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. At the same time, the climatic conditions in which a person is located play an equally important role. 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 from 40 to 70%. If the level of moisture in the environment is 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. Violations of functions in the work of the body entail the development of dangerous diseases. Especially the problem of dry air is relevant in winter, when the heating system is used.

Previously, to humidify the air in the room, they put jars of water, hung 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 purposes. This simple and highly efficient device takes up little space and does not require special installation. In addition, the humidifier can be used for any room. The device is easy to use and completely silent.

What is a humidifier for at home?

Doctors say that people who often ventilate the apartment and maintain a high level of humidity are less likely to get sick. In dry rooms, there is much more dust, which contains bacteria and pathogens. Allergens, plant pollen, and pet dander can also be found in dry air. Therefore, air humidification is recommended for people prone to allergies.

Also, dry air adversely affects indoor plants, pets. Parquet and furniture dry out from low humidity.

Babies especially feel the lack of moisture in the air. Their body is actively growing and requires more fluid. In young children, the processes of thermoregulation have their own characteristics. Low humidity leads to violations of the daily regimen of the kidneys and the development of dysbacteriosis. Complications of already existing diseases are also possible. Taking medications may not give the desired result if the temperature and humidity conditions are not normal.

Why do we 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 humidifiers improves the health of babies. It has been proven that families who have purchased a climate 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 is moistened. 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 optimal humidity in the room. The productivity of such devices is from 3 to 8 liters of water per day.

Cold steam appliances only work with distilled water. If you use ordinary water for the humidifier, the cartridges will clog and break more often. To further protect the device from hard water, a softening cartridge can be used.

Steam Humidifiers

No less effective is Why 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 inhaler nozzles.

Steam humidifiers work in a similar way to electric kettles. In order for the water to begin to evaporate, it is brought to a boil. Special allows you to maintain a given level of humidity.

The daily output 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 have more power. They have a perfect design and are most popular among buyers.

Small and silent. During operation, the device creates inaudible ultrasonic vibrations, which are emitted by a high-frequency piezoelectric device into a container of 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 pressure. With the help of the air flow created by the fan, the vaporous water suspension enters the room.

Improved models of ultrasonic humidifiers are equipped with displays. With the help of remote controls, you can set the desired indicators from a distance and select the desired work program.

When Should You Use a Humidifier?

1. If the humidity in the room is less than 40%.
2. High dust content, the location of the house close to the highway or to another source of dust.
3. During the heating season.

Many doctors argue that a humidifier is needed in the summer. In the summer season, air humidity is almost always normal. Therefore, this device is best suited for the winter period.

As for the most common question about whether a humidifier is needed in an apartment, most experts will confidently give a positive answer. Residents of cities 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 a humidifier in the 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 successful and profitable purchase, it is recommended to first measure the area of ​​​​the room. In this way, it will be easier to determine the required performance of the humidifier. Then you should evaluate the devices of different manufacturers. To do this, it is advisable to visit a specialized store where the seller can demonstrate the operation of each device. The 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. By consulting with the seller, you can get a lot of useful information and quickly learn the rules of operation.

When buying, it is important to consider the cost. If it is possible to purchase a more expensive humidifier model, it is better to choose an ultrasonic device with a display.

Accommodation features

Having received answers to questions about why a humidifier is needed in an apartment and how to buy it, it is equally important to master the placement rules. 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 high chair for this purpose. Under the humidifier, you can select a separate shelf, which is inaccessible to children.

The surface must be level and stable. After switching on, pay attention to the direction of air flow from the device. It is important that steam does not get on appliances and furniture.

sleeping badly

daytime sleep

Tantrums

The correct air humidity in the room where the child lives allows not only to provide him with protection from viruses and allergies, but also to recover faster if the illness does happen. Yevgeny Komarovsky, a respected pediatrician and author of many books and articles on children's health, repeatedly told parents about this.

Many mothers and fathers, listening to the doctor's advice, try to humidify the air in the children's room with the help of basins of water, an aquarium, steam, wet towels hung on radiators. Sooner or later, the understanding comes that it is easier and more profitable to purchase a special device - an air humidifier. Evgeny Komarovsky tells how to choose it and how to use it correctly.

Benefit and harm

The mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx perform important protective functions. They produce mucus that can bind viruses and slow their spread.

If the mucus dries up due to the fact that the child breathes dry air or breathes through the mouth during a runny nose, then the biological fluid that has changed its consistency becomes dangerous for the baby. Pathogenic bacteria begin to feel great in dried nasal mucus.

Many parents have noticed that the current snot one day turns into thick and green. This is the result of improper air humidity.

A child who constantly breathes dry air is more likely to suffer from acute respiratory viral infections.

During illness, they have a significantly higher risk of complications. The fact is that if, when coughing in the bronchi, which also actively produce a protective secret against viruses, bronchial mucus begins to dry out, this will most likely lead to bronchitis. If dried mucus begins to interfere with pulmonary metabolism, then pneumonia will begin.

Moist air during the flu or SARS is generally one of the main “medicines”: viral infections recede faster, and the immune system learns to recognize viruses and resist them when the patient breathes humid air, drinks a lot of liquids. At the same time, you usually do not need to buy any other medicines from a pharmacy.

Children who breathe insufficiently humidified air are more likely to suffer from various allergic reactions. They are more difficult to tolerate the high temperature that accompanies various diseases, they get sick longer, their immunity is much weaker than their peers who breathe air with relative humidity ranging from 50 to 70%. It is this level of humidity that Komarovsky recommends maintaining for the children's room.

