The benefits and harms of a humidifier are discussed in many forums. Doctors advise to have a device in the house. What is special about this miracle technique and how to use it, now let's try to figure it out.
What is a humidifier for?
By the name of the device, it can already be concluded that its direct purpose is air humidification. The main benefits of a humidifier are manifested in the summer, when it is hot, dry weather outside. The device allows you to maintain an optimal humidity inside the room within 40-60%. Many may wonder why this is necessary. The fact is that a person consists of 74% water. Constant stay inside a dry room negatively affects health. A person's health worsens, mucous membranes dry out, microcracks appear on the body. The moisture evaporator helps to restore a microclimate that is favorable for humans, pets and plants.
Important! A humidifier will help normalize the air in winter time during heating operation and with heating devices turned on.
Types of humidifiers
Before looking for advice about the dangers or benefits of a humidifier, you should read existing varieties device. Each device has different properties, is able to maintain a certain level of moisture, has its own pros and cons. The most common in everyday life are three types of humidifiers.
Cold model
The simplest type of device is also called traditional, natural or classic. Distinctive feature is a silent operation. A fan is installed inside the device housing, which takes air from the room and drives it through a damp sponge - the evaporator. The last element is additionally a filter. The sponge is impregnated with an antibacterial solution. The water vapor cloud supplied to the room is completely cleared of bacteria. Thanks to the installed silver rod, the humidifier has the ability to ionize the indoor air every time steam is supplied.
There are traditional models with additional humidity sensors, hygrostat, antibacterial cassette. The device consumes little electricity and is easy to maintain. Care consists in the timely filling of water, cleaning the tank from sediment, rinsing or replacing the filter.
Steam model
A working evaporator resembles a boiling kettle. Water boils inside the tank. The generated steam is thrown into the room in jets. When all the water has boiled away, the device will automatically turn off. A steam humidifier has more benefits than harm. The steam enters the room is always sterile, since all microbes die during boiling. If we take a cold humidifier for comparison, then if the antibacterial filter fails, such a device will only harm. Microbes will get inside the room with the sprayed water.
The steam model consumes a lot of electricity, but it works for a short time. The device is similar to a traditional evaporator, only electrodes for heating water are additionally installed inside the tank. If the device is not equipped with a hygrometer and hygrostat, then it is advisable to buy the sensors separately. There are models with additional containers for essential oil, allowing you to practice aromatherapy.
Advice! Maximum benefit the steam humidifier can be removed by placing it in the children's room. However, one must remember about hot steam. To prevent the child from getting burned, the humidifier is placed in an inaccessible place.
Ultrasonic model
A modern humidifier crammed with electronics. The device is equipped with a hygrostat, hygrometer. Many models come with an LCD display. The electronics allows remote control of functions, signals a filter malfunction, turns off the device if there is no water in the tank.
The main benefit of an ultrasonic humidifier is precisely maintaining the required humidity level. This is clearly monitored by electronic sensors. Water is converted into a vaporous cloud due to ultrasonic vibrations. The release of cold fog into the room occurs due to the operation of the fan.
Important! If untreated water is poured into the ultrasonic humidifier, you can harm the apartment environment. Over time, walls, furniture, glass objects will appear white bloom solid deposits.
Is a humidifier useful in an apartment
For man optimum humidity air 40-60%. The microclimate in a city apartment is often overdried by gas stoves, air conditioners, heating systems, and heaters. Harm is caused not only to human health, but also to domestic animals and vegetation. Dry air tends to quickly become contaminated with dust. Fine pile of animals, dust mites enter the respiratory tract, causing allergies. Overdried air even worsens the property of human skin, which can be determined by the formation of peeling.
Important! Research has proven that dry air is harmful wooden products... Dry up door blocks, furniture, parquet. The laminate dries out and cracks.
The benefits of a humidifier are described in the video:
Benefits of a humidifier for kids
Pediatricians talk about the benefits of a humidifier for a child. The following important factors are highlighted:
- Dry air damages the mucous membrane of children. A low concentration of moisture leads to a deterioration in the structure of mucus. Bacteria that cause sinusitis, rhinitis and other diseases penetrate through the dry airways.
- The vaporizer will benefit the child in the form of an accelerated recovery. If there is a lack of moisture, then there is a threat of drying out of bronchial mucus. It becomes more difficult for the child to breathe, there is a threat of bronchitis or pneumonia.
