How a humidifier works: device, principle of operation and types

All organisms receive water not only at the time of quenching their thirst, but also from the environment. Not always the natural level of humidity meets sanitary standards. To achieve the required value, devices are used that saturate the air with beneficial moisture. With the principle of operation of these devices is worth reading. Right?

We will tell you what a humidifier is and how it works, which allows you to create a comfortable microclimate in the room. The article proposed by us describes the types of devices, their technical and technological differences. There are valuable recommendations that determine the choice of the best model for you.

Why is a humidifier required?

When the heating season begins, you need to monitor this more carefully. Indeed, because of the heating, the air is additionally dried, which negatively affects the state of health.

More specifically, when the heaters are operating, the relative humidity inside the room can decrease up to 20%. For comparison, in the Sahara this parameter is at least 25%. That is, we can say that many people work in conditions that can be compared with desert conditions.

Of course, to solve such a problem, you can use the “grandmother's” method - hang wet clothes all over the house or apartment. But the obvious disadvantage of this method is the inability to maintain the desired humidity.

The best solution would be to purchase a specialized device - a humidifier. With it, you can easily maintain a certain humidity in the office and in the living room. Humidifier will help to create a truly favorable and comfortable microclimate for a person.

A distinctive feature of modern models of air washers is that they automatically support the user-specified level of humidity. This increases the efficiency and safety of operation of such a device.

If you spend money on such a device, then after a while you will notice that the household, in particular children, are much less likely to get sick. At the same time, the skin will become more smooth and silky, which allows a little, but to suspend the aging process. In addition, in humidified air, viral activity is greatly reduced.

Optimum humidity is important not only for people, but also for wooden or paper products. That is, by buying air washing, you can protect furniture, books, paintings, frames, documents, parquet, musical instruments, and much more from drying out, cracking, and irreparable damage.

In the end, the normal humidity in the room will favorably affect the plants. Indeed, in most cases on the windowsills are representatives of the tropics. The dry climate affects such plants adversely. But in the case of creating an optimal microclimate, they will grow more intensively, bloom more abundantly and will not turn yellow.

The principle of operation of the humidifier

So, for what a similar device is needed, we figured it out. But how does it work? Regardless of the type of humidifier, its principle of operation is based on the evaporation of water.

This can be realized by boiling or by ultrasonic vibrations of a thin membrane. At the same time, for activation, it is only necessary to pour water into it, plug it into the outlet and click on the button.

In addition to its main function, the humidifier can perform a number of additional tasks.

These include:

• air purification from various impurities and dust;
• elimination of electrostatic charges;
• performing the role of a lamp.

A good solution would be to install a capsule with aromatic oils. Such a solution will not only maintain the optimum level of humidity, but also heal by inhaling healing vapors.

Existing types of air washers

Before you go to the store, you need to fully understand the existing types of devices - There are thousands of options on the market that differ in power, the presence of any additional functions and, of course, by price. The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing such home appliances is a type of humidifier.

All models presented on the market can be divided into the following categories:

• ultrasound;
• steam;
• classic;
• car wash;
• climate complexes.

Each type of humidifier has its advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account when choosing. And each of them works according to its principle, so some models are not recommended to be placed in rooms where children live.

Ultrasonic humidifier options

The most common are devices that evaporate water through ultrasonic vibrations of the thinnest membrane. It was the use of these innovative technologies in the design process that brought the devices recognition of millions of customers around the world.

Principle of operation ultrasound view devices: water becomes steam due to high-frequency oscillations. That is, air is drawn in from the room, after which it passes through the device and is saturated with liquid. Then he returns to the living room, but in the form of a wet fog.

The resulting air does not heat up. Therefore, you can not be afraid to burn them. Accordingly, ultrasonic humidifiers are completely safe for small children, which makes it possible to install them in the nursery.

If there are antiquities at home that require special, reverent care, then such humidifiers will be the best solution. In this case, antique furniture, decorations, flooring, musical instruments, and much more will not be affected by dried air.

