How to choose a good humidifier for the apartment?

Why do I need a humidifier?

Humidifier – a device that solves the problem of dry air and all the associated unpleasant consequences as quickly as possible. Specialists have repeatedly emphasized that during the heating season it is necessary to be concerned about the issue of artificial humidification of the climate in the room. Excessive air dryness can lead to such problems as:

dryness of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat and eyes, which can cause irritation, microcracks and even bleeding. Dehydrated air provokes dry eye syndrome, which can be manifested by itching or tearing. Chronic allergic reactions, skin diseases and asthma are aggravated;
increased risk of infections. Mucous membranes without sufficient moisturization can not protect the body from bacteria and viruses, so it is easy to catch colds, flu and other respiratory diseases;
worsening skin conditions. Dry air causes dehydration of the skin, which leads to flaking, itching and irritation. Hair and nails also suffer. From the lack of moisture in the atmosphere, they begin to break;
deterioration of sleep quality. Due to the drying out of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, there is a risk of snoring, breathing difficulties and insomnia. Lack of air humidity can also cause morning coughs and discomfort.

Dry air also affects a person’s mood: you feel apathy, brokenness, lack of strength and energy. In addition, the lack of moisture has a negative impact not only on the microclimate of the apartment, but also on the interior. Dehydration of the atmosphere can lead to deformation and cracks in wooden furniture, parquet, doors.

Therefore, maintaining an optimal level of humidity in the room (from 40% to 60%) with a good humidifier for air will prevent many problems associated with dry air.

Types of humidifiers: pros and cons

All humidifiers are divided into four types.

1. Standard humidifiers

In a traditional unit, water evaporates naturally and cooled air is forced through a built-in fan into the room.

Pros:

low electricity consumption;
undemanding water quality – you can use simply filtered water rather than distilled water;
safe for small children and pets, as the steam released into the atmosphere is not hot.

Cons:

slow humidification of the air;
high noise level;
frequent change of special filters and regular cleaning of the water compartment (the liquid in it can bloom).

2. Ultrasonic humidifiers

The peculiarity of such a device is that it creates a kind of fog or water haze. The device works on the principle of ultrasonic vibration, which converts water into tiny droplets and atomizes them in the air.

Pros:

rapid humidification of the atmosphere;
low noise – ultrasonic humidifiers are quiet, making them ideal for use in bedrooms and offices;
produce cold vapor, which is safe for others;
low power consumption;
no need to change filters.

Minuses:

precipitation of minerals in the room – if hard water contains impurities and has not been properly filtered before use, the minerals will settle on surfaces in the apartment;
limited radius of action up to 25 m², for humidification of large rooms several devices may be required;
the need for frequent cleaning of the tank to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

3. Steam humidifiers

This type of humidifier works like an electric kettle. The device has a heating element that heats the water, followed by the vaporization process. The formed steam passes through a special atomizer or diffuser, which disperses the steam in the air in the form of a mist.

Pros:

moisturizes the air very quickly;
works over long distances, some models moisturize the air in a radius of more than 50 m²;
gives a warming effect as it releases warm steam.

Cons:

increased noise level – especially during the process of bringing water to a boil;
high energy consumption;
condensate production;
unsafe for children as the appliance contains hot water;
limescale builds up in the appliance itself.

4. Disc humidifiers

Such models not only moisturize the air in the room, but also purify it. The device is equipped with rotating disks that are immersed in a reservoir of water. The disks rotate with the help of the mechanism of the humidifier. Under the influence of the rotation of the disks, the water evaporates and is atomized in the air in the form of mist or steam.

Pros:

Non-hot steam is produced;
air purification;
large radius of action;
low energy consumption.

Minuses:

High price;
average noise level;
takes up a lot of space in the apartment because of its size;
frequent change of filters and obligatory washing of disks.

Important characteristics

When choosing a device, you should pay attention to the parameters listed below.

Radius of operation of the air humidifier

The instructions and descriptions of the device usually indicate the area of the room (in m²) for which the humidifier is designed to work.

Noise level

Types of humidifiers with a power level of 25-30 decibels can be called almost silent – they are suitable for a child’s room or bedroom. Devices with a power level of 45-50 decibels create a high noise level.

Water tank volume

A simple principle applies here – the larger and more capacious the water compartment, the longer the humidifier will work. However, you should pay attention to the performance, i.e. the water consumption per hour. For a small room of 20 m², a device with a 4-liter tank is sufficient. It will be enough for about nine hours of work. In most models, water is poured from the top, but there are also such devices, the tanks of which should first be removed, filled with liquid and then installed again.