- Dust and hair of pets are extremely harmful to the health of children. The humidifier suppresses allergens flying in the air.
- A useful moisturizer for infant which affects good dream... The newborn is less capricious.
Maintaining the optimal level of air humidity in the nursery has a positive effect on the regular heat exchange process in the child.
Humidifier during pregnancy
Pregnant women benefit from the moisturizer. First of all, the process of air ionization improves immunity. Organism future mother better resists pathogens. With optimal humidity levels, pregnancy is easier. A woman does not suffer from dehydration, she is full of vital energy.
Advice! Use with a moisturizer soothing essential oils allows you to normalize the state of the nervous system.
How to use a humidifier correctly
Each model of the evaporator differs in design and has its own properties. In order not to harm the body, you must follow the rules for using the device. It is important to read the instructions before using the humidifier. For almost all devices, the following rules must be observed:
- The optimal location is in the center of the room. The evaporator is not placed on the floor. You need a stand with a height of about 1 m.
- If there are children in the house, the device is placed out of the reach.
- So that the vaporous spraying of water does not damage the environment, the nozzle is turned away from furniture, electronics, walls.
- Any water tends to deposit solid accumulations. In order not to harm the device, clean the filter, reservoir, and other working parts specified in the instructions in a timely manner.
- In the absence of a built-in hygrometer, the user controls the humidity level of the room independently.
- Indoors, it is desirable to maintain a constant air temperature from 20 to 24 o C, to do regular ventilation.
The operating time of the humidifier is determined by the automation. If the device is not equipped with sensors, it is advisable to buy them separately. The operating time will have to be adjusted manually. The filter is usually changed every three months. For evaporators in the children's room, the filter is changed monthly. In order not to get harm from the humidifier, but only benefit, water is poured with distilled or high-quality filtration.
Attention! Together with tap water the evaporator saturates the room with chlorine impurities.
Can essential oils be added to a humidifier
A humidifier can be used for aromatherapy, but not every device will work. You will need to purchase an evaporator with an air washer function or a special model with an oil compartment. There is a lot of talk now about the benefits of essential oils for an air humidifier, but you can't overdo it. The aroma vaporizer will create a wonderful indoor atmosphere, but oils can be harmful to allergy sufferers, patients with bronchitis, pregnant and lactating mothers, and babies. It all depends on which plant the oil is obtained from. If there is a listed contingent of people in the house, aromatherapy is performed with the permission of a doctor.
Why a humidifier is harmful
If used improperly, harm can be obtained from any household appliance. As for the evaporator, the following points are distinguished:
- A steam vaporizer can cause burns if it comes into contact with the steam. The downside is the increase in temperature in the room during operation, which is undesirable in hot summer. Steam can harm any object it hits.
- The harm of a cold humidifier is air contamination. Such a nuisance occurs if the filter is not changed in time.
- The ultrasonic evaporator can be harmful if used with untreated water. Solid impurities will quickly settle on the surface of all objects in the room.
Subject to the rules of use, they get only benefit from household helpers.
Is it possible to catch colds and get sick from a humidifier
Colds most often appear with the onset of damp weather. The same thing happens when using a humidifier. When the evaporator maintains a level of humidity, the respiratory tract produces required amount mucus. With a strong waterlogging of the air, the amount of mucus increases. Bacteria begin to multiply. A cold appears, which can end with a sore throat.
Air humidifier for bronchitis
Bronchitis can take a long time, especially in a dry room. Lack of moisture affects the appearance of mucus clots. The patient has difficulty breathing. Dry mucus is impossible to cough up. If the humidifier maintains the level of humidity in the air, the patient will recover faster. However, you cannot overdo it with moisturizing. At high humidity air patient with bronchitis runs the risk of pneumonia.
Is an ultrasonic humidifier harmful?
Ultrasonic evaporators operate at a frequency of 20 kHz, which is completely safe for the entire living environment. However, the device, along with the benefits, is harmful. Ideally clean water for filling it is impossible to find. Harmful impurities will definitely be present. Together with spraying, they settle not only on objects, but also enter the human body through the respiratory tract. Ultrasound models can cause harm in the form of asthma, colds, bronchitis, allergies.
Attention! Do not use the ultrasonic humidifier near the pacemaker.
