Why do you need to humidify the air in the apartment. Why does an apartment need a humidifier? Advantages and disadvantages of modern devices. Is high humidity dangerous for children?
It may seem like a humidifier is a completely useless household appliance. And few people think about the effect of air humidity on our comfort and well-being. After all, a too dry climate complicates the penetration of oxygen into the body, causes dry mucous membranes, brittle hair and nails, general fatigue and lethargy of the body, accelerates skin aging. At first glance, the work of a humidifier, which is hardly noticeable, has a positive effect on our health.
Why dry air is dangerous
In order for a person to feel comfortable in the house, the air humidity should be in the range of 40-60%. However, in winter time year, its level, as a rule, does not exceed 25-30%. This is due to the fact that heating devices and heating radiators dry the air. Working TV, gas stove, air conditioner and others Appliances also reduce the moisture content in the air.
When the humidity of the air inhaled by a person falls below normal, the body begins to lose moisture. Even a healthy adult with insufficient moisture can experience a headache, dryness in the nasopharynx, decreased concentration and performance. In too dry air, dust circulates more actively, often causing allergy attacks in households.
A climate with low humidity is especially harmful for young children: it dries out the skin and mucous membranes, reducing their protective properties, making breathing difficult and creating discomfort for the baby. In addition, kidney function may deteriorate, and dysbiosis may occur.
Unfortunately, neither aquariums, nor fountains, nor an open vent can provide the necessary supply of humid air, which will raise the water content in the home environment to the required level.
Save the situation and create optimal climatic conditions for a person can only be a special device - a humidifier.
The benefits of a humidifier
The operation of a humidifier has a beneficial effect on the health of households: children and adults stop getting sick often and for a long time, the skin becomes soft, silky and elastic, and is less susceptible to aging. In humidified circulating air, viral activity decreases, so the likelihood of catching acute respiratory infections and ARVI decreases.
Normal air humidity has a beneficial effect on indoor plants. Most often they come from the tropics and therefore very poorly tolerate an arid climate. With a comfortable amount of moisture in the air, plants develop more intensively, do not turn yellow and bloom more abundantly.
The optimum humidity level is favorable for wood and paper items in our home. Then furniture, parquet, books, documents, photographs, paintings and frames, musical instruments do not dry out, do not crack or collapse ahead of time.
How to choose a humidifier
To make sure you need to buy a humidifier, it is worth measuring the humidity level in the room. For this there is a special device - a hygrometer. It can be purchased separately and is often included with a humidifier. If the humidity level in the room is much lower than ideal, then a humidifier will become simply a necessary device in the house.
Air humidifiers, depending on the principle of operation, are divided into three types: traditional, steam and ultrasonic. In addition, they are distinguished by the presence of additional functions, for example, an ionizer, a remote control, a display and a variety of sensors.
Types of humidifiers
Traditional (or cold) humidifier- the cheapest option, perfect for children's rooms. Water is poured into a special container of the device, which is supplied to the evaporating elements. With the help of a built-in fan, air from the room is drawn into the device, driven through the evaporator and returned already humidified. Passing through the device, the air is not only saturated with moisture, but also cleared of dust, dirt and microparticles. Therefore, it is better to place the device in places with the greatest air circulation and near heat sources.
Humidifiers of this type operate almost silently, have low power and performance, consume energy economically and are relatively inexpensive. Achieving and maintaining the required humidity level in the room does not occur under the control of a hygrostat, but automatically: the drier the air passes through the device, the more intense humidification is obtained, and when the 60% mark is reached, the process practically stops.
In a steam humidifier two electrodes heat the water and bring it to a boil. Moisture is supplied to the room in the form of hot steam. The device works as long as there is water in it: the liquid closes electrical circuit, through which the current flows, heats up and evaporates. When the water is completely boiled off, the circuit is opened and the device stops working automatically.
Humidifiers of this type can be used both as flavorings and as inhalers - you just need to add aroma oils or a decoction of herbs to the water.
Steam humidifiers have a higher performance and power and, as a result, higher energy consumption. It is important that the device has a built-in hygrostat so that it can turn itself off when the set humidity is reached. Since hot steam comes out of the appliance, it should not be placed near furniture and places where people are located.
