Ultrasonic humidifier: pros and cons, recommendations for buyers
To live comfortably in your own home, a person needs favorable conditions, including standard air humidity. If it is too dry or too wet, the body reacts quickly. Problems with skin and breathing appear, chronic diseases worsen.
An ultrasonic air humidifier will do an excellent job of forming a composition that is optimal for life: we will analyze the pros and cons of the device in detail in this article.
And if you want to purchase an effective and safe device for your own use, we will tell you what characteristics you need to pay attention to and how to choose a model for your home.
The content of the article:
Distinctive features of an ultrasonic humidifier
The microclimate in the room is constantly changing, as it is influenced by the weather outside, heating in the cold season, and problems with ventilation. To somehow regulate the level of humidity, air humidifiers are used - devices that artificially maintain the necessary parameters.
All types of air humidifiers are designed to saturate it with moisture - this is easy to understand even by the name of the devices. The main difference between the devices lies in operating principle - that is, in the way water is distributed throughout the surrounding space.
Based on the principle of operation, there are 3 types of humidifiers:
- traditional;
- steam;
- ultrasonic.
If in the first, water is forced through a wet filter to get into the air, and in the second, it evaporates from heating, then in ultraviolet devices it is split into small particles under the influence of the emitter.
Let's look at how the spraying process occurs. Water, previously poured into the tank and filtered, is dosed into the vaporization chamber. Before this, it is slightly warmed up. At the bottom of the chamber there is an emitter - a piezoceramic part with electrodes coated with silver.
As soon as power is supplied to the emitter, it goes into vibration mode. When the speed of ultrasonic vibrations reaches certain parameters, under their influence the water in the chamber is broken into microscopic droplets. Essentially, it turns into an aerosol.
Devices that had to be operated manually have been replaced by more modern automatic models.They independently monitor the humidity level and turn off the device when the set values are reached. As soon as the parameters drop below normal, the humidifier begins to function again.
Externally, ultrasonic models also differ from standard humidifiers and purifiers: they are more compact, often have an unusual design and are often designed for installation on a table.
Advantages of buying a home appliance
Why do buyers often prefer ultrasonic humidifiers? We will try to answer this question by sorting out the advantages of these home appliances.
Pro #1 – Wide Humidity Range
Modern devices, especially those from the expensive category and equipped with additional functions, have the ability to adjust humidity. Using buttons or the touch panel, you can configure the parameters necessary for the room.
The adjustment range varies, and for some models the amplitude ranges from 20 to 90%.
Effective humidification will not hurt in such special places as a home greenhouse: plants need a special spraying regime so that they develop well and bloom luxuriantly.
Plus #2 – automatic control of air parameters
Thanks to the automation of household appliances, the user can calmly go about his business, and not monitor the hygrometer readings.
Humidifiers are equipped with sensitive humidity sensors that transmit signals to an electronic board.As soon as the indicator drops below normal, the device begins to operate and fill the room with “fog”. Gradually, the humidity reaches normal levels, the sensors react again and stop the operation of the device. This happens all the time.
Popular modes include the “night”, “children’s”, “warm steam” modes. To understand what you are capable of humidifier of your choice, first look at the instructions - the names and nuances of the modes may differ for devices from different manufacturers.
Plus #3 – low noise level
Noise level for home appliances is one of the most important indicators. Imagine the discomfort you might experience if all the appliances in your house start operating at a noise level of 35 dB or higher - you'll just want to run away from home.
Some powerful appliances make a very loud noise, such as a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner. However, their difference is that they work for a limited period of time, relatively short. A humidifier, in contrast, turns on periodically throughout the day, including at night.
That is why most models have a maximum noise level of 22-30 dB on average, and in “night” mode they work even quieter - not so much annoying as calming residents. Let's get acquainted with the ten best models that work almost silently next article, which we recommend reading.
Plus #4 – small sizes
Unlike traditional and steam units, ultraviolet devices look small. Of course, among them there are also volumetric models that can hold up to 6 liters of water, but they are more of an industrial type, since they are designed for spacious rooms - halls, waiting rooms, foyers of entertainment venues, and not for living rooms.
Household appliances for bedrooms and living rooms have a built-in water tank of no more than 3 liters, and decorative tabletop models - from 0.2 to 1.0 liters. They easily fit on a bedside table, desk, shelf, but it is better to install them away from furniture - you will find out why in the next section of the article.
