Desktop humidifiers: description of popular models and secrets of choice

Indoor climate is of great importance for comfort. Air humidity affects health and well-being. Moreover, this factor is reflected not only in humans and animals, but also in plants. Dry air leads to more severe respiratory diseases, dry skin and mucous membranes. In this article, we will look at the varieties of popular desktop air humidifiers.

Desktop humidifier is good for apartment, children's room, office. It should be noted that the principle of operation of the unit directly depends on its type. Let's consider the main types of humidifiers.

• Traditional. The principle of operation of the tabletop structure is based on the evaporation of water. Typically, the kit includes a fluid reservoir, filter and fan. Sometimes manufacturers install floats to measure the amount of water and a silver rod for additional purification.

The fan blows and directs air to the purified liquid. Already humid air returns to the room. The porous filter is in contact with water.

• Steam. The set includes a container for water, a heater, a chamber for raising steam and a spray. More expensive models have a water level indicator and an inhalation nozzle. Water flows in portions to the heating element, turns into steam and returns to the room.

The humidity in the room rises very quickly. Therefore, you need to monitor the state of the air so that the room does not become damp.

• Ultrasonic. All components of the device are in a plastic case. Inside there is an ultrasonic membrane, filters, a water tank, a spray bottle and a fan.

The liquid from the container is transferred to the disk. The membrane vibrates at a frequency of 20 kHz. From such vibrations, water molecules are converted into cold vapor, which is blown out by a fan through a nebulizer.

• Air cleaning. The tabletop humidifier also combines an air purifier. The structure consists of a container for liquid, a drum with blades and a fan. There is no replaceable filter, however, there are coated discs for cleaning, which retains dirt. The fan drives dry air onto a drum, the blades of which rotate according to the principle of a mill.

All impurities remain on the plates, the air is saturated with moisture. The dirt is eventually washed into the sump and disinfected with silver ions.

Small tabletop humidifiers are practical and convenient. Their main advantages are as follows:

• easy to use to maintain moisture;
• some models can be installed near working household appliances;
• small models are easy to move from room to room;
• traditional models are affordable and energy efficient;
• steam humidifiers do not require the use of purified water;
• ultrasonic models are quiet and allow changing the humidification mode.

Each type has its own disadvantages. Traditional designs can humidify a nursery, but cannot handle a large room. Steam humidifiers must be used with care or burns may occur. Ultrasonic models have the least drawbacks, but they consume a lot of energy.

Many manufacturers offer a wide range of air humidifiers.Compact devices can be installed on a table or bedside table. It is practical to place the mini-humidifier on a windowsill so that the incoming air is immediately enriched with moisture. Let's consider the most popular models.

• Venta LW 45. Differs in high productivity. The 10 liter water tank allows you to humidify the air in a large room up to 70 square meters. m. It is noteworthy that the device is energy-saving and consumes only 8 W / hour. The water indicator allows you to replenish the tank in time.

Three operating modes are needed to adjust the intensity and force of the air supply. The cost of the unit is impressive, it is slightly noisy and it is not very comfortable to use it at night.

• Ballu UHB-400. The humidifier is of the ultrasonic type. Externally, the device resembles a night light and has 3 color variations of the body. The noise level is quite acceptable - 35 dB. The mechanical type of control is reliable.

If necessary, the humidifier can be moved from the table to the floor. Replaceable cartridges are designed to purify 150 liters of water. If the device will operate daily for 8 hours, then the filter must be replaced after 45 days.

• Fanline VE-200. A humidifier with a cleaning function of domestic production. The device is designed for air treatment in a small room, about 20 sq. m. Inside there is a mesh filter, a plasma cartridge and a drum with discs.

Wool and other hairs remain on the first barrier, the second removes pollen and large bacteria from the air. The drum completes the cleaning and enriches the air with moisture.

• Philips HU 4706 / HU 4707. The renowned manufacturer offers customers an interesting and functional model. The tabletop humidifier is practical and has a long service life. Weighing 1.3 kg, it only consumes 14 W / h. The water consumption is also low, only 150 ml / hour.

The average noise level allows the device to be used even when resting. The attractive design and high performance make the humidifier popular with customers.

• Boneco 2055DR. The natural way of moisturizing is complemented by a cleansing function. Care is elementary - it is enough to periodically wash the pallet. All parts are permanent, so there is no need to buy additional components. The model consumes little power.

