Many have heard about the benefits of air humidifiers, they are recommended not only by manufacturers interested in increasing profits, but also by doctors. The proposed range of devices is quite wide. How, in all its diversity, to choose the most suitable model taking into account functionality and price? How to determine whether it is really necessary to use a humidifier in the apartment? In this material we will tell you what types of devices exist, how they work and are arranged, and most importantly, how to choose a device.
Norms of humidity of air
As you know, the human body is 60% water. In order to maintain its proper functioning and protective functions, the ambient humidity should be in the range of 40 to 60%. This is a relative indicator, which is calculated based on the maximum possible and real amount of water vapor per 1 cubic meter. meter. The first parameter depends on the temperature: the higher it is, the more moisture can absorb air. You can measure the relative indicator using a household hygrometer.
In Russia, GOST applies, which states what humidity should be in the apartment. In the warm season, the relative indicator should be 30-60%, in the heating season - 30-45%. Unfortunately, these standards are more focused on preserving the living room itself, rather than maintaining a microclimate that is comfortable for a person.
Regardless of the time of year, 60% is considered the optimal indicator of moisture for the body. Too dry air negatively affects the condition of the hair, skin and mucous membranes. Curls become brittle, the epithelium begins to peel off, which increases the amount of dust. As you know, the latter consists of 19% of human vital products.
Too dry air negatively affects not only humans, but also indoor plants. Furniture, doors, trim, natural wood flooring may crack. The structure of the material becomes more fragile, which accelerates wear.
Centralized heating in winter, as well as the use of air conditioners, help reduce the amount of water vapor in the air. However, excessive dampness can cause the spread of mold, spores of which are very harmful to humans. Therefore, before deciding to purchase a humidifier, the relative amount of water vapor in the room air should be measured.
pros
What is a humidifier good for? It helps to maintain the optimal level of saturation of the room’s atmosphere with water vapor for the human body. Due to this, the skin gets the necessary moisture, peeling and irritation do not occur, the dermis ages more slowly and does not require intensive care using cosmetics.
Mucous membranes with a sufficient amount of moisture in the air do not dry out, actively fulfill their protective functions, the body copes better with respiratory infections. In addition, maintaining optimal humidity in the room increases efficiency, reduces fatigue.
Indoor plants look attractive, grow actively, produce more oxygen. Natural wood products do not dry out, their service life increases. Coatings and leather furniture do not crack, a beautiful appearance is preserved.
Now you know how an air humidifier is useful for the human body, indoor plants and products made from natural materials.
Minuses
There are many rumors about the negative properties of the device for humidification of air. However, it should be understood that it is not the device itself that causes harm, but too much water vapor in the atmosphere of the room. Relative humidity above 80% can cause mold on walls, ceilings, furniture, and also increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases. The latter is due to the fact that excessive dampness causes an increase in the amount of mucus in the lungs, which is a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Therefore, when using a humidifier, it is necessary to monitor the relative amount of water vapor in the air. Some devices have a built-in hygrometer, but in cheap models it is often missing. In the latter case, a separate measuring device should be purchased so as not to harm the body and property.
Different types of humidifiers have their own disadvantages associated with the principle of their operation. For example, steam models are very hot, so if used carelessly, you can get a thermal burn. They increase the room temperature by several degrees. Wallpaper may peel off from hot steam, chipboard and MDF may swell, plasterboard paneling may be damaged. In addition, boiling water creates some noise, which can interfere with night rest. Such a device must be installed high enough so that children and pets do not have access to it, and so that hot steam does not get on furniture and coatings.
The disadvantage of ultrasonic models is that white hard coating can settle on furniture when using hard water. If raw water is poured into such a humidifier, then all impurities and bacteria will be sprayed around the room. If the device has a filter, then microbes can accumulate and multiply in it. In steam models, bacteria and spores are destroyed due to the high temperature.
The opinion of doctors
How useful is a humidifier, according to doctors? They argue that too dry a microclimate is dangerous for the human body, especially for children. What humidity should be in the apartment where the child lives? According to pediatricians, the rate should be at least 60%, if the child is sick - 70%.
