Is ionization necessary in a humidifier and should buyers overpay for an additional option?

A variety of climate control devices makes it possible to create an atmosphere in the house that will be as favorable as possible for those living in it. Manufacturers are constantly working to improve humidifiers, equipping them with additional functions. These could be multi-colored lights, the presence of a hygrometer, aromatization, automatic connection, stopping work at a given time of day, and, of course, ionization.

If everything is clear with most of the problems that the device allows you to solve, then questions arise regarding the ionization function, don’t you agree? In the material below we will discuss whether ionization is needed in a humidifier and what it is. We’ll also talk about the operating principles of various humidifiers, what benefits the additional function provides users, and decide whether it’s worth overpaying for additional functions.

Features of the air ionization process

To understand why ionization is needed in a room humidifier and what it is, it is worth studying the features of the process. Thus, in nature, ionization occurs naturally. In nature, the ionization process is associated with powerful discharges of electricity (thunderstorms), as well as cosmic radiation. It is felt especially acutely in the mountains, on the sea coast, in coniferous forests.

In fact, ionization is the process of knocking out individual electrons from gas molecules.At the end of the reaction, two neutral molecules produce two charged ones (negative and positive).

Ionization is a natural process that constantly occurs in nature, improves air quality, and reduces the level of oxygen vacuum. To run it in an apartment requires the use of special devices

Along with air ionizers There are also universal devices on sale, for example, air humidifiers equipped with an ionizer. They are able to provide the necessary humidity and air purification in the room.

When figuring out when to use the ionization function in a room humidifier, keep in mind that ionized air helps prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. Thanks to excess oxygen, metabolic processes are activated, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, and the likelihood of blood clots is reduced.

Another important advantage that ionization provides in a home humidifier is dust deposition. It is difficult to track visually, however, everyone understands that it is much easier to wipe the floor and wipe dust from the surface of furniture than to deal with the consequences of it getting into the lungs.

Scientists have recorded that a decrease in the occurrence and exacerbation of lung diseases, including asthmatic attacks, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, occurs during a period of increasing ion concentrations in the air

In accordance with information from open sources, humidifiers with air ionization function will provide a number of undoubted advantages:

• improved sleep quality — healthy, proper rest significantly improves the overall quality of life;
• acceleration of metabolism - allows you to look great, facilitates the progression of various diseases, and somewhat alleviates symptoms;
• increased performance, concentration;
• optimization of the immune system;
• good rest - allows you to increase your overall emotional state and level of vital energy, which helps in the fight against depression and neurosis.

For some diseases, it is sometimes recommended to ionize the air in the room.

Indications for using the ionization function

Air containing a large number of negative ions is indicated in the cases listed below.

In case of bronchial asthma in the user, provoked by allergens, air filled with particles with a negative charge makes it possible to notice an improvement after the first ionization.

In some situations, positively charged particles provide the best effect. A serious improvement is noted after the 12th ionization procedure.

A large amount of time spent at the computer or TV leads to deionization. The lack of ions in the air leads to a decrease in the rate of redox processes and suppression of the activity of the immune system

In case of neuroses, an increase in the number of ions in the air contributes to a general improvement in the patient’s condition. An increase in the rate of wound healing was also noted at high concentrations of air ions.

When is ionization contraindicated?

Despite many undoubted advantages, there are also contraindications.

Doctors do not recommend using the ionization function if you have the following diseases:

1. Accelerating metabolism can lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases, indolent infections. It is not recommended to carry out ionization in the room where an oncology patient lives.
2. Ionized air may harm a patient with a high fever. It may rise even further.
3. Exists individual intolerance a large number of air ions in the air, increased sensitivity to them.

When using additional functions in a humidifier, it is important to listen to how you feel. If you experience headaches or other unpleasant sensations while using the device, it is better to refuse ionization.

Types of humidifiers with ionization

Humidifiers equipped with an ionization function essentially combine two different devices:

• a humidifier increases the amount of moisture in the room to the specified parameters;
• The ionizer saturates the air in the room with air ions.

When choosing a device, it is important to consider that humidifiers differ in operating principle. There are traditional, steam, and ultrasonic models.

