Air washer or humidifier - which is better to choose? Comparative review of air humidification devices

City residents are faced with the need for hydration and air purification in the apartment.The problem becomes most acute during the heating season. During this period, plastic windows are tightly closed and do not let air in from the street. At the same time, the heating system helps dry out everything around. As a result, there is a feeling of sore throat, chronic fatigue, drowsiness, and an increase in the number of allergic attacks.

But engineers have developed an effective solution to the problem of dry indoor air - a household air humidifier. However, the variety of climate control devices confuses many people, doesn’t it?

To determine which air washer or humidifier is best for you, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the operating principle of one and the other type of climate control equipment. We also recommend that you take a closer look at the functionality and complexity of operating the service - we examined all these issues in detail in our publication, supplementing the material with thematic photos and useful videos.

When do you need an air humidifier?

In winter, heating devices are used, ranging from radiators of a centralized heating system to electric heaters, thermal curtains, and other devices that allow maintaining a comfortable temperature in the apartment.

Closed plastic window sashes ensure tightness and reliably protect the premises from heat leakage.Not only is there no incoming air flow into the apartment from the street, but also no noise. In such conditions, residents have to breathe dry air.

In summer, the situation is no better - heating devices are replaced by 24-hour air conditioners. Windows and doors are again securely closed to protect from dust and heat. It is logical that such conditions are not conducive to ensuring high air circulation rates.

In this case, household appliances for air humidification become an excellent option for residential premises. They provide acceptable humidity level, high-quality air purification.

Official studies confirm that in rooms with dry air, performance decreases, chronic fatigue is felt, and the body’s protective properties are reduced

The following reasons made me think about purchasing climate control equipment:

1. Decreased performance. It has already been proven that prolonged stay in rooms with low air humidity leads to decreased performance, chronic fatigue, and migraines. The skin becomes dry, rough, and rashes appear.
2. The occurrence of problems with the mucous membrane of the eyes. Constant work at the computer, using a monitor for more than 55% of daylight hours leads to headaches, disruption of the correct functioning of the visual system, and the appearance of the “red eye” effect caused by dry mucous membranes.
3. Increased dust formation. Dry air contains more dust because it does not settle on surfaces, but constantly flies around. Because of this, the likelihood of occurrence allergic reactions, asthmatic attacks, various pathologies associated with diseases of the lungs and other respiratory organs.
4. Reduced protective properties of the body due to dry air, which leads to an increase in the number of colds.

By the way, workers in some professions are officially considered to be at risk. Among them are archive employees, librarians, accountants, laboratory assistants, and workers in other specialties who stay indoors for a long time. If air humidifiers or sinks are installed in their offices/premises, then such specialists can breathe much easier.

Climate control equipment has become a reliable assistant, allowing you to provide favorable conditions in the apartment for living and comfortable rest.

Thanks to the use of modern household appliances, it is easy to change the quality of indoor air and reduce the negative impact of dry air on health.

The use of multifunctional climate control equipment provides:

• high-quality humidification, purification of air masses in the room;
• constant air circulation, the speed of which is as close as possible to natural;
• comfortable atmosphere in the apartment.

In the autumn-winter period it is very humid outside. It seems like indoors too, but that's not the case. With a humidity of 80% outside, in the room this figure can be only 20%. To measure the actual humidity level in a house or apartment, you can use various moisture meters.

Using a humidifier or air washer helps to easily get rid of dry air, and with it all the unpleasant sensations

When the dilemma arises about whether to choose a compact humidifier or a high-performance air washer, it is important to understand how each device works and what benefits it provides to users.

Features of air washing operation

The household appliance is designed to remove suspended particles from the air.In addition to dust, the device traps germs, removes unpleasant odors, and humidifies the air. When washing, the air is thoroughly processed inside the device and then supplied to the room.

