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The air humidifier is most needed in autumn and winter, when we have to spend more time indoors. Central heating and air conditioning make the air dry, which is bad for our he alth. To moisten the air, you can put a wet towel on the radiator, but this has its drawbacks, so it's better to use a professional air humidifier. Find out what air humidifiers are available on the market, what they are characterized by and which one will be perfect for you.

Should an air humidifierbe in every home? The heating season that has just started is not good for our he alth in every aspect. Dry and warm air is bad for hair, which becomes brittle and coarse, and for skin that becomes dry and flaky. Sinus problems may also arise, which worsens concentration and affects sleep quality. The most sensitive ones have difficulty breathing and even shortness of breath. Dried mucosa calls for water, which is manifested not only by increased thirst, but also by a decrease in immunity. Our eyes also suffer. In order to prevent such situations, the air humidity should be controlled - at least in the home, and especially in the bedroom. A hygrometer is used for this, which shows the humidity level in the apartment. The humidity should be between 40 and 60%, minimum 30%. But when it is lower, action must be taken!

The air will moisten … a wet towel

An ad hoc situation can be solved by placing a damp towel or sheet on the radiator. Remember, however, that the dust lying between the radiator ribs, which rises under the influence of heat, penetrates the material. Heat, moisture and dust are the perfect environment for mites to grow, so let's use a clean towel every time and use this method really sporadically. It is a good idea, however, to put a dryer in the bedroom at night with hanging wet laundry.

Traditional humidifiers

These are popular, ceramic, sometimes glass, humidifiers - that is, vessels into which water is poured, which, by evaporating under the influence of heat, moisturizes the air. They come in the most fanciful patterns. They can be hung or placed on a radiator. Sometimes they are also an interesting decoration of the room.

Pros - cheap (cost from a few zlotys), decorative Minuses - not very efficient, rather suitable for very small rooms

Steam humidifiers (thermal, heating)

They work just like traditional humidifiers. This time, however, the evaporation is achieved by heating the water in the tank with an electric heater. The resulting mist is thrown into the room, and thus the air is humidified. Pros - heating the water (to the boiling point) eliminates bacteria, so the steam humidifier is perfect for e.g. a children's room. The mist is warm, pleasant, and gently raises the temperature in the room. Since it is sterile, it is also suitable for inhalation, and when you add a little essential oil to the water, it can help heal infections. The steam humidifier does not require filters or other additional elements, so it is easy to use. And relatively inexpensive.

Cons - consumes a lot of electricity (400-500W), because the heater works in it all the time, which brings the water to a boil (similar to an electric kettle). Some models are imperfect and you may get burned.

Evaporative humidifiers

The natural principle of evaporation is also used here, but not by heating. Inside the device, apart from the water tank, there is a cartridge - a filter made of hygroscopic material (a type of mat), and a turbine forcing air. Air is sucked in from the environment, which then passes through this filter, cleans, humidifies and is thrown into the room in this form.

Pros - invisible steam, low electricity consumption (20W), good air purification Cons - low efficiency and quite loud work (but there are also silent devices), the evaporation mat requires systematic replacement

Ultrasonic humidifiers

Inside the ultrasonic humidifier there is a module that emits ultrasounds that break down water molecules. In this way, a cool mist is created, which, after leaving the device, not only moisturizes but also cools the air. Pros - cold mist makes it easier for asthmatics and people with e.g. laryngitis, it is also irreplaceable in summer, during hot weather. It is characterized by low electricity consumption (40-70W) and quiet operation. Ultrasonic humidifiers also allow you to control the humidity in the apartment.

Cons - the need to systematically replace the filter (unless the device is filterless, but then the contaminants from the water get into the air). Essential oils cannot be used. The mist settles on the furniture and leaves traces resembling white dust. Humidifiersultrasonic devices have a shorter service life than other types of humidifiers.

Do you want to buy an air humidifier? Please note a few points

Price - both a steam, evaporative and ultrasonic humidifier can be purchased for around PLN 100, but also for over PLN 500. Of course, the price is related to performance, functionality, ease of use, built-in additional functions, etc .:

  • Water tank capacity - it can be 1l or even 3.5l of water. The larger the tank, the less frequently it needs to be refilled, but also the larger and heavier the device.
  • What water? - regular tap or distilled? Some devices work on the latter.
  • Efficiency - that is how much water will be evaporated in a certain time. Served in liters per day. 13 l of water / day is a lot. It must be remembered that the larger the room we want to humidify, the greater the efficiency of the air humidifier should be. With a surface area of ​​40 m2, a humidifier with a capacity of 5-6 liters per day is sufficient. Steam humidifiers are the most efficient. When deciding on such equipment, we must calculate it well, first of all take into account electricity bills …
  • Electricity consumption - sometimes it is better to buy a more expensive humidifier, because it may turn out that when it comes to operation, it is not really that expensive. But let's take into account how often we need to run the air humidifier.
  • Noise level - if you do not mind that something is constantly buzzing when you are trying to sleep, this may not be a parameter worth considering … The quietest humidifiers are steam humidifiers. The electrode humidifiers are also quiet, although it is not known whether they are also for pets.
  • Option to automatically switch off the device when the water tank is empty. Not every humidifier is equipped with this function and when the water runs out, for example in the middle of the night, it may turn out that the device will run dry, which is not beneficial for it.
  • Built-in timer, hygrostat, electronic display, sensor reacting to the current air humidity, the possibility of inhalation, the use of an antibacterial substance (the so-called bioabsorber, which prevents the formation and growth of bacteria and mold), automatic switching on and off of the device, working time full tank, design - these are additional, often very useful functions. And sometimes … an excess of form over content. Before purchasing an air humidifier, you should clearly define your needs and adjust the equipment to them. The choice on the market is huge and everyone will find something for themselves.
Important

Air humidification shouldbe under control. Too much moisture causes mold and fungi to grow, which in turn favors mites responsible for allergies. If the humidity exceeds 60 percent, it can make life difficult for allergy sufferers who are allergic to mites. That is why it is so important to moisturize wisely.

Also note that the mist from the ultrasonic humidifier may cause allergic reactions in some people.

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Category:

Respiratory system