Ultrasonic devices stood out among all devices on the market thanks to the following advantages:

• high technology makes their operation safe. The device will automatically turn off if there is no water in the tank or if the lid was not tightly closed;
• low noise will not interfere with watching a movie or rest;
• rotating sprayer evenly humidifies the air in the room;
• built-in hygrostat provides automatic on / off, while maintaining a comfortable microclimate, and saving electricity;
• the presence of an effective filter cartridge allows you to clean the water and avoid the appearance of white bloom on furniture and interior items.

For convenience, many models are equipped with a special indicator that shows the current level of air humidity. Also, devices vary in control method. Some of them are turned on using the rotary knob, and others - by pressing the touch buttons.

The relevance of steam equipment

Steam-type devices maintain optimum humidity due to hot evaporation. In this case, the water is heated using a pair of electrodes, which leads to its transition to a gaseous state.

A clear advantage of the models is to raise the humidity of the air over 60%. At the same time steam devices are notable for considerable productivity. For example, some humidifiers can evaporate about 0.7 liters of water in just one hour.

Similar devices are made of special heat-resistant plastic. For ease of use, they are supplied with a folding handle that allows you to conveniently move them to another location.

Particular attention should be paid to the safety of steam humidifiers. Many modern models can boast of a three-fold protection system - if the water has completely evaporated or the lid has been closed loosely, the device simply will not turn on.

As for the drawbacks, steam appliances consume a lot of electricity. In addition, they are rarely supplied with a hygrostat, so it will have to be bought separately.

The scope of their application is not limited only to the humidification of the air in the room. The equipment can be used for inhalation and aromatherapy. To do this, insert a capsule with the drug, sit down beside it and inhale warm and healing vapors.

And if you use flavors during a similar procedure, you can fill your home with smells of flowers, fruits or, for example, chocolate, which will cheer up every family member. You can also put a steam humidifier in the greenhouse, greenhouse, winter garden. They will create an optimal microclimate for the growth and flowering of plants.

What devices belong to the traditional?

Traditional or classic devices are distinguished by a rather simple design, low noise and low power consumption.

They are usually equipped with a built-in fan that draws air from the room and drives it through the evaporator. Work without a hygrostat, and the desired humidity is maintained automatically.

If you need to increase the efficiency of the device, you can put it in a place with the best air circulation or leave it near a heat source. Such solutions can not only improve the performance of the humidifier, but also get rid of dirt and dust, soaring in the room. It is almost impossible to achieve, having made even careful cleaning.

Today, manufacturers are thinking about the convenience of buyers. Therefore, many classic models allow, without looking inside the humidifier, to find out how much water is left in it.

A good choice would be devices that, when cleaning the air, kill pathogens. Classic humidifiers can also be used for aromatherapy. To do this, just insert a special capsule into them.

Subsequently, the device will begin to exude aroma, creating a comfortable microclimate for being in the room. After all, nothing is so relaxing and does not relieve stress, like the smell of your favorite flowers.

Air washing and their features

The difference of washing from all the above types of devices is that it combines the functions of not only a humidifier, but also an air purifier. That is, such a device is a kind of vacuum cleaner engaged in wet-mechanical cleaning. In this case, you will not need to buy any replacement parts or consumables.

The design of the air wash can be considered truly brilliant. Thanks to the system, which consists of plastic discs, the water from the reservoir is lifted. Further, the air passing through it is cleared of pollen, dust and a whole list of other harmful particles.

Among the many advantages of the device it is worth highlighting:

• antibacterial and antiviral protection;
• several power steps;
• low noise level;
• long service life;
• simplicity of design;
• ease of operation.

A good choice would be to buy devices that have an ionizing rod made of silver inside. This metal effectively disinfects water. In this case, the rod serves for a rather long time, and the number of ions in it remains practically unchanged.

Home climate systems

In a separate category should include climate complexes. The principle of their functioning is based on the natural saturation of the air in the room with moisture. In such devices there is a special fan that drives the flow through the water, as a result of which it evaporates.

The latest novelty among such devices are models with anti-allergic HEPA filter. This element captures a wide variety of microparticles, including dust, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and more.

