People care about temperature or air purity. But its humidity is rarely remembered. Although this is an important indicator, its value determines the comfortable state of humans and pets, affects the perception of temperature by the human body, the safety of the environment, etc. This alone already partially explains why an air humidifier is needed in an apartment, but in order to get a complete picture, we will analyze all the pros and cons, and the subtlety of the device.
Air humidity standards
Scientists have determined a conditional norm within which people feel comfortable - 35-60%. This noticeable scatter is explained by the wide range of acceptable values. They are determined by the time of year, the purpose of the room, etc. So, for children's rooms it is advisable to choose 60%, and if the baby is sick, then 70%. In living rooms, it is permissible to reduce the indicator slightly. In winter it is better to reduce humidity, in hot weather it is better to increase it, but within normal limits.
Humidifier Leberg LH-803
An excess of moisture, as well as a lack of it, makes the microclimate worse. This affects a person's well-being. It is possible to accurately determine the amount of water vapor in the air only with the help of instruments. The simplest of them is a hygrometer. There are also traditional methods. The easiest way to take measurements is with a fir cone. She is placed in a room and examined after a while. If the scales are tightly closed, there is excess moisture in the room; if they are too raised, there is a lack.
Humidity is rarely constant. It is influenced by various factors. This leads to a decrease or increase in the amount of moisture. Hot air masses are able to absorb more water, so heat or hot radiators dry them out very much.
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Air conditioners and other ventilation devices operate similarly. Thus, it is not always possible to achieve normal values in an apartment. Therefore, the “help” of special equipment is required.
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What is a humidifier
This is the name of a device that increases the content of water vapor in the air flow. With its help you can regulate the humidity in the apartment. The equipment produces water vapor and distributes it throughout the room using forced or natural airflow. In the first case, the result will be obtained faster.
Mechanical models must be started manually, automatic ones are activated by a sensor signal. It constantly measures the humidity level. When the latter drops below the permissible value, the device is activated. It also turns off based on a signal from the sensor, which will record the upper limit of the permissible range.
Humidifier NeoClima
Action of a humidifier
A humidifier is a special device that increases the amount of water vapor in the air. As a rule, it has an adjustment function, so you control the process of saturating the space with moisture. During operation, this device produces cold steam, which is evenly distributed throughout the room.
There is a mechanical model that is started manually. As well as more modern inventions, which are activated using a sensor, they regulate the noise level and humidity of the room. They also have a function to turn on automatically when the humidity level drops below normal.
Types of devices
There are three types of humidifiers offered in stores. They are based on different operating principles: natural humidification, steam generation, ultrasound. Let's look at each of them in detail.
Natural type equipment
It is also called a traditional or cold steam device. Performs its task through natural evaporation. Special cartridges are moistened with water, after which an air stream from the built-in fan is supplied to them. Its speed is adjustable, so the intensity of humidification can be changed. Devices of this type are the safest. They are environmentally friendly and reliable in operation.
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To wet the cartridges, you can pour water from the tap. An additional advantage of the device is that it cleans the flow entering the housing from dust. The only disadvantage is the high price of such devices.
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Steam devices
Clean water is poured into the housing, brought to a boil, after which it begins to evaporate. Humidification occurs very quickly, and the temperature rises along with it. Steam equipment is best installed in cold rooms. Then it will perform two functions at once. Of course, this is not a full-fledged heating device, but it can provide a temperature increase of 2-3C.
It is desirable that the device be supplemented with a hygrometer and automation. Then there will be no over-moistening, which can happen quite quickly with a steam generator. A significant drawback of the device is its high power consumption. In addition, it must be handled with care. Hot steam is unsafe. Children's access should be limited.
Beurer humidifier
Ultrasound systems
Water is supplied to an ultrasonic membrane, which breaks it into microdroplets. The human eye sees them as fog. It is distributed throughout the room by forced or natural flow. In this way, large volumes of air masses are quickly moistened. The device is completely safe and operates almost silently.