Children breathe more often, so they lose moisture faster, because of this, blood thickens, which disrupts the functioning of internal organs. Especially dangerous is the lack of moisture in the air for infants. Dehydration causes a breakdown, headaches, irritability, drowsiness, dizziness, cramps. Drying of the mucous membranes reduces their protective functions, bacteria and viruses become easier to get into the body.
Doctors also recommend the use of humidifiers with the function of air purification in homes where people suffering from allergies live.
Kinds
There are three types of humidifiers for apartments:
Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, which we will discuss in more detail below.
Cold Humidifiers
The principle of operation of such devices is quite simple: liquid is poured into the tank, impregnated with a paper cartridge, evaporates naturally, humidified air is pushed out by a fan. It is recommended to use distilled water for the device, otherwise the replaceable elements will quickly become clogged.
This is a safe device that also cleans the air of dust: it settles on replaceable cartridges. The advantage of cold humidifiers is self-regulation, that is, the more moisture in the surrounding air, the slower the evaporation. Such devices do not equip hygrometers, which positively affects the price.
Steam humidifiers
The device and the principle of operation of such models are quite simple. The device consists of a water tank, a heating element and a hygrostat. The liquid in the tank evaporates due to the effect of high temperature in the same way as in a conventional electric kettle. If there is too little water in the tank, the system shuts off automatically. The devices must be equipped with a humidity control sensor, which stops the operation of the device when the optimum value is reached, otherwise you can oversaturate the air with steam, which is no less dangerous than excessive dryness.
Often inhaled nozzles for medical use are supplied with such humidifiers.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
In these devices, a plate vibrating at high purity is installed, it breaks the water into a fine suspension, which is pushed out by the fan. The liquid does not heat up while the device is in operation, “steam” exits from it at room temperature. Ultrasonic models create a minimum of noise. They are considered the safest and most effective at the moment.
Simple models are equipped with a hygrostat, a timer and a controller that turns off the device when there is a lack of water in the tank. More expensive devices boast additional functions: ozonation, ionization, aromatization, special filters and air purification systems, and remote control.
How to choose
We figured out why we need a humidifier in the house, and now we will tell you how to choose a device.
It is necessary to take into account a number of parameters in order for the operation of the device to be effective and the operation to be convenient:
- Power. This parameter depends on the area of the room.
- Type (cold, steam or ultrasonic). The noise level during operation depends on the principle of the device.
- Volume of the tank. The larger it is, the less often you will have to add water.
- Availability and cost of replaceable filters and cartridges.
- Additional functions. They make the operation of devices more comfortable due to the possibility of setting modes, a timer, etc.
Choosing a humidifier for a child’s room is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Steam devices should not be considered; they are dangerous due to heating. Cold-type devices are more noisy due to the powerful fan in the design than ultrasonic ones. The latter are best suited for children. The power of the device is chosen based on the area of the room, and the remaining functions - according to personal preferences and financial capabilities.
How to use
Before the first start-up, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for use of a particular model of air humidifier. Basically, the rules for operating the devices do not differ, but the configuration and use of additional functions may have features. So, how to use the device:
- Install it on a hard, even, dry surface, leaving around a free space of a few centimeters.
- Pour water into the tank to the maximum level, according to the scale, tightly close the compartment. Aromatic oils cannot be added to the tank, as the device may fail. For these purposes, some models have a special capsule.
- Connect the device to the network. Rotate the steam nozzle so that the stream does not face the wall, furniture or plants.
- Select the operating mode of the humidifier. Turn on the device.
As you can see, using the device is easy. When the water in the tank runs out, the device will turn off automatically. Remember that you must not add water while the device is operating. In order for the humidifier to serve for a long time and effectively, you need to regularly change the filters and clean the tank from plaque.
Conclusion
Now you know how a humidifier is useful, how different types of devices work, their advantages and disadvantages. We hope that this information will be useful when choosing a device for the home. Health to you!