Which air humidifier is better to choose for an apartment. Recommendations for choosing an air humidifier Air humidifier for the entire apartment

An air humidifier is a device that allows you to create an optimal microclimate in a room or apartment. It is very important for a children's room, as it helps reduce the risk of diseases in children. The device is indispensable if the baby is often sick. It should be remembered that most heaters dry the air, which contributes to the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, so the device will be useful not only for children, but also for adults. It disinfects the air in the room and is a barrier to the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. In this article we will tell readers of the site how to choose an air humidifier for an apartment and which one is better in 2017.

Types of devices

• A humidifier that works on the principle of natural evaporation. The design of the device in this case is extremely simple - a water container with a cooler that blows out the evaporating water, thus producing cold steam. This type has a low level of efficiency and is a bad option for a home where there are small children, since the air is humidified rather slowly.
• Steam - moisture enters the air in the apartment in the form of hot steam. The principle of operation of this type is quite simple - humidification is carried out by heating water. A clear example is a boiling kettle. A steam humidifier has 2 significant disadvantages:

1. High energy consumption. Heating elements are characterized by a high level of electricity consumption.
2. Low level of safety; it is necessary to ensure that the humidifier is placed in a place inaccessible to a small child, as the baby may get burned. And adults need to be careful.

The advantage of choosing this type is the ability to combine moisturizing and aromatization.

• Ultrasonic type - the operating principle of such a device is based on the vibration of a membrane, which turns water into a tiny aerosol. Water dust also humidifies the air in an apartment or house. This technology is considered the most effective in terms of humidification, energy consumption, and safety. The advantage is also the speed of operation; the increase in humidity begins immediately after turning on the device. Disadvantage: using water with impurities will lead to a white coating in the apartment.
• Air washing is nanotechnology. A complex that automatically creates an optimal microclimate in the apartment: cleans and ionizes the air. Choosing a type of device with a purifier and ionizer is complicated by its high cost. It is several times higher than the price of the three types listed above.

All types of household humidifiers have only one feature in common – the absence of noise. We've sorted out the types, now let's talk about what functions you need to pay attention to if you want to choose an inexpensive but good air humidifier in 2017.

Additional features

The choice of device may be determined by additional functions:

• A display indicating the air temperature in the apartment, room and humidity level. This feature is useful and very convenient.
• Remote control. You can turn the humidifier on and off using the remote control from a distance. This is the so-called option for the lazy. But at the same time, many believe that this function is overkill and you can easily take several steps to turn on the device. Here the choice depends solely on the preferences of the buyer. Keep in mind that the more features the model you decide to choose, the more it will cost.

Let's sum it up

Obviously, in terms of practicality for your home, it is best to choose an ultrasonic humidifier. But the choice is also determined by cost. And here the situation is somewhat difficult, since all types of humidifiers have different prices. For example, a device based on the principle of natural evaporation may cost more than an ultrasonic one and vice versa.

The determining factor here is the manufacturer. In order not to overpay for a promoted name, you need to choose based on technical characteristics, needs and financial capabilities. The best companies producing these devices are Boneco Air-o-Swiss, Timberk, Electrolux, Sharp, Philips and Ballu. If you want to choose a high-quality humidifier without overpaying, we recommend that you give preference to the manufacturer’s data. However, keep in mind that the price will be higher than that of Chinese counterparts. Among the inexpensive domestic brands, I would like to highlight Atmos, whose products are gradually conquering the Russian market.

Despite the fact that you need to pay special attention to the manufacturer, in most cases the choice is as follows: ultrasonic or steam. But which is better if both options have the same parameters and cost? This is where expediency and practicality come to the fore.

The first factor is the right choice of area. For a children's room, a humidifier designed for 25 m2 is sufficient, but if you need to humidify a large area, for example, an apartment, then you should choose a more powerful device. There are models aimed at humidifying the air in a room up to 60 m2.

The second factor is safety. For a child aged 2 to 10 years, it is better to buy an ultrasonic humidifier to avoid injuries and burns.

The third factor is the possibility of various kinds of reactions, for example, the sudden appearance of a cough in a child. This factor is the most controversial and little studied. It is difficult to give any advice here. One solution to the problem may be to choose a high-quality humidifier from a well-known brand. In this case, an overpayment will be appropriate. Another factor affecting the operation of the device is water. It is advisable to use purified liquid, since tap liquid contains many different elements that are not always useful. This is especially important to consider in case of allergies and pregnancy.

Important! It should be remembered that ultrasonic or steam, as well as a device operating on the principle of natural evaporation, will not by itself solve the problem in terms of air disinfection. A household humidifier will become an effective assistant if you carry out a set of measures that includes systematic ventilation and wet cleaning. Only in this case will the maximum benefit for the newborn be achieved and problems with allergies and pregnancy will not arise. In addition, the risk of such reactions will be significantly reduced.

It is equally important to carry out systematic maintenance of the device. Guidance regarding this can be found in the documentation that came with it. The vast majority of people ignore the instructions or study only the “Management” section. And this is a very important component of normal operation in terms of efficiency (efficiency factor).

The filters collect various substances and pathogenic bacteria, which must be periodically removed by replacing the filter element. The most practical in this regard is the microclimatic air washing complex. Devices of this class are equipped with indicators that signal the need to replace the filter and ionizing rod.

As a result, in order to choose the right humidifier, it is necessary to take into account the following factors and find the arithmetic average between:

• technical characteristics - selection by type, area, set of additional functions;
• cost – the choice directly depends on financial capabilities;
• safety – applies to steam humidifiers, as well as the manufacturer (if you choose an expensive model, then there is a greater guarantee of the absence of unexpected reactions, for example, allergic ones).

Model rating

Well, the last thing I would like to talk about is which models of air humidifiers are considered the best today. If you don’t know which device to choose based on price and quality, you can safely choose the most suitable option from the list we provide.

The best air humidifiers for a children's room, with a creative design and a price from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles:

1. Ballu UHB-270 M Winnie Pooh
2. Scarlett SC-AH986M06
3. Atmos 2640
4. Marta MT-2659
5. Ballu AP-105

If you need a humidifier for an apartment or the whole house, we recommend choosing one of the following 5 models, which are quite popular in 2017:

1. Panasonic F-VXK70 (designed for 52 sq.m.)
2. Boneco H680 (100 sq.m.)
3. Sharp KC-D51RW (up to 40 sq.m.)
4. Euromate Grace Electrostatic (up to 90 sq.m.)
5. Winia AWX-70 (50 sq.m.)

Expert opinion

School of Doctor Komarovsky

So we have provided tips on choosing a device for humidification. We hope our tips helped you and now you know how to choose an air humidifier for your apartment and which one is better in terms of price and quality in 2017!

When imagining an ideal home, few people think about the air quality in it as one of the key criteria. Most often, people imagine completely different images, such as space, light, warmth, silence, a cozy interior. However, this is a very important aspect that must be taken into account and controlled. Air humidity in rooms where people spend a lot of time can significantly affect the health of all family members. That's why every person needs to know how to choose a humidifier for their home.

• Show all

  Signs of dry air

  It is not so easy to understand that the air in the apartment has become too dry. Most often, this phenomenon occurs in the cold season due to the startup of central heating equipment. The following may indicate that you need to purchase a humidifier:

  1. 1. There is a feeling of dehydration. Sometimes there is excitement and fatigue at the same time.
  2. 2. The skin becomes dry and itchy at the same time.
  3. 3. Family members are more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases. Children are especially susceptible to them.
  4. 4. A feeling of irritation appears in the eyes and throat mucosa.
  5. 5. The skin on the lips is cracking.

  In addition to the effects that dry air has on a person and his family, too low a humidity level affects the health of houseplants.

  Lack of water vapor leads to the appearance of yellowness and curling of their leaves. Flowers have to be watered more often than usual. All this suggests that it’s time to figure out how to choose the right one.

  

  Benefits of use

  The device maintains the relative humidity level within normal limits. It is especially important to install it in rooms where people sleep and spend a lot of time. The device allows:

  

  We test different models of air humidifiers

  

  Children's room

  A child's respiratory system is not as well developed as an adult's, and this is especially true for infants. Babies are very sensitive to respiratory diseases, so a good humidifier should be in their room. It will protect children from excessive dryness of mucous membranes, allergies, strengthen their immune system and make them feel better, even if their nose is clogged.

  If you choose a model that can also add aromatic oils, air humidity control sessions will turn into healing therapy for babies. In appearance, such devices are often quite original.

  This is done using a device called a hygrometer. The recommended level is 45−55%. This indicator is relative humidity, expressed as a percentage, more precisely in the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to its maximum saturation. When the specified value is exceeded, condensation occurs.

