Ultrasonic humidifiers: what are they and how do they work?

Comfortable housing is not luxury furniture and a huge area of ​​the apartment. These are, first of all, conditions sufficient for a particular person, in which convenience and aesthetics are combined, as well as the organization of space aimed at maintaining health and well-being. One of the indispensable elements of such a space is an air humidifier. Among the variety of types of this device, pay attention to the ultrasound system.

The ultrasonic humidifier belongs to climatic equipment. And today such products are in great demand. Such a device works offline. The wide range of the humidifier and the features of its functioning seduce the buyer. Ultrasound models are optimal for home with small children, as they work quietly and are completely safe. They are often used in rooms where frequent ventilation is required or where a humid atmosphere is indispensable. Ultrasonic equipment is purchased for winter gardens and greenhouses.

It is noteworthy that this device works without steam. This means that it performs its functions without heating the liquid. This increases the safety performance of the equipment for those around it.

The device is relatively simple: a reservoir with water is located in a plastic case. There is a modest control panel on the base of the humidifier. It is she who allows you to control and change the modes of operation of the emitter (spray) of moisture. The main mechanism of the device is represented by the following elements:

• filter system;
• water softener (not available on all models);
• a small chamber that creates "cold steam";
• low fan power.

A modern ultrasonic humidifier works according to a scheme that creates "cold steam", thanks to which the level of humidity in the room increases. During operation, the equipment does not heat the liquid, therefore it also consumes the minimum of electricity. The action of the device can be represented as the following algorithm:

1. the humidifier tank is filled with distilled (or simply as pure as possible) water; this must be done strictly according to the instructions attached to the climate device;
2. water ends up in a filtration cartridge, where it receives additional softening and purification;
3. the liquid is slightly warmed up, and then moves to the evaporation chamber; in the lower section of this chamber there is an ultrasonic membrane, and when the device is activated, the membrane vibrates at a frequency of 20 kHz, so it turns out that the water "splits" to microparticles, forms something that can be called a cold fog;
4. if you look closely at the main part of the case, you can find a quiet, low-power fan under it; it is he who conducts the steam up, towards the atomizer.

If you choose among the most modern models of ultrasonic humidifiers, you can purchase a device equipped with an ultraviolet lamp. It is capable of shining through small particles of water, which allows it to destroy bacteria. It turns out that only clean air is in the room.

Any technique can have a lot of advantages, but it rarely does without drawbacks. The benefits seem obvious - the very function of the device leaves no doubt about its necessity. Humidified air in an apartment is the health of its inhabitants. It has been proven that people who live in dry air are more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Or rather, not they themselves, but the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs. Finally, in dry air, the harm is also dust, which is always much less in humidified air.

The benefits of an ultrasonic humidifier are as follows:

• minimum noise during use;
• atomization of water to microparticles;
• high ergonomics;
• compactness of the device;
• maintainability of the device;
• built-in hygrometer available.

If we say what moisturizers can be harmful, then it is more correct to call it shortcomings, rather than outright harm. The fact is that the device, as it happens, sometimes works with untreated water, so a plaque can form on furniture that is close to the humidifier. This plaque is nothing more than the salts present in the water. And when that same "cold fog" evaporates, salts can settle on furniture, on other objects in the room.

The device itself is completely harmless to human health. Pets, too, will not be affected in any way by the action of technology. But there is also a "but" here: when a person inhales steam with salt particles, they end up in the lungs. A healthy person will not notice this in any way, but allergy sufferers and asthmatics can feel it.

If it works correctly, then it makes sense to install an ultrasonic humidifier in the nursery even before the baby is born. If the device functions, then the baby growing in such a room will not suffer from "crusts" in the nose, his breathing will be uncomplicated, sleep and appetite will be normal.

Before buying a device, a potential buyer has a traditional question: how does an ultrasonic device differ from a standard steam humidifier. In an ultrasonic system, water that hits a plate vibrating at a high frequency is sprayed into a cloud. Air is driven through this cloud, which is sucked from the room. The air, saturated with moisture, is returned to the room under the pressure of the fan. Roughly speaking, a steam humidifier, according to its scheme of action, is in many ways similar to an ordinary electric kettle. A liquid heats up inside the body of the device, then it is thrown out through the sprayer - this is how the air in the room is humidified. Hot steam kills germs along the way.

An ultrasonic humidifier is worth buying in the following cases:

• if you want to change the microclimate of your home for the better, using high-performance and comfortable equipment;
• there is a desire to have compact appliances in the apartment, which, if necessary, can be transferred from room to room;
• if you live in relatively clean areas from an environmental point of view, and do not suffer from asthma and allergies;
• if you are not afraid of spending on the purchase of cartridges (this must be done regularly), on the purchase of distilled water, and also replacement filters;
• if you are looking for a quiet machine.

