Air washers: varieties, brands, choice, use

It is hardly necessary to explain to someone why it is necessary to maintain an optimal microclimate at home and in work premises. But it is not always possible to do this with the help of ventilation, air conditioners, fans and air purifiers. Therefore, you have to use the so-called sinks, the features of which you need to know very well.

The conversation about air washing should start with what exactly this device does. It is capable of replacing both a humidifier and a purifier, since it takes over the tasks of both devices. The device is very simple: a water reservoir is located inside the housing. A rotating drum equipped with filtration discs is immersed in this container 50%. When air enters it, it will come into contact with water and discs; therefore, the air flow at the outlet is more humid and cleaner than at the inlet.

The principle of operation, as it is easy to see, is not difficult to understand. The vast majority of contaminants accumulate on cleaning discs. From there, the dirt is washed into the sump. The pallet itself is cleaned about once every 6-8 days.

It should be said separately why it is necessary to use an air washer. In the atmosphere of the most ordinary residential building, the concentration of harmful substances and allergens is constantly maintained. Allergies can appear and even worsen:

• from animal hair;
• dandruff;
• from spores of microscopic fungi;
• from plant pollen.

Therefore, professionals in the field of allergology strongly recommend not only purifying, but also humidifying the air. Washing allows you to cope with both of these tasks and eliminates the need to use two independent devices. As a result, not only money is saved when buying, but also electricity and space in the apartment.

With a lack of moisture:

• the ability of mucous membranes to restrain pathological organisms is disrupted;
• increased excitability and irritation of the mucous membranes;
• chapped skin and lips;
• there is a feeling of tightness of the skin;
• absorption of oxygen decreases;
• fatigue increases;
• the likelihood of infectious diseases increases.

In addition to wet filters, a HEPA filter can be used to increase the efficiency of air purification. This device is particularly effective at capturing very small particles. The main working element is the fibers of a complex geometric shape. The smallest (up to 0.1 μm) particles are retained by the diffusion effect.

To compare air cleaning with an ultrasonic humidifier, you need to take into account that the scope of the latter is by no means narrow. These devices can be supplemented with a wide variety of options. Sometimes they build in there:

• ozonizers;
• ionizing devices;
• flavors;
• light bulbs (capable of replacing a separate night light).

But still, in terms of functionality, washing the air will be better than a humidifier and a purifier separately - experts have no doubt about this. The sink works according to a simple natural principle, like rain. Of course, this does not pour water from the outside, just a fan is used, which ensures uniform humidification.Thanks to the ventilation unit, intensive acceleration of humidified air around the room is maintained. A traditional humidifier works on a similar principle.

The bad thing about steam humidification systems is that they heat the water and make a rather loud sound. However, they cope with practical tasks relatively well. The most difficult choice is between ultrasonic humidifiers and air cleaners.

But we still need to find out how good air washes are in and of themselves. It has long been known that insufficient air humidity is dangerous for asthmatics and allergy sufferers - and washing solves this problem as if automatically. Along with this, she is capable of:

• relieve the feeling of tightness of the skin;
• prevent dry eye syndrome;
• support skin immunity;
• help prevent eye irritation;
• improve performance;
• bind dust particles, fluff, pollen and so on.

The positive side of using a sink is that it can handle air-clogging particles larger than 10 microns. In addition, the very principle of their operation makes harmful waterlogging impossible. Since the water does not heat up, burns are excluded.

The main problems when using an air washer are as follows:

• it is difficult to look after them;
• normal humidification is only guaranteed during continuous operation;
• not all models are good at capturing very small particles;
• in the presence of especially thin filters, they have to be systematically changed;
• the dimensions of the devices can hardly be called compact;
• the cost of the devices is quite high.

It should be borne in mind that water air washing can be of various types, and they are arranged very differently. A fairly popular option is cleaning equipment with ionization. The presence of silver ions can significantly improve not only the microclimate, but also the sanitary characteristics of the air. Only ionization complexes with silver provide the most effective elimination of dust particles. When these particles are ionized, it becomes much easier for technology to wash them off with water.

