Air washer or humidifier - which is better to choose? Comparison of devices by key characteristics

City dwellers face the need for moisture and purification of the air in the apartment. The problem becomes most acute during the heating season. During this period, plastic windows are tightly closed and do not let air from the street. At the same time, the heating system helps to dry everything around. As a result, there is a feeling of sore throat, chronic fatigue, drowsiness, and an increase in the number of allergic attacks.

But engineers have developed an effective solution to the problem of dry indoor air - a household air humidifier. However, the variety of climatic devices confuses many, doesn't it?

To determine which air washer or humidifier is best for you, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of one and the other type of climate technology. We also recommend taking a closer look at the functionality, the complexity of the maintenance operation - all these we examined the issues in detail in our publication, supplementing the material with thematic photos and useful videos.

When do you need a humidifier?

In winter, heating devices are used, ranging from radiators of a centralized heating system to electric heaters, thermal curtains, other devices that allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the apartment.

Closed sashes of plastic windows ensure tightness, reliably protect the premises from heat leakage. From the street, not only the incoming air flow, but also the noise does not enter the apartment. In such conditions, residents have to breathe dry air.

In summer, the situation is no better - heating devices are replaced by air conditioners operating around the clock. Windows and doors are securely closed again to protect against dust and heat. It is logical that such conditions are not conducive to ensuring a high air circulation rate.

An excellent option for residential premises, in this case, are household appliances for air humidification. They provide acceptable humidity level, high-quality air purification.

The following reasons made us think about purchasing climatic equipment:

1. Decreased performance. It has already been proven that prolonged stay in rooms with low air humidity leads to a decrease in performance, chronic fatigue, and migraines. The skin becomes dry, rough, rashes appear.
2. Occurrence of problems with the mucous membrane of the eyes. Constant work at the computer, using the monitor for more than 55% of daylight hours leads to headaches, disruption correct operation of the visual apparatus, the appearance of the "red eye" effect, provoked by dry mucous membranes shell.
3. Increased dust formation. Dry air contains more dust, since it does not settle on surfaces, but constantly flies. Because of this, the likelihood of occurrence allergic reactions, asthmatic attacks, various pathologies associated with diseases of the lungs, other respiratory organs.
4. Decrease in the protective properties of the body due to dry air, which leads to an increase in the number of colds.

By the way, workers in some specialties are officially at risk. Among them are archivists, librarians, accountants, laboratory assistants, workers of other specialties, who are in closed rooms for a long time. If humidifiers or sinks are installed in their offices / rooms, then such specialists breathe much easier.

Thanks to the use of modern household appliances, it is easy to change the quality of indoor air, to reduce the negative impact of dry air on health.

The use of multifunctional climatic technology provides:

• high-quality hydration, purification of air masses in the room;
• constant air circulation, the speed of which is as close to natural as possible;
• comfortable atmosphere in the apartment.

It is very humid outside in autumn and winter. One gets the impression that it is indoors too, but this is not the case. With a humidity of 80% outside, in a room this figure can be as low as 20%. To measure the actual level of humidity in a house or apartment, you can use various moisture meters.

When the dilemma arises, which to choose - a compact humidifier or a high-performance sink air, it is important to understand how each of the devices works and what are the benefits to users provides.

Features of the operation of the air washer

The household appliance is designed to remove suspended particles from the air. In addition to dust, the device retains germs, removes unpleasant odors, and humidifies the air. When washing, the air is thoroughly processed inside the device, then it is fed into the room.

Pros of using a sink:

1. Air streams are cleaned thanks to recirculation, which eliminates a sharp rise in humidity.
2. With an increase in the power of the device, the noise level in the room does not increase.
3. The device does not use ultrasound, no water heating is required.
4. Internal elements have an antibacterial coating, which provides additional disinfection.
5. In the process of work, the air flows are qualitatively cleaned not only of dust, but also of allergens, including plant pollen.
6. During work, moisturizing and cleansing are combined. Thanks to this principle of action, suspended particles get wet, become heavier, and sink to the bottom. The user gets perfectly clean air at no extra cost.

The sink was not without its drawbacks. The device has a fairly large dimensions. When working in day mode, the noise of the fans is well audible, and the night mode does not always provide for the ability to turn off the display. The cost of washing is quite high.

In addition to the above, a sink is a rather complex device that needs care. Moreover, it is unpretentious to water, does not require the purchase of consumables.

The subtleties of using humidifiers

When choosing climatic equipment for the home, it is important to familiarize yourself with features of operation of humidifiers. These devices are distinguished by a wider range of models, the principle of operation.

Regardless of design features, all humidifiers have a number of advantages:

• the room temperature does not affect the quality of the humidifier;
• high speed of air humidification;
• operational safety, which provides a moderate volume of steam entering the room;
• environmental friendliness - under the influence of temperature (steam humidifiers) harmful microorganisms and viruses die;
• affordable cost;
• absence of white plaque on surfaces, including upholstered furniture, curtains.

The disadvantages of using humidifiers include a limited range, the need to move the device for uniform humidification of the entire room. To get a noticeable effect, you need position humidifier in the immediate vicinity of the place of work or leisure.

In addition, if a simple model is used without a built-in hygrometer, then the humidity level will need to be kept under constant control.

To finally decide on the choice, it is worth comparing the characteristics of a sink and a humidifier according to the main criteria.

