the liquid, as a result of which rapid evaporation begins. A voltage is applied to a crystal placed in water, from which the water forms waves of different pressure. With the help of the air flow created by the fan, the vaporous water suspension enters the room.

Improved models of ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with displays. With the help of remote controls, you can set the desired indicators from a distance and select the desired work program.

When Should You Use a Humidifier?

1. If the humidity in the room is less than 40%.
2. High dust content, the location of the house close to the highway or to another source of dust.
3. During the heating season.

Many doctors argue that a humidifier is needed in the summer. In the summer season, air humidity is almost always normal. Therefore, this device is best suited for the winter period.

As for the most common question about whether a humidifier is needed in an apartment, most experts will confidently give a positive answer. Residents of cities suffer more from microclimate disturbances than representatives of rural areas located near water bodies and forests.

How to choose

Having figured out why you need a humidifier in the apartment, you can start buying. Among the wide variety of models, it is important to choose the one that is suitable for a particular room. To make a successful and profitable purchase, it is recommended to first measure the area of ​​​​the room. In this way, it will be easier to determine the required performance of the humidifier. Then you should evaluate the devices of different manufacturers. To do this, it is advisable to visit a specialized store where the seller can demonstrate the operation of each device. The specialist will help you choose the most suitable humidifier. What is it for, how to use it correctly and many other points, it is important to find out even in the store. By consulting with the seller, you can get a lot of useful information and quickly learn the rules of operation.

When buying, it is important to consider the cost. If it is possible to purchase a more expensive humidifier model, it is better to choose an ultrasonic device with a display.

Accommodation features

Having received answers to questions about why a humidifier is needed in an apartment and how to buy it, it is equally important to master the placement rules. Manufacturers advise placing the device in the center of the room at a height of 1 m from the floor. At night, it is ideal to use a high chair for this purpose. Under the humidifier, you can select a separate shelf, which is inaccessible to children.

The surface must be level and stable. After switching on, pay attention to the direction of air flow from the device. It is important that steam does not get on appliances and furniture.

Now devices that allow you to regulate such important air parameters as temperature, ionization and humidity are in great demand on the market. Let's talk about the latter.

Household humidifiers did not appear yesterday, but they did not gain much popularity: humidifiers offered by the Soviet industry for use in everyday life sprayed water into the air from special nozzles. Moisture settled on various surfaces, which was not only unpleasant, but also dangerous - moisture could get inside the appliance, causing it to fail. Modern ultrasonic humidifiers are free from this disadvantage, thanks to the principle of their work. With the help of ultrasound, drops are “knocked out” from the surface of the water so small that when they get into the air they are “weighed”, that is, they are held by the Brownian movement of air molecules.

Air humidity is a factor that is especially significant in a house where there are small children. Of course, everyone wants only good things for their children, but how often, armed with good intentions, we “do good and do good”. Let's try to figure out if a humidifier is needed in the house, or is it better to limit ourselves to traditional wet cleaning.

To begin with, let's decide, why do we need to additionally humidify the air in the room? Where does the natural moisture go? The two main enemies of humidity are heaters and air conditioners.

What causes moisture to decrease

Sometimes you hear that heaters “burn out” or “evaporate” moisture. This is obviously not the case: it is impossible to burn out moisture, water, as you know, does not burn. “Evaporation” of humidity also does not threaten, water is already in the air in the form of steam in its normal state, otherwise we would have fog in the room, and dew would fall on the furniture. Why do heaters reduce humidity?

The fact is that when it comes to humidity in residential premises, we mean, first of all, relative humidity, because it is it that affects health and well-being.

Relative humidity is measured as a percentage, which shows the ratio of the amount of water in the air to the amount of water that the air, in principle, could contain in itself at a given temperature. The higher the air temperature, the more “capacious” it is for water.

What happens when air is heated? Obviously, its temperature rises, its "capacity" rises. Thus, the denominator of the fraction of relative humidity increases, and, consequently, the value of relative humidity itself (with a constant value of the absolute amount of water in the air) decreases. The relative humidity in the room drops.

What happens when using the air conditioner? The idea of ​​“freezing out” moisture in an air conditioner is just as untenable as the “evaporation” of air in a heater. When the air is cooled, its “capacity” decreases, the relative humidity quickly increases to more than one hundred percent, the “excess” of the moisture contained in the water passes into a liquid state and is removed. It is this water that drips from drain pipes protruding from the walls of air-conditioned buildings.

