What is better steam or ultrasonic humidifier. Which humidifier to choose: a detailed guide

With the help of modern devices - air humidifiers, a person can control the humidity in a closed room. According to GOST 30494-96, its performance should be from 40% to 60%. It is with the help of humidifiers that it is possible to maintain the necessary microclimate in the room. The most popular are two types of humidifiers - steam and ultrasonic, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. To figure out which humidifier is better than ultrasonic or steam, you need to compare the characteristics of the devices.

Steam humidifiers

The principle of operation of a steam humidifier is quite simple: the water poured into the tank is heated with the help of heating elements, which leads to its evaporation.

Advantages

• The steam evaporation capacity is up to 700 g/h.
• Absence of microorganisms and bacteria in the pair.
• Does not require the use of consumables such as filters or cartridges.
• Can be used as an inhaler or fragrance.
• Safe use, due to the device turning off when the lid is not tightly closed or when the liquid from the reservoir has completely evaporated.
• Rapid injection of moisture in the room more than 60%.

Flaws

• The noise that occurs when a liquid boils.
• Using a significant amount of electrical energy: consumes from 200 W to 600 W depending on the power.
• Increasing the temperature in the room.
• No hygrostat for humidity control.
• Possibility of getting burned.

Important! A steam humidifier for a nursery must be installed in a place inaccessible to the baby, as hot steam is unsafe.

ultrasonic humidifier

The principle of operation of the device is complex: a vibrating membrane causes water to vibrate at high frequencies, breaking it into small particles. The installed fan "brings" water microparticles into the room, where they mix with air.

Advantages

• Noise up to 25 dB, which is not captured by human hearing.
• Safe use.
• Possibility of self-selection of temperature parameters of the emitted steam.
• The ability to change the direction of the steam jet.
• Economical consumption of electrical energy, up to 40 W without using the water heating function.
• Creation of a steam curtain.
• Automatic shutdown when steam is injected to the required humidity in the room.

Flaws

• Need to use distilled or filtered water.
• Filter change every few months.

Requirements for the location of the humidifier

• When installing a humidifier, it is important to remember fire safety rules.
• The mounting surface must be level and secure.
• For higher efficiency, the humidifier is installed at a height of no more than 1 m and at a distance of at least 1.5 m from the batteries.
• It is forbidden to direct steam on furniture, household appliances.

Important! A working ultrasonic or steam humidifier must not be carried or moved. If the humidifier is accidentally dropped, it must be disconnected from the power supply and wiped dry. You can turn it on only after 4 hours after complete drying.

What parameters are considered when choosing a humidifier

When buying, pay attention to:

• availability and cost of consumables;
• the possibility of using antibacterial additives and special cleaning products;
• the size of the served area;
• noise - the presence of the "sleep" function guarantees silent operation at night;
• the ability to work offline, which allows you not to worry about the humidity in the room;
• the size of the water tank - as a rule, for the operation of the device at night, a liquid volume of no more than 5 liters is sufficient.

It is important to take into account the operating time of the evaporator during operation. For example, a humidifier with an installed reservoir of 2 liters of water with the volume of evaporated moisture will be able to work continuously for 8 hours.

All air humidifiers, regardless of type, are capable of dispersing steam in a diameter of no more than 1.5 m. For even distribution of humidity, it is necessary to use a fan that is installed near the device.

For year-round use, the low-noise device is ideal. It can be installed in any room, including the children's room. When using a steam humidifier, it is worth ensuring complete safety of use.

A steam humidifier can oversaturate rooms with moisture. When using it, it is worth using a hygrometer, with which the indicators are monitored. As a rule, this type of humidifier is used in greenhouses, conservatories or greenhouses.

Choose a humidifier based on individual needs. To eliminate dry air in the room, the simplest humidifier is used. To humidify the air in order to get rid of allergies or frequent infections, a device with additional functions is ideal: ionization, aromatization.

