The indoor air is saturated with harmful components that can cause many diseases in humans. In addition, in winter, the air in the room is dry, which also has a detrimental effect on the human body. Special equipment helps to cope with this task - humidifiers and air purifiers for enclosed spaces. Despite their small dimensions, these devices change the composition of the air to levels acceptable to the human body. Naturally, it is best to use these two devices at the same time, but if this is not possible, it is worth figuring out which is better: a humidifier or an air purifier in a particular case.
Device for purifying air masses
The purchase of budget Chinese air purifiers must be approached very carefully.
The main purpose of installing a purifier is to eliminate components from the air that are unsafe for humans. The purifier, passing air masses through itself, traps dust particles, hairs, sand, wool, mold spores, and waste products of mites. The main difference between the equipment is the installation of individual filtration. For a room where a large amount of dust accumulates, a cleaner with an electrostatic filter is suitable. In cases where it is necessary to remove an unpleasant odor, devices with a carbon filtration system are used. To completely break down solid particles, it is necessary to install a purifier with a photocatalytic filter, since other systems only capture and retain harmful components.
Humidifier or air purifier what to choose
Humidifiers are designed to create optimal humidity in an enclosed space. In accordance with GOST 30494-96, indoor humidity in cold weather should be no less than 40% and no more than 60%. When indoor air humidity is below 40%, a person becomes drowsy and chronically tired. When humidity levels drop below 30%, the human body is subject to stress. It rapidly loses natural moisture, which leads to a decrease in the immune system and, accordingly, to the occurrence of diseases.
Attention! According to statistics, in an apartment in winter, in which a humidifier is not installed, the humidity is only 25%.
Air purifiers are designed to trap particulate matter. Thanks to the installed filters, they are able to eliminate harmful components from air masses by more than 90%. Purifiers are typically installed more often in industrial environments where there are large amounts of particulate matter in the air.
Important! In order to understand whether it is necessary to adjust the humidity in the room or whether it is enough to just eliminate heavy air, you should measure the indicators using a hygrometer. It will accurately show the humidity levels in the room.
Humidifier - advantages and disadvantages
Humidifiers are used to regulate air dryness. They are a small stationary device with a system for filling water, a heater and an evaporator. The devices are relevant during the heating season to prevent inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
Interesting to know! The optimal humidity indicator according to GOST 30494–2011 is 40-60%.
Types of humidifiers
Based on their design and functions, humidification units are divided into several types:
natural or cold-type humidifiers. Water is poured into a special tank, from where it is supplied to the evaporator. Condensation saturates the air with moisture and removes dust particles and microbes from it.
Advice! Traditional installations can be used for aromatherapy. Just drop a little essential oil into the water.
- steam, which are used as inhalers. Evaporation occurs using electrodes inside the container. The water heats up and steam comes out. After the liquid has completely boiled away, the device stops;
- ultrasonic. The liquid poured into the tank enters the vibrating plate and is split into small splashes. This way the room is simultaneously humidified and cooled.
Important! Ultrasonic devices can quickly malfunction due to contaminated, hard water. Humidifier Options
Pros and cons of operation
Air washes have positive and negative sides.
Advantages:
- dust and microorganisms settle in the tank, resulting in clean and moist air;
- ease of maintenance;
- possibility of operation in rooms with a centralized heating system;
- energy efficiency;
- complete elimination of allergens.
Minuses:
- slow cleaning process;
- the need to constantly monitor the water level in the tank;
- for ultrasonic models you need to buy expensive filters;
- there is a risk of burns when using steam humidifiers;
- Cold cleaning equipment is expensive.
All humidifier models consume minimal energy.
Important! The humidity of the children's room should not exceed 75-80%.
Humidifier + purifier: universal devices
An integrated approach to improving the microclimate: a 2in1 device
It is impossible to compare these two devices in terms of efficiency, since they perform completely different functions: a purifier eliminates heavy particles harmful to the body, and a humidifier maintains an optimal level of humidity in the room for excellent well-being. The most appropriate equipment option for individual use is 2in1 climate complexes, with the help of which harmful microparticles are eliminated and the required humidity is ensured. For example, the Smower Multi Action model. Such equipment is indispensable in rooms where there are children and allergy sufferers.
Which humidifier is better?
Steam and ultrasonic humidifiers have many advantages. And choosing the best one among them is quite difficult - both types are capable of qualitatively improving the microclimate in the room.
However, the device must be selected for specific operating conditions.
First of all, the area of the room is taken into account, and the power of the device is selected according to it.
In small rooms it is advisable to use ultrasonic models, and in large rooms - steam models.
An ultrasonic type device is suitable if:
- you need a humidifier that is compact in size and can be carried;
- there are no allergy sufferers in the family, and the air in the area of residence is not too polluted;
- there is no desire to incur large energy costs in order to improve the microclimate in an apartment or house;
- light sleeper and need to sleep in perfect silence;
- You need to equip your children's room with a humidifier.
Despite the minimal energy consumption, you still have to incur some costs with ultrasonic humidifiers: the purchase of filters, cartridges and distilled water.
