Humidifiers are devices designed to increase the humidity of the air of individual rooms and buildings in general. To do this, they generate water vapor.
A child is dear to every parent. Mom and dad do not want to see them sick. Diseases of children hurt them. If the doctor prescribes the use of a humidifier or there is an intuitive belief that humidity will help ease the child’s breathing with bronchitis, cough or flu, then you should read this review to choose the most suitable model.
Typically, a cold steam generator is the best choice. Warm or hot air increases the airway inflammation of the baby.
Humidifiers are a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. They must be disinfected daily and each day replaced with distilled or purified water. The child should not breathe minerals and lime contained in city tap water. It is also not worth pouring softened water into the humidifier, since it is obtained from hard water by adding salts.
Benefits of using
Humidity is the concentration of water vapor in the air. It can be seen on foggy days. Humidity varies depending on the season and place of residence. In summer it is higher, and in cold winter - lower. Humidity in the house should be between 30-60%. When it gets too high or too low, problems can occur.
Low humidity irritates the nasal passages, causes dry skin, itchy eyelids and dry cough.
High leads to condensation on the windows, makes the atmosphere stuffy, making breathing more difficult and causing a feeling of being in the bath. High humidity activates unsafe bacteria, mold, fungus and dust mites. Allergies, outbreaks of asthma and other respiratory illnesses can also be its consequences.
In addition, when humidity is too low, static electricity can become a problem, causing annoying tissue sticking and small electric shocks when touching door handles or metal. Furniture may dry out and paper may dry out and crumble.
Humidity should provide comfort without causing health problems due to its too high level.
Principle of operation
In cold climates, this device will provide the necessary level of humidity in the room. Ultrasonic humidifiers (photo below) use a metal diaphragm that vibrates at high frequency, creating a cool or warm fog. 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, therefore it is quiet.
Which ultrasonic humidifier is better?
First of all, you need to decide whether to install a humidity control system for the whole house or just one room, usually a bedroom. As a rule, for most users, a small device in the nursery is enough. However, those who live in a dry, arid climate or suffer from serious sinusitis, dry cough, have dry flaky skin and hair should think about a centralized moisturizing system.
You must purchase a device whose capacity and performance would correspond to the size of a particular room.
Portable and desktop ultrasonic humidifiers are great for one room. For rooms of different sizes, tanks of different tank sizes are available.
Systems for the whole house are in the lead in the ranking of ultrasonic air humidifiers, because they provide the necessary level of humidity with the help of air ducts and hydrostatic control. Retrofitting existing ventilation is expensive. Such a system is constantly connected to a water source and does not require replenishment of tanks. It is installed by a heating and ventilation specialist who must calculate the required performance.
What to remember when choosing a humidifier?
The parameters of the humidifier depend on the planned place of its use and the desired purpose. Features such as performance, functionality, design, service, and warranties should be considered.
- Performance. In most humidifiers, the moisture output is expressed in cubic meters for 24 hours. They are also evaluated by the area of the premises that they can serve. The performance of the humidifier purchased must be appropriate to the volume of the room or house. If the air is too humid (more than 60%), favorable conditions will arise for the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria.
- Features Ultrasonic humidifiers generate both warm and cold fog. In devices of the first type, cold water is passed through a heating element. The fog leaves the ultrasound machine at a safe temperature of 40 ° C. However, water that is inside the device, if it capsizes, can burn the baby. Therefore, it is safer to use cold fog generators near small children and older people.
- The best ultrasonic humidifiers use hygrostats. They measure humidity and provide its set level, without requiring additional calculations.
- Design. If the intended installation location of the device is known, it should be measured to make sure that it will correspond to it. The humidifier should be easily transported to the water source to replenish it. It must have handles so that it can be moved when it is wet.
- Service and warranty. Most humidifiers usually come with a 1 year warranty. But it’s better to buy devices from manufacturers that support their products for a longer time. You must ensure that the company provides a free phone number or chat to help users. It is better to choose a reputable company that advises its customers.
Right Criteria
Ultrasonic humidifiers increase home comfort. The right choice will satisfy all needs. These devices are inexpensive and easy to use. Here are some specific guidelines for choosing the perfect humidifier:
- Area. It would be unnecessary to integrate an air humidifier into the existing ventilation system, if all that is needed is to occasionally increase the humidity in the same room. A small portable device will easily provide the necessary level of comfort and save money. To calculate the served area, it is necessary to multiply the width of the room by its length. For example, a room area of 4 x 5 m is 20 m 2 .
- Operating costs. The initial installation of a humidification system for the whole house will cost more, but in general it is cheaper. Warm fog evaporators are cheap but consume a lot of energy. Humidifiers can be controlled with a hygrostat. Replacing filters and cartridges is another cost item. These costs can make a humidifier too expensive.
- A hygrostat is an analog or digital device that uses a hygrometer to control air humidity. Hygrostats are important because without them, fog generation will continue until the humidifier is manually turned off. Excess humidity leads to the formation of condensation on the windows and the appearance of mold and mildew in the room, so a portable hygrometer should be used to control its level.
- According to reviews, an ultrasonic humidifier produces almost no noise, with the exception of a small hiss.
- Water quality. When using hard tap water, many humidifiers will have a lower fog output. At the same time, the cost of maintenance rises. The use of distilled water may be economically feasible, but it also requires additional costs.
