Do I need a humidifier or can I do without it?

An air humidifier is a device that allows you to create an optimal microclimate in a room or apartment. It is very important for a child's room, as it reduces the risk of diseases in children. The device is irreplaceable if the baby is often sick. It should be remembered that most heaters dry the air, which contributes to the growth of pathogenic bacteria, so the device will be useful not only for children, but also for adults. It disinfects the air in the room and is a barrier to the reproduction of harmful microorganisms. In this article, we will tell the readers of the Sam Electric website how to choose an air humidifier for an apartment and which one is better in 2020.

Benefits of using

Humidity is the concentration of water vapor in the air. It can be seen on foggy days. Air humidity varies depending on the season and place of residence. It is higher in summer and lower in cold winter. The humidity in the house should be between 30-60%. When it gets too high or too low, problems can arise.

Low humidity irritates the nasal passages, causing dry skin, itchy eyelids, and dry coughs.

High leads to the appearance of condensation on the windows, makes the atmosphere stuffy, makes breathing difficult and gives the feeling of being in a bath. High humidity activates unsafe bacteria, mold, mildew and dust mites. Allergies, asthma outbreaks and other respiratory illnesses can also be a consequence.

In addition, when humidity is too low, static electricity can become a problem, causing irritating tissue adhesion and small electric shocks when touching doorknobs or metal. Furniture can dry out and paper can dry out and crumble.

Humidity should provide comfort without causing health problems by being too high.

Types of humidifiers and principle of operation

Depending on the method of generating steam, humidifiers are divided into:

1. Steam.
2. Traditional (classic or cold steam).
3. Ultrasonic.

Hot evaporation takes place in the steam unit.

The water is heated by a piezoelectric element, and the heated mist is sprayed into the room using a cooler.

In the other two variants, heating does not occur.

In traditional devices, air is sucked in from the room and the force generated by the fan is driven through a wet filter. Passing through it, the air is saturated with water molecules and cleared of impurities.

Ultrasound breaks down large particles of moisture into smaller ones. This is done using vibrations generated by the membrane. The resulting fog also enters the room, blown out by the cooler.

Principle of operation

In cold climates, this device will provide the necessary level of humidity in the room. Ultrasonic humidifiers (photo below in the article) use a metal diaphragm that vibrates at a high frequency, creating a cool or warm mist. Sound vibrations, acting on water, saturate the air with moisture. The liquid particles thus formed are so small that they are absorbed by the air almost instantly. The ultrasonic humidifier does not require a fan, so it is quiet.

What is air humidity?

As simply as possible, air humidity can be represented as the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere: the more there are, the higher the indicator. Air humidity is considered comfortable in the range from 40 to 60%... If this figure is lower, then a humidifier is needed.

To find out the humidity in the room, you can purchase a special device for measuring it, it is inexpensive, and is called hygrometer... Very often in stores there are combined weather stations: with their help, you can not only determine the humidity of the air, but also the temperature both inside and outside the room, as well as the weather for the coming days. These home weather stations have a barometer, an alarm clock, a clock, a calendar, and other functions. Measurements must be taken several days in a row, especially in winter.

But
how to determine that the air in the apartment is dry without a special measuring device? If you are often tormented by headaches, a feeling of dry mouth, the skin is peeling, it is difficult to breathe, there is constant drowsiness, absent-mindedness, increased fatigue, low efficiency, then this can manifest itself as the consequences of excessive dry air in your home. Another sure sign is the crackling of furniture (it just dries up), cracks in paintings and even on the parquet. Well, the flowers will just hurt, dry and slowly die.
You have determined that the air in your house is too dry and have come to the conclusion that you urgently need to purchase a humidifier, but you do not know anything about them... How to choose a humidifier for an apartment in such a variety of models on offer? It should be noted right away that all models of household humidifiers do not require installation and can work around the clock in a room (apartment, house, office, office, etc.).

What is the best ultrasonic humidifier?

