How to choose an air humidifier for an apartment: parameters and tips on necessary functions, as well as reviews

An air humidifier is an indispensable device for normalizing the indoor microclimate. can not only humidify, but also purify, heat or cool the air.

Low humidity levels negatively affect the general well-being of people, floor coverings, furniture and plants.

This means that in order to avoid negative reactions, you need to take a closer look at this electrical appliance and think about purchasing it.

Using a functional device is quite simple , but choosing the best model requires certain knowledge. The rest of the article provides an overview of all the important parameters that will help you choose the best humidifier for your apartment or house.

To choose a reliable and proven humidifier, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the most popular models in terms of price and quality.

The table contains models that have received the highest reviews on the Yandex.Market service.

Place	Model	Price
Budget (up to 2000 rubles)
#1	Xiaomi VH Man
#2	Sinbo SAH 6111
#3	Royal Clima Sanremo (RUH-S380/3.0M)
#4	Royal Clima Sanremo Plus (RUH-SP400/3.0M)
#5	Galaxy GL-8003 (2015)
Ultrasonic
#1	Okami Air 710 Aqua
#2	Electrolux EHU-3710D/3715D
#3	Boneco U700
#4	Xiaomi DEM-SJS600
#5	Electrolux EHU-3310D/3315D
#6	Leberg LH-803
Traditional
#1	Xiaomi CJXJSQ02ZM
#2	Stadler Form Oskar Big Original O-040OR/O-041OR
#3	Philips HU4706/HU4707
#4	Stadler Form Oskar Original O-020OR/O-021OR
#5	Stadler Form Oskar Little (O-060, O-061, O-062)
Steam
#1	Stadler Form Fred
#2	Boneco S250
#3	Boneco S450
#4	Boneco S200
#5	Beurer LB 55

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What is a humidifier?

For your information! An air humidifier is a modern electrical climate control device designed to increase the level of humidity in rooms.

The device is characterized by high performance, silent operation, ease of operation and maintenance, as well as safety.

Therefore, it is great for families with small children.

An air humidifier
helps to clean the room efficiently , since all particles of dust and dirt settle in the filters of the device and are eliminated by washing the humidifier.
As a result, the air becomes not only more humid, but also cleaner.

Deciding which one is better

Classic humidifiers are perfect for living rooms and offices. They do not require constant monitoring of the moisture level in the room. When the microclimate stabilizes to an optimal level, the performance of the devices automatically decreases. Such models should be chosen if a rapid reduction in air dryness is not required. The device raises relative humidity by 1.5-4% per day.

Ultrasonic models can be used in rooms with wooden and antique furnishings that require high levels of humidity. Unlike traditional analogues, they are silent in operation, so they can be installed near a recreation area. Advanced models are equipped with a full range of options for controlling humidity and maintaining an optimal microclimate, so ultrasonic devices are much better in performance than traditional models.

In what cases is it necessary?

Dry air in an apartment or office becomes a common cause of the development of many diseases.

You should know! It is for this reason that doctors recommend installing humidifiers for preventive purposes to protect yourself and your loved ones from colds.

The device will be especially effective during the heating season , when the air temperature in the room rises significantly.

Thanks to the ability to clean the air from dust, the device will become indispensable for people suffering from allergies.

Lack of moisture harms not only people, but also indoor plants.

Without receiving enough liquid, flowers may wither or lose freshness, which means that those who like to work with plants should not refuse to purchase a functional home assistant.

Disadvantages of a steam humidifier

Of course, no device can have only advantages; steam humidifiers are no exception; there are also disadvantages:

High power consumption;
Not all models allow you to control the humidity level automatically;
Raises the air temperature in the room. If the house is cold in winter, then this is an advantage, not a disadvantage;
The cost of the humidifier is high due to sensors and an automatic shutdown system;
Some models may be dangerous for children due to the high steam temperature.

Types of devices

There are three types of air humidifiers on the domestic market of household appliances , each of which has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Having studied them, choosing a device that suits all parameters will not be difficult, even if such a gadget is purchased for the home for the first time.

Traditional

The operating principle of traditional humidifiers is the cold evaporation of water.

Inside the device there are trays with mesh cartridges located in them - they are moistened with water coming from a separate container.

Due to the built-in fan, air humidification occurs naturally , however, due to the characteristic noise during operation, the device can interfere with the rest of the household.

Advantages

automatic regulation of humidity levels;
no possibility of getting burned;
high performance;
air aromatization;
laconic design;
acceptable price.