Proper care is the key to a long service life

It doesn't matter if you buy the best steam humidifier with many features or a standard ultrasonic humidifier, it will serve as well as it will be looked after. Mandatory procedures include:

• the cartridge or filter should be changed at least once every 3 months;
• washing should be done once a week;
• descale the humidifier should be done once every 14 days;
• should be disinfected as needed, but at least once a month.

Many device manufacturers, such as Boneco, recommend their cleaners. Such funds cost a lot, but they are highly effective. If they are slightly dirty, they can be replaced by a solution of laundry soap prepared in a ratio of 1: 2, that is, 2 parts of water should be taken for 1 part of soap.

A soda solution will help to eliminate hard deposits, which is prepared at the rate of 50 g of sodium bicarbonate for each liter of liquid used in the tank. This solution is poured into the tank and the device is turned on for 1 hour. Cleaning is carried out on the street or balcony.

Important! When cleaning the humidifier, use only a soft cloth. The efforts and use of hard elements can cause irreparable damage to the device - the formation of scratches.

You can disinfect the device using ordinary bleach by preparing a solution of water and chlorine: 1 tablespoon of bleach is added to 4 liters of water. The procedure is performed on the street or balcony. After disinfection, it is very important to thoroughly wash the water tank.

The air humidifier contributes to the creation of a beneficial microclimate for humans. Its installation in the room allows you to get rid of many diseases, because low humidity in the room can cause a decrease in immunity, poor health, drowsiness and irritability. The correct choice of the device and its use in accordance with the regulations allow you to have an optimal microclimate for well-being in the room: warm and humid air in the room.

Excellent well-being depends on a comfortable environment in the house: ambient temperature, purity of the air that we constantly breathe, and if the first factor is normalized in winter by the presence of central heating, then the level of humidity and cleanliness must be taken care of on your own. For this, ultrasonic humidifiers are produced that work offline.

The range of these products is quite wide, and each user can choose the best option for themselves, depending on the size of the living space. Some readers will wonder why we recommend purchasing this particular version of humidifiers, because there are many similar devices. All useful information, as well as a comparison with some analogues in terms of air humidification in apartments, is given in this article.

The principle of operation of these devices is quite simple:

1. The liquid container is filled with purified and softened water. To avoid problems with precipitation on furniture, it is better to use distilled H2O.
2. Some devices have an additional container for cleaning and softening the liquid being poured.
3. The water is then sent to a vibrating plate, which atomizes it into tiny droplets and transforms it into a "cold mist".
4. The fan sucks in outside air and drives it through the resulting suspension, saturating it with moisture. Then it is released to the outside through the atomizer.

The air humidifier works without steam, because the liquid does not heat up, so it is safe for others. It is arranged quite simply and consists of the following main parts:

1. Housing made of durable plastic.
2. Purification filters.
3. A chamber in which cold steam is formed.
4. Fan.
5. Control Panel.

More expensive models are equipped with a remote control (RC) to adjust the humidification process. Ultrasonic humidifiers use little electrical energy because they do not heat the water used.

How is it different from a steam product

In ultrasonic models, water, falling on a plate vibrating at a high frequency, is sprayed into a foggy cloud, through which the air sucked from the room is driven. Saturated with moisture, he again returns to the room under the pressure of the fan. The steam humidifier-purifier is quite similar in principle to a household electric kettle.

The liquid is heated inside the housing, and then thrown out through the atomizer, thus humidifying the surrounding air, in addition, hot steam kills harmful microbes. Such a product does not need additional air filters, but hot steam is dangerous: if handled carelessly, you can get burns.

The verdict is simple: the evaporator is used for rooms where frequent ventilation is carried out or a humid atmosphere is needed: greenhouses, winter gardens. The device can be used as an inhaler. Ultrasonic models are ideal for homes with small children: they are extremely quiet and safe to use.

Which is better - ultrasonic or traditional humidifier

During the heating season, the air in city apartments becomes dry, which negatively affects the immune system and the general health of residents.

A humidifier and air purifier of a traditional design can raise the humidity no higher than 60%, and even then not all models are used in residential and office premises.

