To create an optimal and comfortable microclimate in residential premises, various household appliances can be used. Among them, humidifiers are especially distinguished, thanks to which humid and pleasant air can be obtained in each living room. Especially often, such devices are purchased by young parents who want to create optimal conditions for newborns to live. Before buying this equipment, you should decide on the pros and cons of air humidifiers, their varieties and functions. Only after a thorough study of reliable information can you make a bargain.
Why do I need a device?
Initially, it is important to understand what an air humidifier provides. The pros and cons of this device depend on its variety and characteristics. The main purpose of this technique is the creation of a comfortable microclimate in the living room. Especially often it is installed in children's rooms, since dry air is considered dangerous for small children.
If the children's room has dry air, this will lead to the following negative consequences:
- the well-being of the child worsens;
- immunity is reduced;
- dry mucous membranes appear;
- allergic reactions to animal hair or plant pollen are detected.
Therefore, parents who care about the health of their baby should create good conditions for his life. They need to know what a humidifier gives. The pros and cons of this device should be evaluated prior to direct purchase in order to choose the most optimal and safe model. It is also recommended that you read the feedback from direct users.
Benefits of buying
Initially, you should evaluate all the pros and cons of an air humidifier for an apartment to establish the feasibility of this acquisition. This device belongs to the climate technology, which is designed to increase air humidity. But a change in the microclimate leads to the fact that increased humidity can harm other equipment, interior items, and even plants.
When studying the advantages and disadvantages of an air humidifier, a lot of attention should be paid to the pluses. These include:
- dry air can lead to the destruction of high-quality flooring from wood, therefore, due to moistening, optimal conditions for this material are provided;
- low humidity leads to the death of plants, so its increase can lead to the constant flowering of numerous flowers;
- due to increased humidity, cracks will never appear on wooden furniture, so the climate technology increases the life of expensive interior items;
- a truly comfortable microclimate is created in the rooms, which positively affects the well-being and health status of people;
- the risk of allergies or asthma is reduced.
Due to the above advantages, many people prefer to buy this equipment for installation in a children's room or their own bedroom.
disadvantages
It is important to consider not only the advantages, but also the disadvantages of humidifiers. They are as follows:
- the risk of a sore throat increases, which adults and children can get due to an excess of moisture, as this leads to the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract, which is the optimal condition for the development of bacteria;
- usually people get a device that does not match the power and characteristics of the existing room, so creating an optimal microclimate does not work;
- It is dangerous to constantly use a humidifier in the children's room, since if the baby touches a working device, this can lead to a burn on the skin, so you need to install the equipment in an inaccessible place or buy an ultrasonic humidifier;
- the cost of consumables is considered high, and the frequency of their replacement depends on the brand and type of device.
Many of the shortcomings of humidifiers in the apartment are far-fetched. But nevertheless, to create a comfortable microclimate in residential premises, attention must be paid not only to air humidity, but also to its purification. Use the device wisely, so you should not raise the humidity to 80%. It is optimal to maintain it at 60%.
The main types of devices
You should understand not only the pros and cons of air humidifiers, but also their varieties. The following types of devices are distinguished:
- ultrasound
- traditional
- steam;
- washing.
Each variety has its own characteristics, which should be understood before making a purchase. This will allow you to purchase equipment that will ideally meet the requirements of users.
Ultrasonic device
It is considered the most common and safe to use. The features of its use include:
- products are equipped with a piezoceramic membrane that vibrates under the influence of alternating current;
- water is poured into a special container, which, under the influence of vibrations, breaks up into small particles;
- these particles go out through the fan;
- the ultrasonic device produces cool steam, therefore it is safe for children and adults;
- some devices are equipped with an additional function, due to which warm steam appears;
- the cost of such devices is considered low, but at the same time they can be equipped with various additional functions, which include a steam separator, moisture levels or steam sterilization;
- on expensive models there are electronic displays with which you can set the necessary parameters of the equipment.
It is allowed to install this device in a children's room.
Disadvantages and advantages of an ultrasonic device
Before buying, you should evaluate the pros and cons of an ultrasonic humidifier. The positive parameters include:
- work intensity;
- no noise appears during operation;
- it is possible to independently adjust the humidity level due to the built-in hygrometer;
- the appliance is economical.
