Air humidifiers for an apartment: an overview of types, the best models and selection criteria

In an effort to provide the most comfortable living conditions, a modern person buys various household items for the house. One of them is a humidifier. From the material of this article you will learn what kind of technique it is, what is the principle of its operation, what are the advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we will tell you in detail about the types of humidifiers and tell you what you need to pay attention to when buying them.

A humidifier is a must have in a variety of life situations. It normalizes the microclimate in the apartment or office where it is installed. Few people thought about the fact that the microclimate in a room largely depends on the state of the air, and more specifically, on the degree of its humidity and temperature.

An air humidifier for an apartment brings the microclimate of the room back to normal, due to which:

• the concentration of dust, which provokes the appearance of allergic reactions, decreases;
• the loss of moisture in the body of any of the household members or their guests stops;
• households get rid of the feeling of dryness in the nasopharynx;
• breathing and swallowing processes are facilitated;
• the likelihood of headaches decreases;
• the condition of the skin improves;
• the desire to blink more often stops;
• the feeling of the presence of grains of sand in the eyes disappears;
• the risk of multiplication of viruses and bacteria decreases;
• the protective functions of the body increase, resisting colds.

The most important use becomes during the heating season, when the humidity level in many city apartments decreases markedly. In this case, small children are usually the first to suffer. In addition, drying out affects indoor plants, furniture, parquet, and home appliances. Everything needs its own level of humidity, which is determined by a hygrometer.

The humidifier is an alternative to such ineffective humidification methods as hanging wet towels in the heat, installing fountains and containers with water. The device is designed to replenish the required level of moisture in the room and adjust it in order to create the most comfortable conditions for people, plants and furnishings.

Although the history of air conditioning goes back centuries, the first self-contained devices for air purification and humidification appeared only in the 19th century. The first device was patented in 1897 in the USA. It was a nozzle chamber that humidified, dehumidified and cooled the air by means of water. Since 1906, the method of regulating moisture content by moisture content has been introduced.

Mass production of humidifiers is attributed to Swiss company Plaston, who presented the first steam apparatus in 1969. Its principle of operation was similar to that of an electric kettle. When boiling, the water inside the tank came out in the form of steam through special holes, which led to the saturation of the air with the necessary moisture.As soon as the device supplied the required amount of moisture, the hydrostat sensor was triggered, which led to the shutdown of the device.

This principle formed the basis of production, and also contributed to the prosperity of the company.

Today, manufacturers of equipment for air humidification offer the widest range of products to the attention of buyers. The wealth of choice becomes a problem for the buyer, because the models have their own classification. They differ not only in appearance: in addition to different sizes and designs, they have different performance characteristics, as well as the principle of operation.

The variability of the functionality of the devices also differs. For example, you can buy a traditional version or a humidifier-cleaner with ionization (humidifier-ionizer), a duct household appliance, steam or ultrasonic. Products differ in the way of installation: they are wall and floor... Each type of device does its job differently.

These devices are characterized by a natural (cold) type of humidification. The device for these structures is extremely simple, their principle of operation is based on natural evaporation of moisture. Inside there is a container for water, into which a special filter (cartridge) is partially (half) loaded. An existing fan forces the room air through the porous filter.

Wherein the level of moisture saturation usually reaches 60% with the evaporation of water not more than 400 g per hour. The cartridge is constantly in contact with water, if it is not added, shutdown will not occur, and the device itself will begin to work like a fan. The performance of this technique depends on the level of moisture in the room: the higher it is, the slower the evaporation process.

The advantages of this type of device include low power consumption (in the range from 20 to 60 watts), as well as the impossibility of excessive humidification... These devices are characterized by a budgetary cost, they have an ionizer, and therefore they are suitable for cleaning the air in a room where people smoke. The structures are designed in such a way that the user sees the water level, and therefore adds it on time.

There is no hot steam here, which means it is impossible to get burned. However, porous varieties are noisy and therefore have to be turned off at night. As the reviews show, products of this type do not work as quickly as we would like. As soon as the humidity level in the room approaches 60%, the device stops humidifying the air.

