TOP 10 of the best humidifiers for home and apartment, how it works and what it is for
Air humidifiers are available in the market in a variety of options. The purpose of the device is to maintain indoor humidity. In addition to traditional humidifiers, there are steam, ultrasonic and other types. Together we will look at how humidifiers and air purifiers work, their types, and how to choose the right device model.
What is a humidifier used for and why dry air is harmful
The main function of a humidifier is to increase air humidity to a level that is comfortable and safe for the human body.This is most necessary in winter, during the heating period. Due to the operation of heating devices, the air becomes dry and unsuitable for the human body. The normal indicator of humidity required for a person is 40-70%, and due to heating the humidity drops to 20%.
Operating principle and selection criteria
The principle of operation of the device is that water, falling on the membrane, splits into a state of water dust. After that, the airflow acts on it and transfers it into the room, where it becomes gaseous. Some models also destroy microbes present in the liquid.
Maximum air exchange
The air exchange parameter serves as a demonstration of how much air the device can handle in an hour. The operation of the humidifier directly depends on this parameter. A humidifier should be chosen so that it has time to pass all the air in the room through itself two to three times per hour.
Filters used
The main active part of the device is the filter. The more filters a device has, the better it works. The filters are available in several flavors.
Mechanical and coal
Mechanical filters are sold at the most economical prices. This is an economical option that can pass particles of at least five microns through itself.
Charcoal filters are more efficient than mechanical filters. They not only help against pollution, but also against viruses and smoke.
Electrostatic chamber
Electrostatic filters are used in ultrasonic cleaners. Their work is based on electrostatic discharges, which attract polluting particles to them.
HEPA filter
The most technologically advanced type of filters on the market.HEPA filters are designed to remove fine particles from the air. They consist of fine fibers gathered in the form of a cylinder and located across the airflow. The small particles, in contact with the fibers, stick to each other and overlap, settling at the bottom of the filter.
The water
Water filters work on the washing principle. They humidify the air and eliminate unpleasant odors. The efficiency of water filters is 95%.
Photocatalytic
The photocatalytic filter works as a humidifier and an air purifier. They are supplied in the form of cassettes with a UV lamp and a catalyst. In the process of work, it forms a substance that destroys microorganisms.
Ease of service
Cleaners need regular filter replacement and parts rinsing. Most devices are serviced twice a year.
Additional functions
Many devices are equipped with additional functions, such as: a humidity sensor that allows the humidifier to automatically maintain the required humidity; built-in timer; ionizer; water filter.
Filtration rate
A high-quality purifier is capable of passing room air through its filters two to three times per hour. Choose a purifier with the right wattage for your room.
Kinds
According to the principle of action, humidifiers are divided into varieties that differ from each other in functionality and efficiency.
Air washers
Sinks serve both to moisturize and to cleanse. They both saturate the air inside the room with moisture and pass it through filters, ridding it of contamination. There is a water tank in the body of the sink, inside which there is a rotating drum with filters. The air entering the drum comes out moistened and cleaned.
Climatic cleaning and moistening complexes
The climate complex alternately draws air through a sequence of filters. First, it passes through a large filter that removes coarse dirt. Then it enters the coal, where it is cleaned of smoke and unpleasant odors. The final stage of cleaning is a HEPA filter that traps the smallest fractions of dust and harmful microorganisms.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic humidifiers have recently grown in popularity with consumers. The principle of operation consists in the use of a high frequency generator, which interacts with water and forms steam which enters the atomizer. The fan draws the air through the cloud of water vapour, thus humidifying it.
The best cheap air purifiers
Consider inexpensive air purifier options. Here are several models that combine reliability, functionality and affordability.
fox cleaner
Foxcleaner Ion has five cleaning steps. Its main advantage is a photocatalyst that removes complex chemical impurities. The device has an air ionizer and an ultraviolet lamp that can be turned on and off as needed. In addition, the device is compact and can be easily transported from room to room.
AIC Xj-2100
Features of this model: electrostatic dust removal, negative ionization, production of active oxygen and presence of an ultraviolet germicidal lamp. The device has several operating modes that can be switched depending on the level of cleaning required.
Polaris PPA 4045Rbi
It features a four-level filtration system, ionizer, and quiet operation.Features a rubberized case, remote control and automatic shut-off timer.
Ballu AP-155
This model has a five-stage cleaning system and four fan speeds. Equipped with an ionizer. The main feature of the device is the presence of an indicator that signals the need to clean the air.