  It is also useful to know that humidity levels affect how the body perceives air temperature. The subjective perceived temperature in a room may differ from that on a thermometer. For maximum comfort, it is recommended to provide lower humidity in summer and higher humidity in winter.

  Humidifiers come with a built-in humidity sensor or even automatically start the device when the levels in the apartment are below the minimum.

  

  Types of devices

  There are two main categories of humidifiers on the market: traditional and ultrasonic. Traditional ones are also divided into 2 types: cold and hot steam. A cold air humidifier does not heat the air that evaporates indoors, so it is suitable for any season and works by spraying a stream of water or passing ventilated air over a container of water. It should be cleaned frequently and thoroughly to avoid bacteria buildup. In winter, this device can lower the room temperature and is recommended for people suffering from asthma and allergies.

  A hot air humidifier kills bacteria and germs in the room due to the high temperature of the steam produced. Therefore, this is a good option, especially for young children. It reduces the risk of disease, but provided that the device is placed where children cannot reach it. These humidifiers are recommended for people with allergies. The devices are raised, so they are not suitable for the warm season.

  The operating principle of ultrasonic humidifiers is that ultrasound enters the water in a container. It disperses it into fine particles and distributes it indoors using a fan. Ultrasonic equipment is also capable of generating hot and cold air. As a rule, these devices are quieter than traditional ones.

  The ionization function is an indoor method. Now Russian homes are under attack from both dust and positive ions emanating from electronic devices (computers, household appliances, phosphorescent lighting). They cause fatigue and must be balanced by a system that generates negative ions. The ionizer produces positive ions. It gets dirty and must be cleaned periodically.

  How to choose the right humidifier? - Everything will be fine. Issue 906 from 1.11.16

  There are so many different humidifiers on the market today that choosing a model should be carefully considered. You need to evaluate all the details and functions that they have. There is a whole list of criteria worthy of attention.

  The type of air they work with is one of the key considerations. You can choose a cold or hot steam model, depending on the season for which you want to use it, the temperature at which a person feels good, and the need to destroy bacteria and viruses in the house. Other important parameters:

  

  The air purification or ionization function can be especially useful in homes with a lot of electronic equipment, in children's rooms or in areas where there is a lot of dust. The following options are also relevant:

  

  A longer power cable may be important if the device is going to be placed in a small child's room. The humidifier can be placed at a height where the baby cannot access it.

  The ideal weight and size will depend on where the device is placed. A small and simple design model is suitable if you plan to move it from one room to another. But the size is directly related to the capacity of the tank, so you will have to choose one.

  There is no need to indulge in horror as the cold season approaches. The likelihood of getting sick and experiencing unpleasant consequences of exposure to dry air can be eliminated if you purchase. This device will help you get through an unpleasant period easily and naturally.

Our rooms are in greatest need of humidification during the heating season. In this article you will learn which humidifier to choose for your apartment. Here you will find an overview of the best models, consider their main functions, as well as advantages and disadvantages.

The correct humidity level in our homes is considered to be 45-55%, but it is extremely rare. To further increase indoor air humidity, you need to use humidifiers, because this is necessary, at a minimum, to improve our health and well-being.

Why do you need an air humidifier? It creates a comfortable microclimate in the house, is silent and safe to operate. It is a good solution for humidifying the air in a children's room.

Dry air negatively affects your well-being and leads to:
1. decreased immunity;
2. dry mucous membranes;
3. tendency to allergic reactions.

The optimal moisture content in the air for the human body, depending on the time of year, is 40-60%.

If you don't know the humidity level in your home, you might be surprised when you measure it. In most apartments that are not equipped with special climate control equipment, the humidity level is only 20-25%.

Depressing numbers, right? After all, even in the arid Sahara the relative humidity is at least 30%. For a comfortable existence, an adult needs 40-50%, and small children about 70% relative humidity in the room.

Low air humidity leads to dry skin, pain in the eyes, as well as a high risk of developing asthmatic and acute viral diseases.

Children's sleep is disturbed, nervousness increases, whims become more frequent, in addition, the dry nasal mucosa does not create the necessary protective barrier, the child's immunity decreases and he begins to get sick often.

Lack of moisture in the room, especially in winter, has a detrimental effect on house plants. If you notice that the leaves of an indoor flower have begun to turn yellow, dry out or fall off, then you should think about additional humidification of the air in the house.

The simplest “old-fashioned” way to increase air humidity in an apartment is to hang wet laundry in each room. This natural humidifier, of course, works, but only for a short time, and laundry hanging in all corners is unlikely to add attractiveness to your home.

A humidifier will help you achieve the optimal level of humidity in your apartment using more modern methods.

Climate control equipment is designed to increase indoor air humidity, as well as maintain comfortable living conditions for humans.

If we consider such an aspect of the operation of devices as the harm or benefit of air humidifiers, we should not forget that even pieces of furniture, room decoration and plants can be influenced.

Advantages of using climate control equipment for a room:
• Excessively dry air has a negative impact on the condition of natural floor coverings. Without the required level of moisture, wood or parquet floors begin to dry out.
• The surface of the flooring becomes brittle, which accelerates the wear process. With a humidifier this problem disappears.
• Low humidity has a detrimental effect on plants. Flowers and green spaces in the house slow down in growth, turn yellow and dry out. The humidifier maintains optimal conditions for plants, which not only please the eye, but also produce additional oxygen.
• Wooden furniture, as well as door jambs in a dry room, may develop cracks over time. Climate control technology maintains the wood in good condition, increasing the service life of the furniture.

Pay attention! These benefits can be classified as secondary benefits.

A humidifier does not actually create an ideal microclimate, because it only affects one of the components of the room atmosphere - humidity. A person’s well-being and health are also influenced by other factors, the combination of which creates an optimal living environment.

Pros and cons for indoor microclimate

Touching on the topic of the advantages and disadvantages of humidifiers, it is worth noting that the same amount of water vapor can have different effects on a person’s well-being. The higher the temperature of the air, the more moisture it will absorb.

This can be traced according to a certain pattern. So, if 1 m³ of air contains 2.5 mg of water, and the room temperature is 1 ° C, then the relative humidity will be 50%, because 1 m³ of air can absorb no more than 5 mg of water.

During the heating season, the air heats up to a temperature of 21°C, causing humidity to drop to 14%. This is due to the fact that dry air can hold not 5, but 18 mg of water.

In this case, a person experiences a feeling of discomfort, which can be eliminated by replenishing the humidity to the required percentage using a humidifier.

The centralized heating system in winter can warm the air in the room to 21-24°C. Such a high indicator provokes its uncontrolled saturation with water vapor. As a result, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe.

The cleanliness of the air also affects a person's well-being. In a closed space, various compounds accumulate in gaseous form:
1. human waste products;
2. polymer fumes emitted by the finishing of the room;
3. gases formed during cooking;
4. harmful microorganisms.

Pay attention! The device partially improves the situation (if we are talking about the air washer Boneco Air-o-Swiss E 2441 A), however, only thorough ventilation can fully eliminate the negative impact.

A similar situation occurs in the case of allergy pathogens, as well as dust. To combat them, radical measures are needed: dry cleaning of carpets, wet and dry cleaning of the room, thorough washing and evaporation of curtains.

Harm and benefit: expert reviews

Some of the shortcomings noted by users are actually imaginary. Many of these popular opinions are easily explained or refuted by experts.

Air humidification can provoke a sore throat - indeed, if the humidity in the room exceeds 80%, not only children, but also adults can get a sore throat.

Due to excess moisture, mucus accumulates in the human respiratory tract, creating comfortable conditions for bacteria. The ideal rate for adults is 45-60%, and for children - 50-70%.

A centralized heating system in winter does not allow this value to rise above 35%. The humidifier just compensates for the difference that is missing from the norm. In summer, application also contributes to drying of the air, so additional humidification will be required during this season.

The device does not help achieve optimal conditions - in order to maintain certain conditions in the room, it is important to take into account its area when choosing a device, as well as the power of the device itself.

If the equipment is designed to effectively process a room measuring 15 m², then for rooms of 25 m² its power will not be enough.

A humidifier is dangerous for a child - using a steam device, for example, the Polaris PUH 2204 humidifier, is dangerous, because the baby can receive thermal damage to the skin from hot steam.

In this case, you can simply place the device out of the reach of children or limit yourself to purchasing, for example, an Electrolux EHU 3715 D ultrasonic air humidifier or a traditional one. Such devices are completely safe.

High costs for consumables – the cost of consumables is high, but the frequency of their replacement in each humidifier is different. Before purchasing, you need to carefully study the instructions and check the price of filters and membranes in different stores.