These modifications work according to the principle of the well-known electric kettle. The key design elements are a sump, a container of water, a heating element, a spray nozzle and a steam supply chamber. As water heats up, it turns into steam, which leaves the device and enters the air. Thus, a rapid humidification of the air occurs, the device is considered highly effective.

The humidifier evaporates about 700 g of liquid per hour... However, depending on the area of ​​the room, this efficiency is not always logical, because in a small room you can simply over-humidify the air. In general, for effective work, you need to monitor the water level, not forgetting to replenish the container in time. You can use ordinary tap water for this purpose.

The disadvantage of these modifications, like teapots, is scale. If you do not get rid of it in time, the device will quickly become unusable.

Boiler modifications cannot be called energy-saving. They significantly increase the total energy consumption consumed by the residents of a particular apartment per month. However, when using these modifications, care must be taken to prevent them topple over or to stand near the escaping steam. It is also bad that the parts of the devices wear out quickly.

Although modifications are noisy in the process of work, and are not suitable for children's rooms, they have their own use. For example, such devices can be used to humidify a winter garden, a small flower greenhouse, and a greenhouse. When using this technique, not only the humidity increases, but also the air temperature. The best in the line are products with a built-in hydrostat or hygrometer.

These modifications are currently considered one of the best, which is why they are purchased to humidify city apartments. They are considered not only modern and ergonomic, but also user-friendly. Their device consists of a vaporization chamber, an ultrasonic membrane, a fan, a water tank and a special cartridge. The device operates from the mains, due to the power supply, the emitter splits water into tiny particles.

The existing fan throws them out from the inside in the form of cold steam. However, there are modifications in the line with the option of warm evaporation. In addition to the basic set of functions, products may have additional built-in functionality that provides more opportunities for creating a comfortable indoor climate. The models are equipped with a system of cleaning filters; to increase the service life, it is necessary to fill in purified water into them.

Maintenance of equipment provides for periodic replacement of cartridges. Among the advantages, it is worth noting a compromise between efficiency and economy, a relatively quiet operation, which allows you to use the device during sleep. In addition, such products have an automatic setting function, which saves the user from self-adjusting the device. With high efficiency, these devices do not take up much space, they are compact and visually attractive. In view of this, they will not stand out against the background of the interior of any room.

However, the cost of maintaining and purchasing cartridges for these modifications is higher than for any other type. In addition, the price of the devices is also different: they are more expensive than any modifications of other types. This is partially offset by the place of application: if the neighborhood with furniture and books is unacceptable for steam analogs, then these options can be put everywhere. For example, they are appropriate not only in a home or office space, but also in a greenhouse, greenhouse, antique shops, flower shops.

In fact, the modifications included in this line are somewhat similar to traditional humidifiers. Their fundamental difference is the built-in air purification system from existing contaminants. For these purposes, there are special plastic discs that are immersed in liquid and spin during operation. The device consists of a water tank, a fan and a drum with working plates.

Absorbent coated resin discs replace replacement cartridges.In the course of work, the air gets rid of dust particles, allergens, as well as cigarette smoke. All dirt is washed off into the sump, the air is disinfected due to silver ions. These devices can kill about 600 species of bacteria, thus making life easier for people with weakened immune systems.

Air washers are expensive, consume up to 400 W, and may have built-in fragrances. Their advantages are ease of maintenance and filling the humidified air with pleasant aromas. In addition, they have a low noise floor and do not require replacement of consumables at all. Some of them are equipped with built-in functionality, through which you can improve the microclimate of the room to be humidified.

However, as practice shows, work on humidifying and purifying the air is slow, because the devices do not provide modes of accelerated saturation of the space with the required amount of moisture. In addition, the devices are unable to humidify the air above normal. Therefore, buying them for a botanical garden or greenhouse is not always justified. To reach the required moisture percentage, the device must operate for a long time.