Xiaomi Mi Air Purifier 2
This model is part of the Xiaomi smart home product line. Its main feature is the presence of a Wi-Fi module, which allows you to control the device directly from your smartphone, through a special application. It has three modes of operation: "automatic", in which the device analyzes the air itself and regulates the speed of operation; "Night" - for the quietest cleaning; and also "favorite" - for which the working speed can be programmed manually.
TOP high performance air purifiers with multi-stage filtration
Many purifier models offer multi-stage filtration, which includes rough cleaning, allergen removal, and air treatment for harmful bacteria. There are several models with this function.
Daikin MC70LVM
Photocatalytic air purifier with streamer technology. A streamer is a type of plasma. Its electrons activate oxygen and nitrogen molecules and trigger an oxidative process that effectively destroys bacteria and viruses, as well as mold molecules and fungal spores.
Tefal PU4025
A compact device whose main feature is the ability to destroy formaldehyde. It has high productivity, which makes it effective in rooms up to 35 square meters. The device fits securely on any type of floor. Features four filters that remove most contaminants.
Philips AC 4014
This model is equipped with a powerful filtration system that traps bacteria, allergens and pathogenic microorganisms. It has an onboard air quality monitoring system that automatically alerts the user to the need for cleaning.
Atmosphere Vent-1550
It has a multi-stage broaching air purification system. Has six levels of filtration, as well as a germicidal ultraviolet lamp and a negative oxygen ion generator.
Ballu AP-430F7
Equipped with a multi-level filter system and a powerful fan. Due to its power, it is effective in rooms up to 50 square meters. On board there is a timer with a pollution indicator.
Popular air washers
Among the humidifiers operating on the principle of washing, the following models are worthy of attention:
Venta LW25
This device humidifies the air and removes most pollutants. Thanks to touch control and electronics, it consumes only 4 watts of energy. The advantages of the model are considered reliability, economy, simplicity of maintenance and ease of operation.
Winia AWI-40
This sink is designed for use in rooms up to 30 square meters. Of the features, it is worth noting pre-ionization, moderate performance and automatic humidity maintenance. It has five operating modes, a touch screen and is easy to maintain and maintain.
Boneco W2055DR
Top-of-the-range device with a unique design, varnished body. Does not require replacement of filters and consumables. Able to automatically shut off when water level is low.
Classification of climatic complexes
Among the climatic complexes on the market, the following models stand out:
Panasonic F-VXL40
Has a 1.6 liter water tank. Water consumption per hour can reach 350 milliliters. It has a HEPA filter, water filter and ionization technology.
Sharp KC-F31R
Compact device designed to be installed on a table or on the floor. Does not consume more than 27 watts per hour. The tank volume is 1.8 liters, which is enough for 5.5 hours in humidification mode.
Hisense AE-33R4BNS / AE-33R4BFS
It is characterized by the presence of five filters, a high-precision air quality sensor with three-level indication, an indicator of temperature and relative humidity. There are several operating modes, an automatic timer and four cleaning speeds.
Boneco W2055A
Cleaning with this device is carried out using a water filter on the principle of a mill. Has a seven liter fluid reservoir. The device provides antibacterial protection of the room thanks to the ionized silver bar. There are day and night operation modes. When activated, night mode operates silently, without disturbing sleep.
Winia AWM-40
This model has a touch screen on board, with which you can easily and quickly switch between five operating modes. In the presence of a nine-liter water tank and an indication of the need to fill the tank. In addition to cleaning and moistening, the device has an ionizing effect.
3IQAir HealthPro 250
A high-end all-rounder designed in Switzerland. It is characterized by the presence of an electronic control. Consists of pre-filter, engine block, carbon filter and main dust filter. Covered area - up to 75 square meters, productivity - up to 440 cubic meters per hour.
4Euromate Grace electrostatic
Functional and reliable premium cleaner. Has a sleek body design and a unique filtration system.Suitable for office premises, as well as for installation in public places. Thanks to its elegant design and reliable performance, this purifier is installed in cafes, restaurants, clubs, casinos, luxury apartments.
Answers to questions
How to use a humidifier?
Ultrasonic humidifiers require regular addition of water. In addition, the instrument base and the reservoir must be rinsed. The humidifier must be installed on a straight surface, at a certain height, equal to approximately one meter from the ground.
It is better to install the sink directly on the floor of the apartment, because unlike ultrasonic cleaners, it does not leave condensation. To maintain the sink, it is enough to regularly fill the water tank.
What type of water to fill in the tank?
For ultrasonic devices, use filtered water. For sinks, ordinary tap water is suitable.
Can a humidifier replace an air conditioner?
A humidifier is not able to lower the temperature in a house during the heat of summer like an air conditioner, but it does help to raise the humidity level in hot, dry weather, making it more comfortable for humans.