Why do you need an air humidifier at home: functions and purpose of the device for air humidification

Discomfort in a room can occur not only due to fluctuations in air temperature.The well-being of residents also depends on the level of humidity. Fortunately, you can set the optimal parameters using climate control technology.

We will try to find out why you need a humidifier at home and indicate what types of devices are on the market. The given overview of the characteristics of different devices, as well as tips on choosing climate control equipment, will help you decide on the model and not make a mistake with the purchase.

Purpose of a humidifier in the home

Compact mobile devices that can humidify the air to a comfortable level are important for residential premises and offices, where the average city dweller spends most of his working or free time.

Too dry air worsens the well-being of healthy people, and can also aggravate the diseases of those who suffer from allergies and respiratory diseases.

Young children are especially sensitive to excessive dryness, so it is recommended to equip children's bedrooms and playrooms with household humidifiers. By observing humidity standards, the child’s immunity is increased and the likelihood of catching a cold or infectious disease is reduced.

Modern air humidifiers are not limited to the function of spraying moisture throughout the room. Many of them are able to independently regulate humidity, some are also able to purify the air from harmful impurities and pathogens.

It is useful to use humidifiers where indoor plants or seedlings are grown - in specially designated rooms, on terraces, balconies and loggias, in winter gardens and greenhouses. It has been proven that normal humidity has a beneficial effect on the preservation of natural wood furniture, paintings, and books.

Humidity standards according to GOST

To find out the humidity standards for a particular room, just look at the GOST documentation, where all indicators are divided into optimal (recommended) and acceptable. To measure moisture content, use a special device - a hygrometer.

The table shows the permissible and optimal humidity and temperature standards for residential premises. Please note that in the warm season, as the temperature rises, the humidity should also rise (+)

If the hygrometer reading is lower than acceptable humidity standards, you should get a humidifier. This applies, first of all, to residents of regions with a sharply continental climate, as well as northern regions, where the air is almost always drier than required.

Types of humidifiers for home

The division into types is a conditional concept, so we will consider two options: categories according to GOST and a modern division that is close to reality.

According to GOST 22270-76, each of the air humidifiers belongs to one of the following types:

• nozzle — liquid is sprayed through nozzles;
• rotary — the main operating part is a rotating disk;
• film — the air is humidified by contact with the wet surface of a special nozzle;
• porous — air evaporates naturally from the porous material;
• boiler — evaporation occurs during boiling caused by heating;
• steam — steam, consisting of tiny particles of water, is removed by a stream of air.

However, new technologies are making their own adjustments.

Today, the following division into categories looks more logical (we are talking about household appliances):

• traditional - cold, adiabatic;
• steam;
• ultrasonic;
• air washers - climate control systems.

Let's take a closer look at each humidifier categories.

Cold type devices - traditional

Devices of the classic type (cold) operate without additional heating and take a small amount of heat to evaporate from the room air.

The air flow forced by the fan passes through a filter (or a replaceable cartridge) soaked in water, as a result of which the humidity increases and, on the contrary, the temperature slightly decreases.

Philips HU4801 is a classic type humidifier. Service area – up to 25 m², productivity – 0.2 l/h, water tank volume – 2 l. Equipped with a water level indicator; when critically low, it turns off automatically

Advantages of traditional type models: low energy consumption, maintaining air humidity within 60-65%, low noise level.

Care feature: it is better to use distilled water to fill the tank so that the device parts do not fail due to deposits. If the device is placed near a heating device (for example, an electric heater or central heating radiator), the humidification efficiency will increase.

Steam humidifiers - the “electric kettle principle”

Indeed, the steam model can be compared to a kettle, from the spout of which a stream of hot steam flies out when boiling.As you remember, the process of boiling water is accompanied by very intense evaporation, and if it is not stopped in time, all the boiled water will first end up in the air and then settle on surrounding objects.

Therefore, all steam models are equipped with a hygrostat - a convenient device for controlling humidity levels.

The operating principle of a steam device: water boils under the influence of a heating element, rises up and is sprayed into the surrounding space. Using the steam model you can increase air humidity up to 100% (+)

The steam at the outlet becomes safe and sterile, since the high temperature destroys all germs and bacteria.

A sample of a steam-type humidifier is the Boneco Air-o-Swiss S 450 model, designed to serve an area of ​​up to 60 m², power consumption - from 160 W to 480 W

For full operation, the device does not require replaceable cartridges or filters. The water is purified with an anti-lime disc, in addition, there is a self-cleaning mode for descaling using CalcOff.

If you purchase Boneco S450, you don’t need to buy a fragrance separately. The device is equipped with a bath in which aromatic oils can be dissolved.When heated, the air in the room is filled with your favorite pine, citrus or floral aroma.

Multifunctional air washers

At their core, sinks are improved and more powerful humidifiers of the classic (cold) type. The main operating element is a drum consisting of moisture-absorbing discs.

As it rotates, it dips the discs into a reservoir of water, then lifts them towards the fan. The air jet from the fan dries the discs, humidifying the surrounding air.

As an example of an air cleaner, we present the Boneco W2055DR model - the result of the work of Czech engineers. The device is capable of serving an area of ​​50 m², which is more than enough for a standard room

The advantage of the device is additional filtration of air masses - such devices belong to humidifiers-air purifiers.

Dust particles are washed away by water from the tank, as a result of which the output air is not only moist, but also truly clean.

The device is easy to maintain and can be refilled with tap water.From time to time it is necessary to remove the housing cover, wash the disks and reservoir, and wipe the fan. Additional functions: aromatization and quiet night mode.

A humidifier is unlikely to be suitable for improving the microclimate in greenhouses, where higher humidity is needed, but for the home it is a suitable option - it cleans the air perfectly while operating quietly.