To find out how much the air in the room is saturated with moisture, you should take a device - a hygrometer. If the indicator does not “reach” up to 50%, then you should think about purchasing a humidifier. It will help, without too much fuss, running around with basins, jars of water and wet towels, to create the right microclimate in which the child will grow up healthy.

Harm from the humidifier will only be if the parents grossly violate the rules for its operation. If there is a humidity in the child's room that exceeds 75-80%, then this will negatively affect his well-being and health.

Types of humidifiers - pros and cons

There are three types of humidifiers on the market today:

1. steam;
2. ultrasonic;
3. "cold".

Steam humidifiers are similar to kettles in terms of operation: in order for the water to begin to evaporate, it is heated to a boil in the device by two electrodes. This is the cheapest and most affordable option for home appliances.

When choosing a steam humidifier, you should make sure that it is equipped with a special humidity sensor, which instructs the device to turn off immediately after the desired set humidity is reached in the room. If this is not included in the humidifier, then you will have to buy it separately, which is not very convenient and expensive.

Among the disadvantages of a steam appliance, one can indicate a high level of energy consumption. But otherwise, this type of humidifier is very suitable for children's rooms - it is the most productive, quickly creates the desired microclimate, there is no need to buy consumables for it. The product works simply: water is poured and the container is plugged into an outlet.

It should be remembered that humidification occurs with hot steam, and therefore it is necessary to place the humidifier so that the child cannot reach it under any circumstances.

Ultrasonic humidifiers are more expensive than steam humidifiers, but they have more benefits. So, with lower power consumption, these devices show a fairly high performance.

The principle of operation of such a device is more complex: ultrasonic radiation is applied to the piezoelectric crystal, electrical vibrations become mechanical. The advantage of this technique is in its small dimensions, the mobility of the atomizer, with which steam can be directed from any direction.

With all the advantages, ultrasonic humidifiers are quite capricious: if too hard water is often poured into them, the filter quickly fails. This can lead to the fact that a white precipitate will fall on furniture and wallpaper. In addition, replacement filters for appliances are expensive.

"Cold" humidifiers are the most expensive. They got this name for the principle of operation, according to which the dry air that is currently in the room, entering the inside of the device, is cleaned. Inside there is a wet cartridge, passing through which the air cools and is saturated with moisture.

The performance of such equipment directly depends on the initial humidity. The higher it is, the slower the device will work, because there is no point in intensive moisturizing. Therefore, such a "smart" humidifier will always maintain the optimal level of humidity by itself, without the intervention of household members.

Such a device is very demanding on the quality of the water that will wet the filter. Too hard water will damage the filter. Therefore, it is better to use distilled water or, for extra money, buy special cartridges that “know how” to soften hard water and demineralize it.

This humidifier does not release streams of steam, like the previous two types, and therefore the child will not be interested. Another advantage is that the humidifier not only saturates the air with water, but also purifies it, since it works with smaller particles.

Cold humidifiers consume the same amount of electricity as ultrasonic humidifiers. However, their performance is lower than that of ultrasonic ones, but they are on self-regulation.

The disadvantage of the device is that it is not able to raise the relative humidity above 60%. In addition, the filter service life is no more than 3 months, so consumables will have to be purchased and changed at least 4 times a year.

Where to start choosing

You should start choosing a device for a nursery by measuring the room.

You must come to the store with a piece of paper, which will indicate:

• room area;
• ceiling height;
• a brief description of the type of room (how many windows, what the walls are made of, how many upholstered furniture, plants are in the room).

It is also advisable to tell the seller how often you can change the water in the appliance. If you are sitting at home, then the tank may be small, but if the parents are at work all day and the child is in the kindergarten, then it is better to take a device with a large capacity in order to add water less often.

Yevgeny Komarovsky claims that the most difficult thing when choosing in a store is to evaluate the noise effects that a humidifier emits. In the space of a large shopping center, not a single type of device seems to make noise. But after all, it will be used in the bedroom, including working at night. It is important that the device is as quiet as possible.

If you have to choose a humidifier for the first time, you should not immediately take an expensive and technologically complex model, says Komarovsky. Beginners do not need an instance with a control panel, an “on-board computer”, and a host of additional functions. To begin with, you just need to understand how the device is used and why this particular family needs it.

Fresh air is necessary for normal life and good health. But through the windows in the housing, a certain amount of harmful substances, including gases and dust, can enter, which does not allow using this method of ventilation, unless, of course, this is a house in the village. For effective cleaning and an additional source of moisture, humidifiers are now available, endowed with benefits and harms, according to consumer reviews and the opinion of doctors.

The modern market is replete with various models of such devices that can regulate the temperature of the air, the content of ions and humidity. Devices that perform such functions have appeared for a long time, but the popularity began to come to them relatively recently. What are humidifiers

There are three types of humidifiers on the market:

1. Traditional. The activity of such a device is based on "cold" evaporation or natural - water is poured into a barrel, from there it enters the element that evaporates it. With the help of a fan, air is driven through it, through which humidification occurs. Such devices are characterized by economy, low noise level and maximum ease of use.

Thanks to a self-adjusting process, optimum humidity values ​​are achieved for a given ambient temperature. In order for such a humidifier to work more efficiently, you need to put an additional heat source next to it.