But despite this, the equipment can be used not only in the rooms of adults, but also in the children's bedrooms. As for the limescale that appears on objects after using certain varieties, there is no such problem. They process from 3.5 to 17 liters per day, while in the lines you can find models of not only household, but also industrial type. They provide for connection to water supply and sewerage systems, and have high performance.

The principle of operation of high-pressure nozzles is similar to conventional nozzles. The difference is the fact that no compressed air is used here. Water is atomized by fogging nozzles. It is supplied at a pressure of 30-85 bar, and the larger it is, the smaller the sprayed particles.

Equipment of this type can be installed in the room itself (domestic version) or in the ventilation duct (installation method for office and industrial buildings). When the device is installed indoors, the droplets evaporate in the air. However, for this it is important to choose the right device, taking into account the dimensions of a particular room and the performance of the nozzles. The moisture level is increased by the evaporated water droplets and the decrease in temperature (due to the absorption of heat at the moment of evaporation).

The advantages of modifications of this type can be called energy saving, high level of efficiency, ability to service rooms with different operating modes. These products do not need constant topping up of water, since they are connected to communications. In addition, they are easy to maintain, often equipped with advanced functionality. Their use has a significant effect on the state of the indoor microclimate.

However, with a number of advantages, they also have disadvantages. For example, often these modifications are distinguished by large body dimensions... Their cost cannot be called budgetary, and filters will have to be changed as needed, otherwise the device will not work highly efficiently. The disadvantage is the complexity of installation, as well as high requirements for water quality. If the filter is not built into the device, it is necessary to purify the water.

The choice of a model that meets the required requirements can be confusing. Often the buyer does not pay attention to the technical characteristics of the device. This can lead to a discrepancy between the parameters of the device and the needs of people living in a particular dwelling. If the buyer has not yet decided on the type of product and its characteristics, it is possible to analyze the types of products that are in a particular store.

After that, it is worth choosing several options from the available assortment, comparing them with each other in terms of technical parameters and reviews that real buyers left about them on the World Wide Web. Whichever device based on the conversion of water into steam is chosen, several key factors need to be considered.

In fact, the higher the power, the greater the percentage of humidification and the larger the area of ​​the room that the device can handle. On average, devices can evaporate about 400-500 ml of water per hour. There are more powerful devices, they need more than 10 liters of water per day. When choosing one or another option, the buyer must understand whether he needs colossal moisture and the effect of the tropics, or whether the optimal level of humidity is sufficient.

When buying, it is important to take into account the size of the room to be humidified, as well as the operating mode of the device. It is important to decide whether the device will work for only a couple of hours or will constantly moisturize the territory entrusted to it. The product does not provide for the same humidification of several rooms at the same time. If you need to humidify, for example, all the rooms of an apartment at once, it is more expedient to think about purchasing several devices.

The noise level for each device is individual. Considering that for greater efficiency the device can work up to 24 hours, you need to take the option that will not interfere with normal sleep. If you choose between steam, traditional and ultrasonic models, the most noisy is the steam apparatus. In the process, it makes the same gurgling sounds as boiling water.

The ultrasonic version of the device does not interfere with sleeping and doing household chores. The natural humidifier is also not bad: it has an optimal noise level. To take a good unit, you need to pay attention to the decibel indicator. For the best devices, these indicators vary in the range from 25 to 30 dB. On average for products with optimal noise performance it does not exceed 40 dB.

The dimensions of the products vary, this affects the capacity of the water tank. Usually, the more compact the device itself, the less water it can hold... Therefore, those who purchase small modifications of humidifiers have to constantly monitor the amount of liquid and add it. Such devices are not suitable for those who leave them on at night.

If the humidifier is intended to be operated at night, it is necessary to take options with a tank volume of at least 5 liters. The dimensions of the devices may vary. For example, models designed for 4 liters and 10-12 hours of continuous operation can be 240x190x190, 255x346x188, 295x215x165, 230x335x230 mm.

The sizes of analogs with a capacity of 5-6 liters are 280x230x390, 382x209x209, 275x330x210, 210x390x260 mm.