1. Simple construction.
2. Low price.
3. The device is safe and easy to use.
4. Low level of sound impact.

Flaws:

• low performance.

Works well near radiators and near windows, can be used to scent a room.

Products based on ultrasound increase humidity up to 70%, they are much more efficient than traditional devices.

Advantages:

1. Quickly raise the percentage of moisture.
2. Minimum electricity consumption.
3. Exceptionally quiet operation.
4. It is possible to adjust the intensity, on / off timer, remote control, turns off when there is no water.
5. Autonomous humidity control due to built-in hygrometer.

• high purity water or distillate must be used;
• replacement of filter elements;
• high price.

The conclusion is not in favor of traditional humidifiers, since ultrasonic models can use ionization to further clean the entrusted space from harmful bacteria. That is why they are used not only in residential premises, but also in greenhouses to create a favorable climate.

Advantages and disadvantages

First, we list all the advantages of ultrasonic models:

1. The sound level is 25 dB, even pets do not pay attention to their work.
2. Autonomous operation due to the presence of a hygrostat: when the humidity drops, the product automatically starts working.
3. Safe for kids, they can even play with the cold steam that comes out of the atomizer.
4. Low consumption of electrical energy.
5. Automatic shutdown in the absence of liquid in a tank.

• it is necessary to use only soft water of high purity;
• replacement of filter elements after a certain time;
• high cost of devices.

There is an opinion that such products are dangerous for humans, but this is another “duck” launched by competitors, the Ministry of Health denies the negative impact of ultrasonic household appliances on people around them due to low power.

How to choose

Normal humidity is needed not only for us, but also for the environment around us: furniture, parquet flooring, plants - everyone needs a comfortable environment and suffers from dry air. When choosing a humidifier model, it is necessary to adhere to the main criteria:

1. You need to know exactly the dimensions of the room where the device will be installed in order to ideally select its power.
2. The continuous operation of the product depends on the size of the tank volume and water consumption.
3. For home use, experts consider ultrasonic devices to be the safest.
4. The level of noise exposure and energy consumption are also of great importance - steam analogues heat the liquid to a boil and make a lot of noise, which means that electricity bills will increase, they should not be placed in the bedroom of children.
5. The presence of a built-in hygrostat greatly facilitates the operation of the product, since you can switch it to an autonomous mode and monitor only the water level in the tank.
6. Devices that work with steam should not be used near cabinet furniture and other household appliances, since condensation during active operation contributes to the appearance of puddles of moisture near the device.

Top best models

The average cost is 13.98 thousand rubles, pre-heating of water, electronic control, digital display, timer, dimensions 325x360x190 mm, weight 4.6 kg. Power 180 W, three performance modes, noise level 25 dB, designed to serve 80 square meters. m, 9 l tank, water consumption 0.6 l/h, built-in hygrostat. Trademark from Switzerland.
Excellent design, large tank volume, heating in winter is possible, autonomous mode, can be used as a night light, the display shows the requirements for filter replacement and water level. Quiet operation does not interfere with children's sleep, there is a blocking from their interference. No complaints.

The average price is 4,950 rubles, three modes of cold steam, humidity 40-85%, there is an economical night mode, a 5.5-liter tank, power 110 W, service area up to 30 sq. m. Flow rate 350 ml/hour, delay start timer up to 12 hours, plate vibration frequency 50/60 Hz, humidity check every 15 minutes. Made in factories in China under license from the Russian company Polaris or Polaris.
I was pleased with the 3-year warranty from the date of purchase, the modes are excellent, I especially liked the night mode: the product can work continuously up to 18 hours, convenient electronic control, we use the backlight as a night light in the children's room. Works quietly, but moisturizes well. There were no claims.

The average cost is 31.3 thousand rubles, power 40/55 W, dimensions 240x579x135 mm, weight 3.4 kg, designed for an area of ​​up to 16 square meters. m, 3 l tank, water consumption 300 ml/hour. Noise during operation 53-62 dB, continuous operation for at least 18 hours, outdoor location, 24-month warranty, made in Malaysia under license from the British company Dyson.
An unusual design using an elongated ellipse flow fan - this new development is quite effective in terms of humidification in combination with antibacterial treatment of the poured water. It works quietly, testing showed the same humidity near the device and even in the corners of the room. No cons found.