Ultrasonic humidifiers- the most popular, modern and effective today. A piezoelectric element immersed in water converts electrical vibrations into mechanical vibration and produces fine mist. Dry air from the room with the help of a built-in fan passes through the water cloud, is saturated with moisture and returns back in the form of fog. Its temperature does not exceed 35 ° C, so the device is safe for use in children's rooms. Such a humidifier works silently, has low power and energy consumption, but at the same time has high performance.
The device requires a built-in hygrostat for precise control of the humidity level in the room and automatic shutdown. It is recommended to use purified or distilled water in it. As the pre-filters become clogged and worn, furniture may form white deposits from impurities in the evaporated moisture. Therefore, the filter must be changed every two months.
Manufacturers recommend completely draining the water from the disconnected device and wiping it dry so as not to provoke the growth of bacteria and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. The humidifier must be located at least one meter away from electrical appliances.
Features of models and additional functions
The cost of each type of humidifier ranges on average from 2,000 to 14,000 rubles and very much depends on the characteristics and additional functions of a particular model.
Different humidifiers are designed for different serviced areas, so it is worth choosing a model based on the size of the rooms in the house. In any case, it will not be possible to process the entire apartment at once - you will have to move the device from room to room.
Power consumption affects device performance and power consumption. We'll have to find a middle ground between efficiency and economy.
The noise level ranges from 5 to 70 dB and depends on the design of the device and the fan speed. For the bedroom and children's room, it is better to choose the device with the lowest noise level.
The volume of the water tank indicates how long the device can work until the water is completely empty. Typically, a 5-liter capacity is sufficient to run continuously overnight. The operating time from a full tank is determined by the value of the water consumption per day and is 8 to 12 liters.
The maximum air exchange value means how much air the humidifier can pass through itself in an hour. When choosing a model, it is necessary to calculate that the entire volume of air in the room passes through the filter at least twice per hour.
When choosing a model, it is necessary to calculate that the entire volume of air in the room passes through the filter at least twice per hour.
The presence of a hygrostat and the function of maintaining humidity at a given level allows you not to overmoisten the air in the room and avoid the occurrence of dampness. The operation of the device can also be regulated by a timer, setting the required operating time.
The humidifier can be equipped with filters of varying degrees of purification. The pre-filter carries out mechanical rough cleaning from large impurities. HEPA fine filters are made of a porous glass fiber-based material and are capable of retaining particles with a size of 0.3 microns and more. Electrostatic filters remove fine dust particles down to 0.01 microns from the air, trapping them using an electrostatic field. Photocatalytic filters are considered to be the best, latest and most durable filters today. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, they expose toxic impurities to decomposition and oxidation.
Ionization is another option for air purification. The sprayed water is pre-saturated with negatively charged ions, the smallest dust particles contained in it stick to each other and settle.
It is worth paying attention to the instructions regarding the filling water. Many humidifiers require the use of purified or distilled water, but there are some that work great with regular tap water as well.
Air humidifiers are designed to maintain the humidity level in rooms where the air is dry by the operation of central heating or the ventilation system is disrupted.
Air humidity is a factor affecting the quality of life, performance, disease resistance and human well-being, therefore it is important to maintain and regulate the humidity level in living and working premises.
Air humidifiers: purpose, types
Air humidifiers differ in their principle of operation and, depending on it, are divided into four types, of which three are used in everyday life:
1. Cold humidifiers.
2. Steam humidifiers.
3. Ultrasonic humidifiers.
4. Spray humidifiers (used in industry).
Cold humidifiers
Cold steam humidifiers are considered traditional, the principle of which is to evaporate water without heating, in a natural way.
Water is poured into special tanks, from which it is fed into a sump, from which it goes to the evaporating elements.
In such humidifiers, air is driven by a fan through a special cartridge that collects dust in itself, further purifying the air.
Cold steam humidifiers independently regulate the level of humidity in the room: if the air is dry, the performance of the humidifier is up to five times higher than with humidified air.
Cold humidifiers are filled with distilled water to prevent hard water salts from contaminating the humidifier cartridge.
Steam humidifiers
The second type of humidifier used in apartments is steam humidifiers.