Despite many prejudices against air humidifiers, this type of climate equipment is in high demand. This popularity is due to the opinion of modern doctors.

Pay attention! From a medical point of view, dry air is extremely harmful to human health, and for a child’s body it is simply dangerous. Doctors say that these devices do much more good than harm.

The benefits of climate control equipment designed for humidification:
• Regulation of heat exchange in a child - the body of young children generates much more heat than the body of an adult. However, it is transmitted to the environment not through the skin, but through the lungs. Due to dry air and severe loss of moisture, the blood in the child’s body begins to thicken.
• In some cases, the functioning of internal organs is disrupted. Dry air causes crusts to form on the mucous membranes of infants. They create obstacles to normal breathing and can even block it completely.
• Reducing the risk of developing a respiratory disease - when mucus dries, all processes of neutralizing bacteria and viruses are blocked, which can lead to otitis media, bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia in a dry room.
• Healing and rejuvenating effect on the skin - peeling due to low humidity is eliminated, skin irritation goes away and the number of wrinkles decreases.
• In addition, humidifiers maintain a healthy immune system and prevent dehydration.

How to reduce the risks and negative effects of humidifiers

In most cases, the negative consequences of using climate control equipment are associated with violations of safety regulations and improper operation of the devices.

1. when purchasing a device, you must carefully study the technical parameters, because the device must fully comply with the size of the room and the needs of the people living in it;
2. Before starting operation, you must study the manufacturer's instructions. And not only the section on using a humidifier, but all the information that the manufacturer considered necessary to include in the document;
3. carry out timely cleaning of the device to prevent the growth of bacteria;
4. replace the water in the container more often;
5. as necessary, replace filters and other replaceable elements that wear out and become dirty during operation;
6. maintain a normal level of humidity in the room, i.e. no more than 50%;
7. take into account the needs of people with asthma when adjusting the operation of the device;
8. Regularly ventilate the room and monitor the temperature. The optimal air temperature in a living room is 20-24°C;
9. if your health worsens, you should immediately consult a doctor;
10. Do not repair the device yourself.

Buying a modern device with more functionality will save you from many problems. There are models on sale equipped with a hydrostat, display, special filters that provide additional water purification, ionization, etc.

“Air washers” and climate control systems significantly facilitate the process of monitoring indicators, although they are much more expensive than conventional models of devices.

When purchasing a device for your home, you should focus on the area of ​​the room in which you plan to install the humidifier, as well as the required humidity parameters.

If you want to purchase an inexpensive model for temporary use, analyze the catalog of steam and classic appliances - there you can find suitable options no more expensive than 5 thousand rubles. Elite humidifiers are much more expensive, for example, the price of the Dyson AM10 ultrasonic device is about 45,000 rubles.

Lack of free space? You need a compact model that takes up little space. The decorative compact case can be placed on a table, shelf or windowsill. But be prepared to change filters from time to time.

Maximum humidification and cleansing can be achieved by purchasing an air washer. You will have to devote more time to caring for your equipment, but the air in the room will always remain clean and healthy.

According to medical standards, air humidity in a living space should be at least 45% - 50%. If this indicator is lower, the well-being of the inhabitants may deteriorate significantly.

This is especially true in the autumn-winter period, when the heating season is in full swing, and the cold street air does not allow regular ventilation.

In particular, lack of moisture negatively affects the condition of the skin, increases the likelihood of nosebleeds and diseases of the upper respiratory tract due to drying out of the mucous membranes.

For people who wear contact lenses, dry air can cause eye irritation and capillary problems. In addition, in dry air the concentration of dust is much higher, which can cause poor health for allergy sufferers.

Now let's move directly to choosing a humidifier, consider 6 main characteristics of humidifiers that you should pay attention to when purchasing.

Humidifier power

One of the most important parameters of a humidifier that you should pay attention to when choosing is its power.

The performance, or power, of a humidifier varies in milliliters of water, which it is able to evaporate in an hour and then effectively maintain a given humidity for a long period of time.

Choose the power of the humidifier based on personal considerations and specific conditions, that is, the area of ​​​​the room in which it will be installed, its operating mode - will the humidifier work constantly or several hours a day?

It is important to understand that no matter what power you choose a humidifier, it can effectively humidify only one room. So to maintain optimal humidity throughout the apartment, you need to buy several devices.

In terms of air humidification efficiency, the worst performance is found in a traditional cold-type humidifier. Its productivity ranges from 150 to 300 g/h. The productivity of steam humidifiers is slightly higher - from 400 to 700 g/h.

Unrivaled ultrasonic humidifier. It is capable of maintaining air humidity in a very wide range - up to 80 percent. In addition, its rotating atomizer allows you to direct the steam in the desired direction.

Noise level

For maximum effect, the air humidity in the room must be within the specified limits for 24 hours, that is, the humidifier must be kept on not only during the day, but also at night. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to how noisy the model you like is.

The cold steam humidifier and the ultrasonic model operate almost silently, even in the bedroom they will hardly disturb you, but steam humidifiers are much more “musical” - during operation they remind you of themselves with unpleasant gurgling sounds.

Humidifiers whose noise level does not exceed 25-30 dB are considered practically silent; noise up to 40 dB can be considered comfortable.

Energy efficiency

If you follow the recommendations, then to operate effectively, humidifiers must operate at least 12-15 hours a day. Accordingly, you need to think about energy consumption in advance, so that later it does not become an unpleasant surprise.

Among all the humidifiers that are currently on the market, the most energy-intensive are steam humidifiers with power consumption of 300 - 500 W. Ultrasonic and cold steam humidifiers have power ranging from 15 to 100 W.

Safety

This section can be entirely devoted to the steam humidifier, since the prospect of getting burned while operating this device still exists.

After all, in a sense, it resembles a boiling kettle, and despite all the precautions and design decisions of manufacturers, owners of steam humidifiers can still involuntarily injure themselves.

So, if small children live in the apartment, then it is better to pay attention to ultrasonic models or traditional humidifiers.

Try to find a model with a hygrostat. After all, not only dry air can cause harm, but excessive humidity is also not very beneficial for human health and everything that surrounds him.

Size is also important, especially if you have a small apartment. No matter how small the device is, it needs to be placed somewhere.

How the humidifier works

• Traditional humidifier or cold steam humidifier

This is perhaps the simplest humidifier in its structure. The principle of its operation is based on the evaporation of cold water - water molecules evaporate, saturating the air with moisture. This is a self-regulating process - the relative humidity of the air can only reach a certain value for a given temperature.

As the temperature rises, the intensity of evaporation increases. Together with humidification, such a system naturally purifies the air.

The principle of operation of an air humidifier for cleaning and improving indoor air quality is that air passes through replaceable evaporator cartridges with antibacterial impregnation, leaving dust and dirt inside.

Approximately the same effect is achieved after wet cleaning of the room. In such a humidifier, water is poured into special tanks, then the water is supplied to a tray, from where it flows onto special evaporative elements - these can be cartridges, filters or disks.

The simplest humidifiers work on replaceable paper cartridges, where water saturates the paper, rising from bottom to top, as if through capillaries. In more expensive systems, the evaporator has plastic disks. The built-in fan drives air through the evaporative elements and humidifies it naturally.

These humidifiers seem to “adapt” to the environment of the room - the higher the humidity, the lower the evaporation rate.

Traditional humidifiers are characterized by ease of use and very low noise levels, which is very important for healthy children's sleep.

You should immediately note that for “cold” humidifiers it is necessary to use distilled water. Otherwise, the humidifying cartridge will quickly become clogged with hard water salts and will have to be changed frequently.

If this is not possible, then it is necessary to use an additional softening cartridge that reduces water hardness.

• Steam humidifier

The name itself suggests that the operating principle of such devices is based on the evaporation of water. They are built on the principle of “hot” evaporation. Simply put, they heat water and humidify the air through the formation of steam.

There is nothing new about this - water boils, turns into steam and saturates the air with moisture. Knowing how a humidifier works, you can understand how evaporation and saturation of ambient air with vapor occurs.

The evaporating element is two electrodes immersed in water. Voltage is applied to the electrodes, current begins to flow through the water, the water heats up, begins to boil and evaporate.

When the water has completely evaporated, the circuit opens and the device automatically turns off. Operational safety is inherent in the design of the humidifier itself. You can only connect the power cord to the device in an assembled state, when the exposed electrodes are inaccessible to your hands.

These humidifiers can be compared in principle to an ordinary electric kettle in which water boils. But, unlike the kettle itself, which must boil water as quickly as possible, the humidifier has a different task - to boil water “slowly,” thereby gradually saturating the air in the room with moisture.

