Humidifier: what is it for, types and reviews. Why do you need a humidifier in the apartment for a child? Why do you need a humidifier

Normal air humidity is a factor that affects human health. It prevents the development of many diseases. If the humidity in the apartment is less than 55%, then a humidifier is needed.

A humidifier is a device that saturates the air with moisture. It can be used at home and at work. His work will not distract you. There are several types of devices.

cold type or traditional

This is a tank device. Distilled water is poured into the tank. From it, the liquid gradually flows into a tray with removable cartridges.

Air is sucked in by the fan and falls on wet cartridges. Dust remains on them and clean and moist air comes out.

Steam


It got its name from the fact that it emits hot steam, like a kettle. His can be filled with any water. It will not affect work.

Ultrasonic


The most advanced devices from the group of humidifiers. They have high power and small size. Humidifies large rooms in a short amount of time.

They work quietly. The principle of their work is to convert electricity due to ultrasound into vibration, which forms steam. It comes out and humidifies the air.

Contraindicated for those who will not clean it regularly. In the humidifier, due to poor-quality water and untimely cleaning, microbes will develop at a high rate. During evaporation, they enter the room. The room is covered with a whitish coating, where conditions are created for mold and other harmful bacteria. To avoid these problems, use distilled water and flush the humidifier.

Air wash


This device has a built-in fan. Distilled water is poured into it, which wets the small drums.

During operation, air passes through the wet drums, is moistened, cleaned and returned to the room. She is works silently, consumes little electricity. Expensive.

The benefits and harms of the device

Evidence of why you need a humidifier in the apartment, and what advantages it has:

  • It saturates the air with moisture, making it more useful and comfortable for a person. Breathing becomes easier, the skin is less flaky and looks healthy.
  • It is beneficial for newborns, because their mucous membrane is very tender and dries quickly. Because of this, they form crusts in the nose, which prevent free breathing.
  • Dry air harms a person by dehydrating the body. The blood gradually thickens, worse circulating through the vessels. Frequent headaches, poor health begin.
  • Beneficial for asthmatics and those who suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system.
  • Parents will need a humidifier if their children often suffer from bronchitis or sinusitis. Children's overdried mucous membrane is a favorable environment for the development of harmful bacteria.
  • Reduces the amount of dust in the room, which is especially useful for pregnant women. Its excess leads to allergies or infectious diseases.
  • Air that is too dry causes dermatitis or rashes in infants. As soon as the humidity increases, all the problems in the child disappear.
  • Lack of moisture reduces the process of working capacity, harms normal sleep, causes redness of the eyes.
  • Humidification is useful for plants, furniture, parquet, because it shrinks and deforms less.

Among all the advantages of the analyzed household device, it also has disadvantages:

  • The steam humidifier may cause burns if not handled carefully because the steam emitted is very hot.
  • The continuous operation of the steam appliance significantly increases the temperature in the room, which makes it stuffy and hot.
  • A cold humidifier needs to be cleaned inside. If this is not done, then over time dust will accumulate in it, harmful microbes will develop. During operation, they will be released along with the steam.
  • paper filter ultrasonic devices requires regular replacement every three months.
  • Humidifiers consume a large amount of electricity, they need to be filled with purified water.
  • A quality device will cost a lot of money. Then it will last a long time and will work without interruption.

When choosing a humidifier for home, you need to pay attention to the opinion of doctors.

The opinions of doctors about the benefits and harms of a humidifier are as follows:

  • too high humidity (more than 80%) can cause angina, which affects adults and children;
  • humidity indicator for a child 50-70%;
  • humidity index for adults 45-60%;

Steam humidifiers are widely used in medicine. They install nozzles for inhalation and treat them with patients with respiratory diseases.

According to doctors, the use of the device in question is useful in winter and summer, when air conditioners are turned on. They dry up the air.

When the device is needed

There are several important reasons why you should use the device at any time of the year.

Reasons for use:

  • Too dry air in winter due to the operation of batteries, heaters.
  • If after dinner there is always a lot of sunlight in the apartment, it provokes heat and drying of the air.
  • Constantly large accumulation of dust associated with the location of the house near the road or industrial facility.
  • Too high outside temperature in summer and low in winter leads to a natural decrease in humidity.
  • When the humidity level in the room is less than 40%.
  • The reviews mention that the humidifier significantly increases immunity, improves the general condition.

