How to choose a humidifier-air purifier: types, selection tips + review of the best models

The variety of devices for normalizing the microclimate can lead even an experienced consumer to a dead end.Before choosing a household humidifier-air purifier, you should understand the features and evaluate the operating efficiency of different devices, as well as determine the required equipment parameters.

You need to find out the minimum required functionality in advance so as not to overpay for minor options. Let's try to understand these nuances in detail.

When is an air purifier/humidifier necessary?

The market for climate control systems and equipment is annually replenished with new technological devices. The main purpose of the units is to improve the characteristics of indoor air. Air purifiers and humidifiers that perform two radically different tasks are in constant demand.

The importance and necessity of purchasing a specific device is determined individually. For example, for people with an allergic reaction to pollen or dust, purchasing a purifier with multi-stage filtration becomes a priority.

For a family with small children, it is important to control the normal humidity level, since a dry air environment lowers immunity and helps children quickly “grab” viruses.

However, to achieve a healthy microclimate, no parameter should be neglected. In a metropolis, the air in apartments can hardly be called clean - car exhaust, street dust and polluted fumes penetrate inside the premises.

The situation with humidity is no better - with the onset of the heating season, the percentage of moisture in the atmosphere drops to 25%, instead of the 60-65% regulated by sanitary standards.

The humidifier is designed to optimize the level of moisture content - increase it to 40-60%, and the purifier eliminates harmful impurities, preventing the development of allergies and other diseases

First of all, polluted and dry air has a negative effect on humans.

Possible consequences:

• sore throat, dizziness, weakness and fatigue;
• development of allergic reactions (especially in children);
• irritation of mucous membranes and drying of the skin;
• the course of viral diseases in a complex form.

Dry air contributes to an increase in static electricity coming from a computer, TV and other equipment. As a result, the dust becomes electrified and rises.

The conclusion is obvious - dry, polluted air worsens your well-being. Multifunctional humidifiers-purifiers are used to rid the atmosphere of dust and saturation with moisture.

Features of the design and operation of units

In order not to get lost in the variety of devices and make the right choice, you should proceed from your individual needs. Some models focus on moisturizing, and cleaning is a secondary task.

Others, on the contrary, filter the air efficiently and partially increase its humidity. There are universal devices that perform equal cleaning and moisturizing.

Cleaner with humidification function

This category includes household purifiers with a built-in humidifying filter. Essentially, the device first performs a step-by-step cleaning of the incoming air, and then passes it through a hydrofilter to the outside.

An air purifier device with a humidification option using Bork A801 ​​as an example: 1 – coarse filter, 2 – carbon and antibacterial filter, 3 – HEPA filter, 4 – ion exchange layer, 5 – tray, 6 – water tank, 7 – humidifying filter

The degree of purification is determined by the levels and types of filtration:

1. Mechanical. Provides preliminary cleaning, trapping large debris and wool particles. Primary filtration is performed by reusable fabric or plastic mesh. The mechanical barrier retains particles at 5-10 microns.
2. Carbonic. The main task is to remove foreign odors due to the many micropores in the absorption material. The addition of zeolite to coal increases the spectrum of action, eliminating volatile harmful gases (freon, formaldehyde). The filter is ineffective in a damp room.
3. Photocatalytic. They operate on the principle of UV radiation, breaking down bacteria and toxins into water and carbon dioxide. Manufacturers claim the self-healing properties of the filter - to update its properties, it is enough to “fry” it under the sun’s rays. Cleaning efficiency reaches 98-99%.
4. Electrostatic. The operation of the ionizer filter is based on the mutual attraction of oppositely polar charges. Air masses passing through the ionization chamber acquire a positive charge. At the exit, they settle on plates that have a negative charge. Dust removal – 85-90%.
5. HEPA filter. Made of dense fiberglass that retains particles of 0.3 microns or more. Purifiers with HEPA filtration are the best option for allergy sufferers.The level of air purification is up to 99.8%.

Combined purifiers use the traditional humidification method - “cold evaporation”.

Circulating through the prism of filters, the air is cleaned and filled with moisture. The disadvantage of the device is limited humidification (within 45-60%). To increase efficiency, it is recommended to place the device in areas of active air circulation (doors, windows)

Humidifier-ionizer - cleaning with anions

A humidifier-ionizer will help significantly improve the microclimate. The main task of the device is high-quality humidification of the air; an additional bonus is enrichment with negatively charged ions. The device brings indoor air parameters closer to natural parameters - it becomes easier to breathe.

