Do I need a humidifier in my apartment? Points for and against

There is no dust in the air saturated with moisture. It is bound by microscopic water droplets and deposited on the surface of the earth. The water mist acts as a moisturizing mask on the face and body, eliminating dryness and flaking. Moist and clean air has a positive effect on the bronchi and helps to cleanse them.

An ideal microclimate for living and working will help create a device that enriches the air with microscopic drops of water. He will bring the atmosphere of the parameters required by the SES. The purpose of this article: to give an answer to the question - is an air humidifier needed in an apartment, to consider all the arguments for and against.

The trading network offers many devices for humidifying the air in a house or apartment. They may have a different principle of operation, but one purpose. They are obliged to bring the humidity level in the house to the optimum values ​​established by scientific research.

Absolute and relative humidity

First of all, you need to remember some definitions from the school physics course. Humidity is a physical quantity that determines the content of water in the air.

To assess the humidity of atmospheric air, two main indicators are used. The amount of water vapor in one cubic meter of air is called the absolute humidity or the density of water vapor in the air.

By this parameter, you cannot yet determine how humid or dry the air is. It must be compared with the maximum possible humidity at a given temperature. The result of this comparison will show how far the air is from full saturation with water vapor, or, conversely, how close to maximum humidity.

The relative humidity of the air tells what proportion of the density of water vapor at a given temperature is from the maximum density of saturated water vapor and is expressed as a percentage.

Humidity standards in residential premises

GOST 30494-2011 prescribes to maintain optimal microclimate indicators in residential premises. The GOST tables show the optimal and permissible norms of relative humidity for residential premises, kindergartens and public buildings.

Table 1 shows that during the cold period of the year in living rooms, comfortable humidity is in the range from 30 to 45%, permissible no more than 60% at an air temperature of 20-22^O WITH. For the kitchen, bathroom and toilet, these values ​​are not standardized. In the warm season, the standard for optimal humidity is 30 - 60%, permissible no more than 65%.

The relative humidity is measured in the central part of the room at a height of 1.1 meters from the floor surface.

Decision on choosing and buying a humidifier should be taken after measuring the relative humidity in the apartment and comparing the values ​​obtained with the standard indicators.

Moisture measuring instruments

To measure the relative moisture content in the air of a dwelling, various devices are used, which have the general name hygrometers.

The hair hygrometer belongs to classical devices and does not differ in high accuracy of readings. The active part of the apparatus is human hair, which changes its length depending on the amount of moisture in the environment.

In a film hygrometer, the hair is replaced with an organic film. The principle of operation is the same as in the previous version.

A condensation hygrometer measures the dew point - the temperature at which the air is saturated with water vapor and forms condensation.

With the help of this value, according to special tables, the values ​​of the density of saturated water vapor are found. In other words, the amount of water per unit volume of the maximum water-saturated air. It should be noted that the warmer the air mass, the more water it can contain, and the colder the air, the less moisture it can accommodate.

A psychrometer is a more accurate and convenient device for determining the relative humidity. It consists of two thermometers installed on a common scale. One thermometer in contact with a wet cloth is cooled by the evaporation of water.

His readings are decreasing. The front panel device has a psychrometric table. With its help, you can determine the relative humidity of the air according to the readings of the dry device and the difference between the values ​​of dry and wet thermometers.

The closer the readings of two thermometers are to each other, the higher the air humidity. If the difference in readings is large, the ambient humidity is low.

Reasons for the need for a humidifier

In autumn, when the air temperature drops below 8 degrees in houses, heating with centralized heat supply is turned on. Thermal energy suppliers are not interested in adjusting the temperature of the heating medium in accordance with the outside air temperature.

Often, throughout the fall and winter, they provide maximum heat. As a result, the air in the apartments becomes absolutely dry, the relative humidity drops to 10-15% percent. Asking the question why the apartment is needed humidifier during this period, it becomes completely redundant. The facts support its acquisition and installation.