2. Steam. The principle of operation of such a humidifier is “hot” evaporation. Electrode pairs heat the water in the device to the maximum, which leads to a transition to a state of steam. After evaporation of the entire volume of liquid, the device automatically turns off. The main advantage is high performance with the ability to raise humidity to higher levels.

It is necessary to constantly monitor the water level for trouble-free operation. There is no hydrostat in its equipment, plus a large amount of power consumption. Due to the production of too hot steam, such a humidifier should not be installed in a room for children. But it is great for inhalation and aromatherapy procedures by dropping a small amount of oil into the nozzle of the device.

3. Ultrasonic. Such devices are considered the most effective and in demand. The principle of operation lies in the supply of water to a plate vibrating in high-frequency mode. The result is the formation of a cloud with its passage through a fan into the dwelling.

Such a device is able to generate cool moist air. According to reviews, the benefits and harms of an ultrasonic humidifier lie in its high performance, safety, but high cost and dependence on water quality. For work, it is better to use distilled water, details below.

There are also air washers with climatic complexes that combine a purifier with a humidifier at the same time. Such a device removes harmful impurities, tobacco smoke, wool and dust from the air, at the same time moistening it to a comfortable environment through "cold" evaporation. They are economical, high performance, quiet and do not require filter changes.

About the benefits of humidifiers

The direct purpose of the device is to increase the humidity of the air with the removal of the negative impact of excessive dryness of the environment in the home. The main benefit of a humidifier lies in its need for the health of the child's body.

The metabolism of a child is very intense, generating a lot of heat when the regulation of heat transfer is done primarily by the lungs. When the air is very dry, a large amount of water is lost by the body, resulting in excessive sweating with thickening of the blood. In some cases, the activity of some systems and organs may even be disrupted:

• Excessive dryness of the mucous membranes of the nose and larynx causes a loss of protective properties, due to which favorable conditions for the life of pathogenic bacteria develop. Because of this, the child develops bronchitis, otitis media, pneumonia, sinusitis and other diseases;
• A humidifier is useful in minimizing the risk of asthma with rhinitis;
• Insufficient humidity in the room entails dry skin, resulting in peeling, irritation and premature aging;
• Such a device supports the immune system with the protection of the body from possible dehydration;
• Excessive dryness of the environment reduces attention and causes fatigue;
• In addition, such a device will help to keep wooden furniture longer, including doors that can dry out and deform with insufficient moisture;
• For plants, a humidifier is also useful, helping them feel normal and grow well.

According to doctors and numerous reviews, a humidifier is good for the eyes, solving the problem with their dryness. Thanks to such a device, it will not be necessary to additionally moisturize the mucous membranes of the eyes in order to get rid of redness and itching.

About the harmful effects of humidifiers

For a better understanding of the harmful effects of air humidifiers, it is worth considering each separately:

1. Due to the hot steam being thrown out, the steam appliance has a chance of being burned. Plus, they cause an increased air temperature with the simultaneous use of heating devices. And one more drawback - when installing it near a wall, there is a risk of damaging its coating.
2. The harm of a traditional air humidifier lies in the accumulation of various microorganisms harmful to the body on a replaceable cassette. This is due to the simultaneous function of air purification with the subsequent release of the collected dust particles into the environment.
3. Ultrasonic humidifiers are harmful by throwing out the liquid at the same time as other elements dissolved in it. This is usually salt and possible harmful substances that then settle on the surrounding furniture, including the floor and lungs. To avoid this, it is recommended to use only distilled water.

Using any such device, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of humidity - after all, its overestimated indicators are harmful in the same way as excessive dryness. This is carried out by a hygrometer purchased separately or already built into the humidifier.

Operating rules

To obtain maximum effect and benefit, the air humidifier must be properly operated:

• Before connecting the device, be sure to read the instructions. For example, in order not to unknowingly fill the ultrasonic mechanism with tap water;
• In the presence of a gyrostat, you need to regularly monitor its performance with a hygrometer. These figures should not be less than 45 and exceed 60 percent for the room where adults are and from 50 to 70% in the children's room;
• Do not replace the humidification function with ventilation with temperature control. They should not exceed 23 degrees.

By following all these simple rules, all that remains is to enjoy all the benefits of a humidifier.

How to choose a humidifier

A limited budget forces you to purchase an inexpensive device that is not equipped with additional functions. This applies to the timer, humidistat, backlight, display and rotary nozzle. A well-known brand also adds value.

Any model is suitable for its use, both in a residential area and in production. The choice of humidifier is based on:

1. On indicators of the area on which the volume of the tank and the performance of the humidifier depend.
2. On control with the presence of mechanisms that expand functions. This can be an ionizer, a reservoir for aromatic oils and a filter that protects against harmful substances and contaminants.
3. Electricity costs.
4. Noise indicators.

Proper operation of the device will increase humidity, which will improve sleep, eliminate sore throat and dry eyes, the skin will stop peeling and colds will go away.

Even indoor plants will feel better, pleasing the eyes of their owners. It is always possible to improve the climate in the home, caused by excessive dryness of the air environment with a device that humidifies it.

Now devices that allow you to regulate such important air parameters as temperature, ionization and humidity are in great demand on the market. Let's talk about the latter.

