Why do I need a humidifier?

Let's start with the fact that air humidity is a normalized hygienic parameter. The heat exchange of the body, our well-being and efficiency significantly depend on it. The relative humidity of 50-60% is considered optimal for a person. But we live in places where the heating season lasts 5-6 months. That means we've been breathing dry air for six months. This leads to drying out of the mucous membranes and weakening of immunity. But if you think that in winter the air is dry only indoors, then you are deeply mistaken. Outside, water vapor freezes out of the air, and at a temperature of -20 °C, the relative humidity of the air is about 15%. For comparison: in summer in the Sahara, this value is 25%. So a device that will help to cope with the drought in your apartment, after all, will not be superfluous. Let's look at what types of humidifiers there are in order to choose the one that will be suitable for your home.

Cold humidification

The first type of such devices are traditional (cold) humidifiers. The principle of their operation is that the fan drives air through a "wet" filter (evaporator), as a result of which it cools and humidifies. When using this method, the higher the humidity in the room becomes, the lower the evaporation rate. This is one of the main advantages of this type of device, since the humidity of the air is naturally maintained at an optimal level. The performance of traditional humidifiers is from 3 to 10 liters per day. The fan power is from 20 to 50 watts. When buying, also ask if the selected model has an indication of the water level in the tank, an ionizing silver rod or an antibacterial cassette for the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. The control panel will also not be superfluous.

Sterile steam

 

The next type is a steam humidifier. The principle of operation is similar to the operation of a boiler. An electric current is passed through two electrodes immersed in water. The water is heated to a boil, a large amount of steam is formed. Among the advantages of this type of devices, we note the following. The air is moistened with sterile steam. The productivity is quite high – up to 17 liters per day. In addition to water, no consumables are needed – cartridges, filters, cassettes. With the help of the device, it is possible to create humidity in the room exceeding 60%. This is especially true if you have a winter garden, greenhouse or greenhouse, and you want to create a "tropical" microclimate for plants. But there are disadvantages to this type of humidifiers. The first is high energy consumption. The power of the heating element, usually, ranges from 300 to 600 watts. Also, a built-in hygrostat is required for the operation of the device. If it is not in the basic configuration, you will have to purchase it separately. The hygrostat is needed so that the device automatically turns off when the humidity becomes equal to the set value.

Using ultrasound

And now let's talk about the most modern humidifiers – ultrasonic. The heart of such a device is a piezoelectric element that converts electrical vibrations into mechanical ones. Placed in an aqueous medium, at room temperature it creates a boiling effect (cavitation) – a mist appears above the surface of the water, which consists of fine particles. The fan blows these particles into the room, where they instantly evaporate.

All devices of this type are equipped with hygrostats and allow you to maintain the humidity level at the same level. This is usually necessary if you have expensive furniture, antiques, parquet, musical instruments in your apartment – all these things require a special microclimate. The basic package should also include a replaceable cartridge designed for decarbonization of water. It retains salts that tap water contains. Otherwise, furniture and other interior items will be covered with a white coating. It is recommended to change this cartridge every three months. The performance of such a humidifier can reach from 5 to 14 liters per day with a rated power in the range of 40 – 50 watts.

Air purification

Advanced models, such as, for example, the ZENET DF-198A climate complex, have many additional functions. One of the current options is air purification from dirt and dust, pollen and other allergens, poisonous gases, microorganisms and bacteria, pet hair. As well as the removal of unpleasant odours, tobacco smoke, stagnant air. The degree of air purification by such devices reaches 95%. And many devices not only clean, but are also able to cool or heat the air in the room.