Pros of using a sink:

1. Air flows are purified through recirculation, which eliminates a sharp increase in humidity.
2. As the power of the device increases, the noise level in the room does not increase.
3. The device does not use ultrasound and does not require water heating.
4. The internal elements have an antibacterial coating, which provides additional disinfection.
5. During operation, air flows are qualitatively cleaned not only from dust, but also from allergens, including plant pollen.
6. During operation, moisturizing and cleansing are combined. Thanks to this principle of operation, suspended particles get wet, become heavier, and sink to the bottom. The user receives perfectly clean air at no extra cost.

The wash was not without its drawbacks. The device has quite large dimensions. When working in day mode, the noise of the fans is clearly audible, and night mode does not always provide the ability to turn off the display. The cost of washing is quite high.

Air washing is perfect for those who want clean air without seriously increasing the humidity in the room

In addition to the above, a sink is a rather complex device that requires care. At the same time, it is unpretentious to water and does not require the purchase of consumables.

Subtleties of using humidifiers

When choosing climate control equipment for your home, it is important to familiarize yourself with Features of operation of humidifiers. These devices are distinguished by a wider range of models and operating principles.

Regardless of design features, all humidifiers have a number of advantages:

• the room temperature does not affect the quality of the humidifier;
• high speed of air humidification;
• safety of operation, which provides a moderate volume of steam entering the room;
• environmental friendliness - under the influence of temperature (steam humidifiers) harmful microorganisms and viruses die;
• affordable price;
• absence of white deposits on surfaces, including upholstered furniture and curtains.

The disadvantages of using humidifiers include a limited range of action and the need to move the device to uniformly humidify the entire room. To get a noticeable effect, you need place a humidifier in close proximity to the place of work or recreation.

Humidifiers are relatively inexpensive, compact devices. The simplest models are designed exclusively for humidification, more advanced ones provide cleaning, ionization, and control moisture levels

In addition, if a simple model without a built-in hygrometer is used, then the humidity level will need to be kept under constant control.

To finally make your choice, it is worth comparing the characteristics of the washer and humidifier according to the main criteria.

The main differences between a washer and a humidifier

When choosing between a humidifier and an air washer, it is important to compare their main operating parameters. And also, before purchasing a specific model, you should read the reviews of those who already use it. This will help eliminate the possibility of ineffective spending of the family budget.

Criterion #1 - operating principle of devices

Climatic equipment designed for air washing uses the principle of hydrofiltration or has a drum design made of thin evaporator plates in the form of disks.

In a drum washer, dry air flows are drawn into the washer body using a fan. While moving through the disc system, it is washed with water. After the procedure, moistened, clean air is blown by a fan into the room. And with hydrofiltration, air purification occurs while passing through an air-dispersed recovery zone.

A significant advantage of the system is that the air naturally absorbs moisture, so over-humidification of the room is completely excluded.

The operating principle of the washing system involves forced intake and cleaning with water. Thanks to the operation of fans, humidified air is dispersed throughout the room

Humidifiers provide the desired level of moisture by heating water, using electrodes immersed in water, or using ultrasound. While the humidifier is operating, the user can additionally receive an aromatherapy session.

In addition, steam humidifiers process the air with steam, destroying harmful organisms. Some models are equipped with replaceable filters that provide air purification.

Humidifiers are divided into three types based on their operating principle:

• traditional model works due to natural evaporation;
• steam model uses heating of water to generate steam;
• ultrasonic model breaks water into small particles, blows out wet dust using a fan.

Depending on the principle of operation, the operational characteristics of the device change.

A humidifier evaporates moisture into the air without drawing it into the device. No fans provide lower noise levels but shorter range

Unlike a sink, in which the air itself picks up the required amount of moisture, a humidifier evaporates it. This leads to the risk of waterlogging, so when choosing a device it is important to pay attention to the presence of a hydrostat that will measure the humidity level. The controller will pause and resume operation when the humidity drops.

Criterion #2 - functionality of climate control equipment

The sink ensures uniform distribution of moist air throughout the room. Processing the entire volume of the room takes no more than 3 hours. After this time, the user receives clean and moderately humidified air in the room.