The main differences between a sink and a humidifier

When choosing between a humidifier and an air washer, it is important to compare their main operating parameters. And also before buying a specific model, you should read the reviews of those who already use it. This will help eliminate the likelihood of ineffective spending of the family budget.

Criterion # 1 - the principle of operation of devices

Climatic equipment designed for air washing uses the principle of hydro-filtration or has a drum made of thin plate-evaporators in the form of discs.

In a drum washer, dry air currents are drawn into the sink body by a fan. In the process of moving through the disc system, rinsing with water is carried out. After the procedure, humidified, clean air is blown into the room by a fan. And with hydrofiltration, air is purified when passing through an air-dispersed reduction zone.

A significant plus of the system's operation is that the air picks up moisture naturally, so over-humidification of the room is completely excluded.

Humidifiers provide the desired moisture level by heating the water, using electrodes immersed in water, or ultrasonic exposure. During the operation of the humidifier, the user can additionally receive an aromatherapy session.

In addition, steam humidifiers treat the air with steam, destroying harmful organisms. Some models are equipped with replaceable filters that purify the air.

Humidifiers, according to the principle of operation, are divided into three types:

• traditional model works by natural evaporation;
• steam model uses heated water to generate steam;
• ultrasound model breaks water into tiny particles, blows out wet dust with a fan.

Depending on the principle of operation, the performance characteristics of the device change.

Unlike a sink, in which the air itself picks up the required amount of moisture, the humidifier evaporates it. This leads to the risk of waterlogging, therefore, when choosing a device, it is important to pay attention to the presence of a hydrostat that will measure the level of humidity. The controller will pause and resume after the humidity has dropped.

Criterion # 2 - functional climate technology

The sink ensures an even distribution of humid air throughout the room. Processing the entire volume of the room takes no more than 3 hours. After this time, the user receives clean and moderately humidified air in the room.

The functionality of the sinks includes:

1. Multiple control options - the user can choose manual control over the operation of the device, electronic control type. Also, a number of models have the ability to select the required program using the touch screen. The last option is considered the most functional. The sensor looks stylish but breaks often.
2. Maximum service areathe sink is designed for. It depends on the power of a particular model. Experts recommend stopping at devices, the power of which is 15-20% higher than the required one.
3. Water tank volume - the larger the tank, the larger the dimensions of the sink, the longer the operating time without refueling. The best option is considered to be devices with a capacity of 7 liters.
4. Programs - the user can select day, night mode of operation.

Some models are equipped with fragrance compartments.

Air humidifiers also have a wide range of functions, but the design features of individual models allow solving a number of other tasks.

Among which:

1. The presence of a special stand provides the ability to spray moisture 360 ​​°.
2. When the water level is below the permissible level, the sensor lights up. Also, the indicator light will tell you about the need cleaning the appliance.
3. If the humidifier is dropped or runs out of water, it will automatically shut off.
4. As an additional function, the models are equipped with an ionizer. Many humidifier models have a capsule for use flavorings.
5. The ability to select the operating mode allows you to reduce the intensity of humidification, turn off the light indication.
6. An interlock system will prevent an incorrectly assembled humidifier from being turned on. It will also work with the lid ajar.

The sink consumes about 16 liters of water per day. All this moisture is released into the room.

The amount of water that will be evaporated during operation of the humidifier depends on the set settings.

Recommendations for the selection of equipment

Considering what is better to choose - a sink or a household humidifier, you should heed the recommendations of professionals.

The devices differ from each other in terms of work, a set of functional capabilities, and cost.

When choosing climatic equipment, it is worth deciding on personal needs, desired functions, noise level.

When purchasing a sink or humidifier, it makes sense to take into account a number of useful recommendations:

1. When choosing a sink model, you should not expect that the humidity will be uniform in several rooms. However, when installing a powerful device in a corridor or hallway, the results of its impact will be felt in adjacent rooms.
2. When choosing a humidifier, the presence of ionization will be a serious plus when buying. In sinks, this function is practically not found.
3. When purchasing humidifiers, users often consider it as a mobile device that will be used in one room or another. It is important to take into account that long-term operation of equipment in one room creates an imbalance. It consists in waterlogging one room and excessive dryness in another.
4. When buying climate control equipment, it is important to consider the complexity of care. In this regard, sinks occupy a leading position, since they require tireless control of the amount of liquid, cleaning the plates. The ease of care of a humidifier depends on the specific model.

When choosing between a washer and a humidifier, it is important to consider different criteria.

Professionals recommend a sink because it provides natural humidification and an even distribution of air in the room.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

When choosing a sink or humidifier, it is important to decide on the required equipment dimensions and the required functionality. The videos below will tell you what it is and what to opt for.

The video describes in detail all the features of air washing, contains recommendations for selection, care features:

A well-known pediatrician, Dr. Komarovsky, in the following video talks about the correct choice of a humidifier:

Professionals working with climate technology will tell you what to choose - an air washer or a humidifier:

Having considered the features of work and having familiarized yourself with the capabilities of an air washer and a humidifier, it is easy to make the choice in favor of one or the other device, choose the option corresponding to the budget, personal preferences. But it should be remembered that it is important not only to choose the right type of device, but also to use it correctly, as well as in a timely manner. carry out maintenance - clean deposits, limescale, mold and change filters, if they are provided in the design device.

If you've already made your choice, please share your impressions of using your humidifier in the comment box. Tell us if your expectations were met after the purchase. If you are just considering various options and you still have questions, feel free to ask them - our experts and other site visitors will try to help you.