And thanks to the presence of a carbon filter operating on the principle of similar hood extractors, the air gets rid of unpleasant odors. For example, such a solution will allow the room to be cleaned of harmful gases or tobacco smoke.

The list of advantages of climate complexes should include low power consumption, as well as high efficiency. However, they allow you to engage in aromatherapy, which calms the nervous system, and also relieves stress, which is especially important after a hard day's work.

As for the drawbacks, such models have a certain limitation of humidity - up to 60%. In addition, periodically it is necessary to change the filters, and the large dimensions of the device will take precious square meters, which the owners of small apartments do not really like.

The scope of climatic complexes covers both residential premises and offices. They can easily be used in children's rooms, and due to the high performance of the device they can clean even the smoke-filled and dusty room.

Main selection criteria

It is impossible to accurately answer which air humidifier is better. After all, for each individual room you need to pick up your device. For example, if the room is just dry air, then you can do with an inexpensive device.

But everything changes if the device is bought for a child with breathing problems. In this case, it is better to invest in an expensive climate system.

How to calculate performance?

Before going to the store you need to decide on the budget that can be spent on the purchase. Depending on this amount, you can determine the characteristics of the device.

In most cases, the volume of air that passes through the filter per unit of time is indicated on the humidifier box. In this case, it is better to give preference to models that will process at least two volumes of a room in one hour. To calculate the dimensions of the room, it is necessary to multiply the height of the ceilings by the area.

Water consumption and noise level

The size of the tank directly determines how long the humidifier will work without the need to top up with water. As for the flow, then look at the model, evaporating 8-12 liters per day. Their range is large enough. Therefore, everyone can choose the best in quality and cost of the device.

The noise level should be given special attention. After all, no one will like it if the humidifier constantly produces an unpleasant and interfering sound. With such a device it will simply be impossible to sleep.

Useful extra features

A good solution would be to order a humidifier with an indicator showing that you need to add water. With it, using the device becomes easier.

Pay attention to the auto-shutdown features when tilting the device and protecting against working without water. After all, you can simply forget to fill the tank or accidentally touch the device, which will lead to a fire. Remember that the humidifier, first of all, must be safe for the household.

The following features are also worth adding to the above features:

1. Indicator need cleaning. All nozzles, containers and filters require regular maintenance. Therefore, it is better to buy a device that tells you when to clean it.
2. A pen. In order not to cuddle with a humidifier, buy a convenient model for carrying.
3. Rotating sprayer. With it, the moisture will be distributed around the room evenly.
4. Night mode. This feature is especially relevant for humidifiers that are very noisy or are equipped with an overly bright display.
5. Protection against loosely closed tank with water or incorrect assembly.

A good solution would be to buy a device that besides cleaning it also ionizes the air. Indeed, in this case, the air will be better to attract moisture to itself, which will make the operation of the device more efficient. But give preference to models that allow you to turn off ionization.

In order for the apartment to always smell of flowers, it is not necessary to force all window sills with plants. Enough to purchase a humidifier with the function of aromatization. As a rule, the smelling solution is poured into a special capsule through which air is drawn.

Quite often, humidifiers will work at night. Therefore it is worth thinking about the backlight of the water. Such a night lamp can be installed in the nursery and make its interior more comfortable for the child. But it is important that the backlight is turned off if necessary.

In addition to humidifiers, many of the functions of raising the level of moisture in the surrounding air are endowed air conditioner models. With landmarks of their choice for the arrangement of the apartment will introduce our recommended article.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Test different climatic complexes in the video:

Video about choosing a humidifier from Dr. Komarovsky:

The principle of operation of air washers is considered in the video:

It may seem to many that a humidifier is an absolutely useless device that should not be wasted. But such an unobtrusive, at first glance, work of such a climatic technique improves mood, improves the well-being and health of the user.

Please write comments in the box below. Tell us how you chose a humidifier to improve the microclimate in your home / apartment / office. Share your own landmarks that influenced the acquisition of a particular model. Ask questions, post pictures on the topic of the article.