The average price is 2,490 rubles, the power is 24 W, it serves an area of ​​​​30 square meters. m, tank capacity 6 l, noise level 36 dB, there is an adjustment of the speed of work. Weight 2.3 kg, dimensions 260x390x210 mm, electronic control, indication of the water level in the tank. Development of a company from Greece, made under license at factories in China.
Simple design, efficient operation - a full charge lasts almost 2 days. Two modes, simple control, but it is inconvenient to fill water: you need to turn the device over, the isolation of the electronic unit from the inverted tank is not thought out. Otherwise, it works fine and moisturizes by 4 points.

The average cost is 18.5 thousand rubles, a traditional humidifier will serve an area of ​​​​up to 50 square meters. m, power 24 W, ionization and humidification, 9 l tank, water consumption 700 ml/h, noise - 32 dB, dimensions 410x420x325 mm, weight 10 kg. Electronic type control, digital display, air purity control, filter contamination indicators, water level indicators. South Korean production.
The design and quality are on top, thanks to Korean specialists, it works quietly, does not require complex maintenance: I opened the lid, washed the discs, added water. Two modes of operation, for the first day only 7 liters evaporated. No defects were found.

Another model from Swiss developers of humidifiers at an average price of 17.99 thousand rubles, covers an area of ​​60 square meters. m., power 20 W, traditional cleaning plus humidification. 7 l tank, flow rate 300 ml/h, aromatization possible, noise level 25 dB, dimensions 365x340x345 mm, weight 5.9 kg. Made in factories in the Czech Republic.
Almost does not require consumables, durable, easy to maintain, it really humidifies the air: it was below 30%, and with it - 60%. It evenly distributes air throughout the room, it works quietly, for three years of use no minuses were found.

The average cost is 24.9 thousand ₽, natural humidification and cleaning, 10 l tank, power 15 W, dimensions 322x384x300 mm, weight 7.0 kg. Floor arrangement, display, timer, there is an indicator of the water level in the tank. Production South Korea.
It copes with the main task perfectly, thanks to natural moisture, there is no precipitation on the furniture, only clean air. High quality materials and assembly, easy to use and maintain, large water supply. There are no complaints during the operation for five years.

A humidifier is a very popular household appliance. The modern market can offer a rich selection of such systems, but not everyone understands the need for this device. The equipment is designed to create a healthy level of humidity in the room, which is important for maintaining normal well-being. In order to choose the right solution for yourself, you should determine which is better - an ultrasonic or steam humidifier.

• Show all

  Varieties of humidifiers

  The optimal level of humidity in the apartment is determined as follows: for people and pets, the norm is 40-60%, and ornamental plants require 50-70%. Dry air is one of the causes of weakness, the development of ailments and a decrease in immunity. This factor contributes to the occurrence of colds and viral diseases. Women caring for the skin are well aware that it is 70% water and needs regular hydration.

  Which humidifier to buy?

  There are many types of humidifiers. But although they evaporate water in different ways, The design of the devices is arranged as follows:

  • Tank - a container in which water must be poured.
  • A heating element, an ultrasonic module or a fan is a part designed to accelerate the evaporation of water from a tank, its transfer into space in the form of a suspension.
  • Control system (not available on all models).
  • The housing in which all the specified elements are located.

  
  

  All devices operate on the same principle. They absorb dry air from the room, nourish it with moisture in one way or another, and return it to the room. Some types of devices can carry out filtration and disinfection. As a result of the operation of the humidifier in the apartment, it becomes fresh, the air is cleared of allergens, microbes and dust.

