Humidifier, washer and air purifier: what is the difference and what to choose

How humidifiers, sinks and air purifiers work

Humidifiers

Humidifiers according to the principle of operation are divided into traditional, steam and ultrasonic. These devices differ in the way the room is humidified and in additional features.

Traditional models saturate streams with moisture air in the room. The design consists of a water tank, a fan and a filter. The air drawn in inside passes through the cartridge moistened with water, dust is additionally retained. Next, the flow is output to the outside. Thanks to this process, a comfortable microclimate is maintained in the room.

A steam humidifier saturates the air with moisture using hot steam. The water is heated in the inner tank and then evaporated. These devices may not have filters - the liquid is cleaned during boiling.

An ultrasonic humidifier creates cold vapor or mist. In such devices, the liquid from the tank is sprayed using a membrane that oscillates very quickly at high frequencies. The water is pre-cleaned by passing through a replaceable absorbent filter. Additionally, some models can install a liquid heating system, which allows you to maintain a more comfortable temperature in the room.

Which humidifier to buy

• Ultrasonic humidifier with aromatization function Boneco S450, 16,390 rubles →
• Polaris PUH 9105 ultrasonic humidifier with ionizer, 8,499 rubles →
• Steam humidifier Boneco S200, 4 316 rubles →
• Ultrasonic humidifier Electrolux EHU‑5015D, 5 304 rubles →
• Traditional humidifier Smartmi Zhimi Air Humidifier 2, 6 990 rubles →

Air wash

Air washers are a hybrid of a traditional or ultrasonic humidifier and an air purifier. The main element here is a rotating drum with rollers moistened with water or a membrane. During operation, the fan draws in air. Wherein dust, wool, pollen and other harmful elements are retained in the device, and cleaned and moistened streams or steam are removed outside.

Air washers may have pre-filters that remove large particles. A HEPA filter can also be used, further removing allergens and other tiny dust particles from the exhaust air. In some cases, a silver rod or an ultraviolet lamp is used to disinfect water.

Sinks are suitable for rooms where the air needs to be humidified. For example, they can be used in rooms with plants and in children.

Which air washer to buy

• Air washer with aromatization function Boneco W200, 15,460 rubles →
• Air washer Winia AWM‑40, from 14,123 rubles →
• Air washer Ballu AW‑340, 9,800 rubles →
• Air washer Kitfort KT‑2820, 7,490 rubles →

Air cleaners

An air purifier is most effective in reducing harmful particles that can cause respiratory problems. These devices are capable of capturing dust, allergens, bacteria and bad odors. Purifiers are suitable for most rooms, but do not humidify the air.

In modern models, several filters are usually used simultaneously, combined into a common cleaning system. Carbon, electrostatic, photocatalytic and HEPA cartridges are installed inside. Each of them performs its function, delaying elements of different sizes.

When choosing a device, it is worth considering the number of layers - the more, the more effective the cleaning. Also in the characteristics indicate the number of filtration stages. And in many current models, sensors are provided that monitor the purity of the air and connect the necessary filters as needed.

Which cleaner to buy

• Air purifier with aroma function Electrolux EAP‑2075D, 16,990 rubles →
• Air purifier Xiaomi Mi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite, 11 998 rubles →
• Air purifier Ballu AP‑107, 6 349 rubles →
• Air purifier Kitfort KT‑2827, 5 639 rubles →
• Vitek VT‑8558 air purifier, 5,290 rubles →

What is better to choose

It all depends on your tasks. If you do not need to clean the air in the room, but only need to increase the humidity, one of the types will suit you. humidifierssuch as ultrasonic. If the main goal is filtered air and protection from allergens, it is better to buy a device with a multi-stage purification system.

Air washing is an intermediate option that provides both humidification and medium-level purification. When choosing, pay attention to what area the device is designed for.

It is worth remembering that in air purifiers you need to regularly change the used filters, and it is enough to pour fresh water into sinks, traditional and steam humidifiers. If you choose an ultrasonic model, you have to do both.

The most effective option would be a combination of two devices: a humidifier and a purifier. Or you can choose a climate complex that combines both functions.

Which climate complex to buy

• Climate complex Akira Technology Ascent, 83 910 rubles →
• Climatic complex with aromatization function Boneco H700, 54 990 rubles →
• Climatic complex Thomson PH30M01, 9 490 rubles →

Please note: prices are valid at the time of publication of the article. Stores can update the cost of goods during the day.