Choosing a humidifier: what equipment to choose, an overview of the best models

The central heating system, which serves most multi-storey buildings, does not offer temperature control to control the microclimate in the apartment at the request of the owner.

Indoor air is usually too dry, especially at night.

You can only partially solve the problem with an air conditioner, so many owners opt for a humidifier.

Varieties of technology that humidify the microclimate

You can find many types of such devices on sale, so the purchase becomes a rather difficult event. Each device has not only design and dimensions different from others, but also features of operation. Each has its own positive and negative sides. To choose the right air humidifier for an apartment, you need to familiarize yourself in detail with their functional potential and operating requirements.

Which humidifier is better to choose, you can decide by looking at the range of equipment offered. It should be divided into the following categories:

• Conventional devices.
• Climate control complexes.
• Steam appliances (cold or hot).
• Air washes.
• Ultrasonic apparatus.
• Ceramic constructions.

Hot steam devices

Their principle of operation resembles that of an electric kettle. Due to the boiling off of water, an increase in the concentration of moisture in the surrounding air occurs. They represent a container with two current-carrying electrodes.

Such devices have several advantages:

• Ease of management.
• Up to 100 percent efficiency.
• Undemanding to the quality of the poured water.
• Vapors harmless.

However, due to design features, there are also disadvantages. Among them you can find the following:

• High consumption of electricity.
• Increase in ambient temperature.
• Excessive noise level.
• Danger of vaporization.

Cold appliances

They are characterized by natural moisture. The water poured into the tank through special cartridges goes to the built-in fan.

As a result of the passage of the air flow, the smallest particles of liquid are formed, saturating the atmosphere of the room with moisture.

Among the advantages are:

• Energy savings.
• Low price.
• Several operating modes.
• Security that allows them to be installed in children's rooms.

However, this is not the best humidifier you can choose in your home. This is due to the low efficiency and some cooling in the room. Also, most buyers prefer more advanced technology.

Conventional equipment

These models are suitable for the widest range of consumers. A water-wetted mesh is placed in the design of such a device, the liquid from which evaporates in a natural way, and the air blown by the fan speeds up the process and enriches the atmosphere particles of water.

Among the advantages of such devices are:

• Automatic humidity control.
• Security.
• Affordable price.
• Air aromatization due to the built-in capsule.
• Profitability.
• Easy replacement of a worn-out mesh with a new one of the desired size.

Disadvantages are few. This is a low efficiency and a decrease in ambient temperature.

Air wash

This type of technique is intended for buyers who are not particularly versed in it. In addition to humidifying the atmosphere in the room, they have a function that allows you to cleanse the space from germs. This is done using special membranes that trap dirt and bacteria. As they wear out, these elements can be replaced with the corresponding parts recommended by the manufacturer.

If you choose a similar air humidifier for your apartment, you can get the following benefit:

• High efficiency.
• Wide functional characteristics.
• Positive impact on the health of family members.

Among the shortcomings, it should be highlighted the high cost, large size and incompatibility of filters of different models.

Ultrasonic modifications

The popularity of these devices is based on their effectiveness. They work due to high frequency vibrations, due to which water is scattered into tiny droplets. By spreading around the room, they improve the indoor climate.

The advantages of such devices are called:

• Complete safety during work.
• Excellent hydration performance.
• Adjustment of the required parameters.
• Small size.
• Low noise.

Buyers who purchased such equipment complain about white deposits on furniture, which appears as a result of the operation of the device. This happens when using hard water. Such consequences can be avoided by installing a special replaceable filter. The sediment can be easily removed with a damp sponge or napkin.

Climatic complexes

This equipment is the most modern and perfect among the competitors. They can work instead of such devices:

• Air purifiers.
• Ionizers.
• Humidifiers.
• Flavors.

This is a whole system of special plastic discs of complex shape. They work completely submerged in water. Among the positive aspects are noted:

• Functionality.
• Ease of operation.
• Multi-stage air purifier.

Among the significant drawbacks, one can single out the high cost of devices and the regular replacement of filters.

Features of choice

To know which humidifier to choose for an apartment, you need to determine the parameters of the future unit and the conditions in which it will work. The main characteristics will be productivity, which means the amount of water, expressed in milliliters and processed into steam in 1 hour, and power.