  Testing different models of air humidifiers

  

  Traditional Models

  There are several types of humidifiers for the home. One of the most popular varieties is the traditional cold evaporation system. Air masses enter the apparatus, feed on moisture and return back to the room. Such equipment has the following advantages:

  

  The disadvantage of traditional systems is that the humidity level cannot be increased by more than 60%. However, this indicator is optimal. The devices have low productivity - about 4-8 l / day, so there is no need to frequently fill the device with water. But the filter needs to be changed 1 time in 2-3 months.

  

  Steam structures

  When choosing a model for your home, you should know how a steam humidifier differs from an ultrasonic one. The first variety, according to the principle of its operation, is very similar to an electric kettle. Water is poured into the device, it boils and the required amount of steam is released. Such models have the following advantages:

  

  BONECO S250 - why I bought a STEAM humidifier

  The disadvantages of the device include: high energy consumption (300-700 V), the possibility of excessive waterlogging and high noise. It is better not to install such units in the bedroom. Hot steam inevitably raises the temperature in the room, which is not always comfortable in the summer. It is also very important to take into account that the steam humidifier must not be installed in free access for small children, they can get burned.

  

  Ultrasound Systems

  The principle of operation of these models is as follows: under the influence of high-frequency vibrations, a water suspension is formed, which carries out the moistening process. Such a scheme allows the device to operate almost silently.

  The user himself decides which humidifier is better - steam or ultrasonic. In order to make the right choice, you should familiarize yourself with the features of each and compare their performance. Steam systems have the following advantages:

  

  
  

  Devices can have a number of additional functions - a remote control system, ionization, a timer, a special cartridge to improve water quality. The disadvantage of an ultrasonic humidifier is that systems without cartridges require highly purified water, otherwise white deposits will form on the walls. Cartridges need to be changed about 1 time in 3 months.

  Such devices are very often used in a home where there are antiques, rare musical instruments or antique furniture, since these items need special moisture levels.

  Air wash

  Sinks are complex devices of a new generation. They not only humidify the air, but also purify the microclimate, get rid of dust and eliminate odors. When it enters such a structure, the air passes through a whole series of filtration. The owner is only required to fill the device with water and clean the tank once a month. Washing consumes up to 8-10 l / day. The device has the following advantages:

  

  The system has only 2 drawbacks. These include high price and low bandwidth. They have such undoubted advantages:

  The modern market can offer a lot of varieties of air humidifiers. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is impossible to agree on which is better - a steam unit or an ultrasonic device. Using the recommendations for the selection of a humidifier, each user will be able to choose the most suitable option for themselves.

During the heating season, the humidity in the apartment drops to a critical level. Sanitary standards control only the excess of the upper threshold of relative humidity. But its deficiency can lead to health consequences.

Children react especially sharply to the lack of moisture in the body. This manifests itself in constant lethargy, frequent colds and poor sleep. For normal health, an adult needs indoor humidity of 40-60%, for children - from 50%. Not everyone knows that in winter the humidity is less than 30%. If an additional heater is running in the room, the humidity may drop below 20%.

Due to the lack of moisture, there is a danger of constant stress. Therefore, household humidifiers are installed in homes.

Top in demand:

• steam - traditional,
• ultrasonic.

To determine which humidifier - ultrasonic or traditional is better, let's make a comparison.

Purpose

The purpose of all species is the same: the creation of a favorable level of humid environment in space and the maintenance of this level within the specified limits.

Operating principle

A steam humidifier in operation is similar to a kettle. The air is humidified with hot steam. To reduce energy costs
and increase the initial speed of work, feed the liquid into the heating chamber in small portions.

The unit must have a water level sensor and thermostat protection for automatic shutdown in case all the water boils away. Tightness is required: if there are gaps, it will not fulfill its purpose.

Some models spray up to 700 ml per hour.

A steam humidifier is considered perfect, which uses ultrasound to achieve its goal.

Part of the water is dosed from the reservoir into the working chamber with the emitter. It is a piezoceramic washer with silver-plated electrodes. When an alternating current is applied to it, it begins to vibrate and create ultrasonic waves. The increasing speed of vibrations on the surface of the water allows you to break it into tiny pieces.

