Steam humidifiers: description, types and recommendations for choosing

Water balance is an important indicator that has a direct impact on the state of the body and the work of all internal organs. A modern person spends most of his life in concrete buildings, where household appliances and a centralized heating system have a negative impact on the microclimate of the premises, drying out the air in them.

Constant exposure to low humidity leads to poor health, the emergence of chronic diseases, as well as a decrease in immunity. Long and painstaking work of scientists and engineers to solve this problem led to the emergence of air humidifiers on the market. There are several types of these devices, which differ in design and principle of operation, but, despite the functional differences, all of them are aimed at improving the indoor atmosphere and improving the quality of human life. One of the modern developments of scientists is a steam humidifier.

A steam humidifier is an electrical device, the action of which is aimed at increasing the humidity of air masses. This device improves the quality of life not only for adults, but also for children. It is babies who most often suffer from dry air, which leads to drying out of the mucous membrane of the nose and throat, which necessarily provokes an increase in the number of viral and infectious diseases. The optimal level of humidity in common areas is about 40%, but in children's rooms this indicator should be increased to 55%. The humidity indicators of any room must necessarily comply with GOSTs established by state sanitary organizations.

The principle of operation of a steam humidifier has common features with the operation of an ordinary household kettle and consists in the release of steam during the boiling of water. This device consists of the following elements:

• water tank;
• TEN (heating element);
• falling valve (evaporator).

Some models can be equipped with additional containers for fragrances and special nozzles for inhalation, as well as noise suppressors. Some manufacturers install special timers on their models, with which you can independently set the time to turn on and off the device. For residents of ecologically unfavorable regions, the basic set of components is supplemented with ionizers, ozonizers and ultraviolet devices, which help to purify and enrich the air with useful substances as much as possible.

Like any household appliance, a steam humidifier has a number of positive and negative characteristics.

Advantages:

• affordable price range;
• efficiency;
• high level of productivity;
• rapid rise in humidity levels;
• maximum cleaning of air masses from dust and various microorganisms;
• a source of additional heat during the release of warm steam;
• the ability to aromatize the room and perform inhalation procedures in the presence of special nozzles;
• the ability to use ordinary tap water;
• no need to clean and replace filters.

Disadvantages:

• consumption of large amounts of electrical energy;
• lack of humidity control sensor for many models;
• the need for additional measurements of humidity using a hygrostat;
• the presence of a high noise level;
• inability to use in the presence of diseases of the upper respiratory tract and in rooms with small children;
• inability to use in rooms with wooden furniture and books;
• the appearance on furniture and household appliances of white plaque, which consists of mineral dust and negatively affects human health.

On the shelves of modern stores you can find two types of air humidifiers:

• with cold steam;
• with hot steam.

The principle of operation of the humidifier of cold evaporation is based on the passage of air with the help of a fan through a special mesh that cleans the air flows from harmful impurities and dangerous microorganisms, then the air is humidified and discharged into the room absolutely clean and enriched with water particles. Hot air appliances work on the same principle, but only water particles are first heated, and only then are mixed with air masses.

Both models have built-in sensors that correct the level of humidity in the apartment and prevent it from increasing excessively. As soon as the amount of water particles exceeds the norm, the device automatically turns off the humidification device.

Thanks to innovative developments, manufacturers produce a wide range of these devices. Not all models are distinguished by a high level of reliability and efficiency, therefore, experts recommend paying attention to the following steam generators.

• Bionaire CM-1 - a powerful product that harmoniously combines price and quality. Hot steam in this model is mixed with cold steam when served, which significantly reduces the likelihood of burns.

• Boneco Air-O-Swiss S450 - high-quality steam generator, the volume of water in which is enough for 8 hours of continuous operation. The device is equipped with the maximum number of additional elements.

• Delonghi UH 700M Is a popular model that has an affordable price and a creative look. Disadvantages - the rapid formation of scale, the complexity of care and operation, the presence of an unpleasant odor.

Before going to the store for a new device, experts recommend that you decide in advance on the required model and the acceptable price range. Despite the variety, experts recommend taking into account the following basic parameters of all air humidifiers:

• type of evaporation - an indicator, the choice of which is directly influenced by the climatic conditions of the region of residence (cold steam - for southern countries, hot steam - for northern regions);
• the volume of the water tank is an indicator that must correspond to the area of ​​the room;
• the presence of a built-in hygrometer, which will prevent overmoistening of the air and the appearance of fungi, bacteria and dangerous microorganisms in a humid environment;
• the presence of a hygrostat that automatically adjusts a comfortable humidity level;
• an automatic shutdown system is an important element that will prevent the occurrence of fires and ignition of electrical wiring when the engine overheats - this situation can occur if the tank runs out of water, and the device continues to work;
• the level of sound vibrations is an indicator that has a direct impact on the well-being of others;
• ease of care and operation - parameters that affect the financial and physical costs when using the device;
• price range is an indicator that includes not only the price of the device, but also the cost of purchasing additional materials, as well as the financial costs of maintaining and repairing the device.

To maximize the service life of air humidifiers, well-known brands attach detailed instructions for their use to their products, as well as tips for preventing and eliminating possible breakdowns and malfunctions. All recommendations are written in an accessible and simple language, as well as supplemented with graphic images.

But, despite the presence of detailed instructions, experts recommend paying attention to the following recommendations:

• daily water change;
• using the device only in a room with a humidity level of less than 70%;
• installing the device only on a flat and solid surface;
• cleaning and repairing only the switched off device;
• weekly washing of tanks and removal of accumulated deposits and scale;
• Regularly wiping the surface of the case with a mild vinegar solution, which will prevent the appearance of streaks and stains.

It is strictly forbidden to place foreign objects on the switched on humidifier, and also to wash electrical parts. Experts do not recommend using hard brushes and sponges when cleaning the device, as well as chemical cleaners with abrasive particles, which can lead to unaesthetic scratches.

To clean the humidifier, experts recommend purchasing special products., a wide range of which can be seen in specialized stores, or simply dilute a small amount of soda in water. After carrying out all the procedures, it is imperative to rinse all elements with clean running water.

A steam humidifier is a household appliance, during the operation of which a number of difficulties can arise. Experts recommend paying attention to the main problems, as well as the causes and ways to solve them.

• Wiring wet - a common problem that can lead to a short circuit in the electrical system and damage to property. The reason is the ingress of water into the interior of the case due to improper care or use.
• Steam does not go (or does not go well) - a breakdown in which the device stopped emitting steam. The reasons are damage to the generator, oxidation of contacts, breakdown of the fan, violation of the integrity of the membrane.
• Lack of water supply - a malfunction that can be caused by a breakdown of the emitter or water level sensor.
• Unpleasant odor - a dangerous defect that can be caused by the appearance of pathogenic bacteria or stagnant water. The problem can be solved with disinfection and a complete fluid change.
• Lack of air flow - a common problem caused by a broken fan or motor.

For an overview of the Boneco steam humidifier, see the following video.