Household humidifiers did not appear yesterday, but they did not gain much popularity: humidifiers offered by the Soviet industry for use in everyday life sprayed water into the air from special nozzles. Moisture settled on various surfaces, which was not only unpleasant, but also dangerous - moisture could get inside the appliance, causing it to fail. Modern ultrasonic humidifiers are free from this disadvantage, thanks to the principle of their work. With the help of ultrasound, droplets are “knocked out” from the surface of the water so small that when they get into the air they are “weighed”, that is, they are held by the Brownian movement of air molecules.

Humidity in the room can be both beneficial and harmful.

Air humidity is a factor that is especially significant in a house where there are small children. Of course, everyone wants only good things for their children, but how often, armed with good intentions, we “do good and do good”. Let's try to figure out if a humidifier is needed in the house, or is it better to limit ourselves to traditional wet cleaning.

To begin with, let's decide, why do we need to additionally humidify the air in the room? Where does the natural moisture go? The two main enemies of humidity are heaters and air conditioners.

What causes moisture to decrease

Sometimes you hear that heaters “burn out” or “evaporate” moisture. This is obviously not the case: it is impossible to burn out moisture, water, as you know, does not burn. “Evaporation” of humidity also does not threaten, water is already in the air in the form of steam in its normal state, otherwise there would be fog in our room, and dew would fall on the furniture. Why do heaters reduce humidity?

The fact is that when it comes to humidity in residential premises, we mean, first of all, relative humidity, because it is it that affects health and well-being.

Relative humidity is measured as a percentage, which shows the ratio of the amount of water in the air to the amount of water that the air, in principle, could contain in itself at a given temperature. The higher the air temperature, the more “capacious” it is for water.

What happens when air is heated? Obviously, its temperature rises, its "capacity" rises. Thus, the denominator of the fraction of relative humidity increases, and, consequently, the value of relative humidity itself (with a constant value of the absolute amount of water in the air) decreases. The relative humidity in the room drops.

Misted windows - a sign of high humidity in the room

What happens when using the air conditioner? The idea of ​​“freezing out” moisture in an air conditioner is just as untenable as the “evaporation” of air in a heater. When the air is cooled, its “capacity” decreases, the relative humidity quickly increases to more than one hundred percent, the “excess” of the moisture contained in the water passes into a liquid state and is removed. It is this water that drips from drain pipes protruding from the walls of air-conditioned buildings.

The air entering the room from the air conditioner has almost one hundred percent humidity. But relative humidity, as we already know, depends on temperature. The air from the air conditioner, once in a warm room, heats up, its "water requirement" (the denominator of relative humidity) increases. The air is ready to absorb "its" water back, but it has already flowed out into the street through the drain pipe. Again, the relative humidity of the air becomes lower.

Pros and cons

So, we found out that additional air humidification is really necessary and beneficial, now let's see if the use of household humidifiers will harm. To do this, consider the typical claims and concerns of humidifier users.

- "I began to use a humidifier to escape the heat, in the apartment there was nothing to breathe without it better." First you need to separate the concepts of "hot" and "stuffy". Although these concepts are close and interrelated, they are not identical. “Stuffiness” is, firstly, the lack of fresh air. No humidifier will ever replace banal airing.

Secondly, it is always stuffy where it is hot and humid. Moist heat is always much worse than dry heat. Tropical heat is more excruciating than desert heat, although desert temperatures are much warmer. If you do not want to go to the desert and the tropics, then you can conduct a small visual experiment here: just compare your feelings from a dry sauna and a wet Russian bath at the same air temperature. The result will be obvious.

Where the temperature and humidity are high, there is always closeness

Unfortunately, children are most often affected by the heat at home. Unfortunately, there is still an opinion that in the room where the child is located, it must be hot. Heaters, heaters, convectors are added to central heating radiators. And if (as always with the best of intentions) a humidifier is turned on in a hotly heated room ... A bath at home is provided.

What to do, because heaters dry the air and humidification is necessary? Yes, it is necessary to humidify the air, but not as a substitute for ventilation and normal temperature conditions. If you want it not to be stuffy - open the window and turn off the heater, the temperature in the living room (especially where there are small children) should not exceed 20-23 degrees.

- “We had this humidifier, so the child did not climb out of sores. When it came to obstructive bronchitis, the humidifier was abandoned. That's right, high humidity is an ideal habitat for microorganisms, including pathogens. Especially if the humidity is associated with high temperatures, as we have already discussed above. Humidity must be carefully monitored, because high humidity is no less harmful than low humidity.

To control humidity, you need to purchase a special device - a hygrometer. There are humidifiers with built-in hygrometers, but in this case, it must be remembered that if the humidifier is turned on, the built-in hygrometer will show the humidity near the source of humidification, which means that its readings will always be slightly higher than the average humidity in the room.

A hygrometer should be in every apartment, like a thermometer.

Undoubtedly, the benefit of a humidifier with a built-in hygrostat is a humidity sensor that automatically turns off the humidifier when the humidity in the room reaches a predetermined value. If there is none, and we will monitor the humidity ourselves, then the comfortable value of relative humidity is in the range of 45-60%. For young children, the humidity can be slightly increased - up to 50-70%.

- “There is only one harm from an ultrasonic humidifier - all the furniture and the TV screen are in a whitish, hard-to-wash coating. And the water from it is dead. Ultrasound is just high frequency sound waves that are not perceived by the human ear. In no way does ultrasound affect the structure of water, and all the talk about "dead water" is from the realm of fantasy.