Pro #5 – Impressive design
If productive, powerful models with a large tank, designed for a room area of 70-100 m², look traditional - technical and minimalistic, then compact household appliances have an original, and often futuristic or funny design.
A beautiful compact humidifier automatically moves from the category of household appliances to the category of accessories for interior decoration, so models with an unusual design are in demand no less than effective, but externally standard devices.
Plus #6 – the ability to repair it yourself
This plus will be appreciated by everyone who is used to relying on their own skills in repairing or upgrading household appliances.
Ultraviolet humidifiers have a design that is difficult for amateurs to understand, but some problems can be solved on their own. Most often, devices break down due to water getting on the electronic board, mechanical damage due to a fall, or due to improper cleaning.
You can repair the board yourself, replace the piezoelectric element, filter or fan. If the breakdown cannot be corrected on your own, the service center technicians will handle it.
Inexpensive humidifiers, costing 400-600 rubles, often cannot be repaired, but due to their low price you can always purchase a new, more convenient and practical model.
The advantages include energy efficiency and safety of devices. Unlike steam models, they do not heat the water to +80°C and create so-called “cold steam”.
Disadvantages of a household appliance with a membrane
The main disadvantage is the appearance of a white coating on all surfaces in the room, including carpets, closet shelves, and the TV screen.
The point is mineral impurities, which are found in large quantities in tap water. Even if you use purified water, a slight whitish residue cannot be avoided.
To reduce the amount of minerals in water, manufacturers have equipped devices with purifying filters. Thanks to them, no traces of the humidifier’s operation remain on furniture or other surfaces.Some users use distilled water.
But when using devices with filters, you need to remember to replace the consumables in a timely manner - and this is an additional expense.
Recommendations for choosing the best model
When choosing an air humidifier for your home, everything is taken into account: visual appeal, technical characteristics, and operating features. Let's consider the main criteria that you need to pay attention to:
Humidifiers with a remote control are convenient - you don’t need to jump up every time to change the mode or turn on the backlight. Some users prefer devices with sound indication - as soon as the water in the tank runs out, they give a signal.
Of course, it is worth paying attention to such a nuance as the length of the power cord. The 1.8 meter standard is not always enough for a comfortable installation, so you will have to take care of an extension cord, preferably with a protective fuse.
Rules of use and care
With some advantages of ultrasonic humidifier you will have to say goodbye if you do not comply with the operating requirements.Do not forget that all humidifiers are energy-dependent devices that operate on an electrical network, so they are a priori dangerous if handled carelessly.
Some operating standards are prescribed by the manufacturer, others are well known and do not require reflection in the instructions.
So, in order for the humidifier to work for a long time, properly and without causing trouble, follow the rules:
- Remove the tank to fill with water only when the power is turned off.
- Use filtered water. If the device has filters, change them on time.
- When using hard water, deposits are deposited inside the structure. To prevent this from happening, the device is regularly cleaned with a solution of citric acid (per 1 liter - 30 grams of dry matter).
- In addition to citric acid, it is allowed to use vinegar, special products for plastic, soap solutions without antibacterial inclusions, and anti-scale agents.
- For reading, you cannot use alcohol solutions, acid other than citric acid, chemical solvents, oils, bleaches, abrasives, or hard brushes. Washing parts of the device in the dishwasher is also prohibited.
- The body of the device is wiped with a micro-lint cloth soaked in water, the tank is removed, soaked and wiped, and the internal elements are also soaked in the solution for 15 minutes.
If the device has an electronic display or indication, carefully monitor the signals and follow the prompts. Manufacturers have tried to make it as comfortable as possible for users of UV devices to use them.
If the device breaks down and you cannot fix it yourself, we recommend contacting a service center. The warranty on some devices is 1 or 2 years, during which time you are required to repair or replace the equipment free of charge.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Expert recommendations for choosing a household humidifier:
Comparative review of traditional and ultrasonic models:
The fly in the ointment is about the only, but obvious, disadvantage of the ultrasonic device:
According to doctors, normal humidity in a living space is as necessary for comfortable living as heating or the presence of water. If you want to improve your healthy atmosphere, be sure to pick up a humidifier.
An ultrasound machine is one of the most useful home appliances that has not yet received due attention. It's quiet, efficient and energy efficient. And if we take into account all the pros and cons of the device, then it largely outperforms alternative options - steam or traditional humidifiers.
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