The main disadvantage is sensitivity to water quality. Many models have a filter installed in front of the ultrasonic membrane. But if the liquid is hard, it fails very quickly.
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It is best to pour distillate into the device, especially if there is no filter. Otherwise, limescale deposits will get into the ultrasonic mist and settle on furniture, walls, etc. It is very difficult to remove.
Models with additional useful features are the best choice when you need a good humidifier. There may be several options: ionization, cleaning, aromatization. Such complexes not only moisturize, they clean the air mixture from dust and dirt particles.
Humidifier NeoClima
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How is a humidifier useful in an apartment?
The decrease in humidity may go unnoticed at first, but this does not mean that it is safe for humans. At least six factors appear that negatively affect living organisms. And a humidifier helps to avoid them.
- Dry mucous membranes disappear. They are designed by nature as a protective barrier that traps bacteria and viruses. To perform their functions, the mucous membranes must be moisturized. Otherwise, they will become thinner and even crack. This is especially dangerous for the nose and eyes, which in this condition become an “open gate” for infections.
- Eye problems are prevented. The skin around them is very thin, devoid of sebaceous and sweat glands. Therefore, this area requires special care. It easily gives off moisture and becomes thinner. Dehydrated skin of the eyelids and mucous membranes of the eyes under conditions of constant stress from working at the computer, watching TV, etc. easily inflamed. Various conjunctivitis appears.
- The amount of flying dust is reduced. Dust particles are very light and can rise upward. In addition, they easily absorb water from air masses, become heavy, and settle on the surface. If there is little moisture, they continue to fly. This provokes asthma attacks or bronchospasms in allergy sufferers and asthmatics, as well as in those who still felt healthy.
- The condition of hair, skin, and nails improves. Moisture constantly evaporates from the surface of the hair. Dry air significantly speeds up this process. Replenishing the balance using internal resources does not give the desired result.
- Sleep problems are eliminated. Uncomfortable conditions affect the duration and soundness of sleep. Lack of sleep leads to decreased performance and depression. It is best to have a humidifying unit in the bedroom complete with an ionizer. The latter generates negatively charged particles that effectively retain water molecules.
- Plants begin to develop better. House flowers stop blooming, the number of new shoots decreases, the emerging leaves are smaller in size, and their tips dry out. Plants get sick and die. The amount of oxygen they produce is significantly reduced, which negatively affects the microclimate of the room.
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Now it’s clear why you need a humidifier. Increasing the content of water vapor in the air mixture improves the situation with all the described factors. In addition, the risk of exacerbation of chronic diseases is reduced, and the general condition improves.
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Benefits of a humidifier
We have already mentioned some problems that can begin without a humidifier. Now let's continue the list.
Insufficient air humidity causes the mucous membranes to dry out and crusts to form on them. Sometimes these crusts grow to such an extent that they prevent normal breathing. Moreover, the very nature of the secreted secretion changes. It no longer performs a protective function, but on the contrary, it becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, overdried mucous membranes become overly susceptible to dust and allergens.
The benefits of a humidifier are obvious here - it helps prevent asthma, rhinitis, bronchitis and other ENT diseases.
The moisturizer also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. So, in dry air, it begins to peel off and becomes susceptible to irritation and premature aging. Humidifiers remove these risks and also protect the body from general dehydration.
With well-humidified air, the eyes are less irritated, they are less tired and do not redden. In addition, a person’s general well-being improves - it is easier for him to concentrate, he feels more comfortable in humidified air.
Lovers of indoor plants notice that in dry air their green favorites grow worse. But well-humidified air has a more than positive effect on them - they bloom lushly and grow well.
Damage to an air humidifier in an apartment
Devices are not always useful. This happens when hydration is excessive and exceeds the optimal 40-60%. If this is a short-term phenomenon, the room will be stuffy. This is how excess moisture is felt. Constant waterlogging will show itself through “wet” furniture, clothing, and curtains. The appearance and rapid development of fungus and mold is possible.