But the salt coating is the pure truth. Unlike steam humidifiers, which supply steam into the air, leaving salts inside, an ultrasonic humidifier throws water into the air along with all the substances soluble in it. In this sense, water from an ultrasonic humidifier is much more "alive" than from a steam one. In order to avoid the appearance of plaque, it is recommended to use distilled water in ultrasonic humidifiers. And this must be reported in the manufacturer's instructions accompanying the humidifier.

The appearance of plaque on household appliances

So, let's summarize: are steam and ultrasonic humidifiers harmful, or can and should they be used? We can say with all responsibility: household air humidifiers are certainly necessary and useful, but they will bring benefits only if they are used subject to a number of conditions:

1. Before turning on the device, read the instructions and do not neglect its requirements. In particular, do not use tap water to fill ultrasonic humidifiers.
2. If the device is not equipped with a gyrostat, monitor the humidity yourself with a hygrometer. Remember that too much moisture is no less harmful than too little. Relative humidity should be between 45-60% for adults or 50-70% for children.
3. In no case should you try to replace humidification with ventilation and air temperature control. The normal air temperature in a residential area is 20-23 degrees.

If your house is hot, you suffer from respiratory diseases, you have small children - do not hesitate, buy a humidifier. But do not forget about the conditions of useful use of this device.

So we realized that the humidifier is very useful and reasonable application. But which model should you choose? In our opinion, the German Smower Multi Action humidifiers have proven themselves the best. The company has a good reputation as a manufacturer of quality climate control equipment. In addition to the humidifier, this unit also has an air purifier, which makes it even more valuable.

Harmful humidifier?

To determine if there is harm from humidifiers, it is worth clarifying that a lot depends on which humidifier you use and where it will be installed. Which humidifier to choose, the benefits and harms of this device and the place of its installation are closely related, therefore, when discussing the disadvantages of these devices, we will talk about everything in a complex.

A steam humidifier, the harm of which is mostly discussed on the network, works on the principle of boiling water to produce hot steam. First of all, such devices are dangerous precisely because of their temperature - when you touch a jet of steam, you can get burned. Therefore, it is especially important that they are located on a stable surface and are out of the reach of children and animals, so that the maximum benefit of the air humidifier is, and the harm is reduced to a minimum. Steam is harmful to both wallpaper and wooden furniture, so you should put it away from them. Also, steam humidifiers increase the temperature of the air, so you should not use them if the apartment is already very hot.

The second humidifier, the harm or benefit of which is being actively discussed, is ultrasonic. Aside from the myths about the harmful effects of ultrasound (let's leave it to fans of foil hats), it's worth saying that its main disadvantage is a white coating that leaves steam on furniture. To avoid this effect, it is enough to use filtered or distilled water.

Traditional humidifiers with the principle of cold evaporation have no particular complaints. Perhaps their main drawback is the accumulation of microorganisms in a humid environment. It is easy to avoid this - it is enough to change the water regularly and take care of cleaning the air in the apartment.

From this article, you can find out all the advantages and disadvantages of operating such a device as an air humidifier: benefits and harms, reviews, doctors' opinions on the impact of climate technology on the indoor microclimate, the impact on people and their health. The specificity of the use of humidifiers in children's rooms and consumer reviews of the most popular models are also considered.

Humidifier optimizes the microclimate in a dry room

Humidifier: benefits and harms, reviews, doctors' opinions

Climatic equipment is designed to increase the humidity of the air in the room, as well as to maintain comfortable conditions for human habitation. 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.

A humidifier keeps the room comfortable

Advantages of using air conditioning equipment for the room:

1. Excessively dry air adversely affects the condition of natural floor coverings. In the absence of the required level of moisture, wooden 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.
2. Low humidity is detrimental to plants. Flowers and green spaces in the house slow down in growth, turn yellow and dry out. The humidifier maintains optimal conditions for plants that are not only pleasing to the eye, but also release additional oxygen.
3. Wooden furniture, as well as door frames in a dry room, can become cracked over time. Climate technology keeps the wood in good condition, increasing the life of the furniture.

Note! These benefits can be classified as secondary benefits.

A humidifier does not actually create an ideal microclimate, because it affects only one of the components of the room atmosphere - humidity. Other factors also influence the well-being and health of a person, the combination of which creates an optimal environment for living.

Low humidity negatively affects indoor plants and wooden interior items

Pros and cons of a humidifier for indoor climate

Touching upon the topic of the advantages and disadvantages of humidifiers, it is worth noting that the same amount of water vapor can affect a person’s well-being in different ways. 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 is heated to a temperature of 21°C, due to which the humidity drops to 14%. This is due to the fact that dry air is able to contain not 5, but 18 mg of water. At the same time, a person experiences a feeling of discomfort, which can be eliminated by replenishing the humidity to the required percentage due to the air humidifier.

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

At an indoor air temperature of 21 ° C, the humidity indicator will be 14%

The purity of the air environment also affects the well-being of a person. In a closed space, various compounds accumulate in gaseous form:

• human life products;
• polymer fumes emitted by the decoration of the room;
• gases formed during the cooking process;
• harmful microorganisms.

Note! Partially, the device improves the situation (if we are talking about the Boneco Air-o-Swiss E 2441 A air washer), but 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.

Components of a room humidifier

The harm and benefits of air humidifiers: expert reviews on common opinions

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

Humidification of the air 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 an excess of moisture, mucus accumulates in the respiratory tract of a person, creating comfortable conditions for bacteria. The ideal rate for adults is 45-60%, and for children - 50-70%.