Another difference is that in most models of steam humidifiers, the water does not boil in the entire volume, but only in a separate chamber.

This achieves two positive effects:
1. you will not get burned if you decide to touch the surface of the device;
2. it quickly returns to mode after being plugged into the network.

The steam in this device is obtained during the boiling process and all impurities that were previously contained in the water are deposited in the form of scale on the heating element, and can lead to damage to the humidifier, so these devices must be periodically descaled.

Many models of steam humidifiers have hydrostats - air humidity sensors; this is very convenient, since this sensor automatically turns off the device when the specified humidity is reached.

Due to the noise during the boiling process, their use in residential areas at night can cause discomfort. Such humidifiers are ideal in conditions where you need to get the maximum amount of steam in a short time, for example in greenhouses and winter gardens.

Perhaps the only drawback of such humidifiers is the high power consumption of 300-600 W. The productivity of steam humidifiers is 7-16 liters/day.

Ultrasonic air humidifiers appeared relatively recently and quickly gained the constant attention of customers. This type of humidifier is compact in size and has a wide variety of designs. To understand how an ultrasonic humidifier works, you need to understand its design.

Evaporation occurs due to high-frequency (ultrasonic) vibrations of a special membrane, which forcibly turns water into steam, which has the temperature of cold water, therefore this type of evaporation is often called “cold steam”.

The principle of their operation is as follows: water from the tank is supplied to a plate vibrating at a high (ultrasonic) frequency, where the water is broken into a fine water suspension. The air flow created by the fan blows it into the room, where it turns into a vapor state.

The vapors released are very similar in appearance to fog. Since the human ear does not perceive sounds in this frequency range, the operation of such devices is silent. The most you can hear is the sound of a tiny fan running.

The moisture obtained through the operation of the membrane is captured by the air flow from the fan built into the humidifier and blown into the room through a special spray nozzle. The sprayer is designed in such a way as to deliver the aerosol into the room as far as possible from the humidifier itself.

All the impurities that are in the water can settle on the furniture (white coating), and then in the humidifier itself and soon spoil the filter, so it is better to use purified, bottled or distilled water.

Ultrasonic humidifiers - these devices are almost silent and quickly raise the humidity level to the desired values. Maximum humidity level up to 90%.

Many of these humidifiers come with an automatic hygrometer to maintain a set humidity level, which is a useful feature for this type of humidifier, especially for maintaining a comfortable level of 50-60%.

Relative disadvantages of such air humidifiers include the constant visible white cold steam from the device and the possible formation of a white coating on surfaces several weeks after operation of the humidifier.

This is due to the different content of calcium salts in the water, which evaporates along with the water and is capable of forming a barely noticeable white coating that can be easily removed with wet cleaning.

Today, these are the most common and, importantly, the most effective humidifiers. They are small in size, low power consumption and high performance.

Unlike steam and traditional humidifiers, the advantages of ultrasonic humidifiers are precise humidity control, normal temperature of the exiting steam (no more than 40°C) and low noise level.

The productivity of ultrasonic humidifiers is 7-12 liters/day with low power consumption of 40-50 W.

Manufacturers did not stop at just one type of household appliance to increase humidity in a living space. Humidifiers for the home can have different origins, costs and types of design, but they can be roughly divided into four large groups:

• Steam humidifier

The simplest humidifier is based on heating water and supplying steam. To prevent the device from overheating, its body must be made of heat-resistant plastic and equipped with a humidity sensor (hydrostat).

Pros: affordable cost and quick increase in humidity. Cons: high noise level and significant energy consumption.

If you choose this type of device, then take care of the safety of your household and pets by limiting their access to the device. Accidentally tipping over a tank with water heated to 90 degrees can lead to the most dire consequences.

• Traditional humidifier

This type of device is safer than a steam humidifier. Water poured into a special container is not heated, but is passed through evaporative elements - a replaceable cartridge or filter.

After this, the built-in fan expels the humidified air into the room. “Cold” type air humidifiers are most often installed in children's rooms and next to heating appliances.

Pros: economical energy consumption, quiet and safe to use. Cons: A traditional humidifier is not able to provide sufficient humidity in large rooms, and the cleaning filter must be replaced every three to four months.

• Ultrasonic humidifier

By choosing this device, you will kill two birds with one stone: you will increase the level of humidity in the apartment and become the owner of a stylish modern device. An ultrasonic humidifier works thanks to high-frequency vibrations of a membrane installed inside the housing.

Thanks to them, the water is broken into small particles (cold steam), which is driven into the room by the built-in fan. Ultrasonic humidifiers are more expensive than previous, more primitive devices, but they are compact, absolutely safe and silent.

Picky buyers will be pleased with the variety of colors and shapes of ultrasonic devices, because they occupy almost 80% of the entire climate control equipment market.

• "Air wash"

Not only professional allergists, but also eminent pediatricians have high hopes for this device. Dr. Komarovsky was one of the first to declare the importance of air quality in a children's room.

If you prefer not to save on your child’s health, then it is better to pay attention to this multifunctional device.

In addition to high-quality humidification, air washing can clean the air of dust and allergens and combat unpleasant odors. An air humidifier, the benefits of which are obvious, is, among other things, capable of saturating the air with beneficial negative ions.

Despite the large number of advantages, the air washer has one significant drawback - the high price, which scares off many buyers. The cost of the simplest models in domestic stores starts from 10,000 rubles.

Despite the external attractiveness of modern air humidifiers, it is worth considering that this device is not just another decorative element or a fashionable toy, but a complex household appliance that creates a comfortable microclimate in your apartment.

Therefore, to buy a good air humidifier, pay attention to its functionality, ease of operation and maintenance. The efficiency of the equipment and the safety of your household depend on this.

Humidifier functions

When developing humidifiers, leading engineers used advanced technologies. So, in addition to moisturizing, many models are equipped with additional functions that will help create favorable conditions for allergy sufferers, infants, and the elderly.

The main purpose of the device is to increase moisture levels. A comfortable indoor microclimate is necessary for the health of household members, plants, and the safety of furniture and books. A large amount of dust can not only cause discomfort in the nose and eyes, but also cause allergic reactions.

Additional features include:
1. air purifier (with the help of special filters the air is cleaned of bacteria, fungus and dust);
2. automatic regulator of moisture level indicator;
3. timer (the ability to set the operating mode of the equipment);
4. reduced noise level (makes it possible to use the device in bedrooms and children's rooms);
5. air ionization (more thorough cleaning).

Humidifier with air purification function

Dry air is not a characteristic of a comfortable microclimate, but what is its danger? The thing is that in such conditions the condition of the skin worsens, the mucous membranes dry out, and in general the body suffers from constant weakness and fatigue.

Dry air has a particularly negative effect on children. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase such a device as soon as children appear in the house.

To solve this problem, a standard device is enough, but an air purifier humidifier is much more functional, as it has the ability to remove various types of contaminants.

If a simple device for humidifying the air is simply recommended to have in the house, then an air purifier with a wide range of functions must be purchased, since rapid urbanization simply leaves no chance to breathe clean air even at home.

This problem especially concerns allergy sufferers. Such devices are capable of removing microparticles of dust, odors and smoke, pollen, dust mites from the air, and in addition, they also perform bactericidal treatment.

Varieties

Figuring out which device is the most efficient, slowest, and also consumes the least amount of electricity in addition to having a wide range of functionality is not so easy. It is necessary to consistently consider all available types of these devices.

First of all, a humidifier with a cleaning function is available in several options, which differ in the type of filter:
• mechanical (rough) cleaning system;
• electrostatic filtration;
• carbon filters;
• photocatalytic cleaning systems;
• HEPA filter.

The first of these options is a preliminary cleaning system. As a rule, this is a metal mesh or woven material.

Almost any air purifier humidifier is equipped with such a filter, because it not only removes large debris, including dust particles and animal hair, but also protects the device mechanism from the accumulation of contaminants, which can affect its performance.

The advantage of carbon filters is that they absorb all foreign odors. Electrostatic cleaning systems are capable of taking on the smallest particles, down to 0.01 microns. The same can be said about systems like HEPA.

There are five classes of such filters in total, each of which is distinguished by the fact that it absorbs increasingly finer contaminants.

An air purifier humidifier with a photocatalytic type filter is the most advanced device, since it does not accumulate debris, but under the influence of photocatalysis neutralizes harmful substances to the state of safe elements.

If we talk about design differences, there are only three types of such devices:
1. Traditional, operating on the principle of cold evaporation.
2. Steam, which humidify the room by evaporating moisture under the influence of high temperatures.
3. An ultrasonic air purifier and humidifier is a fundamentally different type of device, since the release of moisture into the air occurs through vibrations that occur under the influence of high-frequency vibrations on a piezoelectric crystal.