What doctors say about humidifiers
On the benefits of a humidifier, medical advice boils down to the fact that the device must be in every home. Dry air is not only harmful to health, but dangerous for him. In addition to the fact that the skin and mucous membranes suffer, dryness has a negative effect on the work of the heart.
As for the harm of the vaporizer, the doctors also have a firm position. A strong concentration of moisture threatens the appearance chronic diseases... Mold develops inside the premises, which negatively affects human health.
How to choose the right humidifier
So that the household appliance does not bring harm, but only benefit, the following rules are followed when choosing a model:
- The performance should correspond to the volume of the room. You cannot take the device with a margin.
- The power consumption depends on the power. Steam models are considered the most energy-intensive.
- The operating device should not make noise. The optimum level is allowed in the range of 34-40 dB.
- Compactness is not the best indicator of an evaporator. Small tanks will need to be refilled frequently. It is optimal to give preference to models with a capacity of 5 liters.
- Additional functions choose at their own discretion. It is important to have a built-in hygrometer and hygrostat.
When a home assistant is selected in all respects, you can pay attention to design, find a model at an affordable price.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of a humidifier depend only on how a person uses the device. At the right approach the evaporator will help create a microclimate inside the room that is favorable for all household inhabitants.
Was this article helpful?
Humidifiers are gaining popularity today. They are such household appliances, which make it possible for a long time to maintain the required level of air humidity within the premises. We will tell you about what a humidifier is, what is their purpose and principle of operation in this article.
Purpose of 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 reasons for a large number of various diseases... This is explained by the fact that a low humidity indicator in an apartment or office in most cases increases the human body's perception of various kinds of infections, as well as a variety of respiratory diseases.
Such problems quite often entail peeling of the skin of the hands and face of a person who is constantly in it. Particularly relevant this problem in winter period, because it is on such days that the humidity within the room or office is much lower than normal. All of the above problems can be solved by using a humidifier.
It is worth noting that the lack of moisture is harmful not only to people. Plants also perceive this negatively, including, of course, indoor flowers, they always need favorable conditions... There are some plants that have a special love for moisture, which will require daily spraying, they will also need to be placed near containers of water or covered with moistened gauze. Agree, these are very troublesome activities, and the effectiveness can be questioned. For these purposes, devices that humidify the air are also suitable.
The principle of operation of an air humidifier is based on processes during which natural evaporation processes are carried out. This is how most devices of this kind work. The technology assumes the supply of evaporated moisture into the space of the room. There are also varieties of such a device that provide for forced evaporation of moisture.
What are the varieties?
Today, there are four main types of humidifiers that are popular. These include the following categories:
- Classic type humidifiers. They are also called cold steam humidifiers;
- Steam type fittings;
- IN recent times ultrasound models are becoming more and more widespread;
- The so-called "air washes", which are presented in the form of humidifiers-air masses purifiers.
Let's consider each of the varieties in more detail. Let's start with traditional devices. It should be noted that the principle of operation of this type of humidifier is "cold" evaporation. The specialized sponge of the evaporating element is fully wetted.
Further, the built-in fan sucks in dry air masses from the room. The next steps are related to running through a moistened sponge. As a result, it becomes possible to achieve the most rational air humidification in the room. In addition, there is no need to install additional monitoring devices.
Traditional humidifiers are characterized by their relatively low prices. Replaceable 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 the exact level of humidity, in most cases there will be some error.
Steam humidifiers should also be mentioned. These types of 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 the technology of hot evaporation. This type of device is equipped with a special heating element, which promotes the transformation of water into steam. The advantages of such humidifiers include the following:
- Excellent performance
- Relatively low cost;
- Efficiency.
Performance figures are undoubtedly an advantage, but they entail the disadvantage of increased energy consumption. There is also a weakness here, which is the inability to strictly maintain a specific humidity level within the room; you will have to come to terms with the error.
Ultrasonic humidifiers and air purifiers
If we talk about how this type of humidifier works, then we can immediately note the greater efficiency of this technology. The ultrasonic humidifier contains a special piezoelectric component. He, in turn, with the help of high-frequency vibrations, is engaged in converting ordinary water into microspray. It also draws in dry air using a fan. This is done through the formed "water mist", after which it spreads throughout the room. Air purification is carried out using a special filter.
