The norm is considered to be humidity in the air from 40 to 60%. However, in winter, due to the operation of heating equipment, this parameter rarely varies in the indicated range. This negatively affects the work of the immune, nervous, respiratory systems. In this case, the risk of bronchitis diseases significantly increases. Therefore, it is important to buy a suitable device, which you can do with our humidifier rating, but first, we’ll deal with important characteristics and nuances.
Types of humidifiers for air
Manufacturers of technology have already managed to feel the popularity of such devices. Therefore, new inventions regularly appear that do not always meet the expectations of users. To begin with, you must decide what kind of humidifier to choose specifically for your room. There are 3 types - ultrasonic, with hot and cold steam. Consider the pros and cons of each type of humidifier:
Ultrasonic - operates on the basis of a membrane that vibrates at high frequency. After water gets from the tank to this component, very small splashes are formed that moisturize the air. Typically, such models allow you to adjust the humidity, consuming a minimum of electricity. The problem is that tap water is not suitable for an ultrasonic membrane. If you use such a coolant, a white coating will be sprayed around the room. On average, the power of such devices is only 40-50 watts.
Hot steam - the design includes two electrodes in the tank for water supply. When connected to the network, they begin to heat the coolant, it begins to evaporate. Such devices are powerful enough and can significantly moisten large rooms. But among all types of humidifiers, this device is the most expensive in terms of energy consumption. In addition, such devices may generate too hot steam that indoor plants cannot withstand. If you do not want the room to turn into a sauna, consider the size of the room and the power. The last parameter can vary in the range from 300 to 600 watts.
Features of steam humidifiers
You already understood that the disadvantages of the above types of devices often overshadow their advantages. Moreover, hot steam models cannot be used in small rooms at all, because fungus may appear.
A cold steam humidifier works on the basis of the principle of natural evaporation. The fan draws in the surrounding air, passes it through the evaporator, and exhausts it back. It is worth noting that such models appeared earlier than the rest, and to this day are not inferior to more expensive counterparts. This is an economical model, but it has a serious drawback - noise. If you decide to choose a cold steam humidifier for your apartment, get ready for sleepless nights. Such appliances must be installed away from the bed.Of course, there is an alternative - an expensive device in which the sound from the fan is muffled. But it will cost 2-3 times more.
Optimum water flow
One of the most important parameters when choosing an air humidifier for an apartment is the water consumption, which is measured in grams per one hour of its operation. Some rooms have to be wetted all night. Imagine that the device consumes 500 ml of water in 1 hour. In this case, you will have to fill the liquid tank several times to achieve optimum humidity in the room alone. The optimal indicator is the flow rate of 200 ml / h. This should be enough to moisten a room with an area of 25 to 30 square meters at a time.
Filter selection
If you decide to choose a humidifier with air purifier, You should understand the assortment of existing filtration systems. Undoubtedly, the most effective is HEPA, capable of capturing radioactive elements. Such models capture all malignant trace elements up to 0.3 microns in size.
Carbon-impregnated models, in turn, have a high level of absorption, which allows you to effectively eliminate unpleasant odors. This is a good choice if the apartment has pets or smokers. The problem is that coal grain cartridges need to be changed often.
Ionization humidifiers that are capable of retaining moisture are also in demand. It is desirable that this option be disabled.
Expert Humidifier Tips
Modern models are equipped with many different functions. But, as practice shows, most often users have to repair devices precisely because of the failure of additional modules, which do not correspond at all with statements from manufacturers. For example, the built-in thermometer does not show the temperature in the room, but on the surface of the device. And why do you need it? We offer to consider useful tips on choosing a humidifier from repairmen and dealers, so that you know what points to pay attention to, and what is more appropriate to refuse.
Important Functions
We will not discuss all kinds of options, as each manufacturer is trying to interest buyers with something new. We will consider the most important functions that will come in handy when choosing a good humidifier for your apartment:
- Indicator light - notifies when it is necessary to add water;
- Overheat protection - automatic shutdown of the device if there is no coolant;
- Cleaning indicator - indicates when it is necessary to clean the filters and capacity;
- Rotation around the axis - responsible for uniform room humidification, which also favorably affects the speed of work;
- Night mode - a necessary function for models on a cold pair;
- Lock - does not turn on if you have loosely closed the lid.
Profitability and energy efficiency
A month of operation of an ultrasonic humidifier for air will cost you 500-800 rubles, which you will have to pay for distilled water. In turn, a model based on hot steam for a specified period of time uses electricity, approximately, in the amount of 300 rubles. For obvious reasons, the most economical in terms of energy consumption and water consumption are traditional humidifiers. Such models work on the basis of a water coolant, on average, spending energy, like 1 light bulb per 100 watts.
How to choose a humidifier for a children's room?
To begin with, for a child, the choice of a steam humidifier is not considered at all! Firstly, the possibility of burns is provided. Secondly, such devices in a small room will create a negative rather than a positive atmosphere for health. At the same time, if you like the ultrasonic analog, make sure that it is silent, which will cost you an exorbitant price. Therefore, the best option is a model based on cold steam.
Among the important functions of a humidifier for a children's room, it is necessary to include air purification using HEPA filtration and ionization.Together, such a system will remove the maximum of bacteria, dust and create the most favorable microclimate.