The work is based on the principle of boiling water - evaporation of liquid through heating. The process resembles an electric kettle: the voltage applied to the electrodes heats the water. Water heated to the required temperature boils and evaporates. When the water has boiled off to the end, the circuit is opened and the humidifier turns off automatically.
This principle of operation guarantees the safety of using humidifiers.
Steam humidifiers are equipped with a humidity sensor that switches off the appliance when the room humidity reaches the set value. Automatic humidity sensors prevent waterlogging of rooms, therefore, they are common in children's rooms, where there are increased requirements for the level of humidity.
Ultrasonic humidifiers
The third type of home humidifier is ultrasonic.
Water in them is poured into a special tank, from which it falls on a plate vibrating at an ultrasonic frequency.
The plate turns water into a finely dispersed suspension, which is sprayed by a fan around the room, turning into a vaporous state.
Ultrasonic humidifiers create a low mist, cold and humid, not dangerous to people, animals and plants.
Ultrasonic humidifiers guarantee precise humidity control and minimal noise levels.
They are equipped not only with hydrostats, but with special displays that allow you to control the device using the control panel.
Air humidifiers: what are the benefits for the body?
In everyday life, humidifiers are designed to saturate the air with moisture, helping to avoid problems caused by insufficiently humidified air.
1. Helping the eyes.
Dry room air has an irritating, adverse effect on the mucous membrane of the eyes. As a result, dry eye syndrome occurs, forcing you to contact ophthalmologists. Inflammation of the eyes is caused by microbes and viruses that thrive in dry air.
Insufficient humidity in the air increases the strain on the eyes, due to which they quickly fatigue.
A humidifier creates a supportive environment that prevents dryness and inflammation of the eyes and relieves eye strain.
2. Fighting infections.
Some of the viral diseases that cause colds are spread by airborne droplets. The human body protects itself from infection through the functions of the skin and mucous membranes. Dry air leads to their desiccation and, as a result, to a decrease in protective functions.
Beneficial features humidifier will increase the body's resistance to viral diseases and strengthen the immune system.
3. Additional energy.
The dry cold air of the room does not saturate the blood with a sufficient volume of oxygen, which leads to depletion of the body and causes a feeling of fatigue.
A humidifier will allow the body to work at its full capacity, providing the right conditions.
4. Benefits for plants.
Plants grow better in rooms with high humidity, as dry air dries out the foliage. In turn, healthy plants saturate the air with oxygen, and some absorb harmful substances. A healthy indoor climate is created by the interaction of oxygen and humidity indicators.
5. Healthy skin .
Proper hydration of the skin, prolonging youth and giving beauty and health, is provided not only from the inside, but also from the outside.
A humidifier will help keep your skin dry and look healthy.
Air humidifiers: what is the harm to health?
A humidifier will only harm you if you abuse it.
Control the humidity level in the room and avoid waterlogging.
Excessive humidity in the room, combined with high temperatures, creates a favorable environment for the growth of microorganisms. Maintain the humidity of the room up to 60% and then the humidifier will not bring any harm to the body.
If the humidity in the room is high, mold can spread, which is extremely harmful for people with allergies and asthma.
Use humidifiers that evaporate hot steam with caution. due to the risk of getting burned... Another dangerous point will be an increase in the temperature in the room where the steam humidifier is used: it is the high temperature of the room with a high level of humidity that leads to the spread of pathogens.
Damage to the body is caused by moisturizers, using untreated water... Salts and harmful compounds, being sprayed in the air, enter the body, to a greater extent this problem concerns ultrasonic humidifiers.
It is important to change the cleaning cartridge in time, as the accumulated dirt in it turns into a source of pathogenic bacteria over time.
The impact of ultrasonic waves on the human body remains a topical issue. The harm of exposure to ultrasonic waves on people has not been scientifically proven; the myth is at the heart of the opinion that ultrasonic humidifiers have a negative effect on health.
For pregnant and nursing mothers: harm of a humidifier
For pregnant and nursing mothers, the air humidifier is harmful only if it is used excessively.
If you do not allow waterlogged air, in which active reproduction of microorganisms occurs, the humidifier will not bring any harm.
Ultrasonic humidifiers do not have a negative effect on the body, therefore they are harmless to pregnant women.