It is also worth noting that manufacturers of humidifiers of this type have laid down the possibility of maintaining humidity in a strictly defined value. In addition, in most cases, the models are equipped with a timer and a gyrostat. The advantages can also be attributed to a little noise during its operation. However, here it was not without drawbacks, and in this case it consists in high cost replaceable cartridge. In principle, even without it, you can not use it, but in this case, you should use distilled or, at least, filtered water for filling.
Above we have considered devices, the main purpose of which 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 systems and the so-called "washing" of the air.
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, the result will be not only moisturized, but also fresh air... Speaking about the advantages of climate complexes, one can immediately note the implementation of the most real comprehensive cleaning of the air flows of the room. At the same time, it is hydrated to the level that is necessary in a given situation. Weak side - regular replacement of filtration components is required.
Also, we separately note the air washers, which have a slightly different principle of operation, albeit with 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 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 flower pollen and others. The air will also be humidified to its natural level.
Among the advantages that air washers have, it is possible to include the fact 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 purified. However, they cannot cope with unpleasant odors.
Finally
So, in our article we tried to fully answer the question of what a humidifier is, what its types are, their strong and weaknesses... It is important to be responsible for the choice this device... We hope that the information we have provided will still be useful to you in practice.
Humidifier
Humidifier- a climatic device used primarily to increase the humidity in rooms. Humidification functionality can also be found in sophisticated air conditioning and ventilation appliances. In turn, humidifiers may have additional functionality - heating or cooling the air, cleaning the air from unwanted impurities, enriching the air with desirable components, maintaining a given humidity level, etc.
Theory
Ultrasonic Air Humidifier
In the process of breathing, animals (including humans) consume atmospheric oxygen and enrich it carbon dioxide... Indoors, this is mainly corrected by ventilation. If the outdoor air temperature is significantly higher than the indoor air temperature, then when it cools, its relative humidity increases. If it is necessary to reduce the relative humidity of the air, air dehumidifiers are used. If the outside air is much colder than the comfortable air, it is heated, which leads to a decrease in the relative humidity of the air. This is because heating raises the temperature, but does not increase the amount of moisture in the air. For example, at an outdoor temperature of -10 ° C and a relative humidity of 80%, the absolute humidity is 1.68 g / m³. If this air is heated to 20 ° C (indoors), then its absolute humidity will not change, but relative to the maximum absolute humidity at this temperature (17.3 g / m³) it will be 9.71%, which is significantly below the comfortable level. Ideal relative humidity in living quarters is 40-60% [ source?]. Overdrying the air causes increased evaporation of moisture from everywhere: from the skin and from the human body and pets, indoor plants, from wall coverings, furniture, musical instruments, parquet, books, paintings and other items made of hygroscopic materials, which is harmful to the health of the inhabitants and the safety of objects.
Humidifiers are used to increase the relative humidity of the air. If the humidifier is equipped with a hygrostat, it can raise the air humidity to a predetermined level. Air humidification occurs when water evaporates. Evaporation rate increases with increasing water temperature, area water surface and / or when the relative humidity of the air decreases. Since the purpose of humidification is to increase the relative humidity, only an increase in the water temperature () and an increase in the evaporation surface area, as well as a combination of the two, makes practical sense. In turn, an increase in the evaporation surface is achieved by creating a water-air aerosol (nozzle and) or by moistening hydrophilic surfaces complex shape( and ).
History
This type of humidifier is absolutely safe for children and does not require additional filters and cartridges.
Advantages of air washers:
- low power consumption;
- do not overmoisten the air;
- simultaneous cleaning and moisturizing;
- do not require Supplies(except for tap water);
- safe for children.
The disadvantage is the inability to increase the humidity above the norm, which is necessary in greenhouses and botanical gardens.
The productivity of cold humidifiers is 3.5-17.5 liters per day. Power consumption - 3-60 watts. There are industrial models that are permanently connected to water supply and sewerage systems and have high performance.
Steam humidifiers
Steam humidifiers are similar in principle to electric kettles... For intensive evaporation, the water in them is heated to a boil. Steam humidifiers must necessarily have a hygrostat (air humidity sensor) that turns off the device when the specified humidity is reached, otherwise the air humidity in the room may significantly exceed optimal level... With the help of steam humidifiers, it is possible to raise the humidity in the room to a state of saturated steam and beyond, which in turn will lead to the formation of fog (condensation water suspended in the air) and dew (condensation water on solid surfaces). Mist and dew from a steam humidifier actually consists of distilled water, since they were formed from steam, so when the relative humidity in the room decreases, such condensate evaporates without residue.
