10 tips on choosing a humidifier

Despite the variety of models, all humidifiers have a standard set of functions:

1. Performance. From this criterion depends on the size of the apartment, which can serve the device. Judging by the user reviews, a humidifier with a capacity from 300 to 400 ml / h will suffice for a room of up to 30 m2. Powerful devices are able to work on apartments up to 70 m2 (large two-room apartment). The performance of such devices reaches 500-600 ml / h. Some people buy humidifiers "for growth", but this leads to excessive power consumption.
2. Power. Performance depends on the power. The correct combination of these characteristics affects the operating cost of the humidifier. The more the model has additional features, the higher the performance indicators. Consequently, the amount of energy consumed increases. Averages for most humidifiers range from 30 to 35W without the inclusion of additional features.
3. Noise level. When the air is dry, the humidifier will work for hours (especially in winter). It depends on the noise level how comfortable it is to arrive in the same apartment as the operating device. The best models practically do not make any sound, allowing you to watch TV, chat and even sleep with the device turned on. The standard noise level in humidifiers is 25 dB (quiet whisper).
4. Type of filter. The effectiveness of the cleaner depends on the quality of the filter. If the degree of demineralization is low, then allergens and infection can get into the air along with the steam. For this reason, recently, ionic filters are gaining popularity. Judging by the reviews, they not only moisturize, but also soften the microclimate. High-quality humidifier is able to remove from the air inorganic mixtures, including magnesium salts.

Steam humidifiers with the principle of hot evaporation are very popular. Water is heated by electrodes, reaches the desired temperature and turns into steam, saturating the air. Hot particles kill harmful microbes and bacteria, while they do not have a negative effect on humans.

One of the positive aspects of such a device is the possibility of a strong moistening of air - from 60%. Capacity is up to 700 ml / h, one model is enough for huge rooms. Many put an indicator of the amount of water in the tank, some humidifiers stop working when the minimum is reached.When buying, it is important to consider the design of the model - the design must be stable so that the device does not overturn, pouring out all the liquid.

These devices do not have nozzles that can clog. There are no filters that require regular replacement. They do not need to be constantly refilled with distilled water, which leaves saline deposits.

Most steam humidifiers are made of heat-resistant plastic that is resistant to hot liquids. It is recommended to check the instrument protection system: for example, if the cover is not tightly closed, the device will not turn on. At full evaporation, the unit should stop working. Steam humidifiers do not need cartridges or filters, they are easy to operate and are relatively inexpensive.

Due to high power and low cost, these devices are installed in greenhouses, greenhouses and winter gardens. They create a tropical microclimate favorable for many plants. For the same reason they are less often used in apartments and houses. The power is so high that in a short period of time the air will become too humid, as if before the rain.

Ultrasonic humidifiers appeared relatively recently thanks to modern technology. They are considered a perfect type of device, which has practically no drawbacks. Devices create high-frequency oscillations, turning water into an invisible cloud. The fan in the humidifier draws dry air through the humidified environment. Cold mist enters the room. Such a device is absolutely safe, it is impossible to burn yourself with steam. They are recommended for an inquisitive child who wants to turn the “toy”.

The strengths of these humidifiers are:

1. The device automatically turns on and off in accordance with the state of the hygrostat, maintaining moisture at a set level.
2. Comes with a filter cleaner. It removes water from minerals and mixtures with salt content. It protects furniture and walls from white bloom. One filter lasts about three months, but the service life depends on the degree of contamination and water hardness.
3. If the liquid in the tank runs out, the device shuts off. It is very useful to leave it turned on when there is no one in the apartment. Ultrasonic humidifiers are practically silent and often have a rotating spout. The user chooses which way to direct the steam.

The more expensive models are equipped with a room humidity indicator, a rotary knob and touch buttons. These functions are optional, but add to the cost of the device. Some can even be controlled from the phone through the app.

The main disadvantage of these humidifiers is the price. In addition to the initial cost, you will have to regularly purchase filters, clean the tanks and purchase batteries. If the price is not an important factor for the buyer, an ultrasonic humidifier will be the best choice.

