Which humidifier is better

For normal human life indoor humidity should be 40-60%. Dry air irritates the mucous membranes, can provoke the development of allergies and leads to a decrease in immunity. The wrong microclimate in the room for small children is especially harmful - they begin to be capricious for no reason, sleep poorly and often get sick.

To optimize humidity levels in room air, some people hang wet towels in the bedroom or put a bucket of water in. Agree that such methods are not entirely aesthetic. You can solve the problem with humidifiers. But they are presented in a wide range and you do not know how to choose the best option?

In this article, we will figure out which humidifier is better than a steam or ultrasonic one, for which we will take a closer look at the characteristics of existing types of devices for air humidification. We will also talk about the rules for caring for such a technique.

Features of steam humidifiers

Domestic humidifier helps to create the most comfortable microclimate in the house for a person. If used correctly, the device will help to get rid of poor health, irritability, and drowsiness.

To compare a steam humidifier with an ultrasonic humidifier, first you need to familiarize yourself with the features and characteristics of each of them. So let's start with steam.

How does the device work and how does it work?

The steam humidifier consists of a heating element, a water tank and a supply valve. During the operation of the device, the liquid turns into steam and goes outside, quickly humidifying the room.

A working steam-type humidifier can be compared to a boiling electric kettle. Only it does not turn off after boiling water. Liquid is supplied to the heating element in small portions. This principle of operation allows you to save electricity, since you do not need to immediately heat the entire volume of water.

Steam humidification devices are highly efficient. Changes in humidity readings in a room occur quite quickly. Some models are capable of evaporating up to 700 ml of water per hour. Therefore, the device must be monitored so as not to turn the room into a "steam room".

Many options for steam-type apparatus are designed for large premises and industrial conditions: museums, hangars, warehouses and others. There are also household models. They are ideal for conservatories as well as indoor greenhouses.

The benefits of steam humidifiers

If the steam humidifier is dimensioned for the area of ​​the room, it is correctly installed and is served on time, then it will work for a long time and households will notice only positive qualities device.

Device advantages:

• affordable cost and no additional costs for the purchase of filters, as well as cartridges for water softening;
• fast air humidification up to 60% - the injection of moisture in the room with their help is faster than with ultrasonic analogues;
• due to boiling water, the released steam is completely sterile - there are no microbes and bacteria in it;
• the efficiency and performance of the device is independent of temperature in room;
• some variations have additional functions and can be used as a flavoring or inhaler;
• safe use - the device automatically turns off if all the water from the reservoir has evaporated or the lid is not closed tightly.

Steam humidifiers are unpretentious. Their steam does not leave a white coating on the flooring, furniture or walls. Tap water can be poured into the device container.

The device does not need filters, but its reservoir must be periodically descaled.

The main disadvantages of devices

The relatively high consumption of electricity and water are the main disadvantages of steam devices.

Depending on the model and power, the device consumes from 200-600 watts. Installing such a high performance device in a large room can be costly.

Also, the disadvantages include:

• the ability to exceed the prescribed moisture level 50-60% - this is typical for models without a built-in hygrostat;
• loud noise in the process of boiling, which can interfere with comfortable sleep;
• scale formation on heating elements or other elements - you need to remove deposits in time or the device will fail;
• condensation - there should be no books or wooden furniture near the device, as they may suffer from constant exposure to steam;
• possibility of getting burned - it is not recommended to install steam humidifiers in children's rooms, since hot steam is unsafe, and boiling water inside the tank can be harmful if the device is accidentally knocked over.

Not all steam humidifier models are equipped with a hygrostat. Without constant monitoring, they can over-humidify the room. Too high humidity encourages the growth of bacteria and mold development. Therefore, it is better to purchase models with a built-in humidity sensor or buy a hygrometer separately and monitor the moisture readings.

Steam humidifiers increase the room temperature by 1-2 degrees. This feature can be attributed to both advantages and disadvantages. In the cold season, an additional heat source will be useful. If the room is hot, then this function will definitely not bring comfort to households.

Characteristics of ultrasonic humidifiers

During operation, the ultrasonic units produce cold steam. They consume a minimum of electricity, since there is no need to heat the water. Let's consider their main characteristics in more detail.

Device and principle of operation

These humidifiers are sensitive to the quality of the liquid supplied. They cannot function without water softener cartridges.

Algorithm of operation of units of ultrasonic type:

1. Distilled or purified water is poured into the tank.
2. Water flows by gravity into the cartridge and is additionally purified.
3. The heating tube brings the liquid to the desired temperature.
4. The water is transported to the evaporation chamber. There, a piezoelectric element (membrane) breaks the liquid into small particles, forming a cloud of cold vapor.
5. A fan blows wet mist into the room.