Where apply

The main purpose of a humidifier is to saturate the air masses with moisture. This should be done to avoid dizziness, loss of strength, infectious diseases, allergies. Humidity of at least 55% is needed for both humans and plants that grow indoors.

Devices also trap dust, harmful microparticles. They are needed in cities where the air is more polluted from exhaust gases and factories.

With a humidifier, you will improve your health, increase immunity. It is better to fill the device with distilled water. It will increase the duration of work and will benefit the body. Clean regularly to avoid the spread of bacteria.

Today, air humidifiers are gaining more and more popularity. They are such household devices that make it possible for a long time to maintain the required level of humidity within the premises. About what a humidifier is, what is their purpose and how it works, we will tell in this article.

Appointment of air humidifiers

Such devices are used in cases where there is an insufficient level of air humidity within the premises. This, in turn, is often among the common causes of a large number of different diseases. This is explained by the fact that a reduced indicator of air humidity in an apartment or office in most cases increases the perception of the human body to various infections, as well as various respiratory diseases.

Such problems quite often entail peeling of the skin of the hands and face of a person who is constantly in it. This problem is especially relevant in the winter period, since it is on such days that the humidity within a room or office is much lower than the normal level. All of the above problems can be solved by using a humidifier.

It is worth noting that the lack of humidity harms not only people. Plants also perceive this negatively, including, of course, indoor flowers, they always need favorable conditions. There is a part of the plants that are distinguished by a special love for moisture, which will require daily spraying, they will also need to be placed near water vessels or covered with moistened gauze. Agree, this is a very troublesome exercise, and the effectiveness can be called into question. For these purposes, devices that humidify the air are also suitable.

The principle of operation of the air humidifier is based on processes during which natural evaporation processes are performed. This is how most of these devices work. The technology involves the supply of evaporated moisture into the space of the room. There are also such varieties of such a device that provide for the forced evaporation of moisture.

What are the varieties?

There are four main types of humidifiers in use today. These include the following categories:

  1. Classic humidifiers. They are also called cold vapor humidifiers;
  2. Steam type devices;
  3. Recently, ultrasonic models have become more and more widespread;
  4. The so-called "air washers", which are presented in the form of humidifiers-cleaners of air masses.

Let's consider each of the varieties in more detail. Let's start with traditional devices. It is worth noting that the principle of operation of this type of air humidifier is "cold" evaporation. The specialized sponge of the evaporating element is fully moistened.

Further, the built-in fan sucks dry air masses from their premises. The following steps are related to running through a moistened sponge. As a result, it becomes possible to achieve the most rational humidification of the air in the room. In addition, there is no need to install additional control devices.

Traditional humidifiers are characterized by their relatively low prices. Replacement filters are also cheap. In addition, low power consumption will also save money. If we talk about the weaknesses of this kind of air humidifiers, then here we can indicate the lack of the ability to maintain an accurate level of humidity, in most cases there will be some error.

Steam humidifiers should also be mentioned separately. These types of air humidifiers are also often referred to as hot steam humidifiers. This is explained, first of all, by the fact that in the course of their activity such devices use hot evaporation technology. This type of device is equipped with a special heating element, which helps to turn water into steam. Some of the benefits of these humidifiers include:

  • Excellent performance;
  • Relatively low cost;
  • Efficiency.

Performance figures are undoubtedly an advantage, but entail the disadvantage of increased energy consumption. There is also a weak side here, which consists in the inability to strictly maintain a specific level of humidity within the room, you will have to put up with the error.

Ultrasonic humidifiers and air purifiers

If we talk about how this type of humidifier works, then we can immediately note greater efficiency of this technology. A special piezoelectric component is placed in the frame of the ultrasonic humidifier. He, in turn, with the help of vibrations high frequencies is engaged in the transformation of ordinary water into micro-sprays. Dry air is also sucked in here using a fan. This is done through the formed "water fog", after which it diverges throughout the room. Air purification is carried out through the use of a special filter.