The air entering the room from the air conditioner has almost one hundred percent humidity. But relative humidity, as we already know, depends on temperature. The air from the air conditioner, once in a warm room, heats up, its "water requirement" (the denominator of relative humidity) increases. The air is ready to absorb "its" water back, but it has already flowed out into the street through the drain pipe. Again, the relative humidity of the air becomes lower.

Pros and cons

So, we found out that additional air humidification is really necessary and beneficial, now let's see if the use of household humidifiers will harm. To do this, consider the typical claims and concerns of humidifier users.

- "I began to use a humidifier to escape the heat, in the apartment there was nothing to breathe without it better." First you need to separate the concepts of "hot" and "stuffy". Although these concepts are close and interrelated, they are not identical. “Stuffiness” is, firstly, the lack of fresh air. No humidifier will ever replace banal airing.

Secondly, it is always stuffy where it is hot and humid. Moist heat is always much worse than dry heat. Tropical heat is more excruciating than desert heat, although desert temperatures are much warmer. If you do not want to go to the desert and the tropics, then you can conduct a small visual experiment here: just compare your feelings from a dry sauna and a wet Russian bath at the same air temperature. The result will be obvious.

Unfortunately, children are most often affected by the heat at home. Unfortunately, there is still an opinion that in the room where the child is located, it must be hot. Heaters, heaters, convectors are added to central heating radiators. And if (as always with the best of intentions) a humidifier is turned on in a hotly heated room ... A bath at home is provided.

What to do, because heaters dry the air and humidification is necessary? Yes, it is necessary to humidify the air, but not as a substitute for ventilation and normal temperature conditions. If you want it not to be stuffy - open the window and turn off the heater, the temperature in the living room (especially where there are small children) should not exceed 20-23 degrees.

- “We had this humidifier, so the child did not climb out of sores. When it came to obstructive bronchitis, the humidifier was abandoned. That's right, high humidity is an ideal habitat for microorganisms, including pathogens. Especially if the humidity is associated with high temperatures, as we have already discussed above. Humidity must be carefully monitored, because high humidity is no less harmful than low humidity.

To control humidity, you need to purchase a special device - a hygrometer. There are humidifiers with built-in hygrometers, but in this case, you must remember that if the humidifier is turned on, the built-in hygrometer will show the humidity near the source of humidification, which means that its readings will always be slightly higher than the average humidity in the room.

Undoubtedly, the benefit of a humidifier with a built-in hygrostat is a humidity sensor that automatically turns off the humidifier when the humidity in the room reaches a predetermined value. If there is none, and we will monitor the humidity ourselves, then the comfortable value of relative humidity is in the range of 45-60%. For young children, the humidity can be slightly increased - up to 50-70%.

- “There is only one harm from an ultrasonic humidifier - all the furniture and the TV screen are in a whitish, hard-to-wash coating. And the water from it is dead. Ultrasound is just high frequency sound waves that are not perceived by the human ear. In no way does ultrasound affect the structure of water, and all the talk about "dead water" is from the realm of fantasy.

But the salt coating is the pure truth. Unlike steam humidifiers, which supply steam into the air, leaving salts inside themselves, an ultrasonic humidifier throws water into the air along with all the substances soluble in it. In this sense, water from an ultrasonic humidifier is much more "alive" than from a steam one. In order to avoid the appearance of plaque, it is recommended to use distilled water in ultrasonic humidifiers. And this must be reported in the manufacturer's instructions accompanying the humidifier.

So, let's summarize: are steam and ultrasonic humidifiers harmful, or can and should they be used? We can say with all responsibility: household air humidifiers are certainly necessary and useful, but they will bring benefits only if they are used subject to a number of conditions:

1. Before turning on the device, read the instructions and do not neglect its requirements. In particular, do not use tap water to fill ultrasonic humidifiers.
2. If the device is not equipped with a gyrostat, monitor the humidity yourself with a hygrometer. Remember that too much moisture is no less harmful than too little. Relative humidity should be between 45-60% for adults or 50-70% for children.
3. In no case should you try to replace humidification with ventilation and air temperature control. The normal air temperature in a residential area is 20-23 degrees.

If your house is hot, you suffer from respiratory diseases, you have small children - do not hesitate, buy a humidifier. But do not forget about the conditions of useful use of this device.

So we realized that the humidifier is very useful and reasonable application. But which model should you choose? In our opinion, the German Smower Multi Action humidifiers have proven themselves the best. The company has a good reputation as a manufacturer of quality climate control equipment. In addition to the humidifier, this unit also has an air purifier, which makes it even more valuable.