The special design of the discs improves productivity due to longer moisture retention. The silver rod additionally disinfects the water in the tank. There is a special capsule for cotton swabs with drops of aromatic oils.

There is an ionization function, a hygrostat. A special mode allows you to use the humidifier at night with a noise level of up to 25 dB. The daytime way of working is louder but more intense.

• Polaris PUH 5206Di. The ultrasonic humidifier has an air ionizer. Beautiful design, simple operation and high-quality air treatment make the model popular among buyers. The steam supply can be regulated, there are 3 programs. It is possible to automatically maintain the humidity level within 40-85%.

The timer for automatic shutdown can be set for 1-9 hours. Night mode operation is performed without illumination. If the tank is empty, the humidifier switches itself off.

• Electrolux EHU-5515D. The humidifier can be operated with either cold steam or hot steam. This distinguishes it favorably from analogues and allows it to be used equally effectively at any time of the year. Hot steam cleans the air better. The device can work effectively in rooms up to 60 sq. m.

The tank is designed for 6.7 liters of water. The attractive design is suitable for any interior in a modern style. Intelligent control provides an informative display.

• Boneco S450. Humidifies the air with warm steam. The built-in hygrometer and different steam settings allow you to create an optimal microclimate in the room.The kit includes a special cleaner for the device.

You can set automatic maintenance of humidity at the level of 30-70%. Economy mode activates an automatic shutdown when the air is 45% enriched with water molecules. When the tank is empty, operation stops. Can be used for inhalation and aroma therapies.

Modern devices for air humidification are sold in a wide range and at different prices. When choosing, it is worth considering TWhat are the factors.

1. The size of the water tank. When choosing, it is worth focusing on the size of the room in which the unit will be used.
2. Warm or cold steam... Cold evaporation is suitable for warm climates, for the summer season. Warm steam is best used in cold weather. It is worth noting that some thermal humidifiers can be used for inhalation and aromatherapy.
3. Built-in hygrometer and hygrostat... The first will help determine the moisture level in the room. The hygrostat, in turn, allows you to set a certain indicator and maintain it automatically. It should be noted that it is optimal to maintain 45-50% humidity. A higher value increases the activity of pathogens.
4. White plaque formation... Some humidifiers (usually ultrasonic) can cause a dust film to form on furnishings. It is not worth using such devices. Mineral dust is bad for health.
5. Automatic shutdown. If this function is not available, the use of the unit is fire hazardous. The humidifier can continue to operate without liquid, overheat and start to smoke. The device may only be used under supervision.
6. Care and cleansing. It is worth making sure in advance that it will be easy to care for the humidifier. If you do not clean the reservoir in time, then harmful microorganisms will begin to multiply inside, which will lead to diseases of the household. Some types of devices need to be filled with water and rinsed regularly. Expensive models have permanent filters, while budget models need to be changed regularly.
7. Noise level. The operation of the motor always produces a characteristic sound. This can interfere with night use. Expensive humidifiers can be equipped with a special quiet mode of operation. It should be noted that ultrasonic models are a priori quieter than steam models.
8. Price. It is worth calculating in advance the price of the humidifier itself, the costs of maintenance and consumables. Devices with cold steam can only operate on distilled water, which will have to be purchased additionally. There are models where you periodically need to replace cartridges and filters. Sometimes it makes sense to pay more for the humidifier itself, so as not to spend money on additional components.

It should be noted that after stopping work, it is better to drain the remaining water. Liquid in a closed container is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Some humidifier models may have additional benefits in the form of ozonation, aromatization, ionization. Such functions help to additionally clean the air or fill the room with a pleasant smell. In most cases, functions can be disabled at will.

Desktop humidifiers are fairly easy to use. It is enough to pour water into the tank and turn on the device. With adequate care, humidifiers have a long service life. The basic rules are as follows.

1. The water tank should be cleaned every 2 months. For this, a solution of soda and citric acid is used.
2. Common household bleaches allow you to more effectively fight bacteria in liquid containers.
3. Disinfect the nozzle every 10 days. and an adapter using a vinegar solution.
4. If the model is equipped with a filter, then you need to replace it with the frequency with which the manufacturer recommends.

It is necessary to read the instructions. The use of aggressive detergents is discouraged. The molecules of the compounds still remain on the walls of the tanks and get into the air.

For information on how to care for your humidifier, see the video.