It is also worth noting that manufacturers of humidifiers of this type have laid the possibility of maintaining humidity in a strictly defined value. In addition, in most cases, models are equipped with a timer and a gyrostat. The small noise during its operation can also be attributed to the number of advantages. However, here it was not without drawbacks, and in this case it lies in the high cost of a replacement cartridge. In principle, you can not use it without it, but in this case you should use distilled or at least filtered water for pouring.

Above, we have considered devices whose main purpose is to improve the humidity in the room. There are also such devices that are able to combine humidification with air purification as a result of its filtration. Such devices are called humidifiers-air purifiers. This type of humidifier is also classified into two more types of devices - climatic complexes and the so-called "air washers".

It is also worth noting that the climatic complex is characterized by the intake of polluted air within the premises. Further specifications humidifiers allow you to blow low-quality air masses through the system, within which there are special filters and water. Thus, as a result, not only humidified, but also clean air will be obtained. Speaking about the advantages of climate complexes, one can immediately note the implementation of the most real complex cleaning of the air flows in the room. At the same time, it is moistened to the level that is needed in a given situation. The weak side is the need for regular replacement of filtration components.

We also separately note air washers, which have a slightly different principle of operation, although they have exactly the same goals. They are designed to take air from outside the room, after which it passes through a system consisting of plastic discs that rotate in the water. As a result, various harmful impurities will be removed from the air. The latter include dust, hair of cats or dogs, as well as pollen from flowers and others. The air will also be humidified to a natural level.

Among the advantages that air washers have is that there is no need to replace replaceable elements. And this, in turn, allows you to save a lot during the use of the device. As in the previous version, in parallel with the humidification of the air masses, they are cleaned. However, they cannot cope with unpleasant odors.

Finally

So, in our article, we tried to answer the question as fully as possible about what a humidifier is, what are its varieties, their strengths and weaknesses. It is important to take responsibility for the choice of this device. We hope that the information provided by us will be useful to you in practice.

Discomfort in the room can occur not only due to fluctuations in air temperature. The well-being of residents also depends on the level of humidity. Fortunately, you can set the optimal parameters using climate technology.

We will try to find out why you need a humidifier at home and indicate what types of devices are on the market. The given overview of characteristics different devices, as well as tips on choosing climate technology will help you decide on the model and not miscalculate the purchase.

Compact mobile devices that can humidify the air to a comfortable value are important for residential premises and offices, where the average city dweller spends most of his work or leisure time.

Too dry air worsens the well-being of healthy people, and can also exacerbate the diseases of those who suffer from allergies and respiratory diseases.

Small children are especially sensitive to excessive dryness, so it is recommended to equip children's bedrooms and playrooms with household humidifiers. Due to the observance of humidity standards, the child's immunity increases, the likelihood of catching a cold or infectious disease decreases.

Modern humidifiers are not limited to the function of spraying moisture around the room. Many of them are able to independently regulate humidity, some also purify the air from harmful impurities and pathogens.

It is useful to use humidifiers where indoor plants or seedlings are grown - in specially designated rooms, on terraces, balconies and loggias, in winter gardens and greenhouses. It has been proven that normal humidity favorably affects the preservation of furniture from natural wood, paintings, books.

Humidity standards according to GOST

To find out the humidity standards for a particular room, just look at the GOST documentation, where all indicators are divided into optimal (recommended) and acceptable. To use a special device - a hygrometer.

Cold Type Devices - Traditional

Appliances of the classical type (cold) operate without additional heating and take a small amount of heat to evaporate from the room air.

The air flow blown by the fan passes through a filter (or replaceable cartridge) soaked in water, as a result of which the humidity rises, and the temperature, on the contrary, slightly decreases.

Philips HU4801 is a classic humidifier. Service area - up to 25 m², productivity - 0.2 l / h, water tank volume - 2 liters. Equipped with a water level indicator, with a critical decrease, it turns off automatically

Advantages of traditional models: low power consumption, maintaining air humidity within 60-65%, low noise level.

Care feature: it is better to take distilled water for filling into the tank so that the parts of the device do not fail due to deposits. If the unit is placed near a heating device (such as an electric heater or a central heating radiator), the humidification efficiency will increase.