The first step is to decide whether to install a humidity control system for the whole house or just one room, usually a bedroom. As a rule, a small device in the nursery is enough for most users. However, those who live in dry, arid climates or have severe sinusitis, dry coughs, dry flaky skin and hair should consider a centralized hydration system.

You need to purchase a device with a capacity and performance appropriate for the size of your room.

Portable and benchtop ultrasonic humidifiers are great for one room. For rooms of different sizes, tanks of different tank volumes are available.

Whole-home systems lead the way in ultrasonic humidifiers because they provide adequate humidity levels through ductwork and hydrostatic control. Retrofitting existing ventilation is expensive. Such a system is permanently connected to a water source and does not require replenishment of tanks. Installed by a heating and ventilation specialist who must calculate the required performance.

Scheme and principle of operation of ultrasonic humidifiers

This small household appliance is a container of water placed inside a plastic case with a control panel.

There are also built in various elements for the treatment and evaporation of water, namely:

• coarse filter and softener;
• bactericidal filter;
• a chamber where steam is generated;
• spray;
• fan.

A general idea of ​​the internal structure of an ultrasonic humidifier can be obtained by examining the diagram below:

The principle of operation of this device is as follows. The water poured into the container is first filtered and softened, and then disinfected. Of course, the degree of water purification in a household humidifier cannot be too high, but it is sufficient for the normal operation of the device. Then the water enters the chamber where the membrane is installed. It vibrates with the frequency of ultrasound (over 20 kHz), thereby causing the separation of water molecules from the surface.

A so-called cold vapor is formed, which is sublimated to the atomizer by a fan of small capacity.In reality, this is not vapor, but a very fine aerosol, which is water particles suspended in air. By the way, the fan is low-power and slow-moving, which is why the household appliance works almost silently. Well, the sprayer, in turn, delivers the aerosol into the space of the room.

What to keep in mind when choosing a humidifier?

The parameters of the humidifier depend on the intended place of use and the desired purpose. Consideration should be given to characteristics such as performance, functionality, design, service and warranty.

• Performance. In most humidifiers, moisture yield is expressed in cubic meters over 24 hours. They are also estimated by the area of ​​the premises that they can serve. The performance of the purchased humidifier should correspond to the volume of the room or house. If the air is too humid (more than 60%), then favorable conditions for the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria will arise.
• Features. Ultrasonic humidifiers generate both warm and cold mist. In devices of the first type, cold water is passed through a heating element. The fog leaves the ultrasonic machine at a safe temperature of 40 ° C. However, the water inside the device may burn the baby if it is tipped over. Therefore, it is safer to use cold fog machines near young children and the elderly.
• The best ultrasonic humidifiers use hygrostats. They measure humidity and provide it at a given level without requiring additional calculations.
• Design. If the intended installation location of the device is known, it should be measured to ensure that it will fit. The humidifier must be easily carried to the water source to replenish it. It should have handles so you can move it when wet.
• Service and warranty. Most humidifiers usually come with a 1-year warranty. But it is better to buy devices from manufacturers who support their products for a longer time. You need to make sure that the company provides a toll-free phone number or live chat to help users. It is better to choose a reputable company that advises its clients.

Criteria for the right choice

Ultrasonic humidifiers increase the comfort of your home. The right choice will satisfy all your needs. These devices are inexpensive and easy to use. Here are some specific guidelines for choosing the perfect humidifier:

• Square. It would be redundant to integrate a humidifier into an existing ventilation system if all that is needed is to occasionally increase the humidity in one room. A small, portable device can easily provide the comfort you need and save money. To calculate the serviced area, you need to multiply the width of the room by its length. For example, a 4 x 5 m room is 20 m2.
• Operating costs. The initial installation of an entire home humidification system is more expensive, but overall it is cheaper. Warm mist vaporizers are cheap but consume a lot of energy. The operation of the humidifiers can be controlled with a hygrostat. Replacing filters and cartridges is another expense. These costs can make the air humidifier too expensive.
• A hygrostat is an analog or digital instrument that uses a hygrometer to control the humidity in the air. Hygrostats are important because without them, fog generation will continue until the humidifier is manually turned off. Excess moisture leads to the formation of condensation on the windows and the appearance of mold and mildew in the room, therefore a portable hygrometer should be used to control its level.
• According to reviews, the ultrasonic air humidifier produces almost no noise, with the exception of a slight hiss.
• Water quality. When hard tap water is used, many humidifiers will have a lower fog output. At the same time, the cost of service increases. The use of distilled water can be economically viable, but it also requires additional costs.
• Security. It is advisable to purchase a device that automatically turns off when there is no water. Top-rated ultrasonic humidifiers emit an audible alarm when liquid levels are low and need to be refilled. The transparent reservoir will allow you to determine the moment when you need to refill it. For example, the Polaris PUH 7140 ultrasonic humidifier switches off automatically when there is no water.

• Warm or cold? Some people prefer a cold mist to a warm steam, reminiscent of the atmosphere in a steam bath. Others prefer the soothing warmth, which they feel softens the air. These are personal choices and your doctor may recommend which one is best for your health problems. If medications are used, warm steam generators are better suited. Ballu UHB 1000 ultrasonic humidifier, for example, supports 2 modes - cold and warm fog.

In dry climates, humidifiers are needed during the cold winter months and often throughout the year. Humid air feels warmer and provides greater comfort. It becomes easier to breathe, and the habitat receives the moisture it needs.

The principle of operation of ultrasonic climate units

The principle of operation of an ultrasonic air humidifier can be represented by the following sequence:

1. 1. The reservoir is filled with distilled water (can be replaced with the cleanest possible) in accordance with the instructions supplied with the device.
2. 2. Water fills the filter cartridge, in which additional softening and purification of the liquid is carried out.
3. 3. The consistency is slightly warmed up and then sent to the evaporation chamber. There is a small ultrasonic membrane at the bottom of it. When the device is activated, it begins to oscillate at a frequency of more than 20 kHz. Thanks to this, the water "breaks down" to microparticles, turning into a "cold fog".
4. 4. A quiet and not too powerful fan is installed under the main body of the case, through which the steam is directed upward to the atomizer.

Schematic representation of the principle of operation of the apparatus

Now you know how ultrasonic works. Note that modern models of devices are equipped with an ultraviolet lamp, which allows you to see through small particles of water and destroy bacteria. Only clean air enters the room.

Block diagram of the apparatus

"Advanced" models of ultrasonic humidifiers are also widely presented on sale. They are equipped with a hygrometer that allows you to monitor the humidity conditions in the room, adjust the operation of the device based on the data received. Expensive models boast an LCD screen, an integrated oxygen ionizer and a remote control.

Humidifier with add. function (built-in hygrometer)

Advice! Many owners of climate control units are interested in the answer to the pressing question: what water should be poured into the humidifier so that it works for a long time, efficiently, and the surrounding furniture and things are not covered with a white coating? Experts recommend using only distilled water or the most purified water.

The popularity of full-fledged climatic systems is growing every year, through which you can not only clean and, but also carry out other treatments. Traditionally, they are equipped with:

• water filter;
• ultrasonic humidifier;
• cleaning filter;
• ionizing unit;
• bactericidal filter.

The device is automatically disconnected from the power supply if the water level drops below a critical mark or when the device falls.In those models where a hygrometer is installed, the function of temporary deactivation is supported when a certain value of humidity in the room is entered.

For an illustrative example, we suggest watching a video on the principle of operation of an ultrasound device.

Humidifier

Given the oversaturation of the market with household appliances of different quality, it will be very useful for an inexperienced layman to know how to choose an ultrasonic-type air humidifier for his own home.

• unit performance;
• the area of ​​the room to be humidified;
• the manufacturer of the device;
• safety of use;
• the level of noise generated during operation.

Obviously, the device is chosen based on its performance, the ability to service the required area. The corresponding data can be found in the technical description of the device. But the criterion of noiselessness is not as straightforward as it might seem at first glance, because it is one thing to check the unit in a store where there are many customers, and completely different - at home.