Energy conservation is one of the key criteria for a good purchase. It's not enough just to choose some model, you need to buy a product that will not cause large bills in incoming payments. Manufacturers indicate that the recommended running time should be approximately 10-12 hours per day.

And if you choose between varieties according to the amount of energy consumed during this time, then the worst performance in steam models. The best products are ultrasonic. Their operation usually costs users no more than 100-120 rubles per month.

The filters used in humidification devices are different.They are not at all universal: some are intended to purify evaporated moisture, others are needed to purify the air. For example, varieties:

• pre-cleaning removes large particles from the air;
• electrostatic eliminates pollen, cigarette smoke, dust;
• plasma ones clean the air from dust, pollen, smoke, allergens, they are more effective than electrostatic ones;
• coal ones remove molecules from the air that are sources of unpleasant odors;
• HEPA - fine filters, rid the air of dust, bacteria, pollen;
• ULPA - humidifying and purifying air, more effective in comparison with HEPA;
• with ceramic filling disinfect liquid, needed for preliminary water purification;
• antiallergenic are needed as a means of fighting bacteria, mold spores and viruses.

In addition to the basic set of options, the humidifier can have different functionality. At the time of buying it is advisable to choose a product with a hygrostat. This will prevent waterlogging of the room, which negatively affects the health of households, books, furniture and paintings. Excessive moisture levels spoil wall, ceiling and floor cladding.

There are models that, in addition to basic work, have night mode. This nuance should be paid attention to those who have a sensitive or disturbed sleep. In addition, in the store you can ask if the model has not only a hygrostat or water filter, but also an ionizer. This function is especially important for allergy sufferers and people with weakened immune systems.

Those who value a set of certain options can look at products with a choice of speed mode of evaporation. The adjustment can be either automatic or manual. It may be useful option to maintain the required humidity level.

As for the type of control, some modifications can be controlled not only by means of the remote control... Achievements of progress allow you to use a regular smartphone as a remote control. The devices have touch screens with the necessary information, as well as indicators that signal the type of work and the need to add water.

Someone more like combined devices or so-called climatic complexes. They are considered advanced because they are often equipped with a step filter system. If the budget is unlimited, you can buy a product with a specific set of sensors (for example, triggered not only by low moisture levels, but tobacco smoke, dust).

Besides the fan, these models have HEPA, carbon, wet filters against bacteria.

Humidifiers are produced by many companies today. At the same time, there are both inexpensive or budget models in their lines, as well as analogues of a high price category, equipped with additional functionality. Products differ in design, which allows you to choose an option that will not stand out from the style and color scheme of the interior. For example, you can buy a device made in the form of an animal, insect, bird, onion, flowerpot, ring.

The top includes products from different brands. For example, products from manufacturers such as Electrolux, Shivaki, Polaris, Philips, Sharp, Winia, Boneco Air-O-Swiss, Tefal. In addition, low-cost models with optimal performance are produced by companies Vitek, Scarlett, Supra. Several of the most popular devices can be noted, which have established themselves as highly efficient, reliable and convenient devices in everyday life.

Traditional model, considered one of the best in its segment. It is characterized by energy saving, based on the principle of self-regulation of evaporated water. Equipped with an antibacterial filtration system, a silver ionizer, and has 2 operating modes (standard and night). This means installing it on the floor, regularly cleaning the water tank and changing the filter no more than once every 3 months.

A kind of ultrasound, optimally compact, in fact proving compliance with the declared characteristics. The design is developed in the form of a night light, you can choose one of the three available colors. The noise level is 35 dB, the model is controlled mechanically, has an indicator of the amount of liquid. Installed on the floor or table, can work 7-8 hours a day every day.

High-grade ultrasonic humidifier, electronically controlled. It has built-in hydrostat, through which the humidity level in a particular room is regulated.

Air washer designed for rooms up to 20 sq. m. The product has 3 degrees of purification: mesh, plasma and wet filters. The device copes with dust, hairs and hairs, pollen, harmful microorganisms. The model is equipped with a backlight, adjustment of the intensity of the work process, an air purification system. It can work continuously within 8 hours, does not need consumables.