A humidifier can even help create a climate that makes pregnancy easy. Humid air prevents the body from depleting, improves well-being and gives energy, which is especially important for young mothers.
Humidifier for kids: good or bad
Pediatricians confirm that humid air in a nursery prevents health problems for a child, so the use of a humidifier in a nursery is undeniable.
The beneficial properties of air humidifiers will improve your baby's life from the first days of his life.
The main reasons for the need for a humidifier for children are:
1. The susceptibility of children to environmental conditions is higher than that of adults. Heat rooms with a humidity of less than 20% creates a large thermal load on the child's body, causing disturbances in his work.
2. Insufficient humidity, provoking the development of microbes, causes bronchopulmonary diseases in infants.
3. The child's respiratory system develops until the age of ten, therefore it is important to maintain conditions that ensure its correct development. To ensure normal oxygen exchange, good ventilation of the lungs is required, provided by respiratory movements that reduce and increase the volume of the lungs.
4. A child's breathing is more frequent than that of an adult, which increases the risk of harmful microbes entering the body.
5. Dry air leads to drying out of the child's mucous membrane: in the nose, the mucous membrane is covered with a thin crust, due to which the infant's breathing becomes difficult, rhinitis and otitis media appear.
6. Babies have difficulty breastfeeding in dry air.
7. Children under one year old partially breathe through the skin, so it is very important not to allow it to dry out.
8. On the dry skin of the baby, irritation appears, which causes discomfort to the baby.
9. Children sleeping in a room with a humidifier sleep better and longer, suffer less respiratory diseases and are less capricious during the daytime.
10. The metabolism of young children is more intense than that of adults, so the child's body produces more heat. V childhood the lungs are responsible for heat transfer, not the skin. In dry air, children lose a lot of fluid, which can lead to thickening of the blood and disruption of the child's body.
11. The low humidity of the climate causes disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys in babies and provokes dysbiosis.
The benefits of a humidifier for children's health in the development of the body are undeniable.
A climatic device used primarily to increase the humidity of the air in rooms - this is the definition given by Wikipedia for a humidifier.
Distinguish between absolute and relative air humidity. Absolute is the amount of moisture contained in one cubic meter of the atmosphere. Measured in grams per cubic meter. Relative is the amount of moisture as a percentage of the maximum possible.
RH is directly influenced by the ambient temperature - the higher the temperature, the more moisture it can hold. That is, as the temperature rises relative humidity decreases. The optimal indicator is considered to be 45-60%, for children it is higher - 50-70%.
Types of humidifiers
Currently, there are three types of these devices:
- steam;
- cold;
- ultrasonic.
Steam humidifiers
Steam humidifiers work similarly to an electric kettle. The water is heated to boiling point and then evaporated. These devices must be equipped with a moisture sensor for automatic shutdown when the set value is reached.
Cold humidifiers
In cold humidifiers the air passes through the wet filter with the help of a fan, which causes it to be slightly cooled and humidified. The device should be operated with distilled water to minimize cartridge clogging.
One of the varieties of such an apparatus is the so-called air washer. This name is due to the fact that the dust contained in the air passing through the device settles on wet discs and is then washed off with the water in the humidifier. If the discs are not washed regularly, then they accumulate in the water and multiply. pathogens and fungi... It is doubtful whether such an air purifier is needed in the apartment.
Ultrasonic humidifiers
In these devices, water from a special tank is supplied to a plate vibrating with an ultrasonic frequency. As a result, the water turns into mist and is sprayed around the room. This fog partially settles on various surfaces, which leads to the appearance of a white coating due to the presence of salts and impurities in the tap water. Distilled water is recommended to prevent this effect.
Necessity or fad
Let's see what a humidifier is for at home.
When the heating season begins, the microclimate in the premises changes, it becomes drier, and if the ambient humidity indicators deviate from the norm, a person gets tired faster, perception and memory deteriorate, since dry air does not supply the body with a sufficient volume of oxygen. In addition to this, the skin dries up, cracks invisible to the eye form on it, the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes dry out and become inflamed - this facilitates the penetration of viruses and microbes into the body, which is fraught with the development of various diseases.
With normal humidity, plants also feel better, which allows them to more productively clean the atmosphere of the apartment from harmful substances and saturate it with oxygen.
