There are useful household appliances, there are those that bring pleasure, and there are those that can be completely abandoned without any consequences. A steam humidifier for a home is definitely not ranked among the latter. Its positive qualities are appreciated by many apartment owners who can hardly imagine life without this useful device.
Content
- Purpose of the humidifier
- Description of the principle of operation
- Advantages and disadvantages of different types
- Some popular models
Purpose of the humidifier
Indoors, the air has much lower humidity than outside. Moreover, in the cold season with a working heating system of any type. Too dry microclimate has a negative effect on the mucous membrane, thereby causing a number of respiratory diseases. The child's body is especially sensitive to low moisture content. Houseplants and furniture also suffer from dry air.
To eliminate the listed negative effects of dry air in rooms, a useful household appliance was developed - a steam humidifier. Initially, it was simple in design and performed only one function - saturating the air with water vapor. Modern more advanced models are also able to clean it, as well as monitor the microclimate indicators (temperature and humidity) and adjust their work depending on them.
Description of the principle of operation
At the moment, there are three main household steam humidifiers that differ in the principle of operation, each of which it can be equipped with touchscreen, electronic or traditional and reliable mechanical management. The principles of operation are as follows:
- normal evaporation of water;
- evaporation of liquid when it is heated;
- the use of ultrasound.
Each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. For the optimal choice of a steam humidifier for the home, it is necessary to know the positive and negative qualities of a particular type of this device.
Advantages and disadvantages of different types
A conventional humidifier is capable of increasing indoor humidity up to 60%. It is most often used in residential and office buildings due to its reliability and economy. This type works on the basis of air spraying with cold steam in a natural way: when the air flow passes through the evaporator, it is saturated with water vapor. Of the advantages, the following can also be noted:
- low noise level during operation;
- relatively low cost;
- there is no danger to the health of young children;
- suitable for aromatherapy.
But there is also a drawback: this type is not suitable for inhalation. Its effectiveness will increase if it is placed near a heat source or in a place where natural air circulation is enhanced.
The hot steam humidifier has a heating element in its design, which raises the temperature of the water and produces forced evaporation. This device will easily raise the humidity to 70%.
It is often used to create the necessary microclimate in greenhouses and greenhouses. Its advantages include the following: destruction of bacteria during steam sterilization, rapid saturation of the air with water vapor and automatic shutdown in the absence of water in the built-in tank.
Also, this type is not without its drawbacks - it is a high consumption of electricity and the danger of waterlogging in the room if the control devices fail or incorrect settings.
The most convenient and efficient steam humidifiers are based on the use of ultrasound.
They are characterized by low noise and energy consumption, fast room air humidification and a number of additional functions, the number of which varies from model to model. Ultrasonic humidifiers are not without their drawbacks - the need to use prepared water, their relatively high cost and the lack of aromatherapy function.
Some popular models
One of the best traditional humidifiers is the Boneco W2055DR, which optimizes digital technology. Quiet operation, a volumetric tank of 7 liters, air ionization, the possibility of aromatherapy make this model popular among owners of apartments and private houses.
The most popular steam humidifier is the Beurer LB50. It features quiet operation, affordable price and ease of use. Unlike many other models of this type of work, the Beurer LB50 does not leave a white coating on furniture when evaporated water dries.
Ultrasonic devices are the most popular, therefore the model range presented by manufacturers is the richest. Their parameters are approximately the same, mainly the differences relate to the design and volume of the water tank. Best-selling models the following should be highlighted: Electrolux EHU-3715D, Philips HU 4802 and Stadler Form Jack J-020/021.
