How to choose a humidifier

The microclimate in the apartment is of great importance not only for the human body – at a low level of humidity, furniture and parquet flooring can dry out, and houseplants will wither. A humidifier will help restore it to a comfortable level.

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We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best air purifiers and the best air ionizers for an apartment.

The best manufacturers of humidifiers – which company to choose

Before starting to study the technical characteristics of various models, you should decide with the manufacturer. It is undesirable to save money and buy an unnamed Chinese-made model, since this device is designed for long-term operation, during which it must work flawlessly. Today, the models of the following brands are considered the most reliable and practical:

Plaston is a Swiss company that has specialized in household appliances for over 50 years. A distinctive feature of all products of this manufacturer is compliance with the 'Original Design Manufacture' standard, which confirms that all products are developed in-house and not copied from competitors.

1. Electrolux cleaners are distinguished by their high manufacturability, while they have an advanced modern design.

2. Sharp is more specialized in air washers (purifiers), but the entire product line is equipped with a humidifier as an option.

3. Philips appliances meet the price-quality criteria as much as possible, providing the consumer with sufficiently technological products for a reasonable fee.

4. Additionally, you can familiarize yourself with the products of such manufacturers as Polaris, Shivaki Winia and Fanline.

Types of humidifiers

First of all, you should know that in addition to units for humidifying the air, there are also devices for its purification, which are sometimes called combines or air washers. In them, increasing humidity can only be an additional function. But if the air in the room is clean enough, then you can get by with a simple humidifier.

Traditional humidifiers

It is a body that contains a water tank. At the bottom of the body there is a tray with a replaceable cartridge, which is saturated with liquid. With the help of a cooler, humid air is blown into the room.

Advantages

• Durability;

• Low cost.

disadvantages

• High fan noise;

• Low productivity – since humidification occurs naturally, it is possible to raise its level in the room higher only up to 60 percent.

Steam humidifiers

Such devices in their design resemble an ordinary electric kettle – the water in them boils and comes out in the form of steam.

Advantages

• High Performance – Can raise humidity levels by up to 60 percent.

• There is no need to change filters and cartridges.

disadvantages

• High power consumption;

• Noisiness;

• Hot steam (up to 60 degrees Celsius);

Ultrasonic

This type is the most modern and is considered the most comfortable for humans. Its principle of operation is based on an ultrasonic membrane, which is able to grind water particles to a state of dust.

Advantages

• Low noise level

• High efficiency.

disadvantages

• Requires constant maintenance – replacement of filler for replaceable cartridges, and when the latter are depleted, and their complete replacement.

• It is necessary to constantly add distilled water.

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At the same time, certain models can be equipped with additional functions, such as a timer, automatic power off when the water level in the tank is low, and air aromatization.

Air humidifier selection parameters

When choosing a device, first of all, it is necessary to determine the manufacturer and type of humidifier according to the principle of operation. Then with the need for additional filtration and air improvement. The fact is that many manufacturers offer additional filters, ionizers and fragrances (especially for steam and ultrasonic humidifiers). Such modifications will help fight germs and dust, as well as saturate the air with silver ions and eliminate unpleasant odors.

Performance

Room size is a key parameter when choosing a device. Please read the technical specifications of the humidifier carefully before purchasing. If you buy a low-performance model for a large apartment, then it will be useless, since it will not be able to increase the air humidity to the required level. If you buy a too powerful apparatus for a small apartment, then its operation can lead to the formation of an excess of moisture, which will contribute to the appearance of fungi and mold. Therefore, when choosing, it is better to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Noise level

The high noise level of the appliance can greatly reduce sleep comfort and cause irritation during the daytime in the room. If the humidifier will be located in the living room (and not in the hallway or corridor), then it is desirable that its noise does not exceed 25 decibels.

Water tank volume

The capacity of the water tank determines the autonomy of the device. If you leave your home for a long time, for example, in connection with travel and business trips, then it is better to buy a model with a large tank.

Which humidifier to choose

The choice of a specific model should be based on the available budget, the size of the room and the degree of air pollution.

1. If the device is purchased on the recommendation of a doctor, for example, due to severe allergies, then it is best to buy a high-quality model from a reputable manufacturer.

2. If the housing is located in an industrial area, and a large amount of dust gets into the rooms from the street, then you should think about purchasing a humidifier-cleaner. Although such a device is more expensive, the air quality is guaranteed to improve during its operation.

3. If small children live in the apartment, then the choice should be stopped on an ultrasonic or traditional humidifier. These models are absolutely safe (since there is no strong heating in them), and are able to hold the required air humidity for a long time. The fact is that when it decreases, the mucous membranes of a small child will begin to dry out, which in the future can lead to allergies and chronic respiratory diseases. To prevent such troubles, a moisturizer can be purchased as a preventative measure.

How much does a humidifier cost

1. The cost of the device most of all depends on the brand (and, therefore, product quality) and the availability of additional functions. So, the simplest ultrasonic humidifier can be bought for 500 rubles. Additional functionality in the form of ionizers, intensity regulators, ozonation, a timer, a remote control can raise the cost up to 1500-3000 rubles. Also, the higher the productivity (hence the ability to work in a large room), the higher the cost.

2. A hygrostat, a stainless alloy housing, a high-resolution LCD screen, and an ultraviolet air purifier can raise the price up to 40,000 – 50,000 rubles.

3. Traditional and steam models are approximately in the same price range – from 5,000 to 20,000 rubles, depending on the version and additional functions.

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In the following articles, we will tell you how to choose the right air conditioner for your home and the secrets of choosing an ionizer for your apartment.

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.