The first on the market appeared cold evaporation humidifiers, which can still be found in stores. The user pours ordinary water, it falls on the special elements of the device. The fan draws air into the house and drives it through the liquid in the tank. The microclimate in the room is gradually changing, especially near the appliance.

These humidifiers are very energy efficient, not very noisy and do not require special care. They have a minimal set of functions, do not have a hygrostat (you cannot set the degree of moisture) and will work until the user turns off the power. Buyers in the reviews advised to put a classic humidifier next to the batteries and in places of air circulation. Then the level of evaporation will grow, the room will be saturated with vapors and cleaned of dirt, dust and microparticles. Even wet cleaning will not give such a result as a quality device.

It is recommended to buy instruments with a transparent tank or fullness indicator in order to add water in time.The best models have antibacterial cassettes that destroy pests. Cartridges need to be changed every few months.

Classic humidifiers are great for home and office. They are absolutely safe (the water in the tank remains cold) and even placed in children's rooms. The only major drawback is the limitation of humidity (about 60%), so they are not suitable for greenhouses and greenhouses, as in any place where a tropical climate is needed.

In a standard apartment, a classic device can solve the problem of dry air, especially in winter. The summer effect is almost unnoticeable. In winter, the air has a high relative humidity, therefore, getting into the room, it greatly changes the microclimate. This affects the condition of the respiratory tract and contributes to the spread of infection. A quality cold humidifier solves all these problems.

Not so long ago, devices appeared on the market that combine a humidifier and a cleaner to destroy harmful particles, bacteria, and impurities from the room. They act by applying several technologies: air enters the fan, then goes to the evaporator. Moistened, it returns to the room in the form of steam.

The cleaning function is represented by one or more filters for various purposes. For example, parents buy a child anti-allergic cartridges that trap plant pollen and harmful particles. The air enters the evaporator, passes through the filters and leaves dirt, dust, tobacco smoke and an unpleasant smell in the water. Some humidifiers have an additional ionization function.

Such devices are more conventional and require caution during use. It is recommended to purchase a device with handles to move it and the electronic system from place to place. Periodically, you will have to change filters, batteries and other consumables. The tank with liquid is regularly contaminated, it is important to wash it monthly with hot water and soap.

Such humidifiers are installed in homes, apartments and offices, but are particularly popular in rooms with odors and a lot of dust. A standard device consists of a plastic disc system, so it cannot be dropped. When transporting it is important to be careful with filters that are also easily damaged.

Despite the disadvantages, the advantages of modern humidifiers are many:

• several power levels (day and night depending on the permissible noise level);
• ease of use;
• air humidification to the desired level;
• destruction of bacteria, harmful substances and odors.

The standard limitation of room humidity is 60%, but there are more powerful devices that increase the value to 70-80%.

When choosing a model, it is important to look at the availability of consumables and their cost. It happens that a relatively inexpensive humidifier requires regular replacement of cartridges and tanks, which will have to be ordered from another country. At the same time, steam and classical instruments do not have any consumables at all and are the easiest to use.

In most technologically advanced humidifiers there is one filter for evaporating a liquid. It is sufficient to replace it twice a year if the buyer uses purified or very soft water (passed through special systems, boiled or distilled). If you fill in the one that flows from the tap, the filter becomes dirty for 2 months of regular work. The cost of one cartridge is about 350 rubles.

Ultrasonic humidifiers have a lot more filters; they additionally require replacement of ion exchange resin. One pack costs about a thousand rubles, it will have to be bought several times a year. If the water is of poor quality, the resin will end in 3-4 months.

When there is only one filter in an ultrasonic humidifier, distilled water is used (or, as a last resort, boiled). Using another liquid will greatly shorten the life of the device.In any case, such humidifiers imply regular material costs.

Devices with washing and cleaning function require a lot of money. They have several different cartridges that become dirty every couple of months. For example, the HEPA filter, which delays allergens and dust, needs to be changed once a season. The one that destroys unpleasant odors, you need to update every 3 months. On average, the cost of such humidifiers is 2 thousand rubles every six months.