There is another type of device - a humidifier, ionizer, and air purifier.

This is the most fully functional equipment, since it not only normalizes the level of humidity in the room, cleans the air from impurities, but also enriches it with ions, which is especially important at the current level of technology development, since electrical appliances significantly affect the quality of the air environment we we breathe.

In modern life, an air humidifier in the house is an indispensable thing, since a lack of humidity can have a negative impact on the health of both adults and children, and also has a detrimental effect on furniture, indoor plants, etc.

Installing an air humidifier is especially important in winter, when steam heating batteries dry the air, bringing its relative humidity to 20%, while according to medical standards, air humidity in a living room should be between 45-50%.

• Royal Clima Sanremo (RUH-S380/3.0M)

The mechanically controlled ultrasonic humidifier is a real find. The device is equipped with adjustment of the direction of humidification, as well as adjustment of evaporation intensity and fan speed. It should be noted that the tank capacity is three liters, the operating time is 8 hours, the power consumption is 25 W.

Advantages:
1. Affordable price.
2. Compact size.
3. Aromatization.
4. Low power consumption.

Flaws:
1. Partially leaves a white coating.
2. LED is too bright.
3. Regular filter replacement.

• Ballu UHB-205

With low power consumption, the service area of ​​the Ballu UHB-205 ultrasonic air humidifier is 40 square meters.

The device is very functional - steam direction adjustment, hygrostat, temperature indicator, low water level indicator, LCD display, demineralizing cartridge, etc. Night mode involves turning off the display during sleep.

Advantages:
1. Low noise level.
2. Produces steam without impurities.
3. Affordable price.
4. Compact size.
5. Night mode.

Flaws:
1. Regular filter replacement is required.
2. Partial hygrometer failure.

• Beurer LB50

The best steam humidifier will easily cope with its task in rooms up to 40 square meters, the capacity of the removable tank is five liters. Thanks to special control LEDs, as well as a water level indicator, the humidifier is very easy to operate.

Due to its compactness and practicality, it is ideal in an apartment. 10 anti-lime filters are included, and overheat protection and automatic shut-off ensure safe operation.

Advantages:
1. Silent fan.
2. Practical.
3. Hygienic.
4. Odorless.
5. Easy-care plastic housing.
6. Equipment.
7. Does not leave a white residue on furniture.
8. Affordable price.

Flaws:

1. The fan in the case is poorly secured.

• Boneco U201A

An ultrasonic air humidifier is the best antibacterial air protection of Swiss quality.

High efficiency, the presence of a silver ionizing rod, economical energy consumption, a steam spray that rotates 360 degrees, an aromatization function, and a filter for water purification - this is not the whole list of advantages of this model.

The service area is 47 m², the water capacity is 3.6 l.

Advantages:
1. Case lighting.
2. Effective hydration.
3. Does not leave a residue.
4. Beautiful design.
5. Affordable price.
6. Auto power off.
7. Aroma function.
8. Ionizing silver rod.
9. Safe for children.

Flaws:
1. Tight tank cap.

• Timberk THU UL - 28E

The ultrasonic air humidifier is a practical and safe device designed for rooms with a maximum area of ​​30 m², with a power consumption of 25 W. The capacity of the liquid reservoir is 3.7 l, water consumption is 300 ml/h.

The device is equipped with a hygrostat, a demineralizing cartridge and a timer (up to 12 hours). There is a setting for the speed of evaporation intensity, indication of humidity, switching on, and low water level.

Advantages:
1. Adjustment of work speed.
2. Air ionization.
3. Quiet operation.
4. Large water capacity.
5. Stylish design.
6. Compactness.
7. Safety.
8. Affordable price.
9. Works with remote control.

Flaws:
1. Small area of ​​the humidified room.

• Boneco W2055DR

The quietest humidifier in our TOP and the most popular of the traditional humidifier models, recommended for residential areas up to 50 m². Digital display, built-in hygrometer, tank volume is quite impressive - 7 liters.

Thanks to digital technologies, Boneco W2055DR is able to independently control air humidity parameters, and the ISS rod with silver ions prevents the growth of bacteria, neutralizes unpleasant odors and does not allow flooded water to bloom.

Advantages:
1. Natural air washing technology.
2. Removable liquid reservoir.
3. Quiet operation.
4. Safe for children.
5. Auto shut off function when water level is low.
6. Pre-ionization of air.
7. Two operating modes.
8. Quiet operation.
9. Optimal water consumption.
10. ISS ionizing silver rod.
11. Aromatization of air.
12. Stylish design.

Flaws:
1. Price.
2. Dimensions.

• Electrolux EHU - 3715 D

The ultrasonic humidifier is equipped with several modes, including automatically maintaining the desired level of air humidity based on temperature.

The maximum result in maintaining a healthy microclimate is provided by the high intensity of humidification, as well as the Bio-Cop+ steam sterilization system and a large tank made of antibacterial plastic.

The highlight of the device is given by RelaxT herapy - special lighting, changing relaxing colors - a new solution that creates conditions for relaxation, calming and relieving stress. The model has a large tank volume (5 liters) and is capable of effectively humidifying the air in a room up to 50 sq. m. meters.

Advantages:
1. Protection against switching on without water.
2. Built-in hygrostat.
3. Timer.
4. Capacious tank.
5. Tank lighting.
6. Air ionization.
7. Antibacterial coating of the tank.
8. Power-on indication.
9. The kit includes a control panel.
10. Filter cartridge for water softening.

Flaws:
1. No aromatization function.
2. Dimensions.

• Ballu UHB-310 2000 r

A decent ultrasonic air humidifier that provides a comfortable, soft and favorable indoor microclimate by maintaining an optimal humidity level.

You can use tap water for the device, since the Ballu FC-310 filter included in the kit purifies it from excess hardness salts. The filter cartridge protects the inside of the device from various types of contaminants and prevents the appearance of large dust in the air.

Ballu UHB-310 has high productivity - up to 300 g per hour and sprays air over a 360-degree radius, the serviced area is about 40 square meters.

It is worth noting that the volume of the liquid reservoir is a maximum of 3 liters, this is enough for 8-9 hours of operation. The device also has a capsule for aromatic oils; aromatherapy has a beneficial effect on a person’s sleep and well-being.

Advantages:
1. The kit includes a filter cartridge.
2. Silent.
3. There is a capsule for aromatic oils.
4. High performance.
5. Not picky about care.
6. Rubber anti-slip feet.
7. Compact design.
8. Adjustment of evaporation intensity.
9. Affordable price.

Flaws:
1. No ionization.
2. Tank volume.

• Philips HU 4802

The Philips ultrasonic purifying humidifier safely and effectively combats dry indoor air. Fits harmoniously into the interior, suitable for a children's room, bedroom.

Filling the reservoir with liquid is very convenient and simple, and if there is no water in the reservoir, it automatically turns off.

Thanks to the latest Nano Cloud technology, humidified air is distributed evenly around the perimeter of the room and does not leave residue or wet surfaces. Philips HU4802 with the latest Nano Cloud cold evaporation technology operates in three stages.

1. Dry air enters the humidifier, and unwanted contaminants and bacteria settle on the filter.
2. The process of equipping the air with water molecules follows.
3. Humidified environmentally friendly air is supplied to the room, evenly distributed and without forming water vapor.

The device has a red indicator light that warns you when the tank needs to be refilled with water. When night mode is turned on, the brightness of the humidification indicator is reduced to a minimum.

Philips HU4802 can be operated in three modes: silent mode and normal mode, which comes in two levels. Optimal humidity levels are 40%, 50%, or 60%. It is recommended to replace the humidifying filter of this model every 3 months. This model is the best solution for newborns.

Advantages:
1. Auto power off.
2. Uniform distribution.
3. Safe to use.
4. Indicator light.
5. The latest NanoCloud technology.
6. Best cleaning performance.
7. Digital sensor.
8. Timer with intervals of one hour, 4 hours and 8 hours.
9. Silent night mode.

Flaws:
1. Small tank volume (1.3 l).
2. The filter consumption lasts for a month.

• Stadler Form Jack J-020/021

The most powerful ultrasonic humidifier, presented by the Swiss company Stadler Form, ensures a 100% healthy microclimate in the room. And the original design will be a wonderful addition to your interior.

The ultrasonic humidifier supports two humidification modes - “warm steam”, with water heated to 80 degrees, and “cold” mode. At the same time, the “warm steam” mode consumes 3 times more power (138 W) than the “cold” mode (38 W) and neutralizes a larger number of microorganisms and bacteria.