Anions activate the saturation of the body with oxygen, absorb dust and harmful impurities. The environment is gradually “getting healthier” - particles in the atmosphere tend to settle down, and people breathe clean air.

The humidifier saturates the house with moisture, additionally providing an antistatic effect on the composition of the air. The ionizer, as a component of the device, is responsible for neutralizing cations

Based on the principle of operation, ionizing humidifiers and air purifiers are either “cold” or ultrasonic evaporation. In the first case, the contaminated air flow passes through a “water bath”, is cleaned, saturated with moisture and enriched with air ions at the exit.

In an ultrasonic humidifier, water is supplied to a pulsating membrane. As the oscillation speed increases, the liquid breaks down into tiny particles, transforming into an aerosol. The water mist is blown upward by a fan to the ionizer, and then into the room.

Ultrasonic devices are more effective in terms of humidification and cleaning.Main advantages: maximum humidity - more than 70%, the ability to automatically regulate parameters, destruction of some microorganisms when heating water on an ultrasonic membrane.

Options for designing humidifiers with air ionization: 1 – AIC “Rainbow” with a photocatalytic barrier, UV lamp, 2 – Fanline Aqua with an electric precipitator providing ozonation and ionization

A common disadvantage of ionizing humidifiers is the settling of dust on the floor, furniture and surfaces of objects. When purchasing equipment, you need to be prepared for frequent wet cleaning. However, it is better to regularly wipe away dust rather than inhale it.

Read about what points you should pay attention to when choosing an ultrasonic humidifier Further.

Air washing – effective hydrofiltration

Air washing is a kind of hybrid of a cleaning unit and a traditional humidifier.

When compared with the latter, “air washers” win in two respects:

• increased productivity;
• possibility of cleaning air masses.

Disadvantages of the equipment: relatively noisy operation and high cost.

Sinks are attractive because they perform two tasks simultaneously: cleaning and humidifying the air. However, you should not assume that the unit can fully replace the purifier for allergy sufferers.

The sink is not capable of retaining the smallest allergens - particles smaller than 1-2.5 microns will transit through the water barrier and return to the room. Particles of wool, large construction and household dust, fluff, etc. can be hydrofiltrated.

The main operating components of air washing: water tray, drum with dampening discs, blade fan, air supply and exhaust channels

Operating principle of the “wash”:

1. The reservoir is filled with water to the marked mark - the discs should be 2/3 immersed in water.
2. The fan turns on and draws polluted air through the upper channel.
3. The streams rush to the drum and are moistened by rotating elements.
4. Dirt particles become heavier, stick to the shaft and are washed into the pan.
5. Purified, moistened air masses are blown out.

In some models, the air is not processed by a disk drum, but passes through a water screen. A perforated plastic cone is installed in the center of the tray; when rotated, many water jets pass through it, purifying the air flows.

In order to improve the quality of cleaning, manufacturers supplement “washes” with filters.

The level of atmosphere cleaning depends on timely maintenance. The sink must be washed regularly and the water in the tank must be changed every day.

Ultrasonic cleaning devices

Ultrasonic devices simultaneously clean and humidify the air flow passing through them. They are equipped with high-frequency generators that turn the water inside into cold steam. In a vapor state, water settles on a membrane atomizer with micromillimeter holes.

The processed air mass is forced by a fan onto a membrane atomizer, humidified with cold steam. Passing through this type of filter, the air removes impurities and is saturated with moisture useful for breathing. The most popular ultrasonic models are also complemented by hygrometers that control the moisture level depending on the state of the atmosphere in the room.

The following gallery will introduce you to popular models of ultrasonic air purifiers:

Climate systems – balance of functionality

The air conditioner combines almost a full range of functions to maintain an optimal microclimate.

The equipment solves the following tasks:

1. Cleaning. Most models provide multi-stage filtration of air flows, including rough cleaning, removal of allergens and antibacterial treatment.
2. Getting rid of foreign odors. The advanced bio-photocatalyst filter system does a better job of removing unwanted odors than the activated carbon absorption barrier found in conventional air purifiers.
3. Hydration. The complexes provide high-quality hydration. High-tech modifications are equipped with an intelligent relative humidity control system for the unit to operate autonomously without the participation of the owner.
4. Ventilation. Often, a room ventilation function is integrated into the climate control simulator - the device creates an air flow.

In addition to the basic options, manufacturers supplement the equipment with secondary functionality: ionization, aromatization, air dehumidification, etc. Some air conditioners are capable of partially performing the tasks of a split system - cooling/heating the room.