Natural wood furniture, parquet, even books need the moisture content to be normal. A person will not immediately feel the presence of moisture after installing such a device in an apartment, since the floors and furniture will initially absorb it.
Pediatricians explain in detail why a child needs a humidifier. When the mucous membrane of the nose and nasopharynx dries up, there is a favorable soil for the development of pathogenic bacteria, since the production of mucus slows down, which delays the spread of viruses. As a result, the child becomes ill with respiratory diseases. Very often, to improve the patient's condition, and sometimes complete recovery, it is enough just to increase the humidity in the room. You can, of course, boil water in pots, hang wet towels on central heating radiators, but a humidifier will make it much more productive.
In children, especially newborns , increased demand for air humidity, because during the period of growth, their body needs more fluid. The process of heat exchange in a child is more intense than that of an adult, because of this, with low humidity, a loss of fluid occurs, which is so necessary for normal functioning internal organs... Exacerbations of existing diseases are possible. With normal air humidity, the child's sleep is normalized.
Air humidifier: pros and cons
The benefits of humidifying the air in the apartment are obvious. But is there any harm from this process?
Here are some testimonials from those who have already managed to acquire this technique.
I have always had a problem with my nose, and recently I found out that it is from dry air. I searched the Internet and found the one that suits me. I received the order in 10 days. I turned it on right away, and after a few hours it became easier to breathe. After a week, the breathing problems were gone, and the allergies disappeared. Sleep improved. I added eucalyptus oil and the air became very fragrant throughout the house. I advise everyone.
Anton, Moscow
With the beginning of the heating season, a child always has breathing problems. The doctor advised me to purchase a humidifier. Not believing in its effect, I bought the cheapest ultrasonic humidifier. As a result, the child is healthy, not a single cold during the winter, and I breathe easier at home. Our plants are also pleased with this purchase.
Tatiana, Perm
We got a humidifier on the advice of friends. The device is ultrasonic, the noise level does not interfere with sleep. We use distilled water, so I didn't notice any plaque. We add aromatic oils when a child has a cold. We are happy with the purchase.
Polina, St. Petersburg
How to choose a device
If you understand whether an air humidifier is useful in an apartment and decide to purchase it, then you must take into account some parameters, such as:
- area of the room;
- ceiling height;
- the furnishings of the room, that is, the presence of upholstered furniture, plants, the number of windows.
With all the information received, you can safely go to the store and choose the device that suits you best. However, if this is your first time making such a purchase or are still in doubt about its usefulness, get a simple and inexpensive device. First, figure out how it is used, what is needed and whether a humidifier helps your problem. And only after that you can take a more complex apparatus, if necessary.
Attention, only TODAY!
Why do I need a humidifier for my baby? This question arises for parents who have received a pediatrician's recommendation to purchase this device. How will its use affect the health of the baby? Is he really needed in the apartment? What does Komarovsky say about a humidifier for a child? What kind of moisturizers are there?
Humidifier in the apartment - general information
A humidifier atomizes microparticles of water into the air, thereby increasing the humidity in the room where it is located. This device is in demand in last years, there are several types.
1. Steam. It gives off hot steam. It has two drawbacks - it increases not only the moisture level, but also the air temperature. In addition, it is dangerous for young children - they can burn themselves.
2. Cold - the most affordable and common option. Taking air from the room, the device saturates it with microparticles cool water and throws it out.
3. Ultrasonic - its principle of operation is based on electromagnetic oscillations.
Each type of humidifier is equipped with a filter that gradually gets dirty, so it needs to be replaced regularly. It is best to pour purified bottled water into a humidifier so that no white residue remains on the pieces of furniture.
Why is dry air bad for a child?
Excessive dry air in an apartment negatively affects the health of all family members. Why?
In dry air, small dust particles, microbes and viruses move more easily, so that they can easily enter the respiratory tract of a child or adult, triggering the onset of the disease.
In such a microclimate, overdrying of the nasal mucosa occurs, and it, as you know, must have a viscous mucous membrane in order to prevent the penetration of harmful microorganisms inside.
Baby skin is very delicate and loses moisture quickly in a hot and dry environment. Drying out, skin cells become more sensitive to microbes, which can lead to the appearance of microcracks or infection of the baby's skin.