Aromatherapy is the addition of essential oils to a water tank and then atomized as steam. The smell spreads evenly around the room, so many users think it is a great idea to use a humidifier for this purpose. However, not every model is safe to use in this way, some can just be spoiled.

Manufacturers strongly advise against adding oils to:

• ultrasound;
• steam;
• traditional humidifiers.

These models can not be disassembled and cleaned from the inside of the oil, as the body is made of a piece of plastic. Filters and membranes will remain contaminated, which immediately affects the efficiency of work, and over time will lead to breakage. The only thing manufacturers admit is to drop a little oil in place of steam release.

Humidifiers with the function of air washing may be used for aromatherapy, if you immediately wash all the compartments with soap and water. Still there are special devices with a compartment for oils. It is convenient to remove and easy to clean, but these devices are much more expensive and not so effectively humidify the air.

Air ionization is the creation of aeroions in a room. According to research, there are more of them in nature than in city apartments and houses. Now the air is much more polluted due to industrial plants and a huge number of cars. Indoors, its quality is influenced by computers, televisions and other equipment. An ionizer humidifier is able to make the air the same as it is in the forest or near a village pond.

Inside the device are special electrodes under high voltage. They emit air ions that interact with oxygen and ionize it. Often this feature is presented as an absolute plus, improving health and giving a restful sleep. However, the effectiveness depends on who is in the room with a humidifier. Before making a final choice, you need to know about the negative properties of air ions:

1. If the device works in a room where a person with any viral disease is located (or there are already relevant molecules there), then they are more likely to get to healthy people by airborne droplets. The ionized air spreads the infection much faster than normal dry.
2. Such a microclimate harms people with high temperatures. It speeds up the metabolism, warming the body and worsening the patient's condition.
3. Aeroions stimulate metabolism and can provoke sluggish diseases. Ionization humidifiers are forbidden to be installed during oncology. It is better to consult with your doctor.
4. Air ions stress the respiratory system more than ordinary air. This complicates the course of asthma and some other diseases.
5. Many people do not even realize that they are intolerant of air ions (or hypersensitivity). Before buying, it is recommended to check the warranty obligations of the seller and return the goods if the ionized air breathes uncomfortably.
6. A child younger than one year old or people after operations do not need additional loads on the airways. They are suitable classic humidifiers.

There are several basic criteria to consider when choosing a humidifier for a child:

• device size depends on the size of the children's room;
• performance;
• the volume of the water tank (the bigger it is, the less often you will need to get and fill the device);
• very low noise;
• hygrometer;
• replaceable filters and the possibility of their purchase;
• electricity consumption.

Children's humidifiers are often made of colored plastic in the form of various animals and characters from cartoons. They do not have such a set of functions as appliances for other rooms, and they are much cheaper.

One of the main indicators is the silence of the humidifier. However, the noise can not be verified without turning on the device. It is recommended to choose a proven manufacturer with good warranty conditions. For example, in reviews, customers trust Electrolux, Redmond, Boneco, and Philips. Humidifiers in the form of animals and fairytale heroes have Ballu (model UHB-275 E), Crane (EE-6369) and Royal Clima (RUH-MR200). At the same time, a small noise level is even useful for nursing babies, because it helps them sleep.

Russian pediatrician Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich brought out several important criteria that need to be paid attention to when buying a humidifier:

• regular use of the device;
• security;
• additional functions;
• quality and quantity of water.

Most modern humidifiers have several additional features. Judging by the parents, the child does not need sensors for determining humidity and air temperature. They show information in the place where the device stands, and not near the crib. As a result, these parents get the wrong ones. Both of these functions are performed by separate portable devices.

There are several additional criteria that are suitable for a standard apartment, approved by a doctor:

1. The child is quite simple and inexpensive moisturizer. It is recommended to avoid devices with hot steam and difficult electrical equipment, especially if children are able to reach them. The traditional device is suitable for most rooms. Ultrasound will be a good choice if you remove it away from the child and regularly change cartridges.
2. Ideal to take a compact humidifier with a roomy tank that can be left on all night.
3. If the device is placed near the bed, the noise level should be below 24 dB. Many devices reach 40 dB and small children do not fit.