Steam humidifiers - the "electric kettle principle"

Indeed, the steam model can be compared to a kettle, from the spout of which, when boiled, a jet of hot steam flies out. As you remember, the process of boiling water is accompanied by very intense evaporation, and if it is not stopped in time, all the boiled water will first be in the air and then settle on surrounding objects.

Therefore, all steam models are equipped with a hygrostat - a convenient device for controlling the level of humidity.

If you purchase Boneco S450 You don't need to buy fragrance separately. The device is equipped with a tray in which you can dissolve aromatic oils. When heated, the air in the room is filled with your favorite coniferous, citrus or floral scent.

Multifunctional air washers

At its core, sinks are improved and more powerful humidifiers of the classic (cold) type. The main active element is a drum consisting of moisture-absorbing disks.

As it rotates, it dips the discs into a tank of water, then lifts them up to the fan. A jet of air from the fan dries the discs, moistening the surrounding air.

As an example of an air washer, we present the Boneco W2055DR model, the result of the work of Czech engineers. The unit is capable of serving an area of ​​50 m², which is more than enough for a standard room

The advantage of the device in the additional filtration of air masses - such devices belong to.

Dust particles are washed out of the tank with water, as a result of which the air at the outlet is not only humid, but also really clean.

Image gallery

The device is unpretentious in care, refuels with water from the tap. From time to time it is necessary to remove the case cover, rinse the disks and the reservoir, wipe the fan. Additional features: aromatization and quiet night operation.

A humidifier is unlikely to be suitable for improving the microclimate in greenhouses where higher humidity is needed, but for the home it is suitable option- perfectly cleans the air with quiet operation.

Efficient ultrasonic models

The ultrasonic device is the best choice for a city apartment, office or private house, as it combines all the advantages of other types and is characterized by maximum efficiency.

If we analyze the choice of buyers, we can conclude that this is the most popular humidifier of all the listed modifications. Let's figure out what is the reason for such popularity.

How does a U/C humidifier work?

Outside, the device is not much different from other types of models. Working parts are enclosed in a stylish case, which is equipped with a removable panel. Case material - heat-resistant modified plastic, shape, size and color may vary.

Beautiful appearance, functionality and ease of use have become decisive when buying ultrasonic models by users with different priorities. The safety of the device also played an important role.

The humidifier differs from alternative models by the piezoelectric emitter located inside the case. It causes ultraviolet vibrations in the region of 5 MHz, which affect the upper layer of water and form the so-called fog, which then spreads through the air, saturating it with moisture.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video advice from competent people will help you better navigate modern humidifiers and their functions.

The best ultrasonic models:

When you know the design and purpose of humidifiers for the home, it is easier and faster to choose the right model. Please read when purchasing technical parameters and functionality, specify what consumables will be required. Make sure that the device is suitable for power and service area.

Looking for an effective humidifier for your home or apartment? And can there be a successful experience of using such a device? Share your story with readers. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.

Human body in the process of evolution, it has adapted to high humidity so much that dry air causes purely negative reactions in it. Air humidity is necessary for the body to carry out the basic processes of life, and in dry conditions a person begins to experience problems with well-being. How high is the humidity level in modern apartments? You will be surprised. Did you know that in the Sahara desert (one of the driest places on the planet), the relative humidity is 25 percent? As for apartments, in winter, when the central heating is on, the humidity level in residential apartments can drop by up to 20 percent! That is, the situation is worse than in the Sahara. Of course, this cannot but affect our health.

Optimum air humidity ranges:

1. Human - 40-70%
2. Plants - 55-75%
3. Antiques and books - 40-60%
4. Furniture - 40-60%
5. Household appliances and electronics - 45-60%

The list of optimal ranges shows that low humidity negatively affects not only humans, but also domestic plants, household appliances, furniture, etc.

Why is low indoor humidity dangerous?

Of course, too high humidity is also not good, but low humidity is real. dangerous phenomenon. Firstly, low humidity levels will increase the amount of dust in the room, and if you are prone to allergic reactions, you should be extremely careful. Secondly, all mucous membranes are affected by dry air, including the throat, nose, eyes and lungs. Dry air can also dry out your skin. website

From the foregoing, it becomes clear that a low level of humidity must be fought with the most active methods. This will help you to always be in good health. How to saturate the air in your apartment with life-giving moisture? The answer is simple. You need to go to the store and buy a humidifier, the price of which will not break you much.

