How a humidifier works: device, operating principle and types of devices

All organisms receive water not only when quenching thirst, but also from the environment.The natural level of humidity does not always meet sanitary standards. To achieve the required value, devices are used that saturate the air with beneficial moisture. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the operating principle of these devices. Right?

We will tell you what a humidifier is and how it works, which allows you to create a comfortable microclimate in the room. The article we have proposed describes the types of devices and shows their technical and technological differences. Valuable recommendations are given to determine the choice of the best model for you.

Why do you need a humidifier?

When the heating season begins, you need to monitor this even more carefully. After all, due to heating, the air is additionally dried out, which negatively affects well-being.

More precisely, when heating devices operate, the relative humidity inside the room can decrease by up to 20%. For comparison, in the Sahara this parameter is at least 25%. That is, we can say that many people work in conditions that can be compared to desert conditions.

Of course, to solve this problem, you can use “grandmother’s” technique - hang wet laundry throughout the house or apartment.But the obvious disadvantage of this method is the inability to maintain the required humidity.

To ensure maximum performance of the humidifier, it should be turned on in an enclosed area.

The best solution would be to purchase a specialized device - a humidifier. With its help, you can easily maintain a certain humidity in both office and residential areas. Humidifier will help create a truly favorable and comfortable microclimate for humans.

A distinctive feature of modern models of air washers is that they automatically maintain the user-specified humidity level. This increases the efficiency and safety of operation of such a device.

If you spend money on such a device, then after some time you will notice that household members, in particular children, get sick much less often. At the same time, the skin will become smoother and silkier, which allows you to slightly slow down the aging process. In addition, viral activity is greatly reduced in humidified air.

Dry air can cause allergic reactions. Due to low humidity, dust particles quickly move into the respiratory tract and irritate them

Optimal humidity is important not only for people, but also for wooden or paper products. That is, by purchasing an air washer you can protect furniture, books, paintings, frames, documents, parquet, musical instruments and much more from drying out, cracking and irreparable damage.

Ultimately, normal humidity in the room will have a beneficial effect on the plants. Indeed, in most cases, representatives of the tropics stand on the windowsills. Dry climates have a detrimental effect on such plants.But if an optimal microclimate is created, they will grow more intensely, bloom more profusely and not turn yellow.

Operating principle of a typical humidifier

We figured out why such a device is needed. But how does it work? Regardless of the type of humidifier, its operating principle is based on the evaporation of water.

This can be achieved by boiling or by ultrasonic vibration of a thin membrane. Moreover, to activate it, you just need to pour water into it, plug it into the outlet and click on the button.

In addition to its main function, a humidifier can perform a number of additional tasks.

These include:

• cleaning the air from various impurities and dust;
• elimination of electrostatic charges;
• acting as a lamp.

A good solution would be to install a capsule with aromatic oils. This solution will allow you not only to maintain an optimal level of humidity, but also to heal by inhaling healing vapors.

Advanced models can work around the clock. At the same time, they make virtually no noise and do not disturb residents

Existing types of humidifiers

Before you go to the store, you need to understand in detail the existing types of devices - there are thousands of options on the market, differing in power, the presence of any additional functions and, of course, price. The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing such household appliances is the type of humidifier.

All models on the market can be divided into the following categories:

• ultrasonic;
• steam;
• classic;
• sinks;
• climatic complexes.

Every humidifier type has its advantages and disadvantages, which must be taken into account when choosing.Moreover, each of them works according to its own principle, so some models are not recommended for installation in rooms where children live.

Ultrasonic humidifiers

The most common are devices that evaporate water due to ultrasonic vibrations of a very thin membrane. It was the use of innovative technologies in the design process of these elements that brought the devices recognition from millions of buyers around the world.

Principle of operation ultrasonic type devices: Water becomes steam due to high frequency vibrations. That is, air is sucked from the room, after which it passes through the device and is saturated with liquid. Then it returns to the living space, but in the form of damp fog.

The resulting air does not heat up. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about getting burned by it. Accordingly, ultrasonic humidifiers are completely safe for small children, which makes it possible to install them in a children's room.

Devices that evaporate water using high-frequency vibrations can be used not only in residential premises, but also in greenhouses and winter gardens

If you have antiques at home that require special, careful care, then such humidifiers will be the optimal solution. In this case, antique furniture, jewelry, parquet flooring, musical instruments and much more will not be affected by dry air.