A suspension of water is created, which can be compared to a cloud of fog. Upon completion of the transformation of water into cold vapor, the built-in fan blows this cloud out and it evaporates.

Such devices are equipped with a hygrometer that controls the level of relative humidity in the room. When the set upper value is reached, the device automatically turns off and turns on as soon as the humidity in the room drops below.

With the budget option, the user will have to control the level of relative humidity in the house and turn the device on / off.

Functionality

In addition to general purpose, additional functions are provided. Manufacturers are improving products and expanding the scope.

The steam humidifier disinfects the air in addition to moistening the surrounding atmosphere, destroying bacteria around.

Using hot steam, it is possible to install an aromatherapy device. But if this is not in the device, in no case do not add aromatic oils to the water. This will harm the machine and your health.

The room receives additional heating.

Unlike steam humidifiers, ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with accessories to improve overall performance and expand the scope. An air filter is installed in the housing and an ionizer is added to enrich it with negative charges.

The models have a cartridge for softening water and purifying it from excess salts. Thanks to this, we do not inhale them and they do not settle all over the room with a white coating.

Usually only cold steam is used, but there are models with two modes of steam generation. In the hot steam mode, microorganisms are destroyed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Leaning on the reviews of the owners, you can deduce the pros and cons of each model.

Traditional

Advantages:

• average price category;
• noise during work does not interfere with sleep;
• can be used as a heater;
• destroys bacteria;
• can be filled with water from the tap;
• inexpensive replacement filters and cartridges;
• efficiency is higher than that of models with a different principle of operation;
• suitable for rooms with a lot of plants;
• can be used in aromatherapy and as an inhaler.

Flaws:

• you can get burned;
• due to increased heat generation, it is problematic to use in the summer;
• consume a large amount of electricity;
• no hygrometer, need to buy separately.

Ultrasonic

Advantages:

• with a small size accommodates many additional devices;
• saves electricity;
• multifunctional;
• quiet operation and low vibration;
• sensors that automate work;
• cold steam is safe for children.

Flaws:

• use of distilled water or replaceable cartridges for its purification;
• inhalation of salt sediment, which is released from tap water, can lead to poor health;
• the device can not be placed in the children's bedroom;
• high price.

However, such devices save money in the end, without spending so much electricity. Or everything happens the other way around with steam models.

If health care is important, a humidifier is a must have in every home. Weigh all the pros and cons to choose the right device for your apartment.

If there are no children in the house, there is time to control the operation of the device and there is no need to save electricity, a steam humidifier will be optimal. In other cases, an ultrasonic one will be a justified acquisition.

The air in the room, especially in which a person spends most of his time, must meet certain parameters that provide a feeling of comfort. The main indicators are temperature and humidity.

Modern manufacturers offer many models with an original design.

From a medical point of view, the optimal level of humidity in the apartment should be from 40% to 60%.

The reasons for low humidity can be various factors.

In city houses, especially during the heating season, this parameter ranges from 15% to 20%. In winter, the air outside becomes dry due to low temperatures. In the room, heating devices evaporate moisture from the air. In order to raise this mark to the optimum value, air humidifiers are used.

If fresh air is rarely supplied to the apartment or there is an air conditioner in it, then the humidity level also drops rapidly.

Negative effects of air with low humidity

If you stay in a room with a low level of moisture for a long time, then the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract begin to dry out, and they are designed to prevent various infectious bacteria from entering the body. Thus, the likelihood of catching an infection in the form of respiratory diseases or a cold increases. An allergic reaction may also result. Children are most sensitive to dry air.

Dry air negatively affects the skin and hair. The skin begins to peel off, and the hair becomes dry, brittle, which leads to loss of shine and split ends. The nails are also affected.

Also, low moisture levels affect the surrounding area. The plaster begins to crumble and the wooden furniture begins to crack. Antiques in the house can deteriorate and lose their value.

Moisturizing Methods

The easiest and most affordable way to humidify the air in the room is a wet towel hung on the heater. The essence of the work is that water, evaporating from the fabric, moisturizes the surrounding space.