Note ! The humidifier is filled with water, which is consumed to maintain the optimal humidity level in the room. During operation, the unit may gurgle and even rustle. When choosing a device for the home (especially when it comes to a nursery), these points should be taken into account.

Some users do not need additional functionality in the form of a built-in hygrometer, fragrance or a bright display at all. It is worth deciding on these points before buying, which will allow you to save earned money and not overpay for functions, the benefits of which strive for zero. As for brands, we recommend taking a closer look at the products of such companies: Electrolux, Polaris, Ballu, Vitek and Boneco.

Note ! The best ultrasound devices are manufactured in Western Europe and Russia. It is better to abandon Chinese analogues initially - it will be more expensive for yourself

.

What is the difference between cold and warm fog?

There are not many differences. Cold fog makes breathing easier for allergies, asthma and respiratory problems. If it is easier for the user to breathe in a bathtub filled with steam or in high humidity, such as in the rain, then warm steam will be preferred. Otherwise, it is better to use a cool mist. A heating element is needed to create warm mist. This is the reason why it is not the best option in homes with small children and pets.

How do humidifiers deal with bacteria?

Models are available with functions to limit or prevent the growth of bacteria in the water tank. Some of the top-rated ultrasonic humidifiers use nanotechnology or silver for this, but are more expensive. But you still have to clean and disinfect the device, as well as distill the water to limit the growth of bacteria. While these humidifiers are more expensive, they are worth it because they last longer.

For example, the Polaris PUH 7140 ultrasonic humidifier has a special coating on the water tank that contains silver particles, the disinfecting properties of which are well known. In addition, this model is equipped with a water purification cartridge and two air filters that remove odors and dust.

Summing up

Obviously, it is best to choose an ultrasonic humidifier in terms of practicality for the home. But the choice is also dependent on cost. And here the situation is somewhat difficult, since all types of humidifiers have different prices. For example, a device based on the principle of natural evaporation can cost more than an ultrasonic one and vice versa.

Here the manufacturer is the determining factor.In order not to overpay for a promoted name, you must choose based on technical characteristics, needs and financial capabilities. The best companies producing these devices are Boneco Air-o-Swiss, Timberk, Electrolux, Sharp, Philips and Ballu. If you want to choose a high-quality humidifier and not overpay, we recommend giving preference to these manufacturers. However, please note that the price will be higher than that of the Chinese counterparts. Of the inexpensive domestic brands, I would like to highlight Atmos, whose products are gradually gaining ground on the Russian market.

Despite the fact that special attention must be paid to the manufacturer, in most cases the choice is as follows: ultrasonic or steam. But which one is better if both options have the same parameters and cost? Here expediency and practicality come to the fore.

The first factor is the right choice in terms of area. For a children's room, a humidifier designed for 25m2 is quite enough, but if you need to humidify a large area, for example, an apartment, then you should choose a more powerful device. There are models for humidifying indoor air up to 60m2.

The second factor is safety. For a child aged 2 to 10, it is better to buy an ultrasonic humidifier to avoid injury and burns.

The third factor is the possibility of various kinds of reactions, for example, the sudden appearance of a cough in a child. This factor is the most controversial and little researched. It is difficult to give any advice here. One of the solutions to the problem may be the choice of a quality humidifier produced by a well-known brand. In this case, the overpayment would be appropriate. Another factor affecting the operation of the apparatus is water. It is advisable to use purified, since tap liquid contains many different elements that are not always useful. This is especially important to consider in case of allergies and pregnancy.

Important! It should be remembered that ultrasonic or steam, as well as a device that works on the principle of natural evaporation, by itself will not solve the problem in terms of air disinfection. A household humidifier will become an effective assistant if you carry out a set of measures, which includes systematic ventilation and wet cleaning. Only in this case will the maximum benefit for the newborn be achieved and there will be no problems with allergies and pregnancy. In addition, the risk of such reactions will be significantly reduced.