Dry throat and skin

Periodic ventilation through window openings is not enough to maintain the standard humidity. This is especially noticeable after waking up in the morning. The mucous membranes of the larynx, which are responsible for supplying humidified air to the lungs, wear out and require constant replenishment of moisture.

The same can be said about human skin tissues. Dry air draws moisture from the skin, it becomes dry, wrinkled, begins to flake and flake off.

Summer heat, dust, air conditioning

A decrease in air humidity in apartments is observed not only in autumn and winter, but also in summer. Air conditioners drive air back and forth, while taking away a certain percentage of moisture from it.

In recent years, there has been a global warming of the climate. Often in the summer there is a debilitating heat for a long time, accompanied by low levels of atmospheric humidity.

Moisture particles in the air moisten the dust, it settles down. As a result, the inhabitants of the apartment breathe clean air. Dust particles in dry air are in a state of free floating, which is clearly visible when exposed to sunlight. Inhaling such a mixture is not conducive to well-being and health promotion.

Many apartments are decorated with indoor plants and flowers, which in nature live only in tropical, humid and warm climates. In room conditions, they require constant irrigation, but it cannot create the necessary constant humidity.

Eventually, the ornamental plants die. A caring and thrifty owner must take care of creating an optimal environment for their pets for normal life.

Furniture and wood structures

Not only living organisms, but also inanimate objects in houses and apartments require life-giving moisture. Wooden window frames absorb moisture and swell in rainy weather, a dry environment dries them unevenly. Windows cease to open and close normally, and require repair and adjustment. The same goes for natural wood door leaves.

Expensive parquet is designed to be used in certain climatic conditions to maintain its beauty and integrity. With a lack of moisture, the parquet boards will dry out, the parquet will begin to lag behind the base and creak. Wooden furniture, linoleum flooring also react negatively to a decrease in the standard air humidity.

Comfortable humidity is vital for a person to maintain his performance, well-being and health, good sleep and rest.

Humidifier for children

Doctors recommend for children to maintain a humidity level of 50-60%, all systems of the child's body will work normally, providing strong immunity.

Dry air can provoke a lack of water in a child, the body will work in difficult conditions. The child will begin to feel bad, the defenses will weaken, and the illness will not keep itself waiting long.

With excess moisture and heat, it will be difficult for your baby to breathe. The optimum temperature in the nursery is 24 degrees Celsius. Providing optimal moisture for babies with humidifier, do not forget about regular ventilation and cleaning of the rooms where children are.

Main characteristics of humidifiers

Humidifiers will help to maintain the required level of humidity in the apartment. Their design depends on the way water vapor is generated.

All devices are divided into two classes:

• ultrasonic and steam humidifiers with forced evaporation;
• traditional (cold) and air washes with natural evaporation.

Let's work together to figure out which of the options will be the most suitable for you personally.

Ultrasonic devices - top sellers

We deserve special gratitude from buyers ultrasonic humidifiers. They use the opposite effect of piezoelectric ceramics: the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy. These devices can be distinguished by the characteristic hazy cloud blown out by the built-in fans.

The efficiency of such devices is 7-12 liters / day at a power of 40-50 W. Ultrasonic humidifiers consume much less electrical energy than steam devices.

The devices have water level indicators. When the volume of liquid is critical, they signal with light or sound signals. If there is no water in the tank, the device automatically turns off.

Pros of ultrasonic humidifiers:

1. The main advantage of devices in this group is an affordable price ranging from 3 to 20 thousand rubles. Among the inexpensive models, there are many that differ little in their characteristics from expensive devices.
2. Only in this segment there is a huge selection of humidifiers for every taste.
3. The devices are small in size. Dimensions depend on the capacity of the water reservoir.
4. Ultrasonic humidifiers are safe, they have a built-in hygrostat that sets and maintains the desired humidity level.
5. In devices with a built-in filter, finely dispersed water dust, purified from impurities, is supplied to the air.
6. The units are very quiet.