It is also necessary to take into account the area of ​​the room that the device will serve. For small rooms, the purchase of an expensive device designed for large spaces is impractical. The coefficient of moisture reduction is of great importance. This indicator can be monitored using a hygrometer. If its data differ slightly from normal, then the time during which the unit must be turned on, will be several hours, and if it is significantly dry, you can leave it around the clock.

The most efficient appliances are also the most energy consuming, so the optimal ratio of cost and power is the main thing when making a purchase. Steam hot devices are very wasteful. Ultrasonic and cold models are somewhat less demanding on electricity consumption.

Many people are annoyed by the noise during operation of the equipment. This is especially evident in the silence of the night. For a bedroom, the best option would be models that work in the ultrasound mode. However, there is a technique on the market for another principle of operation, which has a switch to a mode suitable for sleeping. Models with less than 34 dB should be preferred.

Compactness is a significant advantage of one device over another. However, the water level in unnecessarily small humidifiers drops rapidly, which requires constant human intervention. For the device to work quietly all night, it must hold at least 5 liters of liquid.

When it comes to design, the market sells a wide variety of colors and shapes. You can choose a standard white phone or pick up another one that will become an element of the interior decoration of the room. There are models that are made in the form of birds, animals or various geometric shapes.

In addition, in the store you can see that the humidifiers contain and additional devices:

• Hydrostat that automatically turns off the unit when a normal microclimate is reached.
• Rotating splitter for increased productivity.
• A timer that turns equipment on and off at the right time.
• All kinds of filters.
• Compartment for inhalation with a swab saturated with essential oils.

Top Models

Units working with ultrasound have earned the maximum popularity. Among them it is necessary to highlight:

• Italian budget device Royal Clima Sanremo (RUH-S380 / 3.0M). Its compactness does not interfere with processing a hall or a studio apartment (up to 40 sq. m). There is an inhalation compartment here, and the light indication is clearly visible from any corner of the room. It can work continuously for up to 8 hours and is equipped with replaceable carbon filters. However, after using them, acquiring new ones can be difficult. The lack of a gyrostat is also a disadvantage.
• The model in the form of a column AIC ST2850 will not only restore the microclimate, but also decorate the interior of the room. It has a remote control, aromatization function, auto shut-off when liquid is low or dropped. However, among the negative features, a small coverage area is called (up to 25 sq. m), noticeable buzz and lack of water filters.
• The Boneco U700 humidifier boasts a 9-liter reservoir and a choice of hot or cold steam. A special indicator will tell you that it is time to add water, although this will not be required for 15 hours of continuous work in a space of up to 80 square meters. meters. A special sensor will remind you of the need for cleaning. Stops buyers with high electricity consumption, substantial price and heavy weight.
• In many countries of the world, Dyson is recognized as one of the leaders in climatic technology. Its Dyson AM10 model is safe, equipped with an ultraviolet lamp, which can trap up to 99% of bacteria. Recommended for installation in bedrooms, nurseries and rooms where allergy sufferers live. The disadvantages of the device include a small service area (16 sq. m) and high cost.
• The Ballu UHB-990 can be considered the leader in functionality. It has 4 steam modes, aromatization, pasteurization and air ionization. There is also a rotating sprayer and a lock on the tank for child safety. Among the disadvantages are the fast consumption of cartridges (on average, the service life is 45 days), high power consumption and non-switchable backlighting.

Recommendations for use

Compliance with the rules prescribed by the manufacturer serves as a reliable guarantee of high-quality and durable operation of the device. In general, the recommendations are as follows:

• Use only purified, soft or distilled water for filling.
• Change filter parts periodically. In the absence of a clogging sensor, refer to the operating instructions.
• The same applies to the interior surfaces and discs of air sinks.
• Perform preventive cleaning regularly.
• Change the fluid in the tanks more often.

In addition to tips, you can define a circle of prohibitions that should not be violated. Among them:

• Do not turn off the appliance at full power immediately after reaching normal humidity. This reduces the life of the equipment.
• Take sharp objects to remove plaque and dirt.
• Use the device for other purposes.

It may seem that such devices are not essential devices, although even the most skeptical people, after one use, note the ease of breathing. But too damp air is also not recommended for health, so it is best to focus on a hydrostat, which will help to avoid a similar situation with air humidifiers. How to choose the best one for an apartment or a private house - will be prompted by the recommendations of experts and customer reviews on special sites.