What is an air humidifier?

Air humidifiers are a device, the purpose of which is to humidify the air in the apartment. With the help of a humidifier, you can maintain the microclimate at the required level, creating a favorable atmosphere for your body. Humidifiers will never raise the humidity in a room to 100 percent unless you set them to the right setting. The humidity level with the help of a humidifier will always be kept at an optimal level. After the desired humidity level is reached, the humidifier will enter the maintenance mode, which dramatically increases the efficiency of these wonderful devices. Remember that humidifiers are absolutely safe devices, and their use cannot harm a person or the environment.

In order for the humidifier to work with maximum efficiency, it must be placed in a closed room so that moisture does not go beyond it. Using humidifiers is extremely easy. You do not have to pay for additional accessories, or spend money on refilling the humidifier. Work with the device begins immediately after installation, but you can easily carry out the installation yourself. To start working with a humidifier, you need to put the device in the right place, pour water inside, as in a regular iron, and plug it into a power outlet. The device can realize round-the-clock humidification without making any noise. The operation of the evaporator will not affect your normal household chores in any way.

Functions of modern humidifiers

1. Maintaining the optimal level of humidity in the room.
2. Purification of the atmosphere from impurities and dust.
3. Elimination of electrostatic stress.

What is a home climate system?

The climate complex is a household device capable of performing a wide variety of functions aimed at improving the condition of indoor air. What are these functions?

Air humidification. The work of the climatic complex, aimed at humidifying the air, is identical to the work of a traditional humidifier. Water evaporates naturally, resulting in natural hydration. Maintaining the humidity level can be carried out in an extended range. With increasing humidity in the room, the performance of the complex decreases.

Air cleaning. Climatic complexes use special filters for air purification, each of which is aimed at combating a particular type of dust that has different size and origin. Climate complexes are able to purify the air from tobacco smoke, smog, exhaust gases, dust mites, bacteria and ordinary household dust.

Air ionizer. Climatic complexes are necessarily equipped with built-in air ionizers, which saturate the air in the room with oxygen ions.
Aromatization of the air. The device contains a special capsule with aromatic oils, using which the climate complex can aromatize the air.

Advantages of climate complexes

Climatic complexes are quite modest in size, which is surprising for such multifunctional devices.

Cons of climate complexes

Cheap devices can limit air humidity levels to 60 percent, which may not be enough under certain conditions. Periodically, you will need to change expendable materials. And since there are many functions in the climate complex, this will have to be done quite often.

Air purifiers as a humidifier.

Devices such as air purifiers, it turns out, can also humidify indoor air. But their main task is still purification. The principle of operation of an air purifier is similar to a traditional humidifier, but the dust in the sucked air passes through the water in the device, after which it settles in the pan. Only fresh, clean and humidified air is sent to the atmosphere. Air purifiers are ideal for rooms with a lot of dust.

Pros of air purifiers

The main advantage, as you understand, is the fastest air purification, along with its humidification. The operation of such devices does not cause extraneous noise. No additional consumables or filters are required to purify and humidify the air.

Cons of air purifiers

Minus, in fact, one. Since the main task of the purifier is to rid the room of dust, the secondary function, humidification, is limited to 60 percent.

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Why do you need a humidifier? The question is rhetorical. Everyone knows that the humidity in the apartment is very different from that which happens in natural conditions. Working appliances, TV, gas stoves and hot batteries in winter only exacerbate the situation. The room quickly loses the necessary moisture. But our body is difficult to adapt to this. Few people know that too dry air threatens health and even leads to premature aging!

What can make a home environment more comfortable? The simplest solution is a humidifier!

What is dangerous dry air in the apartment?

Humidity is considered optimal for a person from 40 to 60 percent, depending on the time of year. The warmer, the more saturated with moisture the air should be.

It is clear that if you live near the sea or in a private house with a garden, the problem of too dry air will not be so relevant for you. But most of us are much less fortunate - many live in cities where the climate itself is quite unfavorable - the air is very dry, not only indoors, but also outside. Of course, in this case, the home fountain and aquarium will not save. That's what a humidifier is for.