It is equally important to carry out systematic maintenance of the device. Guidance on this is in the documentation that came with it. The vast majority of people ignore the instructions or study only the "Management" section. And this is a very important component of normal operation in terms of efficiency (efficiency).

Various substances and pathogenic bacteria are collected in the filters, which must be removed periodically by replacing the filter element. The most practical in this regard is the air washing microclimate complex. Devices of this class are equipped with indicators that signal the need to replace the filter and ionizing rod.

As a result, in order to choose the right air humidifier, it is necessary to take into account the following factors and find the arithmetic mean between:

• technical characteristics - choice by type, area, set of additional functions;
• cost - the choice directly depends on financial capabilities;
• safety - concerns steam humidifiers, as well as the manufacturer (if you choose an expensive model, then to a greater extent there is a guarantee of the absence of unforeseen reactions, for example, allergic ones).

How often should the humidifier be cleaned?

It is imperative to read the user manual. An ultrasonic air humidifier requires regular maintenance to stop the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.Do not leave the device wet as this leads to the growth of pathogens. A good rule of thumb is to change the water daily. Maintaining this practice means that you can thoroughly clean and disinfect the device not every day, but only once a week. This must be done so that contaminated moisture does not get into the air. The cleaning procedure should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Method 3. Hygrometer

This is a special device for measuring humidity. Since you only have to use it once, it is easier to rent. A simple hygrometer with an error of 3-5% is enough. Such a device can be rented, for example, here. We put the hygrometer away from sources of heat and moisture, and then look at the readings.

How to control the humidity level?

If you've measured the relative humidity and made sure the air is dry, a humidifier won't hurt.

Air conditioning and ventilation devices can humidify the air and control the level of moisture. Typically, such systems are difficult to install, expensive, and used on an industrial scale. Fortunately, they have come up with compact humidifiers for apartments that everyone can install.

Photo: Anastasia Keda, 66.RU

The budget - and primitive - humidifier option. Moisture evaporates naturally. The device is distinguished from a basin of water only by filters or dampening discs, which remove harmful impurities from the steam.

Pros:

• easy to use - just plug into a power outlet;
• easy to clean - change the filter every two to three months, rinse the humidifier itself once a week;
• does not consume a lot of electricity - the power of a traditional humidifier is 20–60 W;
• often the design provides for an air ionizer - this helps to cleanse the air from odors and destroy bacteria;
• inexpensive - the cost varies from 2 to 3 thousand rubles;
• safe - does not generate hot steam.

Minuses:

• noisy - the noise level in the region of 35 dB interferes with using the device at night;
• low power - it will take more than one hour to saturate the air in the room with moisture.

Photo: Anastasia Keda, 66.RU

Advanced humidifier option. A special plate vibrates with an ultrasonic frequency inside the device, which turns water into microscopic droplets. The water suspension falls on the electric fan and is sprayed into the air.

Pros:

• good filters - removes allergens, dust and harmful microorganisms from the environment;
• safe - it produces not hot, but warm steam;
• mobile - there are models that do not require a network connection, but run on a battery;
• high-performance — maintains normal humidity in a room up to 100 m2;
• compact - medium parameters 19 × 30 × 15 cm;
• requires a minimum of attention - automatic switching on and off, control of moisture content in the air.

Minuses: not found.

Photo: Anastasia Keda, 66.RU

Such a humidifier works on the principle of a kettle - it heats the liquid to the boiling point and evaporates.

Pros:

• quickly humidifies the air - the rate of water evaporation is up to 700 ml per hour;
• easy to clean - you only need to descale and replenish the volume of liquid;
• no consumable parts such as filters to replace.

Minuses:

• requires attention - without a built-in or separate hydrostat or hygrometer, it is difficult to track the level of humidity;
• unsafe - produces hot steam;
• uneconomical - energy consumption increases, the body and parts wear out quickly, there is a possibility that the device will have to be replaced in six months;
• noisy;
• does not clean the air from dust, allergens and dangerous microorganisms.

What to look for when choosing?

Yulia Zakharova, an expert at the Citylink discounter, helped us create a small checklist with important parameters that will help us choose the right humidifier.