Among other things, the humidification process occurs more intensely when water is heated. Jack J-020/021 has a double water purification system:

Ionic Silver Cube cartridge, which enriches and equips water with silver ions, while preventing the growth of known germs and bacteria.

Advantages:
1. Quiet and efficient operation.
2. Water container with handle.
3. Laconic and stylish design.
4. Practical.
5. Easy controls.
6. Compact.

Flaws:
1. Filters need to be replaced.
2. Incorrect operation of the hygrometer.
3. Requires constant addition of water.
4. Price.

In our climate, you cannot survive in winter without heating. And hot radiators dry out the air very much. Dry air means poor health, dry mouth and nose, “sand” in the eyes, dry skin and hair. These are just the symptoms that everyone has. And there are also individual reactions. Therefore, maintaining proper humidity is an important task. One way to regulate indoor humidity is to use a humidifier for your home or apartment. This is a small (or large) device that quickly and efficiently distributes moisture.

Many people in the autumn-winter period note constant dryness of the nasopharynx, “sand” in the eyes, electrified hair, and worse skin condition. All this can be a consequence of dry air. It becomes especially dry during the heating season. Prolonged stay in rooms with dry air leads to deterioration of well-being, more frequent colds and infectious diseases: the dry mucous membrane of the nasopharynx copes with infections much worse. In addition, dust and other small allergens move more actively in dry air. This can cause a deterioration in the well-being of allergy sufferers. It’s not for nothing that there are standards (C AnPiN 2.1.2.1002-00), regulating air parameters.

As you can see, the optimal humidity in residential premises is 30-45%, acceptable - 60%. This is during the cold season. In the warm season, the upper limit of optimal humidity rises to 60%, and the permissible one is 65% (75% in the southern regions).

If you measure the humidity in your apartment during the heating season, you will most likely see that it is only 20-25%. That is, it is significantly below normal and measures must be taken to moisturize. You can increase the humidity in the room using traditional methods: hang plastic bottles with the tops cut off and filled with water on the radiators, place containers of water under or on the radiators, cover them with wet towels, etc. You will be surprised at how quickly water evaporates.

A basic air humidifier for the home... but the battery will rust

All of these products are good because they require virtually no costs, but they will not be able to significantly increase humidity - their efficiency is rather low. Although the humidity, of course, increases a little and dryness is no longer as critical as without any devices at all. But the fastest way to raise the humidity in a room is with the help of special devices. A home humidifier can come in different sizes, types and shapes. The appearance of some devices is “not very good”, others are more like works of art or accessories. But, first of all, you need to choose not the appearance, but the design and characteristics.

Types of humidifiers

There are three main types of humidifiers: cold evaporation, steam and ultrasonic. None of them can be called ideal. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but each is the best in certain conditions. To decide which type of humidifier is best for you, let's look at their design.

"Conventional" home humidifier with cold mist (traditional)

A traditional air humidifier consists of a container of water and a fan. The fan blows air over the water, which captures water evaporating from the surface and carries it throughout the room. Everything is elementary and reliable. The device works as long as there is electricity, the fan rotates and there is water in the container. Even if the water has evaporated, there are no catastrophic consequences: the fan circulates air without humidification.

To prevent operation without water, a sensor is built into the container. In the simplest version, it is a regular float, which, when it sinks to the bottom, turns off the power supply. In slightly more complex models, these may be more modern electronic sensors.

Even more complex models may have filters for air purification from dust, built-in ionizers, aromatization baths, automatic on and off timers, etc. But these are “bells and whistles” that have nothing to do with the basic design (but some are very useful... yes, more on them a little later).

The benefits of a cold evaporation humidifier are as follows:

An air humidifier for a home or apartment of this type is a good purchase. But it has a significant drawback: it cannot quickly raise humidity. During long-term operation, it is able to maintain humidity within normal limits, but raises it smoothly and for a long time. Another point: noise during operation. Since the fan makes noise during operation, there is no escape from it. The noise level depends on the quality of the fan and the rotation speed of the blades. During the day it is almost invisible, but at night you can set it to low speed or turn it off completely.

Steam humidifier

As you know, water evaporates faster when heated. This principle is used in steam humidifiers. A heater (heater) is built into a container with water. The steam formed during heating exits through special holes in the housing, carrying away a significant amount of water vapor. To speed up the process, the design also has a fan.

The advantages of steam humidifiers are the high rate of increase in humidity. If desired, you can reach it up to 60% or even higher. But this solution has many more disadvantages:

In general, a steam humidifier for the home can be used if there are no children or pets. It is good if you need to quickly increase air humidity. For continuous operation, you need models with automation, otherwise there is a high probability of failure.

Ultrasonic models

You can quickly increase the humidity if you have an ultrasonic humidifier for your home or apartment. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a membrane to which water is supplied and which vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency. With rapid vibrations, water is broken into small particles and mixed with air. Humidified air is distributed throughout the room. To speed up air movement and be able to regulate the speed of humidification, a fan is built into the device.

The main advantages of an ultrasonic humidifier are low electricity consumption (slightly more than cold models) and silence. Or rather, it does not create vibrations that our ears can detect. But pets react poorly to ultrasound. So they can worry. And its influence on humans has not yet been fully studied. But the latter is not an argument, but reinsurance.

This home air humidifier also has another noticeable drawback: it is demanding on water quality. You will have to fill it with distilled water. And of high quality. No, it works with regular tap liquid too. But a white coating forms on all nearby objects: all the salts and microelements settle, which, together with water particles, enter the air. The plaque forms very quickly, you have to wipe it off almost every day, which is very, very tiring.

Some ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with filters that purify the incoming water. The descriptions of such models indicate that water can be poured from the tap. You can fill it, but there will be a residue. They install cassette filters, but they do not provide complete cleansing. At first there will not be very much plaque, but over time, as the filters become dirty, more and more. These models are much more expensive and also require regular filter replacement, which also costs a considerable amount. Simply washing them is not enough, as over time they begin to “smell”.

There is one more subjective point: getting under the stream of air from a humidifier is not very pleasant. Cold, very humid air does not leave the best feeling.

Air washing

This device is an advanced cold-type air humidifier that combines a humidification function and a cleaning function. A plate membrane is built into the design, half immersed in a reservoir of water. Under the influence of a stream of air, the membrane rotates, capturing air with it. Passing through water, the air is purified, leaving most of the dust, odors, and other small and not very contaminants in the water. Purified and humidified air is returned to the room.

After some time, there really is a lot of dust and dirt and pet hair in the water. It has to be changed. And quite often. And this is one of the disadvantages of this system. But the air becomes really cleaner, without foreign odors (as with quartz or ionization), and it’s easier to breathe. This is an air humidification system that is indicated for allergy sufferers and people with diseases of the respiratory system. This is a great choice if you are looking for a humidifier for your child's room.

Disadvantages of this system: higher price, the need to monitor the condition and availability of water, the need to replace filters. If you do not wash the device on time, a lot of dirt and allergens accumulate in it, and with the evaporated moisture they again enter the air. If other types of air humidifiers can be taken with large water tanks and topped up once a day, then this option will not work with this type. The water still needs to be changed.

Which air humidifier is better?

As you can see, it is impossible to say unequivocally that this humidifier is the best. Each has its own characteristics and shortcomings. So you need to choose based on your priority requirements.

If you are looking for an inexpensive humidifier for your home, consider cold evaporation models. But you will have to come to terms with the fact that the device must work almost constantly. If you need to quickly increase humidity, steam or ultrasonic units are suitable. And if you need a good humidifier for the nursery or there are people in the family with allergies or people with respiratory diseases, the best option is an air washer. But you will have to monitor the condition of the water. Over time, this will become a habit and you will stop noticing these actions.

What to look for when choosing

Any home humidifier is designed to process a certain volume of air. Therefore, when purchasing, we pay attention to how much area it can serve. It is better to take with a margin of 20-25% or even more. For example, the area of ​​a room is 9-10 square meters; a unit that is designed to serve 12 square meters or more can easily cope with the task of maintaining the required humidity.

The second thing you should pay attention to is the capacity of the water tank and the water consumption per hour. These two parameters can tell you how often you will need to add water during constant operation. We divide the tank capacity in liters by the flow rate (also in liters), and we get some figure. This will be the operating time of the air humidifier on one refill. The higher this number, the less often you will have to add water. On the other hand, models with a large reservoir are not very elegant. So you will have to choose what is more important: beauty or the duration of work at one gas station.

You also need to pay attention to the fact that the reservoir is removable (easier to wash and fill), and that it is convenient to fill with water.

Additional options and functions

Although the design of the working part of air humidifiers is not too complicated, for convenience, sensors and additional devices are built into them to expand functionality. These models are more convenient to use, but their price is much higher. Some functions are very useful, while others can be easily done without.