The functionality of the sinks includes:

1. Multiple control options — the user can choose manual control over the operation of the device or electronic control type. Also, a number of models have the ability to select the desired program using the touch screen. The last option is considered the most functional. The sensor looks stylish, but often breaks.
2. Maximum service area, for which the sink is designed. It depends on the power of the specific model. Experts recommend choosing devices whose power is 15-20% higher than necessary.
3. Water tank volume — the larger the tank, the larger the dimensions of the sink, the longer the operating time without refueling. The best option is considered to be devices with a capacity of 7 liters.
4. Programs — the user can choose day or night operating mode.

Some models are equipped with compartments for aromatization.

The main advantage of washing is the uniform distribution of moisture over the entire area of ​​the room. To achieve this effect, the humidifier will have to be constantly rearranged.

Air humidifiers also have a wide range of functionality, but the design features of individual models allow them to solve a number of other problems.

Among which:

1. The presence of a special stand provides the ability to spray moisture at 360°.
2. When the water level is below the permissible level, the sensor lights up. Also, the light indicator will indicate the need cleaning the device.
3. If the humidifier is dropped or runs out of water, it will automatically turn off.
4. As an additional function, models are equipped with an ionizer. Many humidifier models have a capsule for use flavorings.
5. The ability to select an operating mode allows you to reduce the intensity of humidification and turn off the light indication.
6. The locking system will not allow you to turn on an incorrectly assembled humidifier. It will also work with the lid slightly open.

A car wash consumes about 16 liters of water per day. All this moisture is released into the room.

The amount of water that will evaporate when the humidifier is operating depends on the settings.

Recommendations for choosing equipment

When considering what is better to choose - a washer or a household humidifier, you should listen to the recommendations of professionals.

The devices differ from each other in their operating features, range of functionality, and cost.

When comparing the functionality of a washer and an air humidifier, it is important to choose an option that will provide maximum comfort during operation of the device.

When choosing climate control equipment, you should decide on your personal needs, desired functions, noise level.

When purchasing a washer or humidifier, it makes sense to take into account a number of useful recommendations:

1. When choosing a sink model, you should not expect that the humidity will be uniform in several rooms. However, when installing a powerful device in a corridor or hall, the results of its impact will be felt in adjacent rooms.
2. When choosing a humidifier, the presence of ionization will be a serious plus when purchasing. This function is practically never found in sinks.
3. When purchasing humidifiers, users often consider it as a mobile device that will be used in one room or another. It is important to take into account that long-term operation of equipment in one room creates an imbalance. It involves over-humidifying one room and over-drying another.
4. When purchasing climate control equipment, it is important to consider the complexity of maintenance. In this regard, sinks occupy a leading position, since they require tireless control of the amount of liquid and cleaning of the plates. The ease of maintenance of a humidifier depends on the specific model.

When choosing between a washer and a humidifier, it is important to consider various criteria.

Professionals recommend washing because it provides natural humidification and uniform distribution of air in the room.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

When choosing a sink or humidifier, it is important to determine the required size of the equipment and the required functionality. The videos below will tell you what it is and what to choose.

The video describes in detail all the features of air washing, contains recommendations on selection and care features:

The famous pediatrician, Dr. Komarovsky, talks in the following video about the wise choice of a humidifier:

Professionals working with climate control equipment will tell you what to choose - an air washer or a humidifier:

Having examined the features of the work and familiarized yourself with the capabilities of air washing and humidifier, it is easy to make a choice in favor of one or another device, choose an option that suits your budget and personal preferences. But it should be remembered that it is important not only to choose the right type of device, but also to use it correctly, as well as perform timely maintenance - clean plaque, scale, mold and change filters, if they are provided in the design of the device.

If you have already made your choice, share your impressions of using your humidifier in the comments section. Tell us if your expectations were met after the purchase. If you are just considering various options and still have questions, feel free to ask them - our experts and other site visitors will try to help you.