There are so-called ultrasonic micro-humidifiers. Additionally, they can be used as an aroma lamp or a night light. Some models are available with a built-in speaker
Steam types of devices are optimal for families in which the children have already grown up, and no one wants to check the steam temperature with their palm or open the lid during operation.
Using the devices, you can also perform inhalations and disinfect rooms. If such functions are in demand, you should definitely buy a steam humidifier.
Steam humidifiers are ideal if you have a lot of flowers in your home that love warm, humid climates. The device is able to quickly create “humid subtropical” conditions for them.
When choosing a device for humidifying the air, you also need to pay attention to the rate of water consumption, as well as the volume of the tank. If it is not possible to add water every 8-12 hours, then it is better to buy a unit with a tank volume of 6 liters or more
We provided more recommendations on choosing an air humidifier for your home and apartment in the following publication.
Humidifier with air purification function
Devices of this kind are a unique “combine” that combines two separate devices - a humidifier and an air purifier. Their feature is natural air humidification. The principle of their operation is to draw contaminated and dry air into the device using a built-in fan, where it is driven through special drums placed in water. Solid particles “stick” to the surface of the blades and are subsequently washed off into a special tray. And already purified and humidified air is supplied to the room.
Important! It is recommended to use a humidifier with an air purification function and the presence of a hydrostat, which controls the humidity in the room. This element will not allow excessive humidification of the air in the room.
Parameters to consider when choosing universal equipment:
- performance. For a room with an area of up to 20 m2, preference should be given to equipment with a capacity of 2 m3/min;
- size of the water tank. For a room of 40 m2, a 7 liter tank will be sufficient for high-quality humidification and cleansing;
- noise level, which should not exceed 40 dB;
- type of filtration system, installation of additional filters to eliminate unpleasant odors;
- additional functions such as shutdown when there is insufficient water, electronic control timer, ionizer.
Important! For finer purification of air masses and elimination of unpleasant odors, you will need a device that, in addition to the “hydrofiltration” system, is equipped with an additional filter. For example, the Philips HU4803 model affects air masses in 3 stages: trapping solid particles with a cartridge, removing bacteria and waste products from mites and viruses, and uniformly distributing air masses throughout the room.
Washing humidifies and purifies the air
An air washer is also capable of humidifying air masses, but has additional functions. The device purifies the air simultaneously with humidification. Air masses constantly circulate through this device. All air in the room is cleaned by washing cartridges at least twice per hour. The air is filled with moisture naturally, which prevents waterlogging and maintains an optimal humidity level.
According to adherents of air washing, it is easier to breathe in the room where such a device is installed, there is no dampness and the unpleasant smell of stagnant air, which is often noticed in similar situations with humidifiers.
The air washer, which has a slightly different operating principle than a humidifier, is equipped with a built-in fan. The function of the fan is to ensure constant air recirculation. Thanks to it, the air is gradually humidified throughout the room. In addition, the fan disperses moisture throughout the space, creating a quick effect of air humidification. The sink also differs in that the air masses pick up as much moisture from it as they can absorb naturally.
The main principle of all sinks is that they “wash” the air of contaminants and dust, collecting dirt in a special tank with liquid. Or, after passing through the sink, dirt particles settle on the floor. The main disadvantage is that bacteria and fungi multiply well in the humid environment of the sink, so it requires regular cleaning. Constant cleaning is also needed around the sink, where small particles of dirt fall, as they can cause allergies or fungal diseases.
Air purifier with humidification function: features of the filtration system
The devices should be easy to use and maintain.
The type of filtration system, namely the installed filter, determines which harmful particles the device will rid the room of. The filter can be:
- electrostatic, in which several metal plates with a statistical field are used. Polluted air masses passing between them settle. Filters of this type clean the air from dust;
- HEPA filter, which cleans the room of dust by 99.9%;
- photocatalytic, which eliminates bacteria, viruses and gases;
- coal, which allows you to eliminate volatile harmful components from the air, for example, tobacco smoke.
A humidifier can be installed in the purifiers:
- traditional, in which contaminated air masses pass through an installed wet filter;
- ultrasonic, in which air masses pass through small sprays obtained by splitting water.
If you feel decreased performance, dry mouth and nose, and drowsiness, then you should think about installing a humidifier indoors. For families with growing children or people with allergies to dust or other components, it is worth paying attention to an air purifier. For more enterprising people, today there are models of combined devices that allow you to simultaneously purify and humidify the air masses in the room.
The choice between a washer and a humidifier is individual.
Air washer or humidifier, which is better is a frequently asked question that depends on needs and capabilities. Both air purifying devices have their positive and negative features. An air humidifier works locally, delivering a stream of moisture that dissipates slowly, moisturizing objects and furniture along the way. However, humidifiers attract with their prices, which are significantly lower than the prices of air washers. These devices are easy to operate and have a modest size.
We recommend reading: How to descale a humidifier
Air washing is a good option for large spaces. It is called an improved type of humidifier, since its ability to purify and humidify the air is significantly higher. Whatever your choice, both a washer and a humidifier will significantly improve the air quality and indoor climate.