From the outside, it may seem that the "fog" is hot, but it is not. If you put your hand under the stream of steam, there is only a feeling of freshness and coolness. Such device options are more preferable for use in children's rooms.

Expensive humidifier models are equipped with an ultraviolet lamp. It processes the steam before it is released into the room, destroying microorganisms and bacteria.

Useful features of some devices also include the ability to spray water mist in all directions. There are devices equipped with an anti-foaming and self-cleaning function.

Pros of ultrasonic humidifiers

Easy to use, easy to maintain, maintain an optimal humidity level - these are the main positive characteristics of ultrasonic humidifiers.

Usually, ultrasonic humidifiers produce cold water mist, so they don't need to waste energy in boiling water. There are also models with the function of heating steam up to 80 degrees.

The benefits of humidifiers:

• almost silent work;
• safe use;
• extensive set of functions;
• creation of a steam curtain;
• during normal operation, power consumption is up to 40 W;
• the ability to change the direction of the steam jet.

Models equipped with a hygrostat switch off automatically when the required humidity in the room is reached. Some variants are illuminated by the escaping steam. These humidifiers are ideal for humidifying the air in rooms where children live.

To get acquainted with the recommendations for choosing an ultrasonic humidifier and operating rules, please go to following link.

Significant disadvantages of devices

Appliances are sensitive to water quality. They quickly fail if in their capacity pour water from the tap. For the normal functioning of humidifiers, you need to use distilled or at least filtered water.

The disadvantages include the high cost of devices equipped with a number of additional functions.

Which humidifier is the best?

Steam and ultrasonic humidifiers have many benefits. And it is rather difficult to choose the best one among them - both types are able to qualitatively improve the indoor microclimate.

However, you need to select a device for specific operating conditions. First of all, the area of ​​the room is taken into account, the power of the device is selected for it.

In small rooms, it is advisable to use ultrasonic models, and in large ones - steam models.

An ultrasonic type device is suitable if:

• you need a humidifier of a compact size that can be carried;
• not in the family allergy sufferers, and in the area of ​​residence, the air is not too polluted;
• there is no desire to incur large energy costs in order to improve the microclimate in an apartment or house;
• light sleep and there is a need to sleep in perfect silence;
• you need to equip the children's room with a humidifier.

Despite the minimum energy consumption, some costs with ultrasonic humidifiers still have to be borne: the purchase of filters, cartridges and distilled water.

Steam types of devices are optimal for families in which children have already grown up, and no one wants to check the steam temperature with the palm of their hand or open the lid during operation.

With the help of devices, you can also perform inhalations and disinfect premises. If such functions are in demand, you should definitely buy a steam humidifier.

When choosing a device for humidifying the air, you also need to pay attention to the rate of water flow, as well as the volume of the tank. If it is not possible to add water every 8-12 hours, then it is better to buy a unit with a tank volume of 6 liters or more.

We have provided more recommendations on choosing a humidifier for a house and an apartment in next publication.

Features of care for moisturizers

Regardless of the cost, modification and number of functions, any devices need timely care and maintenance. For example, some models of ultrasonic humidifiers recommend replacing filters or cartridges every 3 months.

Mandatory procedures also include:

• the appliance is washed once a week;
• descaling, which is especially important for steam humidifiers - the procedure is carried out as the apparatus becomes dirty, on average, once every 2 weeks;
• disinfecting procedures - the device is disinfected once a month.

Cleanse the moisturizer with special products. They do their job well, but they are expensive. You can also make your own cleaning agent from a solution of laundry soap and water (1: 2) to combat dirt.

Ordinary bleach can be used as a disinfectant. To prepare a solution of 1 tbsp. l. chlorine is diluted in 4 liters of water. The cleaning procedure should be carried out on a balcony or outside. After disinfection, wash the water tank thoroughly. Cleaning is carried out with a soft cloth, as hard elements can scratch the equipment.

Timely cleaning and correct operation allows you to extend the life of your household humidifier.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

A detailed overview of the existing types of humidifiers is shown in the video:

In the article, we examined the features of work, the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of humidifiers. Steam options are cheaper and can even be used for inhalation. However, they are not suitable for everyone. Ultrasonic devices are completely safe and can be used to humidify children's rooms. Their disadvantages include the need for periodic filter replacement.

What type of humidifier do you prefer? Are you satisfied with your choice? What pros and cons have you found while using your humidifier? If you still have questions after reading this article, ask our experts and other site visitors - the feedback form is located below.