In dry air, the child's body loses a lot of fluid, the blood becomes thicker. This condition is unfavorable for the work of internal organs.
A dry and hot indoor climate contributes to rapid fatigue and poor sleep quality.
Based on this information, it is quite clear why children need a humidifier. It will reverse the processes just described.
Doctor Komarovsky says that any colds or viral disease in children, it is much easier to treat and is not accompanied by complications if the humidity in the room is from 50 to 70%. Dry and warm air dries up the mucous membrane, which makes it a good breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, and it is this microclimate that is created in apartments in winter when heating radiators are working.
That is why for a child, and it would be nice for adults to humidify the air in those rooms where they stay for a long time.
Is high humidity dangerous for children?
They rightly say that in everything you need to know when to stop. This also applies to moisturizing. As excessive dryness is harmful, so too high humidity is dangerous. Why? If you do not control the level of humidity in the room, over time, fungus, mold on the walls and in the corners can appear. Everyone probably knows about its dangers. Spores of fungi, penetrating the body through the respiratory tract, cause allergic reaction, reduce immunity. A weakened child's body is not able to fight all kinds of infections, so it often gets sick.
What should be the optimal humidity?
The best indicators of air humidity are those at which a person, and in particular a child, can feel comfortable. According to pediatricians, their value should not be below 50 and above 70 percent. A hygrometer can control this threshold. Some humidifiers have a built-in hygrometer. If not, it is advisable to purchase it separately and install it in the child's room. When the hygrometer value is close to 70 percent, the humidifier should be turned off.
Why is there a humidifier in the apartment?
So, this device is really needed for a child in his nursery. A healthy microclimate will help keep your baby healthy:
1. The child's body will not lose a lot of fluid, it will function normally.
2. Baby's skin will be healthy and hydrated.
3. Sleep is normalized.
4. Nasal mucus, due to maintaining an optimal level of humidity, will fulfill its main function - to serve as a protective barrier against viruses.
5. The child will become noticeably less sick, since the humid air impedes the movement and movement of microparticles of dust and microorganisms.
6. If children have allergies, the symptoms will become less obvious.
7. If the baby gets sick, he will recover faster, avoiding complications.
All these points clearly speak in favor of getting a humidifier. And if you consider that normal humidity has a beneficial effect on furniture, preventing the drying out of wooden surfaces, then it is worth buying it even when there are no children in the family.
Having considered several weighty arguments, it becomes clear why a humidifier is needed in an apartment in a children's room. This inexpensive device will protect the health of not only the baby, but all family members. If you do not yet have this miracle of technology, listen to the recommendations of pediatricians, get it. You will see how you yourself will feel better - you will get enough sleep, you will not get tired longer, you will become less irritable, and your children will stop hurting as often as before.
Water is one of the most important products that make up the human body. The functioning of all vital organs depends on the amount of fluid consumed. In this case, no less important role is played by the climatic conditions in which a person is. In order to humidify the air, a special device is used that can create an optimal microclimate. What is a humidifier, what is it for and how it works is described in this article.
What is a humidifier
The optimal indicator for the human body is 40 to 70%. If the moisture level in environment below the norm, unfavorable conditions for stay are created. The lack of fluid in the room affects the skin and organs of the respiratory system. Also, serious changes are observed in the work of the heart and kidneys. Dysfunctions in the body's work lead to the development of dangerous diseases. The problem of dry air is especially relevant in winter, when a heating system is used.
Previously, to humidify the air in the room, they put cans of water, hung up wet towels, and often washed the floor. But these actions required additional efforts and did not contribute to a complete solution of the problem. Today, it is much easier to normalize the microclimate if you use a humidifier. What it is for is clear from the name itself. The humidifier is a device for industrial and domestic use. This simple and highly efficient device takes up little space and does not require special installation. In addition, the humidifier can be applied to any room. The device is easy to operate and completely silent.
What is a humidifier for at home?
Doctors say that people who often ventilate the apartment and maintain high levels of humidity are less likely to get sick. In dry rooms, there is much more dust, which contains bacteria and pathogens. Also, dry air can contain allergens, plant pollen, and pet hair. Therefore, air humidification is recommended for people prone to allergies.