Too dry air in the apartment leads to unpleasant consequences:

  • Breathing problems. People with chronic respiratory diseases in such an environment feel especially bad. Diseases can worsen, new complications appear. Forever stuffy nose and chronic cough - a reason to think about purchasing a humidifier.
  • Skin diseases. Healthy skin should be hydrated. When it loses moisture, the protective barrier also disappears, which can lead to various troubles - from banal acne to peeling and serious allergic manifestations.
  • Dry brittle hair. You have probably noticed how hair begins to electrify with the advent of the heating season. Our hair during this period is under severe stress, as it lacks moisture.
  • Flaky nails. Yes, this problem can be associated not only with beriberi, but also with too dry air, to which our body simply cannot get used.
  • Exacerbation of allergic diseases. It is not only the damage to the mucous membranes, but also the increased circulation of allergens. Dry air is ever-flying dust with microscopic mites, fine hair and other particles that can provoke a reaction in our body in the form of a runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.
  • Frequent viral and colds. This is especially noticeable in children whose body has not yet adapted to such a climate. From dry air, the child may experience a feeling of dryness and sore throat, as a result, he will begin to refuse food. As a result, constant stress for the body will lead to a decrease in overall immunity and incessant SARS.
  • Premature aging. Indeed, the higher the air humidity, the longer our skin can remain wrinkle-free. Alas, in a dry climate, the skin ages earlier.

Not only people suffer from dry air in the house. The same problems occur in four-legged pets, the leaves turn yellow and crumble in indoor plants, wooden furniture cracks, parquet deteriorates. Do you need a humidifier in your apartment? The question disappears by itself. Of course it is.

The main types of humidifiers

Humidifiers may differ depending on the principle of operation. Allocate three main types:

  • Traditional. These devices are inexpensive and very common. They work on the principle of "cold evaporation". Water is poured into the tank, which is supplied to the evaporation elements. The built-in fan captures dry air and gives humidified. As a rule, these humidifiers do not use much electricity and are not very noisy. It is best to put such devices where it is warmer, or in places with the most active air movement.
  • Steam. They humidify the air with the help of “hot evaporation”. The electrodes heat the water, which is converted into steam. These devices are highly productive. The air can be saturated with moisture above 60 percent. However, in hot weather, such a humidifier will create additional heat, so these devices are usually used in winter during the heating season in cool rooms. Another disadvantage is the high cost of electricity and the risk of getting burned by hot steam.
  • Ultrasonic. These are the most modern and perfect humidifiers, which are often used in children's rooms. The devices are safe and do not create noise. Water is transformed into a cloud of cool fog due to high-frequency vibrations. Sometimes ultrasonic humidifiers are additionally equipped with an antibacterial function.

Some are also able to humidify the air in the apartment, but specialized devices cope with this task much better.

Today in stores you can find a variety of models of air humidifiers with a wide price range. What is the best humidifier for you? Here are some tips:

  • If there are children and animals in the house, take a closer look at traditional and ultrasonic models. Steam humidifiers can cause burns. These devices will not work even if your house is always hot.
  • You can find an inexpensive model that will last a long time and meet all expectations. Not necessarily the device should cost fabulous money.
  • Pay attention to the size of the water tank. The larger it is, the less often you have to change the water.
  • If you live with a family, the control panel should be understandable to everyone.
  • Make sure you save money by buying an inexpensive device. Specify how often you will need to change the filters and how much it costs. Find out how much electricity the device consumes. It may be better to buy more expensive, but with low energy consumption, which will pay off in the future.
  • The ideal humidifier is one that operates silently. You can leave it on overnight. It is important that the sound of the operating humidifier does not exceed 40 decibels. Then you will not be annoyed by the noise from the device at night.

If you still doubt whether you need a humidifier at home, measure the actual humidity in the apartment. To do this, use a hygrometer, which can be purchased inexpensively.

In cases where the humidity indicators do not meet the standards, the need to purchase a humidifier is obvious. It is especially important to install the device if there is a child in the house. After all, all pediatricians advise creating optimal conditions for temperature and humidity in the children's room - the health of the baby depends on this.

By the way, there are models of air humidifiers specifically for the children's room, which are safe and have a fun design.

Knowing the differences between the types of devices, you can easily make right choice. Follow our recommendations and get the opportunity to keep your family healthy!