The centralized heating system in winter does not allow this value to rise above the 35% mark. The air humidifier just compensates for the difference that is missing to the norm. In summer, the use of air conditioners also contributes to the drying of the air, so additional moisture will be required this season as well.

The device does not help achieve optimal mode- 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 technique is designed to effectively process a room of 15 m², then for rooms of 25 m² its power will not be enough.

Humidity above 80% can cause respiratory problems

The humidifier is dangerous for the child- the use of a steam device, for example, a Polaris PUH 2204 humidifier, is dangerous, because the baby can get thermal damage to the skin with hot steam. In this case, you can simply put the device out of the reach of children or limit yourself to buying, for example, an Electrolux EHU 3715 D ultrasonic humidifier or a traditional one. These 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 buying, you need to carefully study the instructions and compare the price of filters and membranes in different stores.

The real benefits and harms of household humidifiers

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

Note! From a medical point of view, dry air is extremely harmful to human health, and it is simply dangerous for a child's body. Doctors say that these devices are much more useful than harm.

A dry microclimate is more dangerous for humans than a humid one.

The benefits of climate technology designed for humidification:

1. Regulation of heat transfer in a child - the body of young children generates much more heat than the body of an adult. However, it is not transmitted to the environment through the skin, but through the lungs. Due to dry air and a strong loss of moisture in the body of the child, the blood begins to thicken. In some cases, the work of internal organs is disrupted. Dry air causes the formation of crusts on the mucous membranes of infants. They create obstacles to normal breathing and can even completely block it.
2. Reducing the risk of contracting a respiratory disease - when the mucus dries, all the processes of neutralizing bacteria and viruses are blocked, which can lead to otitis media, bronchitis, sinusitis and pneumonia in a dry room.
3. Reducing the risk of exacerbation of allergic reactions - thanks to the purchase of an Electrolux EHU 3715 D humidifier, which is an "air cleaner", a significant amount of allergens can be eliminated from the room.
4. Healing and rejuvenating effect on the skin - peeling due to low humidity is eliminated, irritation from the skin disappears and the number of wrinkles decreases.

Using a humidifier reduces the risk of exacerbating allergic reactions

In addition, humidifiers keep the human immune system in working order and prevent dehydration.

The benefits and harms of an ultrasonic humidifier, customer reviews

Ultrasonic devices are the most popular humidifiers on the market. These devices generate cold steam. In fact, water is converted into small particles due to the vibrational frequencies of the ultrasonic membrane installed inside the structure.

Note! The ultrasonic humidifier allows you to manually adjust the required room humidity due to the built-in hydrostat.

When the tank of the device runs out of liquid, the automatic shutdown function is activated. Ultrasonic humidifiers operate almost silently, and their energy consumption is minimal.

The ultrasonic humidifier generates cold vapor during operation

The harm and benefits of air humidifiers: user reviews from the forum

There are often comments on the forums that ultrasonic type humidifiers are harmful to the health of the child. But the medical opinion of most experts indicates that such reviews can only be considered as a result of improper operation of the devices.

Most often, buyers note the advantages of climate technology:

“When a child appeared in our family, the doctor advised me to buy a humidifier to correct the microclimate in the children's room. I reviewed a lot of information before I settled on the Polaris PUH 3504 humidifier, the reviews about this device were good and the price suited me. The device copes well with the task assigned to it, it can work for a long time without adding water. This humidifier is perfect for me.

Ekaterina Solntseva, St. Petersburg

“I have repeatedly heard reviews about Polaris humidifiers from friends and neighbors. I decided to buy one for myself as well. In winter, radiators dry out the air, making it hard to breathe. Yes, and sleep in such conditions is simply unbearable. I took the PUH 3005 DI model, designed for a 30 m² room. This humidifier has a good capacity (5 liters), but it is quite compact and looks neat. It is very convenient to use: it has a light indication to control the amount of water in the tank, a timer for 8 hours. It works almost silently. I am very satisfied with my purchase and would recommend to anyone."

Svetlana Bendas, Yekaterinburg

Ultrasonic Humidifier Device

Disadvantages of an ultrasonic humidifier: harm to children

Ultrasonic humidifiers use a wave frequency of 5 MHz to form water mist. But it cannot be harmful to the child, as it is completely safe for health.

A humidifier is a device that measures the level of humidity in a room. This happens as a result of heating or cooling the air, depending on the principle of operation of a particular type of humidifier. Humidifiers may have additional features. Using a humidifier with an ionizer, air purification from impurities or its enrichment will bring much more benefits.

The need for indoor air humidification arises during the cold season. This is because cold air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air, and the humidity level decreases. In addition to this, the air becomes drier due to the operation of the central heating or heaters.

In addition to humidifying the air, the device has a positive effect on health. Humidifiers should be used to relieve nasal congestion from colds, flu, and sinus infections. It adds moisture to the air, which hydrates the skin and eliminates some of the mucus in the sinuses, making it easier to breathe.

The benefits of a humidifier will be manifested when it is properly maintained and cleaned. Make sure that an environment favorable for the development of microbes and viruses is not created inside.

Types of humidifiers

Humidifiers are divided into two main groups: warm and cool. Each group has several subspecies that have some differences in the principle of operation. Let's take a closer look at each type of humidifier.