- Security. It is advisable to purchase a device that automatically turns off when there is no water. The best-rated ultrasonic humidifiers emit a sound when the liquid level becomes low and refueling is required. A transparent tank allows you to determine the moment when you need to refill it. For example, an ultrasonic humidifier Polaris PUH 7140 in the absence of water turns off automatically.
- Warm or cold? Some people prefer cold fog to warm steam, reminiscent of the atmosphere in a steam bath. Others like the calming warmth that they think softens the air. This is a personal choice, and the doctor can recommend which one is best for solving health problems. If medicines are used, then warm steam generators are better suited. The Ballu UHB 1000 ultrasonic humidifier , for example, supports 2 modes - cold and warm fog.
In dry climates, humidifiers are needed in the cold winter months, and often throughout the year. Humid air seems warmer and provides greater comfort. It becomes easier to breathe, and the habitat receives the moisture it needs.
What is the difference between cold and warm fog?
There are not many differences. Cold fog makes breathing easier with 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 during rain, then warm steam will be preferable. Otherwise, it is better to use a cool fog. To create a warm fog you need a heating element. This is why it is not the best option in homes where there are small children and pets.
How do moisturizers cope with bacteria?
Models are available with functions to limit or prevent the growth of bacteria in the water tank. Some of the best-rated ultrasonic air humidifiers use nanotechnology or silver for this, but they cost more. But you still have to clean and disinfect the device, as well as distill water to limit the growth of bacteria. Despite the fact that these humidifiers will cost more, they are worth it because they will last longer.
For example, an ultrasonic humidifier Polaris PUH 7140 has a special coating on the water tank, which contains silver particles, the disinfecting properties of which are well known. In addition, this model is equipped with a cartridge for water purification and two filters for air, which clean it of odors and dust.
Can salt be added to breathe “sea” air?
Not. Do not add salt to the humidifier. It contributes to corrosion and destroys metal parts, seals, filters and shortens the life of the device. Salt corrodes the heating element and increases the risk of fire from overheating. All this may result in loss of warranty.
How often should the humidifier be cleaned?
Be sure to read the user manual. An ultrasonic humidifier requires regular maintenance to stop the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria. Do not leave the device wet, as this leads to the growth of pathogens. A good rule is a daily water change. 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 enter the air. The cleaning procedure should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Why does white dust appear on furniture, floors, and around the humidifier?
These are minerals that are present in hard water. They are not harmful and easy to remove, just like regular dust. Ultrasonic humidifiers, unlike evaporative ones, can become a source of these salts if they are not equipped with a high-quality demineralization cartridge. To combat this phenomenon, distilled water should be used. In addition, thanks to it, the filter will last longer, and it will not have to be cleaned so often. However, the water will still have to be changed every few days and the device must be disinfected according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can I use a timer to turn off the humidifier?
Yes. Many newer models have built-in programmable timers with digital control. This allows you to start the device at the right time and save energy. Humidifiers with a countdown timer allow you to program humidifier shutdown. Instead, you can set the number of hours the device works. The Boneco 7135 ultrasonic humidifier , for example, allows you to set an automatic shutdown timer within 1–9 hours.
How much energy does the humidifier consume?
It depends on the performance and availability of the heating function. Ultrasonic humidifiers, according to reviews, usually consume little energy. Models that generate cold fog tend to serve a large area and are more efficient than warm steam generators. Large desktop units consume less power than cantilever units that run all day. The humidification systems of the whole house, connected to the ventilation system, are the most economical.
Can hard water be used?
It is imperative to read the user manual, since different brands and types of humidifiers have different requirements. If the purchase of the device is only planned, it is better to purchase one that has a mineral cartridge. Hard water from a tap or well contains minerals that can accumulate inside the device. Because of them, fog can leave white spots and dust around the area of the humidifier. Inhaling minerals over time can exacerbate respiratory conditions or cause new problems. Cartridges filter minerals from hard water, eliminating the need to inhale them. If there is no cartridge, it is better to use distilled water in which there are no salts. It should be noted that, for example, the ceramic cartridge of an ultrasonic humidifier Polaris PUH 7140, according to owners, does not help get rid of the formation of white dust.
Difference from diffusers
Humidifiers saturate the air with moisture and can work for long periods of time. They are made of durable metals or thick plastic, they are large and use a lot of water. Diffusers are small glass, plastic or ceramic devices the size of an apple.
Personal models can even fit in a wallet or bag. Diffusers play the role of a small moisturizer if they are filled only with water, although they are mainly used to spread the aroma of essential oils that have a therapeutic effect on colds, sore throats, dry coughs, dry flaky skin, irritation of the sinuses and dry nasal mucous membranes. They also help those who suffer from hay fever, allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems. Diffusers use herbal ingredients with healing properties.
Those who do not suffer from these diseases can use aromas to enhance the comfort of their home, office, spa or hairdresser. Some boutiques use diffusers with lavender oil, providing a pleasant atmosphere for customers.
Thus, bulky humidifiers are designed for large rooms, and diffusers - for local use. At the same time, the former can work longer, because they have a large supply of water, and the latter function for shorter periods of time, requiring refueling. Some of the newest and more advanced diffusers can work up to 15 hours, and this is due to the fact that small installations support large water tanks. They usually cover an area of 20 to 100 square meters. meters.
Both humidifiers and diffusers fill the air with water vapor, just the former are larger than the latter.