Advantages:
- The ability to quickly raise the relative humidity in the room to 100%.
- Water, evaporating, is purified from non-volatile impurities.
- If you add essential oils to the water of the working volume of the humidifier, you get an electric aroma lamp.
Flaws:
- High power consumption. Their productivity can range from 7-16 liters per day with a power consumption of 300-600 W and higher for large industrial models.
- Increase the room temperature. If the temperature in the room is lower than the comfortable one, then this will not be a disadvantage.
Ultrasonic humidifiers
Ultrasonic humidifiers are considered the most effective humidifier available. These humidifiers create fog by knocking out tiny droplets of water from the surface of the water using ultrasonic vibrations generated by a piezoelectric emitter. Fog is carried through the volume of the room by natural currents of air or by force (for example, with the help of fans). After some time (depending on the relative humidity of the air in the room), the particles of the fog in the process of natural evaporation turn into steam, which leads to an increase in the relative humidity of the air. Some mist may settle on hard surfaces before evaporating. Since the mist particles were obtained from water in a humidifier mechanically, they contain everything that was contained in the water of the working volume of the humidifier - hardness salts, microorganisms, etc. After evaporation of the fog, everything that was dissolved or suspended in its water component becomes a dry residue.
Ultrasonic humidifiers have the following advantages over other (some) types:
- precise control of humidity (only in the case of equipment with a hygrostat);
- the ability to increase the humidity to almost 100%, which, in some cases, is necessary;
- outlet steam temperature no more than 40 ° C (provided that the humidifier is equipped with additional element for water heating). When droplets of moisture evaporate with a temperature of 40 ° C, the temperature in the room does not decrease, otherwise the ultrasonic humidifier can even reduce the temperature in the room by several degrees;
- low noise level;
- models with digital control.
Typical productivity of ultrasonic humidifiers is 7-12 liters per day. Power consumption - 40-50 W (if there is an element for heating water, the power can exceed 125 W).
Disadvantages: the obligatory use of distilled water or special water filters. When using the usual tap water ultrasonic humidifiers cause the appearance of a white salt deposit on nearby objects, can spoil electronic devices (in particular, on the laser heads of CD and DVD drives, an almost unremovable plaque may appear). Also one of the disadvantages this humidifier it is necessary to constantly add water, since the capacity of these humidifiers is limited. In the absence of a hygrostat in the device, it is very easy to overmoisten the air, which leads to the effect of a bath: objects, linen, clothes become wet.
It may seem that a humidifier is a completely useless device for the home. And few people think about the effect of air humidity on our comfort and well-being. After all, a too dry climate complicates the penetration of oxygen into the body, causes dry mucous membranes, brittle hair and nails, general fatigue and lethargy of the body, accelerates skin aging. At first glance, the work of the humidifier, which is hardly noticeable, has positive influence to our health.
Why dry air is dangerous
In order for a person to feel comfortable in the house, the air humidity should be in the range of 40-60%. However, in the winter season, its level, as a rule, does not exceed 25-30%. This is due to the fact that heating devices and radiators dry the air. Working TV, gas stove, air conditioner and others Appliances also reduce the moisture content in the air.
When the humidity of the air inhaled by a person drops below normal, the body begins to lose moisture. Even a healthy adult with insufficient humidity can experience a headache, dryness in the nasopharynx, decreased concentration and performance. In too dry air, dust circulates more actively, often causing allergy attacks in households.
A climate with low humidity is especially harmful for small children: it dries out the skin and mucous membranes, reducing their protective properties, making it difficult for the baby to breathe and creating discomfort for the baby. In addition, kidney function may deteriorate, and dysbiosis may occur.
Unfortunately, neither aquariums, nor fountains, nor an open vent can provide the necessary supply of humid air, which will raise the water content in the home environment to the required level.
Only a special device - an air humidifier - can save the situation and create optimal climatic conditions for a person.
The benefits of a humidifier
The operation of a humidifier has a beneficial effect on the health of households: children and adults stop getting sick often and for a long time, the skin becomes soft, silky and elastic, and is less susceptible to aging. In the humidified circulating air, viral activity decreases, so the likelihood of catching acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections decreases.