Among all the devices on the market, ultrasonic devices stood out due to their following advantages:

• high technology makes their operation safe. The device will automatically turn off if there is no water in the tank or if the lid is not tightly closed;
• low noise will not interfere with watching a movie or relaxing;
• a rotating sprayer evenly humidifies the air in the room;
• the built-in hygrostat automatically switches on/off, maintaining a comfortable microclimate and saving energy;
• The presence of an effective filter cartridge allows you to purify the water and avoid the appearance of white deposits on furniture and interior items.

For convenience, many models are equipped with a special indicator that shows the current level of air humidity. The devices also differ in how they are controlled. Some of them are activated using a rotary knob, while others are activated by pressing touch buttons.

The only disadvantage of ultrasonic devices is their high cost. But small size, high efficiency and economy completely eliminate this disadvantage

Steam humidifiers

Steam-type devices maintain optimal humidity through hot evaporation. In this case, the water is heated using a pair of electrodes, which leads to its transition to a gaseous state.

A clear advantage of the models is to raise air humidity above 60%. At the same time, steam devices are distinguished by considerable productivity. For example, some humidifiers can evaporate about 0.7 liters of water in just one hour.

Such devices are made from special heat-resistant plastic. For ease of use, they are equipped with a folding handle, which allows you to conveniently move them to another place.

Particular attention must be paid to the safety of steam humidifiers.Many modern models boast a three-fold protection system - if the water has completely evaporated or the lid was not closed tightly, the device simply will not turn on.

As for the disadvantages, steam appliances consume a lot of electricity. In addition, they are rarely equipped with a hygrostat, so you will have to purchase it separately.

The scope of their application is not limited only to humidifying the air in the room. The equipment can be used for inhalation and aromatherapy. To do this, you need to insert a capsule with the medicine, sit next to it and inhale the warm and medicinal vapors.

Simple design, high performance and affordable prices are the main advantages of devices that work with steam.

And if you use flavors during such a procedure, you can fill your home with the smells of flowers, fruits or, for example, chocolate, which will lift the spirits of every family member. You can also install a steam humidifier in a greenhouse, greenhouse, or winter garden. They will create an optimal microclimate for the growth and flowering of plants.

What devices are considered traditional?

Traditional or classic devices are characterized by a fairly simple design, low noise and low power consumption.

They are usually equipped with a built-in fan that draws air from the room and forces it through the evaporator. They operate without a hygrostat, and the required humidity is maintained automatically.

If you want to increase the efficiency of the device, you can place it in a place with the best air circulation or leave it near a heat source.Such solutions can not only increase the performance of the humidifier, but also get rid of dirt and dust floating in the room. This is almost impossible to achieve even with a thorough cleaning.

Today, manufacturers think about the convenience of customers. Therefore, many classic models allow you to find out how much water is left in it without looking inside the humidifier.

Traditional type appliances will be an ideal choice not only for home, but also for the office. In addition, complete safety allows you to use the device in bedrooms and even in a children's room.

A good choice would be devices that, when purifying the air, destroy pathogens. Classic humidifiers can also be used for aromatherapy. To do this, you just need to insert a special capsule into them.

Subsequently, the device will begin to emit an aroma, creating a comfortable microclimate for being in the room. After all, nothing relaxes and relieves stress like the smell of your favorite flowers.

Air washers and their features

The difference between the sink and all the types of devices listed above is that it combines the functions of not only a humidifier, but also an air purifier. That is, such a device is a kind of vacuum cleaner that performs wet-mechanical cleaning. In this case, you will not need to purchase any replacement elements or consumables.

The design of the air washer can be considered truly ingenious. Thanks to a system that consists of plastic discs, the water from the tank rises. Further, the air passing through it is cleaned of pollen, dust and a whole list of other harmful particles.

Among the many advantages of the device, it is especially worth highlighting:

• antibacterial and antiviral protection;
• several power levels;
• low noise level;
• long service life;
• simplicity of design;
• ease of use.

A good choice would be to buy devices that have a silver ionizing rod inside. This metal effectively disinfects water. At the same time, the rod lasts quite a long time, and the number of ions in it remains practically unchanged.

It is impossible to raise the humidity above 60% using an air washer. This is the only drawback of such devices

Climate control systems for home

Climate complexes should be included in a separate category. The principle of their operation is based on the natural saturation of the air in the room with moisture. Such devices have a special fan that drives a flow through the water, causing it to evaporate.