Flaws

additional costs for replacement cartridges;
the need to use purified water;
noise during operation.

Steam

A device that operates on the principle of an electric kettle. The pre-infused water is heated by a built-in ceramic plate or coil, evaporating during the boiling process.

After the liquid has completely boiled away, the relay is activated, and then the device turns off.

The steam humidifier equipped with a hygrostat and an inhaler used for therapeutic purposes.

Advantages

highly efficient work;
instant humidification of the air mass;
use of any water;
Possibility of use as an inhaler;
attractive appearance.

Flaws

electricity consumption;
risk of being burned by hot steam;
The device makes noise while humidifying.

Ultrasonic

The most popular type of humidifier, characterized by rapid humidification of air masses in both small and large rooms.

After pressing the power button, water flows from the reservoir onto a plate vibrating in the ultrasonic range.

Vibration breaks up the liquid into tiny droplets.

They are light in weight and easily rise into the air, creating a cold mist in the room that does not pose any danger to the user.

Advantages

the ability to set the required humidity level;
operational safety;
a large set of additional options;
convenient control panel;
high-quality air purification;
low power consumption;
compactness and light weight;
silent operation.

Flaws

higher cost;
the need for regular cleaning of the device.

The importance of humidifiers for creating a healthy microclimate

A humidifier is relevant during the heating season, when a dry microclimate is created in the room. Dry air leads to a deterioration in a person’s general well-being, sleep is disturbed, and it becomes difficult to breathe. The mucous membrane in the nose dries out, as a result of which the body reacts more sharply to allergens, and asthma can occur. The skin loses moisture and begins to peel, aging faster. A person in such a microclimate more often suffers from viral and respiratory diseases.

An indicator that controls the state of the microclimate in the apartment is indoor plants. With increased dryness, the tips of the leaves dry out, and over time, due to active loss of moisture, the flowers may die. Wet cleaning does not help the situation. If the relative humidity in the room has dropped to 45% or lower, a humidifier will help stabilize the microclimate. It will quickly restore the humidity level to 60–70%. The equipment must be used periodically as needed.

Criterias of choice

When you decide to purchase an air humidifier, you should first familiarize yourself with the basic criteria for choosing a functional home assistant.

They will help you purchase the best model for your home with a set of useful options.

Important! Particular attention should be paid to several parameters that determine the operation of the electrical appliance and the ease of its operation.

Performance and service area

The higher the performance indicator, the faster after turning on the device the user will feel how the air in the room has changed.
Powerful models are capable of instantly humidifying the air in large rooms up to 70 sq.m.
However, for a small apartment a model with an area of 30-35 sq.m. will be sufficient.

Placement method

There are two types of humidifiers based on the type of installation: tabletop and floor-standing.

Desktop devices are usually more compact, which is why buyers prefer this option.

Note! Devices designed for installation on the floor are less popular, however, their cost is often lower.

Applied filters and their parameters

Today, popular manufacturers produce air humidifiers with the following types of filter elements :

carbonic. Made on the basis of activated carbon, which traps allergens and bacteria, as well as eliminates unpleasant odors and impurities in the air;
coarse - they are a frame with a stretched plastic or metal mesh. The element is used in traditional humidifiers and helps clean the air from large particles of dust, animal hair and insects;
electrostatic - presented in the form of several plates that create an electrostatic charge in the air flow. Dust particles stick to the positively charged plates, settling in a separate container. The filter is used in ultrasonic devices;
photocatalytic - a cassette with a catalyst and an ultraviolet lamp. When the catalyst interacts with UV rays, substances with high oxidizing capacity are produced. As a result, almost all mechanical and organic components are destroyed;
HEPA is a high-tech device that captures microparticles that are in the air. HEPA filters are classified by degree of purification, but expensive models eliminate up to 99% of contaminants.

Water consumption

Keep in mind! A parameter that characterizes the performance of an electrical appliance.

For different models, this figure varies between 20-600 ml per hour.
The more, the faster the device can humidify the air in the room.

Duration of work

The operating time shows how long it will take for the device to exhaust all the water from the tank.

The operating time of the device can be from 5 to 24 hours, but the best option would be a device designed for 12-15 hours of operation.

Noise level

Silent operation of the device will be an incomparable advantage of the device.

Because this will allow you to install the device in any room without worrying about the possibility of disturbing the sleep of loved ones or interfering with their rest.