The following review presents the 8 best models of climate technology, and more specifically, ultrasonic-type air humidifiers.

• Stadler Form Jack J-020 / J021. The device works silently, has a convenient tank with a carrying handle, "silver" the water.

• Royal Clima Sanremo. Affordable price, ease of service and management, in the presence of an ionizer that can be turned off. The equipment is equipped with eye-pleasing illumination. There is a fragrance in the system.

• Sinbo SAH 6111. Nice colors, the convenience of the water gulf, it stands firmly on its legs. This model works quietly, as easy to operate as possible.

• Ballu UHB-310. In this device, you can turn the spray of the humidifier. It is possible to mechanically switch the operating mode. It stops automatically. It is convenient for the user to refill the reservoir. This model is very quiet.

• Timberk Thu Ul 03. This option works quietly and even smells the air. Spray direction can be adjusted. The device has a water level indicator.

• Leberg LH-803. It is lightweight and beautiful, very easy to operate unit. Its tank lasts for a long time. A humidifier is often chosen for use in the nursery.

• AIC SPS-748. This is a simple, compact, bright design device. It works quietly, consumes a minimum of energy. The speed of this technique can be adjusted. It's affordable.

• Electrolux Ehu-3510d / 3515d. It is a compact and high-power equipment that boasts quiet operation, built-in UV lamp, and available drop size regulator. This model has a "silver" filter. The device has a hygrometer, as well as an auto-off function. The fluid reservoir is quite spacious.

In any case, the choice is quite large. It is better to formulate the requirements for the technique even before buying, in order to choose a specific device in the store. For example, let's give a request to a consultant like: you need an ultrasonic humidifier, with a hygrometer, with air aromatization, silent, and so on.

When choosing a household humidifier for an apartment, the buyer usually makes compromises. And so that the choice is not impulsive, one must not stray from clearly defined criteria. The choice is based on an assessment of the following points:

• technical characteristics - decide on the type and type of device (for example, ultrasonic, duct), with its size and additional functions;
• cost is already your financial capabilities and willingness to part with a certain amount;
• safety - whether there are children, asthmatics, allergies in the family (this is usually taken into account).

This can be done in theory, especially if you have experience in design. After reviewing forums and sites where craftsmen talk about making homemade climatic equipment, you can outline the process or important points of such work. The components of a homemade humidifier include the following:

1. ultrasonic generators of "cold fog" are purchased at low cost on Korean sites;
2. power supplies of the required characteristics are difficult to find, therefore, craftsmen often purchase generators with power supplies;
3. cooler - computer power supplies are often assigned to this role;
4. container - in the household market you can find suitable transparent containers with a lid;
5. floating platform for generators - a system with a powerful name is represented by polystyrene, a plastic cup, a bottleneck, the system is held together with hot melt glue;
6. nozzle - you can take a regular PET bottle.

The assembly of the device includes the installation of the fan, nozzle, back side of the cover, power cable entry.

An instructional document is always attached to the device itself, keep it, if not at hand, then under control, do not lose it. Basically, the rules of use are as follows:

1. even before the first turn on, the device must be left in the room for half an hour;
2. after that, connect it to the mains - if you haven't thought of filling in water, do not plug the humidifier into the mains; the device is usually turned on with a touch button on the panel;
3. if there is not enough water in the device, the built-in indicator will let you know;
4. do not allow water to enter the base of the device, do not transfer the device to another room if the reservoir is filled to the maximum.

There are typical malfunctions, the causes of which in most cases converge. For example, the indicators on the appliance are off and par. This means that: either the humidifier is not connected to the mains (with whom it does not happen), or there is no voltage in the mains. If the indicator is on, but there is no steam, the case may be in an empty liquid reservoir or, on the contrary, the reservoir is overfilled. Other common problems are worth noting, namely:

• when turned on, unpleasant odors are felt - either the device itself is new, or the water is dirty or simply stagnant;
• little steam - it can be a contamination of the emitter or the same stagnant water;
• a lot of noise - there may be not enough water in the tank or the fact is that the humidifier is unstable on the surface.

Reviews posted on various thematic sites are often highly informative. They are quite detailed and interesting to read, but discount the author's subjectivity. You cannot know for sure that it does not violate the rules for using the device. Regarding ultrasonic humidifiers, most often the authors of the reviews mention them due to the following qualities:

• safety - as the main criterion for purchasing a device for a nursery;
• noiselessness of work - and this is also important for a favorable psychological mood in the house;
• ease of cleaning - the system is clear to operate and maintain;
• additional functions - for example, air aromatization.

And the authors of reviews often complain about not the most significant characteristics. For example, the lack of a remote control in some models. Although it is usually present in rating devices.

For information on how to make an ultrasonic humidifier with your own hands, see the next video.