The latest innovation among such devices are models with an anti-allergen HEPA filter. This element traps a wide variety of microparticles, including dust, pathogenic bacteria, viruses and much more.

And thanks to the presence of a carbon filter, which works on a similar principle kitchen hood devices, the air gets rid of unpleasant odors. For example, such a solution will clear the room of gases or tobacco smoke harmful to the body.

The list of advantages of climate control systems should include low energy consumption, as well as high efficiency. At the same time, they allow you to engage in aromatherapy, which will calm the nervous system and also relieve stress, which is especially important after a hard day at work.

As for the disadvantages, such models have a certain humidity limit - up to 60%.In addition, filters will have to be changed periodically, and the large dimensions of the device will take up precious square meters, which owners of small apartments will not really like.

A device that can clean the air a priori cannot be cheap. On average, the price of a climate control system ranges from $600 to $1,100

The scope of application of climate control systems covers both residential premises and offices. They can be used in children’s rooms without any problems, and thanks to their high performance, the devices can clean even smoky and dusty rooms.

What to look for when buying a humidifier

It is impossible to accurately answer which humidifier is best. After all, for each individual room you need to select your own device. For example, if there is simply dry air in the room, then you can get by with an inexpensive device.

But everything changes if the device is purchased for a child with breathing problems. In this case, it is better to spend money on an expensive climate system.

How to calculate productivity?

Before going to the store, you need to decide on the budget that can be spent on the purchase. Depending on this amount, you can determine the characteristics of the device.

In most cases, the box with the humidifier indicates the volume of air that passes through the filter per unit of time. In this case, it is better to give preference to models that will process at least two volumes of the room in one hour. To calculate the dimensions of the room, you need to multiply the ceiling height by the area.

Water consumption and noise level

The size of the tank directly determines how long the humidifier will operate without the need to add water.As for consumption, look at models that evaporate 8-12 liters per day. Their range is quite large. Therefore, everyone can choose the device that is optimal in quality and cost.

The noise level needs to be given special attention. After all, no one will like it if the humidifier constantly makes an unpleasant and disturbing sound. It will simply be impossible to sleep with such a device.

Try to immediately find out which filters catch which dirt. In addition, they will have to be changed regularly. Therefore, ask where you can buy them at an adequate price.

Useful additional features

A good solution would be to order a humidifier with an indicator showing when you need to add water. It makes using the device easier.

Pay attention to the auto-shut-off functions when the device overturns and protection against operation without water. After all, you can simply forget to fill the tank or accidentally touch the device, which will lead to a fire. Remember that a humidifier, first of all, must be safe for household members.

The following useful details are also worth adding to the above functions:

1. Cleaning required indicator. All attachments, containers and filters require regular maintenance. Therefore, it is better to buy a device that will tell you when it needs to be cleaned.
2. Pen. To avoid having to carry a humidifier, buy a model that is easy to carry.
3. Rotating sprayer. With its help, moisture will be distributed evenly throughout the room.
4. Night mode. This feature is especially important for humidifiers that are noisy or have an overly bright display.
5. Protection against a leaky water tank or incorrect assembly.

A good solution would be to buy a device that, in addition to cleaning, also ionizes the air. Indeed, in this case, the air will better attract moisture, which will make the device operate more efficiently. But give preference to models that allow you to turn off ionization.

It is highly not recommended to use oil-based flavors that are simply poured into water. This will lead to device failure

In order for your apartment to always smell like flowers, it is not at all necessary to fill all the window sills with plants. It is enough to purchase a humidifier with aromatization function. As a rule, the smelling solution is poured into a special capsule through which air is drawn in.

Quite often, humidifiers will run at night. Therefore, it is worth thinking about illuminating the water. Such a night lamp can be installed in a children's room and will make its interior more comfortable for the child. But it is important that the backlight is turned off if necessary.

In addition to humidifiers, many have the function of increasing the level of moisture in the ambient air. air conditioner models. Our recommended article will introduce you to the guidelines for their choice for furnishing an apartment.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video about choosing a humidifier from Dr. Komarovsky:

The operating principle of air washers is discussed in the video:

Many may think that a humidifier is an absolutely useless device that is not worth spending money on. But such unnoticeable, at first glance, operation of such climate control equipment lifts the mood, improves the well-being and health of the user.

Please write comments in the block below.Tell us about how you chose a humidifier to improve the microclimate in your home/apartment/office. Share your own guidelines that influenced the purchase of a particular model. Ask questions, post photographs related to the topic of the article.