Normal air humidity has a beneficial effect on indoor plants. Most often they are native to the tropics and therefore very poorly tolerate an arid climate. With a comfortable amount of moisture in the air, plants develop more intensively, do not turn yellow and bloom more abundantly.
The optimum humidity level is favorable for wood and paper items in our home. Then furniture, parquet, books, documents, photographs, paintings and frames, musical instruments do not dry out, do not crack and do not collapse ahead of time.
How to choose a humidifier
To make sure you need to buy a humidifier, it is worth measuring the humidity level in the room. For this there is a special device - a hygrometer. It can be purchased separately and is often included with a humidifier. If the humidity level in the room is much lower than ideal, then a humidifier will become simply a necessary device in the house.
Air humidifiers, depending on the principle of operation, are divided into three types: traditional, steam and ultrasonic. In addition, they differ in the presence of additional functions, for example, an ionizer, a remote control remote control, display and various sensors.
Types of humidifiers
Traditional (or cold) humidifier- the most cheap option perfect for children's rooms. Water is poured into a special container of the device, which is supplied to the evaporating elements. With the help of a built-in fan, air from the room is drawn into the device, driven through the evaporator and returned already humidified. Passing through the device, the air is not only saturated with moisture, but also cleared of dust, dirt and microparticles. Therefore, it is better to place the device in places with the greatest air circulation and near heat sources.
Humidifiers of this type work almost silently, have low power and performance, energy efficient and relatively inexpensive. Achieving and maintaining the required humidity level in the room does not occur under the control of a hygrostat, but automatically: the drier the air passes through the device, the more intense humidification is obtained, and when the 60% mark is reached, the process practically stops.
In a steam humidifier two electrodes heat the water and bring it to a boil. Moisture is supplied to the room in the form of hot steam. The device works as long as there is water in it: the liquid closes the electrical circuit through which the current flows, heats up and evaporates. When the water is completely boiled off, the circuit is opened and the device stops working automatically.
Humidifiers of this type can be used both as flavorings and as inhalers - you just need to add aroma oils or a decoction of herbs to the water.
Steam humidifiers have a higher performance and power and, as a result, higher energy consumption. It is important that the device has a built-in hygrostat so that it can turn itself off when the set humidity value is reached. Since hot steam comes out of the appliance, it should not be placed near furniture and places where people are located.
Ultrasonic humidifiers- the most popular, modern and effective today. A piezoelectric element immersed in water converts electrical vibrations into mechanical vibration and produces fine mist. With the help of a built-in fan, dry air from the room passes through the water cloud, is saturated with moisture and returns back in the form of fog. Its temperature does not exceed 35 ° C, so the device is safe for use in children's rooms. Such a humidifier operates silently, has low power and energy consumption, but at the same time has a high performance.
The device requires a built-in hygrostat for precise control of the humidity level in the room and automatic shutdown. It is recommended to use purified or distilled water in it. As the pre-filters become clogged and worn, furniture may form white deposits from impurities in the evaporated moisture. Therefore, the filter must be changed every two months.
Manufacturers recommend completely draining the water from the switched off device and wiping it dry so as not to provoke the growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. The humidifier must be located at least one meter away from electrical appliances.
Features of models and additional functions
The cost of each type of humidifier ranges on average from 2,000 to 14,000 rubles and very much depends on the characteristics and additional functions of a particular model.
Different humidifiers are designed for different serviced areas, so it is worth choosing a model based on the size of the rooms in the house. In any case, it will not be possible to process the entire apartment at once - you will have to move the device from room to room.
Power consumption affects device performance and power consumption. We'll have to find a middle ground between efficiency and economy.
The noise level ranges from 5 to 70 dB and depends on the design of the device and the fan speed. For the bedroom and children's room, it is better to choose the device with the lowest noise level.
The volume of the water tank indicates how long the device can work until the water is completely empty. Typically, a 5 liter capacity is sufficient to run continuously overnight. The operating time from a full tank is determined by the value of the water consumption per day and is 8 to 12 liters.
The maximum air exchange value means how much air the humidifier can pass through in an hour. When choosing a model, it is necessary to calculate that the entire volume of air in the room passes through the filter at least twice per hour.
When choosing a model, it is necessary to calculate that the entire volume of air in the room passes through the filter at least twice per hour.
