Which air humidifier is better: ultrasonic or steam? Tips from Komarovsky

A normal level of moisture is needed not only to ensure the health of a child and adult body, but also furniture, parquet and plants also need a comfortable environment. Therefore, the choice of a humidifier should be taken seriously. Consider what is better than a steam or ultrasonic humidifier.

Steam humidifier

Principle of operation This device resembles an ordinary electric kettle. The water that was poured inside boils and is released in the form of steam.

Positive traits:

• Steam evaporates with a capacity of approximately 700 grams of liquid per hour, which is not characteristic of other species;
• Sterility of steam, does not depend on purity and quality of water;
• Used in medicine as a device for inhalation;
• Security. When the lid is not closed tightly, the device will not work, and if all the water in the tank evaporates, the device will turn off;
• Filters and cartridges are not used, so you do not have to constantly replace them;
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• The presence of an indicator that shows how much water is left;
• Availability. Prices for steam appliances are much lower than for other types.

Disadvantages:

• Consumption of large amounts of electricity;
• The boiling liquid in the device makes a characteristic noise, which can contribute to restless sleep when working at night;
• Hot steam increases the temperature in the room;
• Such type of humidifier it is unacceptable to make children freely available, you can get a burn with hot steam.

Where is it used?

• Recommended for use in greenhouses, home corners with flowers, in winter-type gardens;
• In medical needs, for inhalation, as well as aromatherapy.

It’s also important to know how to use the humidifier.

Popular models

Steam humidifiers of the Swiss brand Boneco have gained wide popularity in the vast Russian market.

Boneco 2031 leads the range of devices of this company and is an excellent purchase option.

And the company Stadler Form Fred, in turn, released a series of devices F ‐ 005EH / F-008EH / F-014H / F-015RH not only to ensure comfortable humidity, but also for a unique design addition to to the interior.

Polaris models are also worth considering due to their functionality and design. For example, Polaris PUH 0607 has a remote control, the ability to air ionization and looks great in the interior.

Ultrasonic humidifier

This device operates on the basis of a complex process (Fig. 1). A special membrane vibrates at high frequencies, so that the water begins to vibrate and breaks into small dust particles. With the help of a fan, these particles are brought out, in this way the humidity in the room is increased.

There is an opinion that ultrasound negatively affects humans and animals, but these data are unfounded. According to numerous studies and facts, it has been proved that modern devices are safe and do not affect the body in any way.

Fig. 1 A detailed operation diagram of an ultrasonic device for increasing humidity.

Advantages:

• Low noise, as the water does not boil and does not heat up;
• Safety to use. The steam is cold and this reduces to zero the possibility of getting a burn;
• The choice of steam temperature, it can be cold, warm or hot;
• The presence of a rotating steam atomizer, thanks to which you can choose the direction of the jet;
• The energy consumption of such a device is very small, but this does not prevent it from being the most effective device for humidifying the air;
• Thanks to the built-in hydrostat, the device automatically turns off when the desired moisture level is reached;
• Also, the automation turns off the device after the end of the presence of water in the tank.

Disadvantages:

• Sensitivity to water quality. During evaporation, all impurities in the water move freely around the room, settling on furniture and other interior items;
• The need to change filters, which are often clogged.

Where is it used?

• Due to its safety and low noise level, it is intended for use in a home with children;
• Just like steam devices, ultrasonic devices are used in greenhouses, conservatories and home corners;
• Such devices are also used in rooms where ancient objects are located that require a special level of moisture. For example, antiques, musical instruments, furniture.

Popular models

The Bork brand provides the HF MUN 2140 BK ultrasonic model. It combines low power consumption and affordable price, which is an excellent economical option.

Venta-Luftwaescher is a company that has been developing humidifiers for over 20 years. A successful product of this brand is VENTA VS370. The model is easy to operate, and thanks to a unique filter, the device purifies water not only from lime impurities, but also from harmful microorganisms.

The presence of an ozonizer in the POLARIS PUH 0407 device makes this brand popular among buyers.

It should also be noted model PUH 1104, this is a budget version of POLARIS, but it is not much inferior to other products of this manufacturer.

Opinion of Dr. Komarovsky

Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich draws attention to several factors affecting the choice and determination of which air humidifier is better:

• Security;
• The frequency of its use;
• What water will be poured into it;
• The need for additional features.

If the device will be in the nursery, you should pay attention to safety. A steam humidifier differs from an ultrasonic humidifier in the presence of hot steam, so either it should be placed out of the reach of children or opt for an ultrasonic device.

When dry air prevails all the time, especially in winter, it should be noted that the device will work almost around the clock. It is known that steam type appliances consume a lot of energy, and in this case their use is not rational.

The difference between an ultrasonic humidifier and a steam manifests itself in the sterility of the outgoing steam. A device with ultrasonic humidification, in this regard, leaves a residue on the surfaces. What can not be said about the steam device. Therefore, when determining which air humidifier is better, it should be noted that for an ultrasonic additionally choose water, and steam kills all microbes and does not remove substances in water, regardless of its origin.

Many devices to increase air humidity have many additional functions. Useless, according to Dr. Komarovsky, is the presence of sensors to determine the temperature and humidity. These sensors show data that is measurable at the place of the source of moisture, and not near the crib, respectively, they will be unreliable.

Having the option of using a steam device for inhalation is also an unnecessary thing. In the presence of a humidifier, the need for inhalation disappears, so the importance of this function is refuted by Evgeny Olegovich.

Video Tips

In the video provided, we will consider a small overview of this product category, which will help determine which humidifier is best for the family:

findings

When determining which air humidifier is best, many factors should be considered that have an effect on the individual device selection process. It is impossible to give an advantage to one of these devices, since these two types satisfy different needs and have differences in functionality.

It can be concluded that the ultrasonic humidifier differs from steam in greater safety, as well as economy and low noise level. However, the steam device has the advantage of steam sterility, additional functions of inhalation and aromatherapy, as well as a lower price category.