Remember! The best option is a device with a reading of up to 40 dB - such a device will not be able to distract the user and will do its job without attracting attention.

Control: mechanical, electronic

On sale you can find electrical appliances with mechanical and electronic control types.
The devices are equally easy to use ; however, devices equipped with an electronic control panel are more expensive.

Availability of indicators

The presence of an indication of switching on, water level and filter contamination will help simplify the work with the device.

Indeed, in this way, the user will immediately notice that it is time to fill the humidifier with liquid or insert a replacement filter.

Rating 2021: TOP 10 best air humidifiers with ionizer

Advantages:

I had a whole bunch of cheap humidifiers in the budget from 3,000 to 7,000 thousand rubles, of different sizes and brands, in fact, none of them could cope with the task properly. For three years, the humidity in the apartment hardly rose above 30%, no matter what brand I tried - there was either a breakdown or a thin stream of steam, which was completely useless. As a result, after another blown Balu humidifier, I freaked out and decided to consider the price segment from 20,000 to 30,000. Initially, the choice fell on 3 models: 1. Dyson AM10 - everything is cool, but I was confused by the reviews about the low efficiency of humidification, and I had to pay 30 k for humidifier.. in short, I was choked by a toad 2. Stadler Form Oskar Big O-040R/O-041R - in general they speak well about the efficiency of operation, but it contains filters that begin to stink if they are not replaced on time. and the prices for the filters themselves are not the most affordable 3. BORK Q700 - they also speak well about the efficiency, but the reviews about frequent breakdowns are scary. After a long search and suffering, I absolutely accidentally came across the Okami Air 710 Aqua. For me, this name did not mean anything, since I heard about this brand for the first time in my life, and besides, there was not a single review about it. Therefore, at first I thought what kind of garbage this was and already wanted to look further, but then I saw an advertising slogan on their official website “CAN INCREASE HUMIDITY TO JUNGLE LEVEL” hmmm…. I thought, this suits me.. damn marketers don’t get their salaries in vain, so I became interested and started collecting information. Okami is a Japanese brand, there is a dealer in Moscow, they mainly sell robotic vacuum cleaners. Of the entire line of humidifiers, this is the only one they have and there are no reviews about it. Absolutely not. Nowhere. No one. Therefore, I am writing for sufferers like me. For a long time I was tormented by the feeling that I was going to take a pig in a poke, but the phrase about the humidity like in the jungle treacherously stuck in my head. Well, as you already understand, I decided to take a chance and ordered it.

Additional functions

Modern air humidifiers are equipped with many useful options, which often increase the cost of the device several times.

Attention! In order to purchase a suitable model without spending extra money, it is important to know which functions you cannot do without if there are allergy sufferers or small children in the family.

Air aromatization

The presence of the aromatization function allows you to quickly and effectively get rid of unpleasant odors and conduct an aromatherapy session.

To do this, the user will only have to pour a small amount of essential oil into a special container and place it in the compartment.

Ionization

Models with humidification and ionization functions fill the air in the room with negatively charged ions and cleanse the air masses of various impurities.

In addition, air quality is noticeably improved, and harmful bacteria and germs are completely destroyed.

Ozonation

The function is used to disinfect various objects and surfaces, fight germs and viruses , freshen the air and purify water.

Ultraviolet

For your information! A device with ultraviolet light is distinguished by its ability to neutralize bacteria and viruses that cause colds.

Ultraviolet light destroys the DNA of microorganisms and sterilizes air masses.

Therefore, the user can be sure that he will breathe only clean and fresh air.

How to choose a humidifier?

When deciding which humidifier is best for your home, you should pay attention to the most important features of such devices. Therefore, a good humidifier should have:

humidity sensor - hygrostat
HEPA or carbon filter
night mode
ionization function
modern design

Built-in hygrostat, i.e. humidity sensor

It's easy to feel low air humidity in your apartment, but when you turn on the humidifier, it's difficult to determine when to turn it off - and you must remember that too high humidity is also harmful because it creates favorable conditions for the development of, among other things, harmful fungi.

Ideally, the humidifier should be equipped with a hygrostat and hygrometer:

a humidity sensor called a hygrostat - it will turn off the device when the humidity level begins to exceed the norm.
air humidifier with a hygrometer - it will display the current value of air humidity, thanks to which we can independently control its level.

These features will be especially appreciated by people who are looking for a humidifier for a child , for whom, due to weak natural immunity, too high levels of air humidity can be especially dangerous.