Control panel and its type

All controls - mode switch, setting the desired humidity level, etc. - are located on the control panel. It can be mechanical or electronic. Mechanical - the usual knobs or switches, electronic - buttons or a touch screen.

Models with touch controls are the most expensive (all other characteristics being equal), while models with mechanical controls are the cheapest. At the same time, mechanical control is the most reliable, since the “twists” rarely break.

There are also models that are controlled from a remote control. They are, of course, the most expensive, since the control is electronic, plus a more complex configuration due to the presence of a remote control.

Automatic humidity level function

Some humidifiers have a built-in hygrometer that monitors the humidity in the room. Its indicators are not very accurate, since the humidity near the device will be much higher than at a considerable distance from it. But such models allow you to automatically maintain a certain level of humidity.

Maintaining a given humidity is a useful thing, but it greatly increases the price

This feature is convenient. Especially if the water tank is large. You don't have to worry about the air being too dry or humid. Its parameters will be more or less stable.

Number of operating modes

In models without automatic humidity maintenance, such a parameter as the number of operating modes is important. By switching modes, you can manually maintain the desired air condition.

Number of operating modes: minimum 3

For convenient operation, the minimum number of gradations is three, the optimal is five. Less is inconvenient to work with, more is meaningless. So there is no point in chasing this figure too much.

Security system

To ensure that your home humidifier only works productively, it is advisable to have a water presence sensor. In steam models, this is important, since without water the heater will burn out. In other modifications, idle operation will only result in wasted energy consumption. Therefore, in steam models, when the sensor is working out, the power is turned off; in other types of air humidifiers, the warning light usually just lights up.

The device must be safe, especially if the humidifier is installed in a children's room

Some models (mostly steam) have a sensor that turns off the power when the position changes. If such a home humidifier is turned over, it will turn off.

A humidifier increases indoor humidity and makes the air less dry. It is especially important to use a humidifier in the winter, when cold air becomes even drier when heated, causing static electricity, drying out furniture, itchy skin, dry eyes, asthma and allergy symptoms.

How to choose a humidifier

Based on the principles of evaporation or spraying water vapor into the environment.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a humidifier.

• Water tank size. The size of the device is determined by the volume of the room in which you are going to humidify the air. If it's one small room, you'll need a portable humidifier. If it is necessary to use the entire room or the whole house, the size of the humidifier should be larger.
• Cold or warm evaporation. A cool mist humidifier adds humidity to a room by spraying cool mist. This device is suitable for those who live in areas with a warm climate or for the summer. Accordingly, a warm steam humidifier is more suitable for residents of cold climates. Some warm steam models can be used as inhalers.
• Built-in hygrometer and hygrostat. A hygrometer measures the humidity of the air surrounding the device. The built-in hygrostat will allow you to regulate the humidity in the room and automatically maintain it at a given level.

Humidity in the range of 45–50% is considered ideal. If humidity rises above 50%, it encourages the growth of dust mites, bacteria and mold spores.

• Formation of white plaque. When some humidifiers, mostly ultrasonic, operate, a thin white dust film is created on furniture. This mineral dust may have negative health effects.
• Automatic shutdown. Humidifiers that don't turn off automatically become fire hazards when they run out of water. Without fluid, the engine will overheat and may catch fire.
• Cleaning and care. Make sure the device is easy to clean, otherwise it will become a source of bacteria. Some humidifier models require daily filling with water and rinsing. Filters must be cleaned regularly and replaced promptly. Expensive models are equipped with filters that do not require replacement.
• Noise level. All humidifiers make noise when the motor is running, which can interfere with night sleep. Advanced models are equipped with several modes of operation, including a night mode with reduced noise production.
• Price. When calculating your budget, consider not only the cost of purchasing the device, but also the operating and maintenance costs. Cold mist humidifiers require the addition of an antibacterial additive to the water. Models with replaceable filters and cartridges will require periodic replacement of these parts.

The factors listed below can be ignored as they do not affect the performance of the machine.

• The operating principle of a cold steam humidifier. Evaporative models (vaporizers) use a fan to blow air through a wet wick. Ultrasonic humidifiers use a vibrating atomizer to spray water. Impeller models create steam using a rotating blade.

Regardless of the operating principle, an adequately sized humidifier will generate sufficient steam.

• Timer. Some models are equipped with a timer that can be used to program the device to turn on so that the air is humidified when you arrive home. However, water left in the container of a humidifier that is not working for several hours serves as a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Additional tasks: ozonation, aromatization, ionization. Many models are equipped with special capsules into which a flavoring agent is poured. Ionization devices negatively charge some of the emitted molecules, which has a positive effect on air quality.
  Some models have a built-in ultraviolet lamp and an ozonizer to disinfect indoor air. These functions are optional and do not affect the operation of the device.

Best cold mist humidifier

Boneco U201
Boneco U201– ultrasonic humidifier model with built-in mechanical control of humidification speed. The blue backlight of the device can serve as a night light; it can be turned off if necessary.

The room can be scented; the rotary sprayer operates 360 degrees. The device turns off automatically when the container is empty. The design includes a filter cartridge to protect against white deposits, a silver rod for ionization and prevent the growth of bacteria in the container.

The water container is equipped with a handle for moving. Granular powder for refilling the cartridge reduces maintenance costs.

Characteristics

• Area: up to 47 sq. m.
• Water consumption: 295 ml/hour.
• Power: 20 W.
• Container capacity: 3.6 l.
• Noise value: 25 dB.
• Size: 24 x 12 x 26.3 cm.
• Water quantity indicator.
• Weight: 1.8 kg.

Pros

• Reduced noise level.
• The backlight function allows you to use the device as a night light.
• Compact lightweight model.

Cons

• Small water tank.
• There is no hygrometer provided.

Customer Reviews

According to reviews, the device works quietly, but the capacity is not enough for a long time; you have to fill the tank every 10 hours. If you use filtered water, almost no plaque will form on the surface.

The device is of high quality, compact and neat. It is considered easy to use and humidifies room air well. Replacement cartridges are available for purchase in the store.

The best ultrasonic humidifier

Stadler Form Jack J-020/021
Stadler Form Jack J-020/021– this model can heat the sprayed water, while eliminating bacteria and viruses using an antibacterial filter containing silver ions. The hydrostat built into the device turns off the device if necessary.

Protection against built-in plaque is provided with the help of a decalcifying filter, thanks to which water of any quality can be poured into the tank. The design includes an ultrasonic gold membrane and a rotating dispenser to select one of two steam directions.

You can use flavoring. The model is produced in white and black colors with night and economical operating modes.

Characteristics

• Area: up to 65 sq. m.
• Container capacity: 5 l.
• LCD screen with touch control.
• Noise value: 29 dB.
• Water quantity indicator.
• Night mode.
• Size: 23 x 31.6 x 16.5 cm.
• Device power: 38–135 W.
• Water consumption: 480 ml/hour.
• Weight: 3.2 kg.

Pros

• Compact size of the device.
• High performance.
• Reduced noise level.
• Large tank capacity.

Cons

• Incomplete protection against white plaque.
• The built-in hygrometer readings are inaccurate.

Customer Reviews

The device has an interesting design and simple controls. Quite quiet in operation, low steam pressure. The water compartment can be easily removed. There are complaints about the inaccurate operation of the built-in hygrometer and the appearance of a white coating inside the tank and outside the device. Due to the high output, water needs to be added frequently.

Best All-in-One Humidifier

NeoClima NCC-868
NeoClima NCC-868– ultrasonic climate complex with functions of air purification, humidification, ionization and ozonation. There are 4 air treatment speed modes.

Cleaning is carried out using a HEPA filter, photocatalytic and carbon filters, as well as an ozonizer and an ultraviolet lamp. Sophisticated operation of 4 device modes, including night and automatic modes.

The device performs bacterial cleaning and air disinfection, eliminates odors and improves the quality of room air.

The device is protected from children and from tipping over. The built-in hygrometer is equipped with a function to stabilize humidity at the desired value and is adjusted in 5% steps.

Characteristics

• Area: 50 sq. m.
• Device power: 95 W.
• Degree of ionization: 8 million ions/cm.
• Ozonation degree: 50 mg/hour.
• Noise value: 22–30 dB.
• LCD screen.
• Water quantity indicator.
• Humidity indicator.
• Air pollution sensor.
• Weight: 8.1 kg.
• Size: 43 x 45 x 19.8 cm.

Pros

• Favorable price for this class of devices.
• Availability of all air quality monitoring functions in one device.
• Several stages of air purification.
• High performance of the device.

Cons

• Heavy overall model.
• Uninformative instructions for the device.
• Settings are not saved when the device is turned off.