Also, with the ability to craft, you can come up with your own unique design and successfully use it.

The best and most effective option can be called the purchase of a finished model.

Types of Humidifiers

There are several types of humidifiers:

• traditional;
• steam;
• ultrasonic, which additionally purify the air.

Each type has advantages and disadvantages. To figure out how to choose the right humidifier, you first need to find out what their differences are.

Traditional Humidifiers

The disadvantage of traditional models of humidifiers is a high level of noise during operation.

They represent a design, the main elements of which are a water tank, a fan and an evaporator. The maximum humidity level that traditional type models can create is 60%.

The advantages include low energy consumption, a high degree of safety and low cost. Both tap and purified water are suitable for refueling.

Also, if you drop a few drops of aromatic oil into the tank, the device will also be able to perform the function of a flavoring agent.

The disadvantages include a high level of noise during operation of the device. This is especially felt at night - not everyone can fall asleep under such noise.

Traditional models partially perform the function of a cleaner.

Steam type

The principle of operation of the device is the evaporation of a heated liquid. There are electrodes in the tank, through which current passes, and the liquid evaporates under the influence of electricity. The device works until the liquid level in the tank drops below the electrodes.

Such devices show high efficiency and are able to increase the humidity level up to 100%. The approximate consumption per day is 17 liters of water.

The advantages of such drugs include the fact that their operation does not require additional consumables and does not require refilling with purified liquid.

Steam devices for humidification can be used as air flavors and used for colds as an inhaler. In many models, special nozzles are included in the kit for this purpose.

The main disadvantage is the need to additionally purchase a hygrostat. If you use the device without it, you can over-moisten the room. Also, his work is accompanied by a high consumption of electricity.

From a safety point of view, steam humidifiers are more dangerous than traditional ones. Since during operation, water is heated up to 80 degrees in it, there is a chance of getting burned by the escaping steam. In this regard, the choice of this type is not recommended if there are small children and pets in the house.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Ultrasonic models consume a minimum amount of electricity

Ultrasonic models are the most expensive of the types presented, but at the same time the quietest.

They are characterized by low power consumption, but in addition, you will have to control the cost of purified water, since tap water cannot be used. The use of untreated water will cover all surfaces in the room with a white coating that is released from the evaporated liquid.

The principle of operation is ultrasound, which acts on water and evaporates it. This is due to the strong vibration that causes ultrasound, resulting in a high-speed evaporation process.

Some models of this type of humidifier can work as cleaners. To do this, you will need to purchase a special cartridge, which will have to be changed periodically.

Since ultrasonic models have the lowest noise levels, they are ideal for installation in children's rooms.

Disadvantages of Humidifiers

The common disadvantages of all types include their small range, which is 1.5 meters. Since the hygrostat regulates the operation of the device, when the set parameters are reached in the air, it will turn off automatically. It turns out that at a distance of 2 meters from the humidifier, the air will remain the same.

To increase work efficiency and ensure the required humidity throughout the room, you need to periodically rearrange the device in different places.

Air wash

"Washing" of air combines the functions of humidification and purification

A device that combines humidification and air purification options is called an “air washer”.

This is an apparatus in which water passes through evaporators. Then, air is blown through the resulting steam with a fan. Dust settles on the discs, then washed off with drops of liquid.

Such a device is able to purify the air from dust, small pieces of pet hair, as well as from allergy pathogens, such as pollen from plants and waste products of small mites that live in household dust.
To additionally make the “air wash” a room fragrance, it is enough to add aroma oil to the water.

Climate complexes

These are universal devices that perform the functions of an ionizer, humidifier and air purifier. The design is complex, respectively, the cost of such complexes is high.

Sometimes it is more profitable and cheaper to purchase all these 3 devices individually, but with this option it is worth considering that they will take up a lot of space.

The advantage of the climate complex is its easy controllability, the ability to set suitable parameters and optimized indicators of air composition.

