How does a humidifier work: steam, ultrasonic, washing, climatic

To humidify the air in the room, a special device is connected - a humidifier, which is presented in a wide variety. So, in addition to traditional installations, you can purchase steam, ultrasonic and even washing. To choose humidifierIt is important to know how each type of instrument works. It is this issue that will be considered below.

Traditional humidifier

This is the easiest type of humidifier. Its mechanism of operation is based on the natural process of evaporation - this is how to hang wet linen around the room to increase humidity. The device itself is as follows:

The principle of operation of such a humidifier is as follows:

1. Water is poured into the tank, from there it flows into the pan, and then rises through the evaporator.
2. Air is moved through this element using the built-in fan, where it is saturated with moisture and disinfected thanks to filters that trap dust particles, pet hair and others pollution. Therefore, the filters are washed every 2 weeks.
   instagram viewer
3. Evaporative elements are multilayer paper cassettes with antibacterial impregnation, having a rather short service life. More expensive models use sponge cartridges or plastic discs, the surface of which has many cavities.

Its advantages include:

• ease of use;
• low price;
• safety for children;
• low power consumption;
• the impossibility of waterlogging.

Cons of the device:

• cassettes need to be changed every 2-3 months;
• you can not use tap water (it works effectively with distilled water);
• has an average noise level;
• slow hydration.

More information about the benefits and dangers of moisturizers, we will tell in next article.

Steam Humidifier - Hot Evaporator

The principle of operation of this device is similar to the operation of an electric kettle, but unlike the latter, water enters the heating element in a small amount, and the rest of the liquid remains cold in reservoir.

A steam humidifier increases the humidity in the room by constantly heating the water to a vapor state. Here is a diagram of his work:

1. Water is poured into a casing, which is usually made of high-strength heat-resistant plastic.
2. Close the lid tightly and turn on the device. If the cover is not properly closed, the unit will not work.
3. The heating element heats the liquid to 80 ° C, steam escapes through the holes and humidifies the air. If the water level is low, it will shut off automatically.

The following advantages can be noted with such a device:

• purifies air of pathogenic microbes and bacteria;
• the produced pair does not contain salt, which means they will not settle on the surface of the furniture;
• you can use any water, including from a tap;
• compact models are used as an inhaler;
• quickly increases humidity.

But he is not without flaws:

• it is an energy-intensive device, therefore, it will not be possible to avoid high energy costs;
• there is a high likelihood of strong heating of the case, which is dangerous for children, and if you tilt the device, you can also get a burn;
• at work makes quite loud gurgling sounds;
• does not clear air of suspensions.

Ultrasonic humidifier

The device has a fairly simple structure, which can be seen in the diagram:

The principle of its operation is as follows:

1. Water is poured into the tank. To prevent sediment or deposits on the walls of the humidifier, use the most purified soft water. The best option is distilled water.
2. From the tank, the liquid enters the evaporation chamber, where the membrane is located, which performs high-frequency oscillations. This forces the smallest droplets of liquid to come off the surface of the water and turn the water into “cold” steam, which resembles a thick fog.
3. To let the steam go up to the spray nozzles, there is a fan inside the humidifier.

More expensive models are equipped with the following elements:

• cartridges, passing through which the water is further purified and softened;
• an ultraviolet lamp for bactericidal treatment of steam, which completely eliminates the ingress of pathogenic microorganisms into the room air.

The market also offers advanced models of ultrasonic humidifiers, which are combined complexes consisting of several filters for air disinfection:

• water;
• with antibacterial impregnation;
• photocatalytic.

Often hygrometers are installed in the instruments, which measure the humidity of the environment, and its indicators are displayed on the LCD screen. In this case, a person can independently set the necessary air humidity, and when it is reached, the device itself will turn off. Often, an ionization unit is also installed. Air ionizers increase the number of negative ions in the room, which allows dust to settle on the walls and floor, rather than “hanging” in the air. More about the ionization function in the humidifier - read here.

This operating principle is used, for example, in Polaris humidifiers. They have a hygrostat installed, which allows you to adjust the level of steam produced. The manufacturer produces several models of the device with a variety of functions - from budget humidifiers, where there is nothing superfluous, to multifunctional complexes that not only moisturize, but purify, heat and disinfect the air in the room, creating a favorable microclimate for households.

These models appeared on the market relatively recently. Their advantages:

• produces “cold” steam;
• It works without heating the water, so it consumes a minimum amount of electricity;
• works almost without noise;
• safe for children.

The disadvantage is the sensitivity of the device to hard water. It will shorten the life of the device by disabling it, and white salt coating may appear on the furniture.

Washable Humidifier

The main element in the device is rotating plastic discs, which whip the water to the smallest particles. They can be seen in the diagram:

The principle of operation of such a humidifier is as follows:

1. Discs constantly spin and get wet with water.
2. The air passing through them is saturated with moisture and at the same time is cleaned of dust that settles on their surface.

In addition to mechanical cleaning, the device is equipped with an ionizer, and some models with a silver rod, which allows you to clean the air from numerous pathogenic microbes and bacteria. A cup for essential oils can also be integrated, which makes it possible to use a humidifier as a flavor.

From the name it is clear that this device, in addition to moisturizing, also has a cleansing function. Pluses of the device:

• does not require consumables;
• supports the function of ionization and aromatization;
• disinfects air;
• does not require a large consumption of electricity.

Climatic complex

Among humidifiers, this is the most expensive device. It has all the advantages of previous devices, but first of all it purifies the air, and then it moisturizes. Filters perfectly manage not only dust, wool, but also odors, microorganisms, mites, pollen of plants.

The disadvantages are:

• the high cost of replaceable filters, which are replaced once a year, and cartridges requiring replacement up to 4 times a year;
• quite high power consumption;
• large dimensions of the device.

The mechanism of operation of the apparatus is the passage of air through a series of carbon filters, antibacterial-impregnated membranes and an evaporator. An ionizer is built into the device, and some models are capable of aromatizing air in an apartment.

Video: How does a humidifier work?

The video details the principle of operation of air humidifiers:

So, we told you about the work of the main types of humidifiers that are used in apartments. When buying, you should take into account your needs, the area of ​​the room and how much you are willing to spend money not only on its purchase, but also on the operation of the device.

What is the best humidifier to choose?! The following article will help solve this dilemma: https://sovetexpert.ru/kakoj-uvlazhnitel-vozduxa-luchshe.html.

If you have small children or pets at home, it is better to opt for humidifiers with “cold” steam.