Devices that provide humidification and ionization allow you to save money, since instead of two devices it is enough to purchase one, but with wide functionality

Features of classic humidifiers

In a traditional humidifier, a fan blows air through a fan blows air through a wet, porous material. Moisture evaporates naturally.

A classic humidifier is the simplest, inexpensive solution. The device is often equipped with an ionizer, which expands the functionality of the device and increases its attractiveness to buyers.

Most classic models are equipped with an ionization function, equipped ultraviolet lamps, disinfecting the air.

The advantages of using them include:

• efficiency — the low cost of the device is perfectly combined with minimal costs during use;
• low noise level;
• high efficiency — rapid increase in humidity, high-quality air purification.

Among the disadvantages is the lack of precise control, since the adjustment of liquid evaporation is carried out “by eye”.If the humidifier has replaceable antibacterial filters, you will have to constantly buy them.

Should you use steam appliances?

Their name corresponds to the principle of operation. The water is heated to a boil, and steam enters the room, raising the humidity level.

Steam humidifiers are high-performance devices that are rarely equipped with filters. The ionizer in them is used in conjunction with ultraviolet light to clean the air flow

A steam humidifier is not able to purify the air because it does not have filters. However, it is often used to aromatize a room, less often as an inhaler.

The advantages of a steam humidifier include:

• high performance, which is combined with the affordable cost of the device;
• no replaceable filters and other consumables that increase the cost of operating the device;
• low requirements for liquid being poured - you can use tap water;
• nozzles for inhalation, which are included with individual models.

The disadvantage of a steam humidifier is its high energy consumption, noisy operation, and increased air temperature. In addition, hot steam can become a source of danger.

Advantages of ultrasonic humidifiers

Air humidification occurs as a result of breaking water molecules into tiny particles. Water splashes are picked up by the fan and moved outside the device.

An ultrasonic humidifier is a high-tech device that is equipped with a large number of functions, including ionization. By choosing such a device, the user receives a full-fledged climate system

Ultrasonic devices operate at frequencies that are absolutely safe for humans.They are often equipped with hygrometers, providing the ability to regulate humidity automatically or manually.

The advantages of such models are:

• high performance with minimal energy consumption;
• wide humidity range, which the device is capable of providing (40-70%);
• low noise level;
• presence of an air filterensuring thorough cleaning of air flows.

In addition to high cost, ultrasonic devices have strict requirements for the liquid poured into the tank. Well-purified, or preferably distilled, water is recommended for use. We discussed more information about the pros and cons of ultrasonic humidifiers in next article.

Do I need to pay extra for the ionization function?

The difficult environmental situation in large cities and industrial zones has a negative impact on the air in our apartments. The situation is aggravated by tightly closed plastic windows, as well as the constant use of computers and televisions.

In combination, all of the above factors can destroy the health of a modern person and throw him out of psychological balance. Children are especially sensitive to negative influences.

An air humidifier equipped with an ionization function provides the opportunity to “solve” environmental problems associated with dryness and a lack of negative ions at the level of your apartment

A humidifier with an ionization function is able to correct all negative aspects, because as a result of its operation:

• rises significantly indoor air humidity;
• the level of dust and allergens in the room is reduced due to cleaning;
• static electricity is eliminated;
• the air is saturated with negative ions.

As a result of using humidifiers with additional functions, proper rest is ensured, and the energy level of those living in the apartment increases significantly.

Are you thinking about buying an air humidifier? We recommend that you read rating of the best humidifiers according to users.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Today, a humidifier with an ionic function is available to most users. By choosing devices with different operating principles, it is easy to choose an option that suits your budget. In this video, experts will share their opinions about ionization, its harms or benefits:

The following video will tell you about the functions of humidification, ionization, and air purification in household appliances:

When choosing modern climate control equipment, keep in mind that the introduction of additional functions is often dictated by necessity. The presence of an ionizer will help reduce the negative impact of electromagnetic fields created by household appliances, improve indoor air quality, and ensure proper rest.

Perhaps you already have a humidifier with air ionization function and enjoy using modern technologies at home. Share your impressions, tell us what you liked and what you didn’t like. Maybe you are faced with a choice: is it worth paying more for additional functionality? Ask your questions to our experts and other users in the comments to this article.