Which humidifier is better - steam or ultrasonic: comparison of models, their advantages and disadvantages

The air that a person breathes must not only be clean, but also contain a certain amount of moisture. The dry indoor climate leads to allergies and other diseases. Household humidifiers help prevent their development. Water in the apparatus is evaporated under the action of ultrasound or due to heating, like an electric kettle. Which humidifier is better (steam or ultrasonic), you can find out after comparing the two models.

The harm of dry air to health

The air humidity in the apartment should be between 30-60%. With a deviation from normal parameters, health problems begin, especially in children. Acting on the skin, mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, dry air in some way takes on the moisture of the body, leading to the appearance of negative effects. The consequences of a dry indoor climate are:

• redness of the eyes, irritation (contact lens wearers are more sensitive);
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• rapid fatigue, blurred vision;
• dry eye syndrome;
• decreased immune defense, frequent colds;
• the formation of crusts and clots of mucus on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, difficulty breathing;
• chronic runny nose, if the body begins to produce an increased amount of mucus as a defense;
• bronchial asthma;
• peeling of the skin, the appearance of microcracks on it;
• increased fragility of hair and nails;
• premature aging of the skin;
• drowsiness, frequent headaches;
• the development of allergies.

To maintain the humidity in the apartment at the desired level, various methods are used: they put a container with water, hang a wet cloth, spray water with a spray bottle. A modern and convenient way to eliminate dry air is to use humidifiers.

Features of the steam humidifier

The steam humidifier consists of a water tank and a heating element. During the operation of the apparatus, the liquid boils, and steam is formed, which, through the supply valve, enters the surrounding space. The efficiency of steam devices is quite high - some models are capable of evaporating 600-700 ml of water per hour. Despite good performance and low cost, these devices have some disadvantages.. The disadvantages of steam models include:

1. Risk of scalding from hot steam.
2. Increase in ambient temperature.
3. High energy consumption.
4. Noisiness.
5. Lack of regulation of the humidity level.

A steam humidifier is bought if you need an inexpensive device for maintaining the microclimate in apartments with a large number of indoor plants. Many models can be used as inhalers, which also becomes a plus when choosing. But if there are small children in the apartment, you should pay attention to ultrasonic humidifiers.

Characteristics of ultrasonic models

An ultrasonic humidifier consists of a water tank and an ultrasonic emitter, under the action of which the liquid vibrates and breaks down into aerosol particles. The fan pushes a cloud of tiny water droplets into the surrounding area. Compared to steam devices, ultrasonic devices have the following advantages:

1. No heating of sprayed water.
2. Indoor humidity measurement.
3. Availability of additional functions - filtration, disinfection, air ionization systems.
4. Low noise level during operation.
5. Energy saving.

Thanks to the cold humidification technology, ultrasonic models are used in children's rooms - you can bring your hand to the operating device and there will be no burns. The disadvantages of ultrasonic devices are low performance and high cost.

Criterias of choice

The requirements for a humidifier will depend on its type and operating conditions, therefore, before buying, you need to study the features of each device. Choosing the right model is especially important for families with children.. Parameters that are guided when buying:

1. Humidification area (measured in square meters, indicated in the instructions for the device).
2. Energy consumption level.
3. Possibility of air disinfection.
4. Ease of maintenance.
5. Price.
6. Safety for children.

In order to be confident in the quality of equipment, it is best to purchase models from well-known manufacturers, for example, Electrolux, Sharp, Panasonic, Scarlett.

Which humidifier is better, steam or ultrasonic, each person decides for himself on the basis of the facts studied, their needs and financial capabilities. Both types of devices are in great demand among customers and provide good humidification of indoor air.