Climate control systems are equipped with a lot of sensors that detect smoke, react to odors, dust levels and the content of harmful bacteria in the atmosphere. Thanks to the “stuffing”, the maintenance of a multifunctional device is simplified

The high cost of the device and the high cost of replaceable filter cartridges are the main arguments for refusing to use an air conditioner. If the purchase budget allows, then the climate control system is the best choice. There are no restrictions on use - the equipment is equally suitable for allergy sufferers, people with weak respiratory systems and small children.

What should you consider when choosing?

The operating efficiency and ease of use of an air purifier-humidifier depend on the initial characteristics and compliance of the device with operating conditions.

The choice of model should be based on the following parameters:

• performance;
• noise impact;
• Energy consumption;
• number of operating modes;
• quality of filtration/humidification;
• maintenance costs;
• additional options;
• dimensions.

Performance. Each device is designed to serve a certain area. The area of ​​the room is the main parameter for choosing an air purifier and humidifier, regardless of the type of model.

Most household devices are of the zone type. The equipment is designed to serve rooms of 15-50 sq.m. high-performance models are able to “cover” rooms up to 100 sq.m.

Nuances of choice:

• it is necessary to determine in advance the room where the unit will be installed - it is advisable to make a reserve of 5 sq.m. in area;
• When purchasing one device for several rooms, the area of ​​the larger room is taken into account.

Important characteristic – cleaning speed. The quality of the air purifier depends on how well the power matches the volume of the room. The air exchange rate ranges from 80-450 cubic meters/hour.

To calculate suitable productivity, the area of ​​the room must be tripled. The resulting value is the recommended air exchange per hour. You should not assume that a device with an indicator of 100 cubic meters per hour will effectively serve a room of 70 square meters

Noise impact. For round-the-clock use, it is necessary to choose a low-speed model with a noise level of up to 35 dB. It is better to install a low-noise unit in the nursery or bedroom - within 20 dB.

The sound strength is determined by the fan power and design features.Disc “air washers” are less noisy compared to the cone type of hydrofiltration. Noise exposure in purifiers with “cold” or ultrasonic humidification is within normal limits.

Energy consumption. This indicator plays an important role when using the climate control device around the clock. It is clear that the power consumption of high-performance devices will be corresponding. Therefore, there is no point in chasing a super-powerful device - everything should be in moderation.

Operating modes. Several cleaning/humidifying speeds will allow you to select the most suitable mode and optimize energy consumption.

Popular modes: night - almost silent operation at low power, intensive - rapid restoration of the microclimate with maximum air exchange, normal - maintaining the specified parameters

Quality of filtration/humidification. The degree of purification depends on the filtration system used, and humidification depends on the type of device. The qualitative characteristics of the devices were discussed above.

For clarity, the information can be systematized:

• purifier with humidification option – high cleaning rate with moderate moisture saturation (on average up to 50%);
• humidifier-ionizer – ensuring humidity up to 70%, one-stage cleaning with ionization (the device is ineffective for allergy sufferers);
• air washer – high-quality moisturizing and cleaning from “coarse” contaminants, powerless against allergens;
• air conditioner – cleaning/moistening performance at a high level.

Maintenance costs. It is necessary to take into account in advance the maintenance requirements of the equipment and the regularity of filter changes. In terms of price, air washers and ionizer humidifiers are less expensive to maintain.

The operation of climate control systems and purifiers with multi-stage filtration will cost more. Recommended frequency of filter changes: rough cleaning – annually, antibacterial “barriers” – after six months, carbon layer and HEPA filter – once a year

Secondary functionality. Manufacturers try to differentiate their product by integrating different “utilities”.

Additional practical options:

• hygrostat – the humidity sensor turns the device on when the air is dry and turns it off when there is sufficient moisture saturation;
• flavoring – a compartment for placing aroma capsules will allow you to fill your home with your favorite aroma;
• timer – programming the duration of work;
• backlight – if necessary, can replace a full-fledged night light.

Dimensions. The dimensions of the humidifier-purifier are important if the device is purchased to serve different rooms. Carrying a bulky unit will be problematic. A possible solution is the presence of wheels.

Review of brands and popular models

Products from the following brands can boast of high quality and durability: Venta (Germany), Boneco (Switzerland), Sharp (Japan), Panasonic (Japan), Bork (Germany), Electrolux (Sweden). Among domestic brands, Fanline has gained a reputation as a reliable manufacturer.