• The ratio of the area of ​​the room and the power of the device. The higher the capacity of the humidifier, the faster the air in the room is humidified. For premises with an area of ​​25-60 sq.m it is better to use humidifiers with a capacity of at least 100 watts. For standard rooms in apartments and residential buildings (10–25 sq. M.), Less powerful models are also suitable.
• Performance. It is measured by the amount of water that evaporates per unit of time. For a room of about 20-30 sq. m, the performance of a humidifier, as a rule, should be in the range of 0.3–0.5 l / h.
• Noise level. The optimal indicator is up to 40 dB.
• Dimensions and type of installation. It all depends on the area of ​​the apartment and the possibilities of placing the device. Dimensions depend on the volume of the water tank and power. The installation type can be tabletop or floor-standing. Desktop ones are more popular - they are more compact.
• Complexity of service. If the humidifier comes with filters, it is best to check immediately if they are available and purchase an additional set. Replacements must be carried out regularly.
• Brand. Check out the brands Electrolux, Boneco, Ballu, Timberk, Sinbo, Polaris and Starwind.

Photo: Anastasia Keda, 66.RU

On the website of the Citylink Internet discounter, until December 31, you can choose a suitable humidifier with a discount of up to 30%. Make the climate in your apartment comfortable.

Why does white dust appear on furniture, floors and around the humidifier?

These are minerals found in hard water. They are not harmful and are easy to clean, just like ordinary dust. Ultrasonic humidifiers, unlike evaporative humidifiers, can become a source of these salts if they are not equipped with a high-quality demineralization cartridge. Distilled water should be used to combat this phenomenon. Plus, it will help your filter last longer and won't have to be cleaned as often. However, you will still have to change the water every few days and disinfect the device according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Humidifier, Purifier or Combine?

There are also combined appliancescombining the function of humidification and purification of the air, or "Air washing", as they are also called. Also, such devices are also called "Climatic complexes"as they can ionize and flavor the air. These are more complex devices that require some maintenance.

Such devices consist of a whole system of plastic discs of complex hydrodynamic shape, rotating in a reservoir with water. The dust that enters the device settles on these discs, and then is washed off with water. The humidifier in such devices is usually mechanical, of the traditional type, with all the advantages and disadvantages inherent in this type of humidifier. Recently, they began to produce "air washers" with ultrasonic devices.

The disadvantage of such devices is their high cost and the need for periodic replacement of consumables, and here there are a large number of them. But if you want not only to humidify, but also to purify the air, and you cannot afford a "combine", you can purchase a humidifier and a purifier separately, and put them in different places, at a distance from each other. By the way, the purchase of these two devices will cost you less than the purchase of a "combine", but two units will also take up a lot of space.

Pros:

1. 
   Combining two functions (moisturizing and cleansing).

2. Air ionization.
3. Air aromatization.

Minuses:

1. High price.
2. The need to periodically replace a large number of consumables.

Can hard water be used?

It is imperative to read the user manual as different brands and types of humidifiers have different requirements. If the purchase of a device is only planned, then it is better to purchase one that has a mineral cartridge. Hard water from a tap or well contains minerals that can build up inside the device. These can cause fog to leave white spots and dust around the area of ​​the humidifier. Inhaling minerals over time can worsen respiratory conditions or cause new problems. The cartridges filter minerals from hard water, eliminating the need to inhale them. If there is no cartridge, it is better to use distilled water, which does not contain salts.It should be noted that, for example, the ceramic cartridge of the Polaris PUH 7140 ultrasonic humidifier, according to the owners, does not help to get rid of the formation of white dust.

Steam humidifiers

Steam humidifiers are the most efficient

They differ in a simple principle of operation. Air humidification takes place with sterile steam. Its advantage is the largest productivity up to 700 g of liquid per hour. They are easy to operate, just add water to the tank. However, the high temperature of the steam can burn the skin. Such devices do not have an additional air cleaning function, they only humidify the air. What a humidifier gives is steam, which means that it can be used, for example, for inhalation.