Customer Reviews

The device is considered as a convenient multifunctional device with a favorable ratio of cost and quality. There are design flaws and difficulty in cleaning the device. In general, the device is quite noisy; in night mode, an acceptable sound of flowing water can be heard.

To achieve efficiency, you need to competently use the ionization and ozonation functions. The built-in hygrometer gives correct readings, but the display does not turn off completely even in night mode.

Best Traditional Humidifier

Boneco W2055DR– the model is positioned as an “air washer”, combining the tasks of humidifying and purifying room air. It can operate in two modes with different noise levels – night and day.

The device is designed on the principle of cold evaporation, spraying water dust. A patented design of discs with a microcellular structure is used, through which room air is passed and plant pollen, dust particles, animal hair, and hair are deposited. Dirt settles on the tray, which must be cleaned regularly.

The water disinfection technology is organized using a silver rod. There is a capsule for aromatization and a room air ionization function. The built-in hygrometer independently stabilizes the set humidity in the room.

When the liquid level is low, the device automatically turns off. Easy to use - the plastic parts of the device can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Characteristics

• Area: 50 sq. m.
• Night mode.
• Cleaning indicator.
• Water quantity indicator.
• Container capacity: 7 l.
• Noise value: less than 35dB.
• Weight: 5.9 kg.
• Water consumption: 300 ml/hour.
• Power: 20 W.
• Size: 36 x 36 x 36 cm.

Pros

• Humidification is combined with simultaneous air purification.
• Antibacterial protection.
• Reduced noise level.
• No consumables required.
• Large container volume.

Cons

• Large dimensions of the model.
• High cost of the device.

Customer Reviews

The device operates quietly, even in day mode; in night mode, the operation of the device is almost inaudible. The container capacity is enough for a day of use. The device refreshes the room well, is easy to operate, and is suitable for families with children or pets.

Easy to clean tray and discs, long service life. Clears the air of flying dust. Fingerprints remain on the glossy surface of the model.

Best humidifier with hygrometer

Boneco S450
Boneco S450– warm steam humidifier for home or office. There are various steam settings and a built-in hygrometer that monitors the humidity level in the room.

The device heats water up to 100 degrees, but the warm steam is safe to touch and does not cause scalding. The model comes with two demineralizing cartridges that reduce calcification in the vaporizer container, and a package with a special cleaning agent.

Humidity setting levels are adjustable from 30 to 70%. The automatic operating mode turns off the device at 50% room humidity, the economical mode turns off at 45%. Three steam output levels are allowed: high, medium, low, and a descaling mode for easy cleaning.

The device turns off automatically if the container runs out of liquid. The container is equipped with a handle for convenient use. Electronic control is easy to set up. The device can be used to aromatize a room and for inhalation at home.

Characteristics

• Coverage area: up to 60 sq. m.
• Noise value: less than 35dB.
• LCD screen with automatic backlight.
• Water consumption: 550 ml/hour.
• Installation by timer.
• Cleaning indicator.
• Water quantity indicator.
• Capacity: 7 l.
• Weight: 4.5 kg.
• Size: 33.4 x 24 x 35.5 cm.
• Power: 160–480 W.

Pros

• Boiling water prevents the growth of bacteria in the device.
• The steam released is safe and does not cause scalding.
• Humidifies the air over a large area.
• Does not form a white coating on surfaces.
• Large container volume.
• High performance.

Cons

• Noisy operation, may not be suitable for night time use.
• High cost of the device.

Customer Reviews

The high-quality design of the device and a large water container are noted. The device increases the temperature in the room where it is installed. It has good performance, but is overpriced.

The tank is easy to refill and carry by the handle. The appliance requires weekly descaling. The disadvantages include strong noise in all modes and a short cord.

Best scented humidifier

Ballu UHB-400
Ballu UHB-400– humidifier with ultrasonic action and with a built-in container for aromatization. The sprayer can be rotated 360 degrees. There are two wood color options available. Switchable backlight allows you to use this model as a night light.

The kit includes a filter cartridge, thanks to which the container can be refilled with tap water to moisturize. Tabletop or floor installation of the device is allowed. Mechanical control is provided with the ability to adjust the evaporation rate. The device turns off automatically when the water tank is empty.

Characteristics

• Area: 40 sq. m.
• Container capacity: 2.8 l.
• Weight: 1.15 kg.
• Noise value: 35 dB.
• Power: 28 W.
• Water quantity indicator.
• Size: 19.8 x 28.8 x 19.8 cm.
• Water consumption: 300 ml/hour.

Pros

• Lightweight, small-sized model.
• Budget option.
• High performance.

Cons

• There is no built-in hygrometer and timer.
• Small container for water.
• It is inconvenient to pour water into the container.

Customer Reviews

The device has an interesting design and intuitive controls. The device works quietly and copes with its functions. When using the aromatization function, the aroma spreads throughout the entire room in a few minutes.

The installed filter does not allow the formation of white deposits, but the surface around the device becomes wet. There is an inconvenient location of the backlight switch on the bottom of the case.

The best humidifier with ionizer

Polaris PUH 4545 Wave
Polaris PUH 4545 Wave– an ultrasonic humidifier model equipped with a built-in ionizer that helps improve air quality. The timer for automatically turning on the device can be set from 1 to 9 hours. A remote control is provided with the model and the evaporation rate can be adjusted.

The auto shut-off function will turn off the device if there is no water in the tank. Three speeds of steam release in two different directions are allowed. Uses a ceramic filter for cleaning and a built-in hygrometer.

Characteristics

• Area: 24 sq. m.
• Noise value: 25 dB.
• Water quantity indicator.
• Container capacity: 4.5 l.
• Size: 23 x 37.7 x 14 cm.
• Power: 30 W.
• Weight: 2 kg.
• Water consumption: 350 ml/hour.

Pros

• The device can be controlled remotely using a remote control.
• Optimal ratio of cost and quality.
• High performance.

Cons

• When using tap water, a white coating forms on surfaces.
• There is no night mode for the device.

Customer Reviews

The device has simple controls and low noise levels. Ionization gives freshness to the air in the room. The nice design, compact size of the model and spacious tank are appreciated. The device creates a cloud of steam during operation, and the murmur of water can be heard in the silence.

There are complaints about measuring humidity with a built-in hygrometer. It is noted that when using bottled water, a white coating does not form.

The best natural evaporative humidifier

Electrolux EHAW-9010D/9015D MINI
Electrolux EHAW-9010D/9015D MINI– the model is produced in white and black housing with a built-in hygrostat and electronic control. Natural evaporation of liquid is used. The device does not require replaceable filters; the built-in mechanical and antibacterial filters simply need to be washed under water.

A backlight is used in the upper part of the body, thanks to which this device can be used as a night light. When operating in night mode, the screen backlight turns off. The buttons are locked to protect the device from children and pets.

The timer sets the operating time of the device from 1 to 8 hours. Equipped with an ionization function and fan speed control. The device is equipped with a carrying handle and turns off automatically when the water has completely evaporated.

Characteristics

• Area: 19 sq. m.
• Container capacity: 2.2 l.
• Water consumption: 200 ml/hour.
• LCD screen with backlight.
• Noise value: 35 dB.
• Size: 33 x 26.5 x 24 cm.
• Weight: 3.5 kg.
• Water quantity indicator.
• Power: 15 W.

Pros

• Easy to maintain.
• Roll-over resistant design.

Natural humidification prevents the possibility of excessive moisture in the room.

Cons

• Small container for water.
• The device is suitable for small spaces.
• Low power affects the effectiveness of the air purification function.

Customer Reviews

This is a compact model that is easy to clean. The device operates silently and has a solid, high-quality construction. There is no need to purchase additional consumables; the filter is washed with running water.

The humidification function works well, but due to the low power of the device, the air purification function does not work well. The hygrometer shows three humidity levels - low, normal, high - instead of digital values. There are complaints about the accuracy of measuring humidity levels with the built-in hygrometer.

The best battery-powered humidifier

Ceramic humidifier "Relief"– is a set of containers that are hung from the heating radiator using special hooks. Water is poured into the container, which is heated by a hot radiator.

As a result, water from the tanks evaporates and humidifies the room. This design is suitable for use in the cold season. You can add essential oils to water for aromatherapy.

Characteristics

• Container capacity: 1 l.
• Size: 10 x 20 x 5 cm.
• Weight: 0.41 kg.

Pros

• Does not consume electricity.
• Compact and lightweight.
• Safe to use.
• Any quality of water can be used.
• Budget device.

Cons

• The device is effective only in a small room.
• You will not be able to use the device outside the heating season.
• No air humidity control.