Venta air washers range

Venta sinks are used in everyday life and at work. For the home, the manufacturer offers three modifications: LW15, LW25 and LW45. Each device is designed for a specific humidification/cleaning area.

Distinctive features:

• use of aromatic additives;
• possibility of connecting a hygrostat;
• if there is a shortage of water, work stops;
• lack of replaceable cartridges;
• When using the Venta-Absorber hygiene product, it is permissible to change the water twice a month.

Estimated price LW15 – 250-300 USD, LW45 – 550 USD

General characteristics: type of hydrofiltration - plate drum, presence of indicators of operation and water addition. LW15 operates in 2 modes, LW25 and LW45 - in 3. Warranty – 10 years

Boneco – air ionization washer

A Swedish company has developed an air washer with an ionizing rod. Model W2055D, in addition to rough cleaning, provides antibacterial protection and aromatization of liquids. Along with an impressive service area, the Boneco washer is energy efficient.

Additional parameters: noise - 25 dB, two operating modes, LCD display for monitoring and setting the humidity level. Air ionization provided

The W2055D is equipped with a cleaning indicator, and its maintenance does not require the purchase of replacement filters. An additional plus is the competitive price in the range of 230-260 USD.

Disadvantages of the model: relatively large dimensions (36*36 cm, 5.9 kg) and insufficient cleaning for allergy sufferers.

Sharp KS - a symbiosis of cleaning and moisturizing

Cleaners-humidifiers of the KS series (840E, 850E, 860E) are full-featured air conditioners with high-quality filtration. The devices operate using Plasmacluster ionization technology.

Strengths of Sharp KC:

• three-speed fan;
• filtration system includes: rough cleaning, antibacterial HEPA filter, absorbent deodorizing barrier;
• presence of odor, dust, humidity and temperature sensors;
• energy-saving inverter control;
• The “pollen control” and “ion rain” modes are provided.

Air conditioners have two fans, the air flow is released at an angle of 20°.

Recommended room area: 840E – 26 sq.m, 850E – 38 sq.m, 860E – 48 sq.m. The error in the digital humidity indication is up to 1%. Estimated price – 650-700 USD.

"Smart" climate control system from Panasonic

Japanese technology Panasonic F-VXH50 is the embodiment of innovative solutions in the fight for clean air. The purification complex minimizes the content of allergens and contaminants and “evens out” the humidity level.

Functionality of F-VXH50:

1. Nanoe technology. The module generates radicals into the water, thereby increasing the effectiveness of removing odors and bacteria. Since nanoparticles are formed from moisture contained in the atmosphere, the Nanoe module practically does not wear out.
2. Cleaning with a composite air filter. The device detects allergens and viruses. Filtration degree – 99%.
3. Econavi function. Optimizing air purification speed, activating the device as needed.
4. Mega Catcher. 3D circulation and powerful air suction. Provides uniform intake and exhaust of air flow.

F-VXH50 eliminates odors, providing high-quality cleaning through air, deodorizing and humidifying filters.

There are sensors for humidity and atmospheric conditions, a child lock, and an indicator for changing filtration cartridges. Low-speed operation (18 dB) in sleep mode

The cost of F-VXH50 is 450-500 USD.

Bork A802 – two-level filtration

The second name of the air purifier-humidifier A802 is Rain. The model features a convenient filling system, simple and elegant design combined with functionality.

Technical and operational characteristics of A802:

• service area – 30 sq.m;
• noise range – 6-42 dB;
• power – 23 W;
• water tank volume – 3.2 l;
• maximum hydration – 600 ml/h;
• touch control panel;
• presence of a hygrometer, indicators of operating modes (5 speeds).

The air goes through two levels of cleaning.First, the enzyme filter removes mold spores and bacteria, and passing through the water, the air flow gets rid of dust particles.

Read more about Bork cleaners Further.

A802 does not eliminate unpleasant odors. The teardrop-shaped thicket has restrictions in location: the minimum distance to the wall is 30 cm, the space above the purifier is from 120 cm

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Design, principle of operation, efficiency and recommendations for maintenance of Venta air washers:

Characteristics of Boneco air washers (W2055D, W2055DR series):

Features of the climate control system F-VXH50 from Panasonic:

The ability to compare your own needs with the characteristics of the purifier-humidifier is the main condition for the correct choice of a climate control device. The final decision should be made only after assessing all significant parameters.

Still can't decide on the right type of purifier-moisturizer? Or still have questions about the topic of the article? Leave your comments, ask questions - we'll figure it out together.