People care about temperature or air purity. But its humidity is rarely remembered. Although this is an important indicator, its value determines the comfortable state of humans and pets, affects the perception of temperature by the human body, the safety of the environment, etc. This alone already partially explains why an air humidifier is needed in an apartment, but in order to get a complete picture, we will analyze all the pros and cons, and the subtlety of the device.
Air humidity standards
Scientists have determined a conditional norm within which people feel comfortable - 35-60%. This noticeable scatter is explained by the wide range of acceptable values. They are determined by the time of year, the purpose of the room, etc. So, for children's rooms it is advisable to choose 60%, and if the baby is sick, then 70%. In living rooms, it is permissible to reduce the indicator slightly. In winter it is better to reduce humidity, in hot weather it is better to increase it, but within normal limits.
Humidifier Leberg LH-803
An excess of moisture, as well as a lack of it, makes the microclimate worse. This affects a person's well-being. It is possible to accurately determine the amount of water vapor in the air only with the help of instruments. The simplest of them is a hygrometer. There are also traditional methods. The easiest way to take measurements is with a fir cone. She is placed in a room and examined after a while. If the scales are tightly closed, there is excess moisture in the room; if they are too raised, there is a lack.
Humidity is rarely constant. It is influenced by various factors. This leads to a decrease or increase in the amount of moisture. Hot air masses are able to absorb more water, so heat or hot radiators dry them out very much.
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Air conditioners and other ventilation devices operate similarly. Thus, it is not always possible to achieve normal values in an apartment. Therefore, the “help” of special equipment is required.
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What should the humidity be?
Scientists have determined a conditional norm within which people feel comfortable - 35-60%. This noticeable scatter is explained by the wide range of acceptable values. They are determined by the time of year, the purpose of the room, etc. So, for children's rooms it is advisable to choose 60%, and if the baby is sick, then 70%. In living rooms, it is permissible to reduce the indicator slightly. In winter it is better to reduce humidity, in hot weather it is better to increase it, but within normal limits.
An excess of moisture, as well as a lack of it, makes the microclimate worse. This affects a person's well-being. It is possible to accurately determine the amount of water vapor in the air only with the help of instruments. The simplest of them is a hygrometer. There are also traditional methods. The easiest way to take measurements is with a fir cone. She is placed in a room and examined after a while. If the scales are tightly closed, there is excess moisture in the room; if they are too raised, there is a lack.
Humidity is rarely constant. It is influenced by various factors. This leads to a decrease or increase in the amount of moisture. Hot air masses are able to absorb more water, so heat or hot radiators dry them out very much.
Air conditioners and other ventilation devices operate similarly. Thus, it is not always possible to achieve normal values in an apartment. Therefore, the “help” of special equipment is required.
What is a humidifier
This is the name of a device that increases the content of water vapor in the air flow. With its help you can regulate the humidity in the apartment. The equipment produces water vapor and distributes it throughout the room using forced or natural airflow. In the first case, the result will be obtained faster.
Mechanical models must be started manually, automatic ones are activated by a sensor signal. It constantly measures the humidity level. When the latter drops below the permissible value, the device is activated. It also turns off based on a signal from the sensor, which will record the upper limit of the permissible range.
Humidifier NeoClima
Types of devices
There are three types of humidifiers offered in stores. They are based on different operating principles: natural humidification, steam generation, ultrasound. Let's look at each of them in detail.
Natural type equipment
It is also called a traditional or cold steam device. Performs its task through natural evaporation. Special cartridges are moistened with water, after which an air stream from the built-in fan is supplied to them. Its speed is adjustable, so the intensity of humidification can be changed. Devices of this type are the safest. They are environmentally friendly and reliable in operation.
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To wet the cartridges, you can pour water from the tap. An additional advantage of the device is that it cleans the flow entering the housing from dust. The only disadvantage is the high price of such devices.
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Steam devices
Clean water is poured into the housing, brought to a boil, after which it begins to evaporate. Humidification occurs very quickly, and the temperature rises along with it. Steam equipment is best installed in cold rooms. Then it will perform two functions at once. Of course, this is not a full-fledged heating device, but it can provide a temperature increase of 2-3C.
It is desirable that the device be supplemented with a hygrometer and automation. Then there will be no over-moistening, which can happen quite quickly with a steam generator. A significant drawback of the device is its high power consumption. In addition, it must be handled with care. Hot steam is unsafe. Children's access should be limited.
Beurer humidifier
Ultrasound systems
Water is supplied to an ultrasonic membrane, which breaks it into microdroplets. The human eye sees them as fog. It is distributed throughout the room by forced or natural flow. In this way, large volumes of air masses are quickly moistened. The device is completely safe and operates almost silently.
The main disadvantage is sensitivity to water quality. Many models have a filter installed in front of the ultrasonic membrane. But if the liquid is hard, it fails very quickly.
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It is best to pour distillate into the device, especially if there is no filter. Otherwise, limescale deposits will get into the ultrasonic mist and settle on furniture, walls, etc. It is very difficult to remove.
