Air humidifier: benefits and harms, reviews, opinions of doctors and users
Modern technology provides comfortable and healthy conditions at home, at work, in public and retail real estate. Despite its widespread use, some users cannot answer the question of whether a humidifier is actually needed. Benefit and harm, the opinion of doctors, reviews of experts and current owners - the information from this article will help you make the right decision when choosing a technique in this category.
The content of the article
- 1 Why install an air humidifier in the apartment
- 2 General definitions and formal requirements
- 3 Overview of modern humidifiers
- 4 How to use a humidifier: benefits and harms, doctors' opinions, owner reviews
- 5 Is it possible to get cold from a humidifier: features of proper operation
- 6 Conclusions and additional useful recommendations
- 7 Video with recommendations for choosing a technique
Why install an air humidifier in an apartment
If dry skin occurs, the problem can be eliminated with a cream. However, the constant use of cosmetics impairs the functionality of the natural mechanisms of the human body. The desire of manufacturers to save money is accompanied by the use of ingredients that are unsafe for health. Applying a protective layer to the entire surface of the body is a long-term procedure.
This example clearly illustrates the difficulties that arise in practice when the wrong method is chosen. It makes more sense to install a modern humidifier at home. The technique will saturate the air with life-giving moisture in the right proportions. It maintains the automatically set level. The user will be promptly notified of the need to replenish the reservoir, perform other service actions.
General definitions and formal requirements
This table shows data on the water content per unit volume of air and the temperature at which condensation forms on the surfaces of objects (absolute humidity in g per 1 m3 / dew point in ° C).
Air temperature, ° С | Relative humidity,% | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 30 | 60 | 80 | 100 | |
-20 | 0,1/-45 | 0,3/-32 | 0,5/-25 | 0,7/-22 | 0,9/-20 |
0 | 0,5/-26 | 1,5/-14 | 2,9/-6 | 3,9/-3 | 4,8/0 |
20 | 1,7/-12 | 5,2/+1 | 10,4/+12 | 13,8/+16 | 17,3/+20 |
40 | 5,1/+1 | 15,3/+18 | 30,7/+30 | 40,9/+36 | 51,1/+40 |
A careful study of these data allows us to identify the cause of air drying in winter. At low temperatures, it is not able to contain enough moisture. A corresponding negative change in parameters occurs during the ventilation of the room.
Note! It is mistakenly believed that dryness in winter provokes the use of heating devices. This is not true. As the temperature rises, the absolute humidity values increase. Particles of water are removed from the room only with the help of effective ventilation.
It also destroys water-based adhesives and activates corrosion. These factors are taken into account when creating building standards. In accordance with the current GOSTs, the limit value for relative humidity is limited to levels of 60/65 percent (winter / summer, respectively). Optimal values are determined by the ranges: 30-45% / 30-60%.
Note! In the domestic regulations SanPiN, the same figures are indicated in relation to real estate in the housing stock.
Overview of modern humidifiers
In this example, let's look at a typical technique in this category. An ultrasonic nebulizer is installed here. The high-frequency vibration of the build plate is not perceptible to human hearing. This effect creates the smallest particles of water with low energy consumption (30 W / h). Such a device is capable of serving a room up to 50 square meters. with a ceiling height of no more than 3 m.
Other important features are:
- The large built-in capacity (6 l) is sufficient to maintain continuous operation for up to 45 hours.
- Built-in hygrostat supports automatically user-defined humidity level.
- The backlight makes it easy to handle equipment at night.
- The timer is used to set an individual switching time schedule.
- In the "night" mode, the technique performs its functions as quietly as possible.
- A special filter protects against limescale deposits.
- If necessary, you can use the "Flavor" option.
Some models are additionally equipped with a remote control, ionization, ozonation, and disinfection units.
In this technique, the desired result is obtained by boiling water. The steam temperature is reduced to a safe level using special structural elements. A significant advantage is the automatic disinfection of the liquid with the simultaneous removal of hardness salts. The main disadvantage is the increased power consumption.
After such treatment, dust is removed from the air atmosphere together with allergens, foreign odors, and harmful chemical compounds. The owners are posting positive reviews for air washers. The benefits and harms of these and other humidifiers are discussed in detail in the following sections of the article.
In any case, when comparing, it is recommended to pay attention to the following parameters:
- primary cost and operating costs for replacement elements, maintenance;
- electricity consumption, noise level;
- maximum duration of the working cycle;
- equipment with control and automation means.
How to use a humidifier: benefits and harms, doctors' opinions, owner reviews
The above data confirm the lack of clear norms that can be guided by the selection and use of appropriate technology. According to subjective sensations, the humidity is more than 75-80%. Dryness causes unpleasant reactions at the level of 30-35% or less. To find out whether you can get sick from a humidifier, you need to study the recommendations of specialized doctors.