An ultrasonic humidifier classified as practical and safe. Able to efficiently handle a room up to 30 sq. m, power consumption is 25 W. Water per hour consumes no more than 300 ml, has a reservoir with a volume of 3.7 liters, is equipped with a hygrostat, a demineralizing cartridge, and a timer. It is compact, silent, equipped with an ionizer, a system for adjusting the speed mode of humidification, and can be operated from a control panel.

High performance ultrasonic type humidifier that sprays moisture in a 360 degree radius. The serving area is 40 sq. m, the device is designed to maintain a comfortable level of humidity and create a favorable microclimate in the manned room.

An ultrasound machine that can be used in a children's room or bedroom. Differs in the convenience of filling the tank, in the absence of water it switches off automatically. Thanks to a special technology, it distributes air evenly throughout the room, does not create a greenhouse effect, and works on the principle of cold evaporation. Equipped with indicator light and digital sensor. It does not make noise, which is why it can work all night long, it has high air purification rates.

A powerful enough device capable of providing an ideal microclimate inside the room. Differs in original external characteristics, thanks to which it will successfully fit into the interior of any room in the home or office space... It can work in two modes: warm and cold (the first consumes 138 W, the second 38 W). Quiet and efficient in operation, easy to operate, compact, but needs to be replaced with consumables.

Budget type model with a tank capacity of 4 liters, suitable for installation in a house, apartment or office space. Belongs to the class of compact products, it sprays moisture in a circle within a radius of 360 degrees. When the water level drops, it signals the need to top up, it is considered a quiet device.

Few people, after buying a device, think about the fact that, in addition to the benefits, it can negatively affect the microclimate of the room. This is usually due to improper operation or violation of safety regulations. Before connecting the device to the network, you must read the instruction manual. This will save the buyer from aimless poking on the buttons, and at the same time save the device from mishandling.

To extend the life of your humidifier, there are a few simple tips to take note of:

• before connecting the device to the network, you must put it on a flat and dry base;
• the surface must be clean, without any inclination, it is important that the device stands firmly on it;
• the humidifier is placed in such a way that there are no foreign objects near it;
• when determining the location, it is important to ensure that the outlet does not point towards a wall, furniture or plants;
• it is necessary not only to change the water in the tank, but also to wash the container itself, remove scale from the heating element (in the versions of the steam type);
• it is important to rid the cartridge of visible dirt, plaque and settling dust;
• it is necessary to wipe the product with a napkin without household chemicals or abrasive substances;
• cartridges are changed as often as indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions for a particular type of product.

Each type of humidifier has its own operating nuances:

• the steam humidifier has a water level indicator, the device is filled with water to the desired level, the lid is closed and connected to the network;
• after the green indicator blinks, select the operating mode;
• as soon as the red indicator lights up, which indicates the lack of water, the device turns off;
• you cannot add water when the device is plugged in and operates in the selected mode;
• do not install the device near heat sources (for example, radiators or heaters);
• the device is equipped with a special compartment for aromatization, you cannot add foreign substances to the liquid reservoir;
• do not fill the device with rusty or dirty water, in extreme cases it must be filtered or defended.

The traditional humidifier also has working points:

• before connecting to the network, the filter is installed in a container for liquid, the lower part is connected and the body of the device is placed;
• water is poured into the tank, after which it is covered with a lid;
• the reservoir is installed on the lower part of the device, after which it is connected to the network and the desired operating mode is selected;
• in order to increase performance, the device is installed near a heat source (radiator);
• water is added to the required level only when the device is turned off from the mains;
• the filter is replaced with the device turned off; during operation, it is necessary to follow the indicators indicating the need for water.

Ultrasonic varieties also have their own rules of work:

• before plugging into the network, it is necessary to lower the cartridge into a container with water and keep it there for at least a day;
• the container is filled with water, well closed with a lid, inserted into the base of the case;
• install the upper part of the device, insert the spray, and then connect the device to the electrical network;
• after the green indicator lights up, select the required humidification mode by selecting the desired humidity value;
• there is no need to regulate the operation of the device, upon reaching the set value, it will turn off by itself;
• if you want to change the value of the humidity level, a special button is used.