Models with additional useful features are the best choice when you need a good humidifier. There may be several options: ionization, cleaning, aromatization. Such complexes not only moisturize, they clean the air mixture from dust and dirt particles.
Humidifier NeoClima
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Rules for using ultrasonic humidifiers
The general rules for using ultrasonic air humidifiers are very simple: - the air humidifier should be located at a level of 0.5 m from the floor (on a table or shelf); — direct the stream of cold steam slightly upward so that moisture does not flow down the body of the device and does not leave condensation on the table; — pieces of furniture should be kept at a distance of half a meter from the humidifier so that condensation does not form on them; - do not forget to add water to the tank as it evaporates. If your tap water is very hard, you can use filtered or bottled water. Or purchase special cartridges for softening water in air humidifiers; — simple maintenance of the air humidifier will ensure long-term and hygienic operation.
We hope this article has left no doubt about the need to use a humidifier in your home. All you have to do is choose from our assortment exactly the model that you like.
How is a humidifier useful in an apartment?
The decrease in humidity may go unnoticed at first, but this does not mean that it is safe for humans. At least six factors appear that negatively affect living organisms. And a humidifier helps to avoid them.
- Dry mucous membranes disappear. They are designed by nature as a protective barrier that traps bacteria and viruses. To perform their functions, the mucous membranes must be moisturized. Otherwise, they will become thinner and even crack. This is especially dangerous for the nose and eyes, which in this condition become an “open gate” for infections.
- Eye problems are prevented. The skin around them is very thin, devoid of sebaceous and sweat glands. Therefore, this area requires special care. It easily gives off moisture and becomes thinner. Dehydrated skin of the eyelids and mucous membranes of the eyes under conditions of constant stress from working at the computer, watching TV, etc. easily inflamed. Various conjunctivitis appears.
- The amount of flying dust is reduced. Dust particles are very light and can rise upward. In addition, they easily absorb water from air masses, become heavy, and settle on the surface. If there is little moisture, they continue to fly. This provokes asthma attacks or bronchospasms in allergy sufferers and asthmatics, as well as in those who still felt healthy.
- The condition of hair, skin, and nails improves. Moisture constantly evaporates from the surface of the hair. Dry air significantly speeds up this process. Replenishing the balance using internal resources does not give the desired result.
- Sleep problems are eliminated. Uncomfortable conditions affect the duration and soundness of sleep. Lack of sleep leads to decreased performance and depression. It is best to have a humidifying unit in the bedroom complete with an ionizer. The latter generates negatively charged particles that effectively retain water molecules.
- Plants begin to develop better. House flowers stop blooming, the number of new shoots decreases, the emerging leaves are smaller in size, and their tips dry out. Plants get sick and die. The amount of oxygen they produce is significantly reduced, which negatively affects the microclimate of the room.
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Now it’s clear why you need a humidifier. Increasing the content of water vapor in the air mixture improves the situation with all the described factors. In addition, the risk of exacerbation of chronic diseases is reduced, and the general condition improves.
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Damage to an air humidifier in an apartment
Devices are not always useful. This happens when hydration is excessive and exceeds the optimal 40-60%. If this is a short-term phenomenon, the room will be stuffy. This is how excess moisture is felt. Constant waterlogging will show itself through “wet” furniture, clothing, and curtains. The appearance and rapid development of fungus and mold is possible.
To avoid this, ultrasonic, and especially steam systems must be equipped with hygrometers. They quickly saturate the air mixture with water vapor; it is impractical to control them “by eye”. Steam equipment is potentially dangerous to operate. If handled carelessly, it can burn or cause damage to the furnishings and decoration of the room. Therefore, it is prohibited to install it in children's rooms.
Xiaomi VH Man Air Humidifier
Benefits of a humidifier
As you can see, the unit has practically no negative aspects, while it has many more advantages.
Among the useful properties it is worth highlighting:
- Providing regulation of heat exchange in young children. A baby’s body produces much more heat than an adult’s, but it is released primarily through the skin. When the air is dry, the baby begins to lose significant amounts of moisture, and this leads to drying out of the mucous membranes and thickening of the blood. When using the device, it is possible to avoid these negative phenomena, since the required humidity values will be constantly maintained in the room;
- Reducing the risk of respiratory diseases. With increased dryness in the apartment, a person’s mucous membranes begin to dry out, so it ceases to cope with the task of neutralizing dangerous bacteria and viruses. As a result, the likelihood of developing sinusitis, otitis media and even pneumonia increases. When purchasing, for example, the best models of Xiaomi air humidifiers, it is possible to effectively overcome this problem and ensure that the desired microclimate is maintained in the house;
- Creating better conditions for allergy sufferers. By equipping the products with special filters that trap pollen, fur and various other irritants, it is possible to create a clean environment in which allergy sufferers begin to breathe freely;
- Improvement of skin health, because when moisturized, the likelihood of peeling and irritation is reduced, and the risk of wrinkles also decreases;
- Preventing the process of dehydration, since the air space is always filled with moisture that the body absorbs.
To operate the device safely, you must always read the instructions and strictly follow them. In this case, an air humidifier will only bring benefits and create a pleasant atmosphere of cleanliness and freshness in the room.