Modern humidifier: pros and cons for health according to experts
Experienced physiologists recommend maintaining the concentration of water in the atmosphere of a dwelling at a level of 35% to 65% (hereinafter, relative humidity is indicated by the percentage). If this rule is violated in conditions of excessive dryness, the physiological state of the mucous membranes worsens. Cramps appear in the eyes, irritation of the skin occurs. The protective functions of the body are weakened, which provokes the occurrence of respiratory and other diseases.
Note! A humidifier for bronchitis makes it easier to cough up mucus, accelerates recovery.
The following are the negative features of different types of specialized equipment that should be considered in practice:
- The most common ultrasound models pollute the air with calcium and magnesium salts, other chemical and organic impurities.
- On discs and other working surfaces of sinks, a favorable environment is formed for the vital activity of bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms.
- Insufficient quality cheap modifications throw out excessively hot steam, which can burn yourself.
User reviews
For an objective assessment, it is necessary to study the opinion of real users on specialized sites on the Internet.
Manufacturer Ergo, model HU 1630E, author of the SolarWind review, Kiev: Advantages: Ultrasonic membrane, 3 steam speeds, large capacity. I was very pleased with the design that allows you to spray steam in different directions at the same time, so the air in the room is humidified more evenly. A timer up to 4 hours is standard, which allows you to turn on the device at night and a remote control, which is rarely found in budget models.
Disadvantages: Build quality.
More details on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5827352.html
Polaris / PUH-7040, DiGakina128, Yekaterinburg: Advantages: Almost silent, reasonable price, ionization function, large water tank, large steam supply.
Disadvantages: Significant - haven't noticed yet. There is an automatic shutdown in the absence of water, but very often it starts to squeak. You have to run quickly and disconnect if the children are sleeping.
More details on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5828809.html
Vitek VT-2331, Alex Storm, Gus-Khrustalny: Advantages: Modern, efficient, very convenient. There is a function of heating steam up to 40 degrees, many microbes die at such temperatures. The built-in hydrostat controls the level of humidity in the room and turns off the device automatically, it is very convenient, there will be no sauna. A very powerful steam flow 350 grams per hour, provides the fastest humidification, steam flows can be directed in different directions or in one direction.
Disadvantages: No.
More details on otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_5803082.html
Note! Reviews for the ultrasonic humidifier are mostly positive. Most of the comments refer to the appearance of white bloom. How to eliminate this deficiency is described in the section with recommendations for operating rules.
Related article:
In order not to make a mistake when buying, we propose to consider what it might be humidifier. Rating of the best 2017-2018offered in our review will help you make the right choice.
Is an ultrasonic humidifier harmful to children?
This topic must be studied especially carefully in order to find out the real benefit or harm. humidifier... Komarovsky (reputable doctor pediatrician) advises using this technique to accelerate healing processes with an increase in humidity up to 60-65%. He argues that maintaining normal levels, especially during the cold season, is effective in preventing colds.
Related article:
How to humidify the air in a room without a humidifier. Dry air is a great health hazard and should therefore be dealt with. We will talk about how to humidify the air in a room without a humidifier in our article.
It is clear that the use of modern technology is more convenient and safer. You just need to choose a model in exact accordance with individual needs.
Important! If you are installing "adult" large and productive equipment in the room, choose a suitable place - inaccessible to the child.
Is it possible to get cold from a humidifier: features of proper operation
To find out why a humidifier is useful for the home, it is necessary to evaluate the positive factors together. In addition to preventing and improving people, the technique helps to maintain a good physiological state of pets. It extends the service life of doors and other products made of wood, natural leather, fabrics.
Negative manifestations, as a rule, are explained by the wrong choice or mistakes in the process of use. It is necessary to carefully read the recommendations and official instructions of the manufacturer before purchasing. It should be remembered that the advertising materials indicate the maximum parameters (dimensions of the serviced premises).
Note! Find out in advance how long the humidifier should operate to achieve the optimum humidity level under the worst starting conditions. Make a small headroom (15-20%) so that you do not experience difficulties during peak loads.
It is impossible to catch a cold due to the use of a humidifier. However, it is necessary to clean the equipment in a timely manner according to the procedure established by the rules. It is necessary to regularly ventilate the room, maintain a comfortable temperature regime in it.
Conclusions and additional useful recommendations
An air humidifier is a useful and necessary purchase. To exclude errors, you must accurately determine the list of your own criteria. In accordance with it, it will not be difficult to find a suitable model. In addition to the main ones, check the auxiliary and service functions.It is better to fill the equipment with purified liquid.