Size and dimensions

Before buying, choose a place where you will install the humidifier. It is better to keep it at a distance away from small children and pets. This is unsafe for both the fidgeters and the device. Easy disassembly of the device is also important. Make sure the tank is easy to clean and accessible for thorough washing.

Control system

Three types are distinguished:

The mechanical system is equipped with buttons;
Electronic system is a touch panel control;
Remote – it is controlled by means of a remote control.

More advanced humidifiers have a smartphone control function.

Additional features

There are a number of devices that have a number of “smart” features.

Built-in hygrometer

Hygrometer is a device that determines the relative humidity of the air in the room. According to the readings, you can adjust the supply and intensity of steam coming from the humidifier.

Built-in aroma diffuser

You can only add essential oils to humidifiers with a special compartment for them. Do not add fragrances to the common water compartment of humidifiers without a diffuser function.

Adjusting the vapor direction

It can be used to avoid condensation on wooden surfaces and stains on upholstered furniture. And in hot weather and unbearable heat, you can direct the flow of cool moisturizing air towards yourself and enjoy the coolness. Also in some devices there is a function of adjusting the intensity of steam. In this way you can avoid over-humidification of the air, which is also fraught with unpleasant consequences.

Sensor for automatic shut-off in the event of a fall

Especially this function is important if the humidifier is purchased for a child’s room. There are also devices that turn off when the water level is low.

Light indication

There are devices with a night mode, which allows you to reduce the brightness of the light indicator. Bright light will not interfere with sleep.

Air ionizer

The ionizer built into the humidifier generates negatively charged ions that are released into the air along with the steam. These ions neutralize dust, allergens, bacteria and other pollutants. Ionization removes unpleasant odors and eliminates static electricity.

Timer

Thanks to it you can set a certain time of operation – after its expiration the device will turn off automatically.

Specially coated water tank and silver ion filters

These additional features keep the water cleaner for longer, so you don’t have to change it as often. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t have to clean and wash the compartments regularly.

Steam heating function

Allows you to increase the steam temperature up to 40°C to warm your room when it’s cold.

Cleaning indicator

This is a kind of reminder that the appliance, filter and tank need a thorough washing and sanitizing.

Child protection

Inherent in models with touch controls. Thanks to this function, you can lock the buttons from accidental pressing.

How to use your humidifier correctly: 5 tips

Choose a safe place for installation. Place the humidifier on a flat surface away from walls and other objects to allow air to circulate freely around the unit.
Avoid using the humidifier near electronics, furniture, or other items that can be affected by moisture.
Use the correct water. For each type of humidifier, the instruction manual specifies the water needed. Some work fine with filtered water, while others require distilled water.
Clean your humidifier regularly. Wash and disinfect the tank, filters and other parts of the unit to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
Keep an eye on the humidity level in your apartment. Do not forget that too humid air is as dangerous to health as excessively dry air.

How to choose a humidifier: 8 criteria

When choosing a humidifier for an apartment, there are several key factors to consider:

Room size. Determine the area of the room that needs to be humidified. Different devices have different wattages and radius of operation, so it’s important to choose a model that fits the size of your apartment.
Type of humidifier. Standard, steam, ultrasonic, disc, ionizer humidifiers. Choose the type that suits your needs and preferences.
Tank capacity. Choose a model with a large enough water compartment to ensure long operating time without the need for constant refueling.
Additional modes. Some models have auto shut-off sensors, timers, ionization modes and more. Study the functionality and features and think about which ones you need and which ones you don’t.
Noise level. Consider the noise level of the humidifier, especially if you plan to use it in the bedroom or during the night. Choose a model with a low noise level for comfortable use.
Safety. Look for safety features such as automatic shut-off when there is no water or childproofing. This will help prevent unpleasant situations.
Ease of maintenance. Choose a humidifier that is easy to clean and the compartment and filters are accessible. Regular cleaning and filter replacement will help keep your humidifier efficient and working properly.
Read reviews and recommendations. Choose a humidifier from a reliable manufacturer with a good reputation. Check out reviews from other users to get an idea of the quality of a particular model.

A humidifier helps maintain an optimal level of indoor humidity, which is usually between 40 and 60%. Dry air, especially during winter or in centrally heated rooms, causes discomfort, dry skin and mucous membranes, and poor health. Humidifier helps to clean the air from dust, allergens – this is especially important for allergy sufferers and people with respiratory problems. In addition, the device helps prevent dehydration of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, which reduces the risk of colds. Humidified air helps to improve sleep, reduce static electricity.

When choosing a humidifier, consider the type of humidifier you need, as well as the area of the apartment. Some models have a number of additional features such as steam heating, timer, tilt sensor, night sensor light, air ionization, built-in hygrometer, smartphone control, and more. Choose the model with the right features for your comfort.