Efficient Ultrasonic Models

An ultrasonic device is the best choice for a city apartment, office or private home, as it combines all the advantages of other types and is characterized by maximum efficiency.

If we analyze the choice of buyers, we can conclude that this is the most popular humidifier of all the listed modifications. Let's figure out what is the reason for such popularity.

How does a U/Z humidifier work?

On the outside, the device is not much different from other types of models. The working parts are housed in a stylish case, which is equipped with a removable panel. The case material is heat-resistant modified plastic; shape, size and color may vary.

Beautiful appearance, functionality and ease of use have become decisive factors in the purchase of ultrasonic models by users with different priorities. The safety of the device also played an important role.

The humidifier differs from alternative models in that it has a piezoelectric emitter located inside the housing. It causes ultrasonic vibrations in the region of 5 MHz, which affect the upper layer of water and form the so-called fog, which then spreads through the air, saturating it with moisture.

Design of an ultrasonic humidifier.Main elements: ultrasonic membrane, low-power fan, cleaning cartridge, water tank with tray, moist air spray (+)

Almost all models are equipped with a hydrostat to determine and maintain the required level of humidity, some are equipped with an ionizer and flavoring agent.

Operating principle of the device

Let's consider what happens behind the walls of the housing before the stream of steam flies out of the atomizer. The emitter (disk or membrane) begins to operate when alternating current is applied.

Ultrasonic frequency in the form of vibrations is transmitted to water, which in a special chamber is broken into many small droplets. The moist, mist-like or aerosol-like environment is then pushed outward by a flow of air generated by a fan.

Many ultrasonic models are more reminiscent not of a technical device, but of a decorative element for interior decoration. Desktop models are distinguished by elegant shapes and stylized body finishes

Flying out of the sprayer, the fog disperses throughout the room. A hygrometer monitors the humidity level. As soon as the parameters reach the set value, the vibrations of the membrane become less noticeable or stop.

The humidifier can remain in standby mode for several hours until the air becomes dry below normal. Powerful ultrasonic devices allow you to raise air humidity to 100%.

Main technical characteristics

The microclimate in the room depends entirely on the capabilities of the device, so it is important not only to choose a beautiful design, but also to study the technical characteristics.

First of all, we pay attention to the following parameters and details:

• performance — minimum up to 200 g/h, average – 350 g/h, maximum – more than 350 g/h;
• working area - average figures for household models - 50-70 m²;
• noise level — as a rule, does not exceed 25-30 dB;
• water tank volume — tanks with a volume of 3 to 5.5 liters are considered medium, but there are also mini-models up to 3 liters, as well as devices with larger containers – 6-7 liters; some tanks have an antibacterial coating;
• presence of a humidity regulator — a convenient opportunity to control air parameters in order to achieve values ​​close to the norms;
• mechanical or electronic control — modern models are also equipped with a touch panel with a digital display;
• presence of remote control, which increases the level of comfort;
• water heating temperature — for ultrasonic devices it is usually 80ºС;
• availability of cartridges — in addition to the one mandatory one, the kit may include spare ones, but rarely.

At choosing an ultrasonic humidifier You should pay attention to the presence of a security system - automatic shutdown. The device goes into standby mode or turns off as soon as the water level in the tank drops to critical.

Overview of additional functions

Those for whom the starter model is not enough, but need the most convenient device, pay attention to additional options.

The range of standard capabilities of ultrasonic models can be supplemented with the following functions:

• a set of modes, including “children’s” and “night”;
• ultraviolet water purification;
• ionization;
• aromatization;
• illumination of the control unit or tank;
• sound indication

Please note that some budget models, despite their low price, have all possible options. Others, on the contrary, are unreasonably expensive, although they are equipped with a minimum set of useful gadgets.The last category includes a well-known brand Bork.

Tips for choosing a humidifier

When purchasing a device for your home, you should focus on the area of ​​the room in which you plan to install the humidifier, as well as the required humidity parameters.

Humidifiers for children's rooms are distinguished not only by optimally selected characteristics, but also by a design that is interesting for children. The Crane brand line for children includes devices in the form of funny owls, frogs, puppies, beetles, monkeys

If you want to purchase an inexpensive model for temporary use, analyze the catalog of steam and classic appliances - there you can find suitable options no more expensive than 5 thousand rubles. Elite humidifiers are much more expensive, for example, the price of an ultrasonic device Dyson AM10 – about 45,000 rub.

Lack of free space? You need a compact model that takes up little space. The decorative compact case can be placed on a table, shelf or windowsill. But be prepared to change filters from time to time.

If quiet operation of the device is required (in a children's bedroom, office), you will also need an ultrasonic device, the noise level of which usually does not exceed 25 dB

Maximum humidification and cleansing can be achieved by purchasing an air washer. You will have to devote more time to caring for your equipment, but the air in the room will always remain clean and healthy.

Lovers of indoor flora and home greenhouse gardeners have little choice - the best solution is a steam humidifier, which, if necessary, will raise the air humidity to 100% and additionally increase the temperature.

Additional tips on choosing the optimal air humidifier for your apartment or home are given in this article.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video tips from competent people will help you better navigate modern humidifiers and their functions.

Dr. Komarovsky's recommendations for choosing a humidifier for a children's room:

The best ultrasonic models:

When you know the design and purpose of humidifiers for your home, it is easier and faster to choose the right model. When purchasing, familiarize yourself with the technical parameters and functionality, and find out what consumables you will need. Make sure that the device is suitable in terms of power and service area.

Are you looking for an effective humidifier for your home or apartment? Do you have any successful experience using such a device? Share your story with readers. Please leave comments on the article, ask questions and participate in discussions. The contact form is located below.