Some models are designed with water cooling. This solution allows, among other things, to provide the most efficient humidification. You cannot even compare such devices with those where the air flow only "blows" on the water.

Air washers can work on two different principles. In one case, the so-called hydrofiltration principle... In this case, a kind of water curtain is formed. There is a cone inside the tank, which lifts up small water droplets. However, hydro-filtration creates a lot of noise, and therefore is hardly acceptable for a bathroom, nursery or even a guest room.

An alternative is "Cold water bath". Discs rotating at one speed or another are located inside the tank. They form a very thin film of liquid, which is sprayed outward by a fan.

A separate gradation was introduced according to the types of water purification filters. The simplest are coal cleaners, sometimes referred to as carbon cleaners; with their help, you can cope with bacterial contamination and bad odors.However, an in-depth filter, better known to a wider audience as HEPA, can also be used. It is able to rid people of allergens and very small particles that are up to a fraction of a micron in size. The quality of cleaning from such blockages is 95-99%, depending on the technical nuances and the degree of serviceability of the equipment. Additionally can be applied:

• electrostatic;
• photocatalytic;
• mixed filters.

Fairly good air cleaning is Philips - we are talking about the HU5930... The moisturizing technology works at the nanoscale, which further enhances its effectiveness. The manufacturer can guarantee the improvement of air quality in an area of ​​up to 70 sq. m. In 60 minutes, up to 0.5 liters of water are thrown into the air.

The brand description indicates that problems such as excessive wetting of the floor or the appearance of white dust particles on various surfaces are completely excluded. Another filter at the nano level cuts out microorganisms and very small clogging particles. Judging by some opinion polls, over 80% of Philips consumers are ready to recommend humidifiers and air washers of this brand to other people.

There are 4 particularly precise settings for the intensity of humidification available to consumers. The same number of operating modes is provided for the fan. Excellent energy efficiency guaranteed. A special system notifies how the air quality is changing. A display with a "smart" indicator and a timer on a digital element base are also provided.

But air washes deservedly fall into the top. under the Electrolux brand... The device will help to optimize the climate in the house EHAW-6515... It is produced in the Czech Republic. The internal volume of the tank is 7 liters. The body is painted in an attractive white color.

The highest current consumption is 0.015 kW, and the system can produce 0.5 liters of water per hour. Important: automatic fault diagnosis is not provided. But there is a system that blocks the start of the wash in a "dry" state. At the same time, a large tilt or overturning by the automation, unfortunately, is not recognized, and an emergency shutdown does not occur. It should also be remembered that the control buttons are not protected from children.

It is necessary to connect the device to a 220 V network. The display is not backlit, but there are indicators for starting and filling the tank. You can purchase a silver block for water disinfection as an option.

The total mass of the described air washer is 6 kg. But you can choose another modification - EHAW-7510D... According to the manufacturer itself, this device is optimized to improve the home atmosphere in a large city. Like the previous model, this air washer is assembled in the Czech Republic. Its important features are:

• the presence of a night mode (when the backlight becomes weaker);

• a special program for automatic disk cleaning;

• automation that monitors the water level;

• high productivity (up to 0.5 liters in 60 minutes);

• serviced area - up to 50 m2.

Ballu Is another company supplying good-quality climatic equipment. The engineers of the eminent concern managed to prepare devices with a wide range of useful properties. A complete set of minimum required accessories is initially included in the package. The manufacturer claims that, in addition to improving the microclimate, its products will successfully rid users of various pollutants and allergic substances.

AW-325 white version has a water tank with a capacity of 5.7 liters. This air washer has a nice white body. It is suitable not only for moisturizing and cleaning, but also for spraying fragrances.In humidifying mode, the hourly productivity reaches 0.3 l, and this figure is considered sufficient for an area of ​​up to 50 m2. Inside there are 21 discs with a large absorbent surface. An internal hygrometer and 4 operating speeds allow you to clearly and unambiguously set the required air humidity level. A special container is intended for aromatic oils and other similar components.