Cold

• Conventional Humidifiers. They suck air through a water-saturated filter, increasing humidity while retaining minerals and other impurities from the water. The design of this type of humidifier does not involve thermal heating of the air and is based on cold evaporation. These models have a powerful fan that can create noise during operation.
• Ultrasonic Humidifiers. The principle of operation of such a humidifier is based on high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations. They break up water particles into a cool, moisturizing mist. Quiet and efficient, ultrasonic devices take up little space and consume less power than traditional models. Because ultrasonic humidifiers do not have filters, they sometimes produce fine white dust. It is a natural by-product caused by the minerals in the water.

Warm

Steam evaporator. Steam evaporators or warm mist humidifiers work on the principle of a kettle. They heat water and then release it into the air as steam. Their advantage lies in the fact that during the heat treatment all bacteria in the water are killed and the steam comes out purified. Steam evaporators can be used for inhalation by adding a little essential oil or medicines to the water. This type of humidifier is quieter and less expensive. They not only moisturize, but also heat the air in the room, avoiding the dryness that occurs when using heaters.

The benefit of a humidifier for the skin is that during the winter months it prevents the skin from drying out, eliminates itching and cracking, and also reduces the symptoms of certain skin diseases - psoriasis and acne.

The presence of static electricity in dry air is typical for the cold season. This not only causes discomfort, but can also cause equipment breakdown in the house.

Plants in the home help to remove toxins from the air and saturate it with oxygen. However, indoor flowers also suffer from a lack of moisture in the winter. A humidifier can solve the problem. It will also protect wooden furniture and floors from drying out and cracking caused by dry air.

Dry air protection is important for children, so a humidifier in a child's room will be useful. Children's bodies are often exposed to viruses and infections. The humidifier creates a bad environment for the spread of harmful infections. In addition, the humidifier adds the necessary moisture to the air and creates optimal breathing conditions, allowing the child to sleep peacefully and prevent the accumulation of mucus.

Baby's skin is sensitive to dry climates, so lack of moisture can lead to red spots and chapped lips. A humidifier will solve these problems.

What does Dr. Komarovsky think

The well-known pediatrician Komarovsky believes that a humidifier is a device that must be present in the house where the child is. Since the children's body is affected by infections and bacteria, its immunity must work at full capacity, and the dryness of the air will become an obstacle to this. Insufficient humidity in the room will increase the likelihood of respiratory disease and blockage of the sinuses, which can lead to bacterial complications. Humidification is especially important for infants and preschool children. They are more sensitive to humidity measurements due to their metabolism and small airways.

Harm from a humidifier

Not all models are able to independently regulate the level of humidity in the room, which leads to the formation of excess moisture in the air. This is fraught with the development of respiratory diseases and the complication of allergies or asthma. The optimum level of humidity in a residential area does not exceed 50%.

The use of untreated water may lead to the formation of white dust deposits on the furniture. This precipitates minerals evaporating in the water.

Remember to clean the humidifier in a timely manner in accordance with the instructions. Poor care of the humidifier can lead to the formation of mold and mildew, which will spread in the room with the generated steam.

How to choose the right humidifier

The range of humidifiers continues to grow, but there are criteria that should be considered when choosing a useful device.

1. Performance. This is the first thing to pay attention to. Optimal for a home humidifier is 400 g / hour.
2. Volume. The larger the volume of the humidifier tank, the easier it is to maintain. In the presence of a tank of 7-9 liters, water can be changed only once a day, which is very convenient.
3. Noise. The main operating time of the air humidifier is at night, since during this period the body is sensitive to the state of the environment. If the humidifier makes a lot of noise, then during sleep it will be turned off, which is highly undesirable.
4. Hydrostat is a device that automatically measures the level of humidity in the room and maintains its optimal value. The presence of a hygrostat in the humidifier will make it work more efficiently and prevent excessive accumulation of moisture.

Humidifiers have appeared for a long time, but they have become popular only recently. This is the merit of modern doctors, who have proven that dry air in an apartment is harmful to health.

Protecting ourselves from street dust, car exhaust, heat and cold, we are forced to tightly close the windows. This prevents not only the penetration of harmful substances into the home, but also interferes with the flow of fresh air.

Have you ever felt tired, lack of energy for no apparent reason? The culprit of the malaise may be too dry air in the apartment. You can adjust the humidity range with a humidifier. Such a device will be a real salvation in the summer heat and will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms for people who suffer from chronic allergies.

Functions of the device and areas of application of the humidifier

Doctors agree that the more often a person ventilates a living space, the less often he gets sick with viral infections. It is important not only not to prevent the penetration of fresh air into the apartment, but also to maintain a favorable level of humidity in the rooms. A humidifier will help with this. The device performs a number of functions:

• cleans the air from dust and harmful impurities;
• eliminates electrostatic charges;
• enriches the air with moisture.

The HVAC system is used in various fields. First of all, people purchase a device to take care of their own health. Reduced moisture content in the air negatively affects the general condition of a person. Severe headaches begin to disturb, breathing becomes difficult, there is tightness in the chest. Against the background of these symptoms, a person experiences weakness, malaise and constant fatigue.

The humidifier will be a salvation for people who suffer from chronic diseases of the respiratory system. The device provides the function of inhalation, which is suitable for medical procedures at home.

Attention! For good health, a person needs to maintain the level of humidity in the air in the range from 40 to 70%.

An air humidifier is a great find for housewives who grow flowers in an apartment. Dry air adversely affects plants, preventing their normal growth. In order for flowers to please the eye throughout the year, it is necessary to maintain a normal microclimate in the room and control the humidity range at 55-70%.