Criteria for choosing a humidifier

How to choose a humidifier for the home so that it fits the living conditions and satisfies each family member? When choosing a device, you need to concentrate on the needs, technical parameters and financial possibilities.

Most often, people ask themselves the question: “Which air humidifier is better than ultrasonic or steam?”, Since they have similar parameters and cost. In this case, it is better to buy a device, based on practicality and expediency of use.

Performance

The device must have sufficient performance. To determine the choice of this parameter, you need to take into account the size of the room in which you plan to install the device.

Typically, a humidifier is designed to serve one room. A device with a capacity of 5 liters is suitable for a room with an area of ​​​​up to 20 sq.m.

To service larger rooms, you need to purchase a more powerful device with a capacity of up to 7 liters.

Device power

The power of the device for different types and models is different.
Steam devices have a power of 300-600 W, but they consume much more electricity. If we consider ultrasonic, then their performance is no worse, and the power value does not exceed 40 watts.

An ultrasonic cleaner is best suited for a child's room - it has the lowest noise level

Noise level

Such a parameter as the noise level during the operation of the device is very important, since it is supposed to work not only during the day, but also at night. The optimal value at which a working device will not interfere with sleep is 35-40dB.

Safety

When choosing a humidifier for a nursery, preference should be given to ultrasonic devices in order to avoid burns and injuries in children.

Additional functions

Among the variety of models, there are those where additional functions are presented. But it should be understood that the more functionality, the higher the cost. So before buying, you should think about whether you need an additional option, or you can do fine without it.

As additions, there may be a display on which the air temperature in the room and the level of humidity are displayed.

Also, some models are equipped with control panels that allow you to turn the device on and off from a distance.

Having received the necessary information on how to choose a humidifier for an apartment, you need to figure out how to properly care for it in order to ensure a serviceable and long service life.

• often change the water in the tank;
• to prevent the formation of plaque on the walls, drain all the remaining liquid after finishing work;
• regularly clean the device: rinse at least 1 time in 3 days, and carry out a complete cleaning 2 times a month;
• do not keep the device in a room with high humidity, otherwise mold and bacteria may form in it;
• before storing the humidifier for a long time, wash it and dry it thoroughly;
• do not use an air purifier that has reached the end of its service life, as various bacteria form on worn parts.

Humidifier cleaning

The USB humidifier is perhaps the most compact device on the market.

Humidifiers need regular cleaning, because over time, bacteria begin to appear on the internal elements of the device.

Do not use chemicals when washing the filter.

How to clean your humidifier:

• remove the filter, wash it under cool running water and dry;
• wipe the body and its parts with a damp cloth soaked in a solution of water and vinegar;
• clean the container without using substances with harmful fumes. You can use hydrogen peroxide: pour it into the tank so that the bottom and walls are closed, leave for 60 minutes, then rinse with clean water. If there are hardened deposits accompanied by an unpleasant odor, use soda. You can also clean the tank with vinegar: pour it into the tank in the amount of 3 glasses and leave for 3 hours, then rinse thoroughly.

Rating

To choose a good device, you can consider options from models that are in the top five best humidifiers based on ratings and customer reviews:

• The Bionaire CM-1 steam model takes the lead. The advantage is its high safety among analogues, since inside the device the steam is mixed with cool air, thereby eliminating the possibility of getting burned. It can also be used as an inhaler. Reliable device at an affordable price.
• The ultrasonic device Ballu UHB-240Disney is practically silent, functional, with backlight and the ability to control the direction of humidification and the intensity of evaporation.
• The Atmos 2630 ultrasonic model is lightweight, compact, inexpensive, has an interesting design and is designed to work in large rooms. It also has low noise and is easy to operate.
• The traditional humidifier Winia AWX-70 has a built-in hygrostat, has great functionality: purification, ionization, the ability to control the fan speed. It does not make noise, but it has large dimensions and high cost.
• Ultrasonic device HOME-ELEMENT HE-HF-1701 is a reliable model, quiet operation, nice design. It is possible to adjust the fan speed.