The disadvantage is that in many models for the operation of the equipment only demineralized and purified water is required, which must be bought in a store. Inexpensive models cannot be regulated, therefore, due to their work in the premises, an increased level of humidity can be established. Such devices are designed for small rooms. Only after studying the pros and cons of an ultrasonic air humidifier, you can decide on its acquisition.
Traditional patterns
They are also called natural moisturizers. Their device is quite simple. By means of a fan, air is drawn through a wet filter, which is regularly impregnated with the right amount of water. After that, the air goes out humidified.
Some models are equipped with filters equipped with antibacterial compounds, which provides additional air purification.
Advantages and disadvantages of traditional humidifiers
The traditional device is considered quite popular among all types of humidifiers. The pros and cons of this equipment are as follows:
- the escaping steam is not hot, so you can install the device even in the children's room;
- humidity never rises too high, as steam is not generated by force;
- profitability of use;
- during use of the equipment, white and ugly deposits on interior items do not form, which is often found when using an ultrasonic device;
- no need to use purified water;
- low performance compared to other models;
- during operation, the fan is clearly audible, so at night it is not practical to turn on such a device;
- periodically have to change filters, the cost of which is considered high.
This variety is presented in different models with different cost and characteristics.
Steam humidifier
In such a device, the water is heated, after which the steam goes outside, which provides humidification of the air in the room. Water heating can be carried out in different ways, therefore, the devices use electrodes or heating elements, but in any case the steam will be warm, therefore it is impossible to install such equipment in the children's room.
The pros and cons of steam humidifiers are as follows:
- the air is humidified quickly and intensively, so literally in a few hours you can achieve the desired level of humidity;
- although the outgoing steam is hot, it is difficult to burn yourself, unless you put your hand directly on the appliance;
- since the temperature treatment of air is ensured, the elimination of microorganisms is guaranteed;
- white plaque does not form on interior items;
- In this case, condensation may occur, due to which the condition and appearance of various objects made of wood or other expensive materials deteriorate;
- if you turn on such equipment for the whole day or night, then the humidity in the room can rise to a critical value, which affects people's well-being;
- scale forms on the devices, so you will have to periodically clean the equipment;
- during the operation of the equipment there is a significant consumption of water.
Another significant drawback of this equipment is the rather strong noise that occurs during the process of boiling water.
Air washers
An innovative device is a humidifier, which not only increases the humidity level in the rooms, but also provides air purification. They are represented by improved models of classic humidifiers. They have a drum in which there are moisture absorbing discs.
During the rotation of this drum, the disks are lowered into a special container filled with water, after which they again rise. An air stream blows from the fan, which dries these disks, which leads to humidification of the air. Dust and dirt are washed off by water from the tank, so not only humid, but also clean air enters the room.
You can fill the equipment with plain water, but occasionally you need to clean the tank and discs from plaque and dirt. Sometimes devices are equipped with additional functions represented by aromatization or quiet mode.
What features may be available?
If you plan to purchase equipment in a nursery, then parents should evaluate the pros and cons of a humidifier for the child. This equipment is not always suitable for this room. When choosing equipment, its cost, brand, safety of use, noise emitted and available functions are taken into account.
The most common functions that are given to these devices include:
- hygrostat, with which you can adjust the humidity level installed in the room;
- an air purifier allows you to remove dust and germs from the air, and for this purpose special filters are installed in the equipment;
- a timer by which the operating mode is set;
- ionization of the air guarantees a more thorough cleaning;
- night mode, ensuring quiet operation of the equipment at any time;
- fragrances allow you to get in the room not only clean, but also pleasantly smelling air;
- water illumination is intended to improve the appearance of the equipment.
The more different functions there are in the device, the higher will be its cost. Therefore, initially it is important to pay attention to the principle of its operation, safety of use and the possibility of adjustment.
Conclusion
There are numerous pros and cons to air humidifiers. These devices are presented in several varieties that differ in the principle of operation. They can be equipped with numerous additional functions that increase the comfort and safety of their use.
When choosing such equipment, it is important to consider its price, principle of operation and power.