To avoid this, ultrasonic, and especially steam systems must be equipped with hygrometers. They quickly saturate the air mixture with water vapor; it is impractical to control them “by eye”. Steam equipment is potentially dangerous to operate. If handled carelessly, it can burn or cause damage to the furnishings and decoration of the room. Therefore, it is prohibited to install it in children's rooms.
Xiaomi VH Man Air Humidifier
Debunking myths about the dangers of ultrasonic humidifiers
When choosing an air humidifier for the home , most of us are surprised how few steam and traditional models are (and some manufacturers do not have them at all), and what an abundance of ultrasonic models there are against this background. But why is this so, because ultrasound is harmful. And how can they be produced for residential premises, especially for children’s premises ?
There are two reasons for such concerns. The first is that all employees who are in one way or another connected with ultrasound sources receive a bonus “for harmfulness”, or reach retirement age earlier than usual. It is explainable. And the second reason for fear is our fears. Since we don’t hear it, it means it’s harmful. And that’s it, categorically.
However, is an ultrasonic humidifier harmful, or is all this nothing more than fears and horror films? After all, even from sellers in an electronics supermarket, who are more interested in a speedy sale than anyone else, you can hear the phrase: “If your child is dear to you, never, ever buy an ultrasonic humidifier for your children’s room.”
Therefore, let’s not take sides, opponents or supporters, but try to impartially figure out what is greater, harm or benefit.
Ultrasound in an air humidifier is elastic vibrations, which are abundant even in a small city. Mobile communications, more often than not, from more than one operator, wi-fi transmitters, all kinds of equipment and devices, especially microwave ovens, and finally, just wiring in the house - all this can “froze”. But for some reason they are not perceived as “the horrors of our town”
Permits and admissions not only from Slavic institutes and research centers, in which often, “he who pays is the good one,” but also from world leaders.
They all unanimously say, and also confirm with all kinds of research and testing, that ultrasound, as a source of air humidification, is harmless.
Indeed, in the same countries of Europe and North America, ultrasonic air humidifiers have been sold very successfully, and for many years now. Moreover, there is no division as to which model is for France or Switzerland, and which is for Russia or Ukraine.
The vast majority of ultrasonic humidifiers also make you think about their harmlessness. Although there were periods when the whole country drank cheap Royal alcohol, while civilized Europe used it to light fireplaces.
But those days are gone, because 15 years ago we used wet towels hung around the rooms and jars of water to moisturize.
1. Compatible with medical devices. Even at a gas station, manufacturers do not recommend using mobile phones. But there are no side effects from the effect of an ultrasonic humidifier on a pacemaker or shunts. As in principle, it cannot be.
2. Plants. It’s clear that you can’t ask them, but the fact that in houses where there are air humidifiers, they begin to grow better and bloom brighter is an indisputable fact. And even if the more humid air makes them feel better by default, “not a single flower was harmed by the effects of ultrasound.”
3. Pets. Another “what if?” reason. But absolutely everyone who uses an ultrasonic humidifier at home and has “living creatures,” especially cats that are hypersensitive to everything, note that they don’t care when the device is turned on, and there are hundreds of photographs of a cat sleeping in a ball curled up around an ultrasonic humidifier. Internet. And this is another proof of their harmlessness.
4. And lastly. Do not compare a home ultrasonic humidifier with, for example, a medical diagnostic device. The only thing they have in common is the sound they produce, with a frequency of over 20,000 hertz.
In all other respects, they differ in the same way as a tricycle from a mining dump truck
The only true “horror story” is that all the salts from the water, in the form of a white coating, settle not only on household appliances and can ruin them (all kinds of laser disc drives are the first in the “risk group”), but are also inhaled by humans.
But using distilled water or special filters (after all, most of us do not pour tap water into the kettle) will negate the possible negative impact.
Therefore, possible harm from an ultrasonic humidifier is nothing more than a myth.
For the same reason, ten to fifteen years ago we were wary and wary of mobile phones. And now, the absence of it in the pocket of anyone, from 5 to 85 years old, is perceived as nonsense. So don't be afraid and enjoy the humid air. After all, it’s much better with a humidifier than without it.
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