Efficient carbon or HEPA filter

A good humidifier should have a filter to ensure quality indoor air. You may come across several types of such filters, each of which has different properties:

carbon filter - eliminates unpleasant odors in the air,
ceramic filter - effectively purifies water,
HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air) - cleans the air of pollen and dust.

Which humidifier is for allergy sufferers?

An air humidifier with a HEPA filter will especially appeal to people who need an air humidifier for allergy sufferers - this filter effectively removes most mechanical impurities (pollen, dust), as well as fungi, protozoa, viruses and most bacteria. When purchasing a humidifier, it is worth checking whether the filters are replaceable - if so, are there any problems with purchasing them?

Humidifiers with night mode

An alternative would be an ultrasonic humidifier , which due to its operating principle is the quietest type of humidifier available on the market and would be ideal if you want to run it at night.

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Why is it worth paying attention to night mode?

Dry air during the day can still be tolerated, but dry air in the bedroom is a real tragedy. This causes a runny nose, makes it difficult to fall asleep and impairs the quality of sleep. For this reason, many people choose to leave their humidifier on overnight. The problem is that the sound of a humidifier that is so little audible day and night can already be bothersome, so you should consider purchasing a model that has a built-in night mode.

Humidifier with ionizer

Humidifiers with a built-in ionizer not only humidify the air, but also ionize it, producing negative ions. This is an important question if you're looking for a humidifier to work in rooms with a lot of electronic devices - electronics cause the formation of "electromagnetic smog", that is, a large number of positive ions, attracting viruses and bacteria and allowing fungal spores to remain in the air.

Air ionization helps reduce the harmful effects of electrosmog on your health. Many also say that ionized air gives a feeling of freshness comparable to the feeling, for example, in a forest.

Modern design

It doesn't matter if you need a humidifier in the summer or fall - no matter the season, a good humidifier should look good. Just a few years ago, all humidifiers looked almost the same. Today, each manufacturer has focused on individuality, so a modern air humidifier can be easily adapted to the room.

You should know that a humidifier must be kept in an open place at all times to perform its role effectively. With a choice of humidifiers in a variety of colors and graphics, you're sure to find the right humidifier for your home and office.

Price categories

The cost of different models of air humidifiers will differ depending on what type of device you choose:

traditional - you can buy an electrical appliance for 4000-5000 rubles;
steam - the cost varies between 6,000-10,000 rubles;
ultrasonic – you can buy the device for 7,000-14,000 rubles.

Which option to choose for a children's room?

When choosing a humidifier for installation in a children's room , the following parameters must be taken into account:

high device performance;
sufficient volume of water tank;
presence of a hygrometer;
low noise level during operation;
replacement filters and the possibility of purchasing them.

The best option would be an ultrasonic device designed to quickly and, most importantly, efficiently moisturize and purify the air, while eliminating any unpleasant odors.

Important! Humidifiers for children's rooms have an attractive appearance and can be made in the form of your favorite cartoon characters or animals.

They do not have a wide range of functions, however, they are absolutely safe for babies and are inexpensive.

Popular manufacturers

Among the many companies involved in the production of climate control equipment, the most popular are:

Xiaomi is a trusted Chinese company, widely known for the high quality of its devices and their durability. The best-selling models were:

VH Man;
DEM-SJS600;
CJXJSQ02ZM;
Smartmi Air Humidifier.

Electrolux is a Swedish company, one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional and household appliances. According to experts, the following models deserve special attention:

EHU-3310D/3315D;
EHU-3710D/3715D;
YOGA health line EHU-3815D;
YOGA health line EHU-3810D.

Stadler Form is a Swiss company that develops and produces household appliances for a comfortable life. The following devices are in great demand among buyers:

Fred;
Oskar Original O-020OR;
Oskar Big Original O-040OR;
Oskar Little O-060.

Boneco is a Swiss brand that produces high-quality humidifiers and air purifiers. Among the large number of devices offered by the manufacturer, users choose:

S200;
S450;
S250;
U700.

See our article with a full rating of humidifiers, which contains the TOP 20 models according to customer ratings and reviews.

conclusions

When choosing a humidifier for your home, you should pay attention to the following points:

important parameters are productivity and service area, water consumption and operating time ;
For convenient operation, you also need to take into account the presence of indicators and the type of control ;
The best option for an apartment and a children's room would be an ultrasonic humidifier with several additional functions.