Also, dry air negatively affects houseplants, pets. Low humidity causes parquet and furniture to dry out.
Babies especially feel the lack of moisture in the air. Their body is actively growing and requires more fluid. In young children, thermoregulation processes have their own characteristics. Low humidity leads to violations of the daily regimen of the kidneys and the development of dysbiosis. Complications of existing diseases are also possible. Taking medications may not give the desired result if the temperature and humidity conditions are not normal.
Why do you need a humidifier, pediatricians repeatedly explain. According to them, this device promotes sound and restful sleep, which is important for the full development of the child's body. The use of moisturizers improves the health of babies. It has been proven that families who have purchased a climatic device are much easier to tolerate viral diseases.
Modern industry produces several types of humidifiers, which differ in power and principle of operation. Steam, cold and ultrasonic humidifiers are suitable for home use.
Cold steam humidifiers
In such a humidifier, the air flow passes through a wet filter, as a result of which it cools and becomes humidified. The effectiveness of these humidifiers depends on the humidity in the room. The lower the humidity level, the higher the evaporation rate and vice versa. Thus, cold humidifiers always maintain optimum humidity in the room. The productivity of such devices is from 3 to 8 liters of water per day.
Cold steam appliances work only with distilled water. Using regular water for the humidifier will cause the cartridges to clog and break more often. A softening cartridge can be used to further protect the device against hard water.
Steam humidifiers
It is no less effective. For what it is needed and how to use it correctly, doctors know in detail. This humidifier can be used for medical purposes due to the presence of inhalation nozzles.
In principle, steam humidifiers are similar to electric kettles... In order for the water to begin to evaporate, it is brought to a boil. The special one allows you to keep the set humidity level.
The daily productivity of steam humidifiers ranges from 7 to 16 liters.
Ultrasonic humidifiers
Devices of this type are produced specifically for humidifying large areas. Ultrasonic humidifiers have high performance and more power. They are distinguished by their perfect design and are the most popular among buyers.
Small and quiet. During operation, the device creates inaudible ultrasonic vibrations, which are emitted by a high-frequency piezoelectric pickup into a container with water. There is an increase in pressure above the liquid, as a result of which rapid evaporation begins. A voltage is applied to a crystal placed in water, from which the water forms waves of different pressures. With the help of the air flow created by the fan, the vaporous water suspension enters the room.
Advanced models of ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with displays. Using the remote controls, you can set the desired values from a distance and select the desired work program.
When do you need to use a humidifier?
- If the indoor humidity is less than 40%.
- High dustiness, the location of the house close to the road or to another source of dust.
- During the heating season.
Many doctors say that you need a humidifier in the summer. In the summer season, air humidity is almost always normal. Therefore, this adaptation is best suited for the winter period.
As for the most common question about whether an air humidifier is needed in an apartment, most experts will confidently give a positive answer. Urban residents suffer more from microclimate disturbances than representatives of rural areas located near water bodies and forests.
How to choose
Having figured out why you need an air humidifier in an apartment, you can start buying. Among the wide variety of models, it is important to choose the one that is suitable for a particular room. To make a good and profitable purchase, it is recommended that you first measure the area of the room. This will make it easier to determine the required performance of the humidifier. Then you should evaluate devices from different manufacturers. To do this, it is advisable to visit a specialized store, where the seller can demonstrate the operation of each device. A specialist will help you choose the most suitable humidifier. What is it for, how to use it correctly, and many other points, it is important to find out even in the store. Consulting with the seller, you can get a lot of useful information and quickly master the rules of operation.
When buying, it is important to consider the cost. If it is possible to purchase a more expensive model of a humidifier, it is better to choose an ultrasonic device with a display.
Accommodation features
Having received answers to questions about why you need an air humidifier in an apartment and how to buy it, it is equally important to master the rules of placement. Manufacturers advise placing the device in the center of the room at a height of 1 m from the floor. At night, it is ideal to use a highchair for this purpose. A separate shelf can be allocated for the humidifier, which is inaccessible to children.
The surface must be flat and stable. After switching on, pay attention to the direction of the air flow from the device. It is important that steam does not get onto appliances and furniture.