If there is no humidifier in the house, and the situation is urgent, you can make an air humidifier using available tools. Modern craftsmen are able to make this device based on plastic bottles, plastic containers (for example, plastic boxes for baby sanitary napkins), containers and even floor fans. And despite the fact that the devices are not very attractive, they function.

For the manufacture of this device, you will need to prepare a wide tape, an empty plastic bottle with a volume of 2 liters, a woven rag and 1 m of gauze. Making a humidifier is as simple as possible. First, a rectangular hole with dimensions of 12x7 cm is cut on the side of the bottle. The container is suspended from the radiator with the cut hole upwards, fixing it with a rope or cloth.

To prevent the homemade humidifier from accidentally toppling over, it is additionally reinforced on the pipe with adhesive tape.

For the manufacture of a simple apparatus, it is worth preparing a plastic container with a volume of 10 liters, ordinary tape and a cooler from a computer. In order to place the cooler inside, it is necessary to cut off the neck by a cut value equal to the cooler size. After that, it is fixed with scotch tape, as well as fasteners made of thick cardboard. This device can be made not only from a plastic bottle, but also from a plastic container of the appropriate size. Supports can be built to make the device more stable if desired.

From plastic containers, you can make not only a simple, but also an ultrasonic model of an air humidifier. This design will consist of a cooler, an ultrasonic transducer, a plastic container, a plastic glass, a corrugated tube, an aluminum corner, a stabilizer and a ring-shaped part from an ordinary children's pyramid.

Using a drill, holes of the required size are drilled in the container lid. The cooler fasteners, steam generating wire and a tube for removing fumes are placed here. The fan is screwed to the container, a corrugated pipe is installed. A floating platform is made, which is necessary for a steam generator, by placing a cup with a hole made in the bottom into the ring-shaped part of the pyramid.

You can use textiles as a filter by placing it on the bottom of the glass and securing it with an elastic band. The steamer is dipped into a glass.

As practice shows, humidifiers designed to create a comfortable indoor microclimate are a popular and discussed product in the list of household items. This is evidenced by customer reviews left on the portals of the world wide web. At the same time, the priorities of buyers differ: some people like ultrasonic models, others prefer to buy air washers, and still others believe that traditional devices are quite suitable for the home. However, in general, buyers highlighted a number of advantages of this technique, for example, devices for humidifying the air are good in that:

• humidify the room to the required humidity level;
• favorably affect the microclimate of the home and living plants;
• contribute to improving the health of a person and things in his home;
• made according to modern technologies, taking into account ergonomics;
• variable in design, and therefore fit perfectly into the interior;
• often equipped with an ionizer, rid the air of tobacco smoke;
• are characterized by simplicity of work, do not emit toxins into the air;
• have good performance, can humidify large rooms;
• may have an inhalation option, which increases their benefit;
• can have automatic adjustment, sometimes they are equipped with a built-in hygrometer;
• do not take up much space, may have flavors;
• differ in different consumption of electrical energy;
• may have built-in sensors that indicate the level of humidity and the degree of air pollution.

However, in addition to the advantages, buyers note in the reviews and negative aspects of air humidifiers. For example, many people do not like the fact that these are not universal products at all, and therefore it takes a long time to figure out what exactly the buyer needs. Among other identified shortcomings, according to consumers, it can be noted:

• different levels of noise, which sometimes prevents you from falling asleep;
• the need to replace filters for certain varieties;
• insufficiently fast work to humidify the room;
• excessive consumption of electrical energy;
• rapid wear of parts of individual structures;
• creating a greenhouse effect inside the room to be humidified;
• the impossibility of air purification for individual products.

In addition, according to customers, products from different groups have different degrees of performance, as well as different service areas. Some slowly humidify the air, while others literally oversaturate it with moisture at the same time. Buyers do not like the need to change cartridges, as well as the fight against scale.

For information on how to choose a humidifier, see the next video.