Collectors of stamps, coins, old books and other antiques know firsthand that the safety of valuable items depends on the conditions in which they are stored. Paper and various metals are extremely sensitive to arid climates. Therefore, philatelists, second-hand booksellers, numismatists consider an air humidifier an essential attribute of any indoor space.

What is a humidifier for in winter?

Many people mistakenly believe that it is only necessary to humidify the air in summer. In the cold season, the range of humidity in the apartment also requires correction. The operation of various heating devices, batteries, heaters and convectors burns oxygen. This is fraught with excessive dryness of the air. A humidifier will help extend the life of your appliances. When accumulating static electricity, dust settles inside laptops, system units, TVs, speakers.

In order for the equipment to work longer and not fail prematurely, you need to monitor the humidity of the air. An indispensable assistant in this matter will be a climate control system that will eliminate electrostatic charges and minimize the amount of dust in an apartment, house or any other room.

What is the use of the device for a child

The birth of a child is an important event in the life of every family. From the first days, parents try to surround the baby with care, to create excellent conditions for him. Even our mothers and grandmothers knew how important it is to maintain the microclimate in the apartment. Humidifiers and other newfangled devices did not exist in those years, so they used improvised means. Pots of water were placed under the radiators, and wet towels were hung in the rooms. Dry air is quite dangerous for babies, especially in their first days of life. An unfavorable level of humidity is fraught with a lot of negative aspects:

• a large number of dust particles and microbes are formed in the air, which, if they enter the respiratory tract of a child, provoke the development of various diseases;
• microcracks and wounds may appear on the baby's skin, which can cause infection of the skin;
• the blood becomes thicker, which prevents the normal functioning of the internal organs;
• due to adverse conditions, the child may experience a deterioration in the quality of sleep and general condition.

Doctors say that humidifying the air in an apartment where a small child is located is a must. But everything is in moderation. Experts warn young mothers: do not oversaturate the living space with moisture. In such an environment, the fungus multiplies rapidly, and mold appears on the walls. Mushroom spores cause allergic reactions and reduce the immunity of not only a child, but also an adult.

Parents who installed an air humidifier in their apartment note that sleep in young children has normalized, the condition of the skin and hair has improved significantly, and infectious diseases and allergies have become less disturbing.

How to choose the right humidifier for your home

On the modern market there is a wide range of devices designed to maintain a favorable level of humidity. The main thing is not to get lost in the variety of samples presented and choose the most optimal option.

Traditional Models

Such devices are called cold-type humidifiers, the principle of operation of which is very simple. The required amount of water is poured into a special tank, moisture gets on the evaporative elements. Dry air with the help of a fan enters the device, passes under pressure through the evaporative elements and is enriched with moisture. The advantages of traditional devices are obvious:

• low price;
• there is a mode not only of humidification, but also of air purification;
• consume an insignificant amount of electricity;
• easy to operate;
• used for aromatherapy.

If we talk about the disadvantages of such a humidifier, then there are few of them. Each model emits only a certain amount of moisture into the air, no more than 60%. If the device has antibacterial filters, they must be changed several times a year.

Steam humidifiers

The most popular model today. The device works on the principle of a kettle. Inside the tank, water is heated and gradually evaporates. For convenience, each model is equipped with a built-in hygrostat, with which you can control the degree of air humidification. The device has a number of positive characteristics:

• there is no need to frequently change filters and cartridges due to their absence;
• covers a fairly large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room;
• automatically turns off after all the moisture in the tank has evaporated.

Manufacturers of steam humidifiers strongly discourage the installation of these types of devices in a children's room. The temperature of the released steam is quite high and if the humidifier is handled carelessly, the child risks getting burned.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

The principle of operation of ultrasonic humidifiers is based on ultrasonic vibrations that disperse water. Inside the device, the so-called water dust is formed. Dry air enters the device with the help of a fan, passes through the mist and is saturated with moisture. Advantages of an ultrasonic humidifier:

• with the highest efficiency consumes the least amount of electricity;
• does not make noise and does not overheat;
• turns off automatically;
• moisturizes and purifies the air;
• It has a wide range of air humidity levels (up to 70%).

Attention! To extend the life of the filters, monitor the quality of the water being poured into the device.

The device is safe and ergonomic, but has a very high cost compared to other models. But do not hesitate, the device will not only pay off, but with proper operation it will work for many years.

Improved home appliance. The principle of its operation is similar to a traditional humidifier. The device contains several types of filters, which allows you to deal with dust particles of different sizes, mites, smog and unpleasant odors indoors. The advantages of the design include:

• high efficiency of work at rather small sizes of the unit;
• the presence of a variety of functions that are not found in other humidifiers.

The owners of climate complexes note that despite the good performance of the devices, they have one obvious disadvantage. Filters need to be replaced quite often.

Reference! Many devices of this type provide additional functions: ionization and air purification.

How to choose a good humidifier

There are few nuances to consider when choosing a technique. First of all, pay attention to the performance of the device. Ask the seller what area the humidifier is designed for. If you choose a device for a small room, there is no point in overpaying for a powerful model designed to work in a spacious room.

An important factor is the noise level of the equipment. The maximum allowable indicator is no more than 40 dB. In order not to experience discomfort when working with the device, choose a humidifier with a clear and as simple as possible control panel. Experts recommend paying special attention to the issue of security. Therefore, it is advisable to opt for a device that turns off automatically if there is no water in the tank.