Room size, tank volume and 5 more things to consider when choosing a humidifier

1. Select device type

Various devices help to maintain the microclimate in the apartment:

• Humidifier. According to the principle of operation, three types of devices are distinguished. In a traditional fan, the air is driven through a filter soaked in water, and the air is saturated with moisture. In steam, water is heated to boiling point and evaporated. Ultrasonic humidifiers create a cloud of cold vapor thanks to a special membrane that oscillates at high frequencies.
• Air wash.Works on the same principle as a traditional humidifier, and additionally cleans the air of large particles of dust, wool and pollen.
• Climate complex.A versatile device that combines a traditional humidifier and air purifier. A multi-stage filter is installed in such devices, which copes with the smallest contaminant particles. This device is suitable for people living in large cities with not the highest air quality.

2. Consider the size of the room

There is no need to put a large and powerful device in a room up to 15-18 square meters. Due to the high humidity in the room, appear condensation, which leads to the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. On the contrary, a low-power humidifier will work in a spacious space around the clock, but will not cope with the task. For a room measuring 50 square meters, a device with a moisture output of up to 5–7 liters per day is usually enough. You can check the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room for which the humidifier is designed, in the instructions.

Think before buying where the device will be located. In order for the air to be humidified evenly, it is advisable to place the device at a distance of 30 cm from the wall. Make sure that water droplets do not fall on household appliances, furniture and books, otherwise they will deteriorate due to dampness.

3. Pay attention to the volume of the tank

It depends on how often you have to add water. As a rule, a five-liter tank is enough for one night. If you are too lazy to change the water so often, you can choose an increased volume of the tank - with it the device will work longer. Consider which family members will change the water. For example, even an elderly person can easily lift a compact tank. And you can also simply add water from a jug there - the main thing is to first disconnect the humidifier from the mains.

4. Specify water consumption

This is the amount of liquid that evaporates per hour of operation of the device. The higher the indicator, the faster the air is saturated with moisture. For a household humidifier, 300-400 ml / h is enough. Knowing the volume of the tank and the flow of water, you can estimate how often you have to add liquid to the device. Suppose a humidifier with a capacity of 350 ml / h and a tank of 4.5 liters will work continuously for more than 14 hours.

5. Check the noise level

This is a subjective characteristic: a little background noise will interfere with someone, and calm someone down. If you are sensitive to sounds, look for humidifiers that have a noise level of up to 30 dBA - this figure is comparable to in a whisper. Ultrasonic devices are the quietest - sometimes less than 25 dBA. In steam rooms, the main source of noise will be the gurgling of boiling water. And in traditional type humidifiers - a working fan. However, even in such devices, the noise level rarely exceeds 40 dBA. For comparison: with such volume it works fridge.

6. View water requirements

Less demanding steam humidifier and air washer - they can use tap water. In ultrasonic it is better to use distilled or frequently change softening cartridges in the device to avoid white deposits. Pouring untreated water into the tank is not an option, because in an ultrasonic humidifier it turns into a fine suspension that will enter the room along with water drops. It may contain impurities of chlorine and rust. In a steam humidifier, some of the harmful substances evaporate during boiling. And in air washes, water passes through a filter that cleans it of impurities.

However, it is better not to use poor quality water anywhere. A greenish coating may appear in the tank, and lime deposits may appear on the heating elements. Because of this, the humidifier will require more careful maintenance, and its life may be shortened.

7. Learn about additional features

It is desirable that the device allows you to monitor the level of humidity in the room. Ideally, the indicator in the apartment should make up from 30 to 50%. Excess moisture can lead to dampness, mold and mildew. It is good if the device will automatically turn off when there is a lack of water and when a predetermined humidity level is reached. UV lamp inside the instrument disinfects water before it starts to evaporate.

There are also optional, but nice features. For example, you can use an aroma capsule - then the air will smell slightly of essential oil. There are climatic complexes with an infrared heater. Such a device is unlikely to be able to become the only source of heat, but it can slightly raise the temperature in the room. But ionization, which supposedly can strengthen immunity and improve gas exchange in the lungs, can be abandoned: the effectiveness of this process not proven.