It is useful to pay attention to products LG... A good example of an air cleaner from this manufacturer is HW306LGE0... This machine works in the natural humidification mode. Its attractive feature is the plasma ionization option. The noise during operation is very low, and the level of air purification, on the contrary, is much better than that of older versions.

LG Mini ON is also very attractive for home and office use. This device can humidify air over an area of ​​20-23 square meters. m. is completely free. The hourly electricity consumption does not exceed 0.012 kW. The absence of replaceable filters and other replaceable components means that all parts last exactly as long as the device itself. All that is required from the consumer is only to wash the filters and follow the instructions.

Another Korean firm - Winia - also supplies first-class air washers. The fundamental advantages of MODERN PLASMA sinks are:

• advance ionization of air and water;

• no need for consumables;

• antimicrobial protection of the dampening discs;

• automatic moisture tracking;

• liquid crystal screen;

• ease of care and maintenance;

• attractive design;

• especially high quality parts and basic construction materials.

Version "Maximum" capable of humidifying the air at a rate of 0.7 liters per hour. The weight of this sink is 10 kg and the water tank has a capacity of 9 liters. The linear dimensions of the device are 0.405x0.485x0.5 m. There is even a sleep mode, which is rarely found on climatic equipment.

The sound volume in different modes varies from 25 to 32 dB. Of course, in sleep mode, it is zero. Air is disinfected using plasma, and water is disinfected using silver ionization. The package includes an Embo disc.

But some consumers prefer Sharp air washers - and their choice is quite justified. An attractive solution could be KC-D41RB... This climatic complex not only cleanses and moisturizes, but also ionizes. Thanks to the carefully designed deep filter, dust transmission is limited to 0.03%. Inverter control saves energy as much as possible. The dust indicator is combined with heat and humidity sensors.

Dyson there is no air washer in the proper sense of the word, but there is a very good Dyson Pure Hot + Cool device.

But there are suitable devices in the range. Panasonic... A striking example is F-VXM35R... It has an economical convenient mode. A modern HEPA standard filter is provided. This air washer differs in that it:

• suppresses bacteria;

• eliminates the virus threat;

• deodorizes the air.

An equally attractive solution in some cases is products Honeywell... The company can offer a promising air conditioning unit CHL30XC. This device provides:

• moisturizing;

• ventilation;

• heating and humidifying mode;

• purification of the atmosphere;

• ionization.

Air-O-Swiss air sink brands does not exist. But there is a manufacturer Boneco, which has a line of devices of the same name. Model Air-O-Swiss 2055 Equipped with an ISS format silver bar. The ionization mode is provided, and the service life of the device is quite long. The design of the 2055 sink looks stylish and modern, and when the device is operating, optimal conditions are created not only for people, but also for furniture.

Concern Daikin also supplies excellent air washes. A good example of this technique is MCK75J... The model is capable of serving a room up to 46 sq. m., consuming 0.081 kW. Its linear dimensions are 0.59x0.395x0.268 m. Up to 450 cubic meters pass through the MCK75J per hour. m. of air.

Some consumers consider it a pleasant alternative AIC XJ-297... The designers have provided for the possibility of maintaining an optimal microclimate in the home or office. Along with hydraulic and air filtration, the device is equipped with an ionizer. Rave ratings also cause:

• photocatalytic cleaning;

• ultraviolet module;

• electronic control system;

• the presence of a night mode of operation;

• illumination in 7 different colors;

• high-quality color screen that demonstrates the specified settings and the intensity of the device.

Complete the review is appropriate on corporation products NeoClima... Modification is capable of showing all its advantages NFC260 AQUA... Rather, it is not even a sink, but a whole climatic complex. Plasma and electrostatic filters are included. An original addition is 1 charcoal and several sponge filters.

Provided:

• a number of flexible automatic modes;
• a significant number of sensors;
• remote control;
• dust and water depletion indicators;
• reliable timer for 24 hours;
• disinfection cartridge;
• the ability to turn off all indicators.