Cons of ultrasonic devices:

The main disadvantage is the need to fill in water purified from impurities. If the humidifier is filled with ordinary tap water, all salts contained in tap water will be in the air together with the steam. They will ensure the appearance of a white coating on household items.

The disadvantages of the ultrasonic device are compensated for by high performance, long service life, and the creation of comfortable living conditions.

Steam humidifiers

The evaporation of water in a steam humidifier occurs due to the boiling of the water. The liquid is heated with an electric current passing through the water between two electrodes. Steam rises from the boiling water in the evaporation chamber and goes out through the outlet.

The power of steam appliances is much higher than that of cold ones, ranging from 350 to 600 watts. Throughput in the range of 6 - 15 liters / day. Due to the high intensity of vaporization, the humidity level can easily go beyond the comfortable parameters.

The benefits of steam gadgets

The main advantage is the sterile steam coming out of the device. All infectious elements die at the boiling point of water.

The steam entering the air has a temperature of about 55^O C, tends to be evenly distributed in a space with a lower temperature. In terms of the speed of coverage of the entire room, it is ahead of other models.

The devices do not take up much space; it is better to place them away from materials that can be damaged by hot steam.

Disadvantages of steam devices and their elimination

Negative qualities:

• hot steam, which can burn if handled carelessly, the device must be installed in places inaccessible to small children;
• there is no variety in models;
• more expensive than ultrasonic devices;
• when filling with hard water, scale deposits on the heating parts, which must be removed from time to time.

The problem of scale formation can be solved by using distilled or purified water, installing anti-lime discs.

Traditional (cold) humidifiers

In cold appliances, a fan drives air through the humidification cartridge. At the same time, the air temperature decreases due to the transfer of heat to the water and its humidity increases.

With natural evaporation of water, air humidity will increase only up to a certain limit set by the existing temperature. Replaceable filters are designed for 2-3 months of work.

It is possible to increase the humidification rate in cold installations by placing them near heat sources. The efficiency of such humidifiers depends on the level of humidity of the air entering the device. The higher the air humidity, the less water will evaporate from the cartridge of the device. The amount of moisture in the room air is naturally regulated and maintained at a constant comfortable level.

The advantage of this appliance is the natural way of evaporation.

Disadvantages of a traditional humidifier:

• low productivity, in terms of its effectiveness, it approaches the folk methods of increasing humidity;
• short service life of the humidifying filter, it quickly becomes clogged with lime impurities, it is quite expensive;
• small selection, lack of variety of models.

The productivity of this type of humidifier is from 3 to 8 dm³ water in 24 hours. The declared power is 10 - 50 watts. Air humidification can be accompanied by ionization and purification.

Air washers - multifunctional devices

Modification of the classic humidifier - air washer. She does not have a replacement cartridge. Water is used as a filter element, in which rotating multi-disc drums are half immersed. A built-in fan blows air over the discs and evaporates water from them, thereby humidifying the air in the room.

Positive points humidifiers-purifiers:

• lack of replaceable parts;
• use of water of any quality;
• water impurities remain on the parts of the device and do not enter the air environment of the premises;
• air purification from dust and dirt when passing through water;
• natural version of water evaporation, autonomy of the system;
• simplicity of the device, reliability of the design.

Negative sides: high cost, much more expensive than other humidifiers. The price is due to the complex design of the device. The sink is distinguished by its volumetric dimensions, the performance depends on the size of the dampening disc drums.

When buying a humidifier, you need to evaluate the degree of noise when the device is turned on. For different devices, it ranges from 5 to 70 dB. The remote control function or the presence of a timer that sets the operating time of the device will not interfere.

Appointment of a humidifier in an apartment

Summarizing the above, we can answer the question: what is a humidifier for at home.