The presence of a hygrostat and the function of maintaining the humidity at a given level allows not to overmoisten the air in the room and avoid the occurrence of dampness. The operation of the device can also be regulated by a timer, setting the required operating time.
The humidifier can be equipped with filters of varying degrees of purification. The pre-filter carries out mechanical rough cleaning from large impurities. Filters fine cleaning HEPA consists of a porous fiberglass-based material and is capable of trapping particles of 0.3 microns and larger. Electrostatic filters remove fine dust particles down to 0.01 microns from the air, trapping them with electrostatic field... Photocatalytic filters are considered to be the best, latest and most durable filters today. Under the influence ultraviolet radiation they subject toxic impurities to decomposition and oxidation.
Ionization is another option for air purification. The sprayed water is pre-saturated with negatively charged ions, the smallest dust particles contained in it stick to each other and settle.
It is worth paying attention to the instructions regarding the filling water. Many humidifiers require the use of purified or distilled water, but there are some that work great with regular tap water as well.
Lack of moisture in the air negatively affects not only human body, but also on many objects inside the room, where it is too dry. The problem is exacerbated in winter, when hot batteries “eat up” almost all the moisture. You can solve it with the help of basins of water placed throughout the apartment, damp towels on batteries or a spray bottle. But how to humidify the air without turning the apartment into a laundry room and without shaking your fingers, continuously pressing the spray bottle? Buy a humidifier!
How the device works
The main task of a humidifier is to saturate the air with water. Different kinds appliances do it differently.
Why do you need a humidifier
It can provide a comfortable stay in the room for all household members, including pets, and also preserve the life of indoor plants and many interior items. We will not be limited to general phrases and will voice 5 important reasons why you should get a humidifier.
The first reason is health
The optimum humidity in the room is 50-60%. With a low moisture content, a person begins to experience malaise and a feeling of discomfort: dizziness and fatigue, nasal congestion and dry mouth may appear.
In addition, humid air is the main condition for the successful fight against colds and acute respiratory viral infections, because it moisturizes the mucous membrane, helps to get rid of microbes, makes breathing easier and promotes a speedy recovery of the patient. 
It also largely depends on the humidity in the room in which a person spends most of the day. Elasticity and firmness, no itching and flaking - all this can give your skin an optimal level of humidity in the apartment.
Reason two - replenishment in the family
A newborn, like no one else, needs humidification of the air it breathes. Being 9 months in humid environment, a newly born baby cannot adapt to the air dried out by batteries. The reason for the baby's anxiety may be precisely the excessive dryness in the apartment, which makes it difficult for the baby to breathe, the skin dries up and dry crusts form in the nose.
Reason three - cleaning the room
Humidifiers with ionization function are able to clean the room from dust and dirt particles in the air. Dirt settles in a special filter, which must be cleaned or replaced in a timely manner. 
If your home is located in an unfavorable ecological area, a device with an ionization function is a must. Another name for it is "air washing".
Reason four - taking care of pets
Air hygiene is also very important for pets. The processes of thermoregulation and water exchange in their bodies depend on its moisture content. If the air is too dry, dogs and cats drink a lot, and dermatological problems can also arise.
Birds in such conditions suffer from colds and feather loss, and any other pets feel uncomfortable, so a moisturizer is a must for them too.
Optimum humidity for indoor plants is also very important. They are able to improve the microclimate in the room, but they themselves need to moisten both the soil and the air. Often housewives have a question about why home flower dries, although regularly watered. The answer lies in the dryness of the air. Putting the plant on the windowsill, about hot battery, you deprive him of the opportunity to "breathe" normal air... When the batteries are on fire, the flower may simply "burn out": its leaves will turn yellow and wither. 
A humidifier will help solve this problem. However, it is not worth turning the apartment into the tropics: excess moisture in the air can cause rotting of plants.
The fifth reason is taking care of interior items
Humidified air is not only needed by people, animals or plants. Books, magazines, old coins, stamps should be stored in a room with a normal humidity level. Furniture with a lack of moisture can dry out and crack. Appliances can be damaged by a thick layer of dust. A household humidifier can help reduce the likelihood of damage to your favorite items.
You can choose a humidifier for every taste, color and wallet. Therefore, you should not postpone its purchase if you can make the microclimate in the apartment comfortable today.