The choice of air washes for an apartment and for a house is simple and not easy - you can make the right decision after reading the general information. Important: there is no point in looking for a device cheaper than 15,000 rubles. This is either a low-quality craft, or a product with limited functionality. The decisive characteristic of washing equipment is its efficiency, or rather, productivity. If this indicator is insufficient, no cleverly selected regimes will "stretch" the situation.

The most productive models release up to 0.5 liters of water vapor into the air per hour. The specific result depends on the design of the housing and on the type of dampening structures. Traditionally, air humidification is achieved with discs. However, some newer modifications have a sponge. The more discs or the larger the sponge, the higher the moisture intensity.

The location of the humidifying elements inside the air washer must also be taken into account. If placed poorly, their hydration becomes insufficiently effective, even if there are many discs. An equally relevant nuance is the method of adding water. From above, it happens most conveniently; in addition, the characteristic gurgling disappears. If there is a water tank separate from the main body of the sink, the water will gurgle when filling.

When you have decided how to fill in the water, you need to take into account the volume of the tank. The larger it is, the less often you need to add new portions of liquid. But the device itself becomes heavier, and its refueling becomes much more difficult.For allergy sufferers, the operation of the sink in the air purifier mode is of particular importance. More precisely, how much of microscopic substances and dust particles are retained, and how much passes through the filter and goes outside. Over the years, it has become clear that HEPA filtered devices have no competitors.

Many microorganisms die under the influence of "thunderstorm gas". However, the smell that appears at the same time is not pleasant to all people. As for the frequently asked question about the issue of compressed air, you need to immediately give up such hopes - for this purpose, completely different equipment is required. Much more important is another circumstance - hygiene additives intended for a particular device can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, their composition must be clarified in advance.

Having dealt with these points, it is necessary to determine how the air washing control is organized. In budget and mid-priced models, mechanical components are usually used for it. More advanced equipment is controlled by electronic complexes. If there are not only them, but also integrated hygrometers, this is definitely a plus. And for those who often catch colds or have the flu, air washers with aromatherapy function will certainly come in handy.

The frequency of replacement of replaceable filters is set by the manufacturer. But you need to understand that the maximum possible numbers are written in the instructions so as not to alienate the consumer. Therefore, if you change the filters more often than prescribed, then there will be no harm from this - one health benefit. If the device is working properly, all that is required from the user is to wash and clean the pallet and discs every 6-9 days. When replaceable filters are not provided, it is undesirable to change anything at all with your own hands.

The most rational is always the mode of medium intensity. More active work is really needed only when the air is very dry or excessively dusty. The minimum regime is needed if you plan to leave for several days and you only need to maintain the situation so that the situation is not too neglected. It is strictly forbidden to use an air washer placed on an unstable surface. Do not place this apparatus close to other objects, so that the outlet openings are not blocked.

The device must be connected directly to the electrical network, avoiding adapters. Usually tap water is used, but if you fill in filtered or distilled water, then it certainly won't be worse. In the first few days, walls and other objects are saturated with water; therefore, even if it seems that there is no effect, you should not panic.

The Venta LW25 anth models give positive marks. It is noted that she copes even in extreme heat. But with the Shivaki SHAW-4510W, the situation is more complicated. This device cleans the air very well, and pouring water into it is convenient. The system is easy to maintain, the backlight has an optimal brightness - not too great, but it is a good substitute for a night light.

However, it is noted that the manufacturer misinforms consumers (instead of ultrasonic evaporation, natural evaporation is used, and the area of ​​humidification is overestimated). Timberk TAW H4 D W can also give attractive results. This air washer guarantees effective humidification and can be switched off by itself. It has compact dimensions. The humidification effect is sufficient even in extreme heat or when the room overheats with central heating.

Also noteworthy:

• BALLU AW-325;

• Dantex D-H46 AWCF;

• Boneco W1355A.

For a comparison of popular models of air washers, see below.