A good instrument should:

• create and maintain the most favorable humidity;
• improve the well-being and vitality of people;
• provide moisture to the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, thereby protecting the body from the penetration of infections and harmful impurities;
• help the skin stay supple and soft;
• promote good rest, ensure even, free breathing at night;
• relieve the unpleasant sensations of people reacting to the presence of house dust in the air;
• help in creating a microclimate for the full growth and flowering of indoor plants;
• clean the air from dust and harmful impurities;
• eliminate unpleasant odors;

It is also desirable that the device be able to exclude conditions for the appearance of pathogenic factors and take care of comfortable air for pets.

Common disadvantages and certain disadvantages

For objective conclusions regarding the importance and necessity of humidifiers, a list of their general and particular disadvantages is given below:

• the presence of an element of danger, like any electrical appliance, especially for small children;
• steam humidifiers are dangerous due to the release of hot steam; families with small children should not be purchased;
• require regular maintenance, cleaning and rinsing of containers;
• the efficiency of work is designed for a completely enclosed space, if humidification is combined with ventilation, humidity accumulates more slowly than indicated in the instructions;
• the accumulated result is quickly lost if you open a door or window;
• hot steam heats the air in the room, a specific smell may appear;
• when operating at full power, rather noisy devices, in sleep mode they are not efficient enough;
• many models require replacement cartridges and filters, they are not entirely cheap;
• the need to additionally purchase measuring instruments in order to control the humidity standards;
• the need to buy distilled water or purify tap water.

Excess moisture is as harmful as dry air. The smell of dampness may appear in the apartment, mold may start.

A humidifier is a device that is not worth saving on. It is better to invest a large sum once and provide yourself with comfort for many years than to save money and buy a new device in a couple of years.

Arguments for and against installing moisture generators

Opponents of humidifiers often say they get stuffy when they work. Indeed, if the apartment is hot and humidity is added, the effect of the tropics occurs. Wet heat is much worse tolerated than dry heat. You can avoid stuffiness when the standard humidity is reached by maintaining the temperature in the house within 20-23 degrees and airing the room.

Another argument against a humidifier: Humidity is the ideal state for bacteria and germs to multiply, especially at elevated temperatures. In the absence of sensors and indicators of humidity level in the devices, the corresponding indicators must be constantly monitored. For control, you need to have a hygrometer and turn off the humidifier when the desired result is achieved.

The high temperature (more than 23 degrees) in the room can be reduced by covering the heating devices with protective screens, ventilating the room.

Lack of control over the operation of moisturizing gadgets can lead to negative consequences:

• creating a "tropical climate";
• the reproduction of pathogenic microbes;
• the appearance of mold colonies;
• damage to furniture and other items made from natural and artificial materials;
• diseases of indoor plants;
• poor health of the inhabitants of the apartment.

Do not turn on the humidifier for a whole day without interruption. Before starting work, open the window for 20 minutes to allow fresh air to enter the room.

Check the RH reading before switching on. Control a comfortable room temperature of 20 - 23 degrees with a humidity of 50 - 60%.

In the absence of a humidifier, dry air in the room can be humidified using folk methods: spray water from a container with a fine spray nozzle. Ventilate the room regularly, place wet towels on heating radiators, decorate the room with an aquarium or decorative fountain.

These methods are attractive because they are free. But, their productivity is very low.

On rainy, foggy, cloudy days, with wet snow, the humidifier can rest, the required humidity can be easily obtained by ventilating the room.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video explains the need to install humidifiers. An overview of all types of installations, including automated systems, is given. The advantages and disadvantages of humidifying devices of different models and modifications are noted:

The benefits of humidifiers are obvious and indisputable, but their operation is possible subject to certain rules, mandatory study and exact fulfillment of the instructions in the instructions for the device. If you feel unwell, have diseases such as asthma, allergies, the presence of small children in the apartment, buying a humidifier is not just a whim or a whim, but a vital necessity.

Tell us how you have felt the effect of using the moisturizer. It is possible that in your arsenal there are recommendations that may be useful to site visitors. Please leave comments, post photos, ask questions in the block below.