To maintain the optimal level of humidity in the room, special devices have been invented: air purifiers and humidifiers. They are able to remove pollution, ionize air masses, and neutralize unpleasant odors. These devices differ in principle of operation and result. To understand which one is better - an air wash or a humidifier - you need to study their characteristics.
Varieties and features of air humidifiers
Humidifiers are classified according to the principle of operation. Classic models are equipped with filters through which the air flow drawn in by the fan is driven. In contact with water, the air is humidified. Traditional appliances are characterized by low performance and can be used in rooms up to 45 m2. The devices do not emit visible vapor, so they can be used in rooms where there are children. They are completely safe. Users are attracted by the fact that traditional humidifiers can be filled with tap water. Among the disadvantages, there is an increased noise level.
Steam devices are more efficient. The air is humidified faster by heating the water. They should not be placed in the nursery because there is a risk of burns. Hot steam can spoil things in the vicinity of the unit. Scale builds up on the heating element due to the constant boiling of the water. The steam is emitted intensively, so a lot of electricity and liquid is consumed. The use of aromatic substances is advisable. Some devices are equipped with a hygrometer, as well as protection sensors against use without water and overheating.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are both more advanced and efficient. Their design includes a piezoelectric element. Under the action of ultrasound, the membrane converts the water into cold steam, which is safe for children. Equipment advantages:
- noiselessness of work;
- low power consumption;
- high efficiency.
An ultrasonic humidifier is demanding on the quality of the liquid. It is recommended to fill only with distilled water.
Advanced devices have additional options: the ability to select the operating mode, numerous settings, determination of the humidity level.
Normal humidity levels range from 40 to 75%. Any type of humidifier can achieve optimal performance.
How humidifiers work
The principle of operation of the humidifier consists in the forced pumping of air masses by a fan through a water filter and evaporation of water. In traditional devices, liquid evaporates naturally, in ultrasonic devices, a water mist is formed, produced by the action of ultrasound, in steam devices, hot steam.
The following functions are available depending on the model:
- 360 degree spraying thanks to the rotating stand;
- light warning about the minimum liquid level;
- shutdown in the absence of water;
- night mode of operation;
- aromatization;
- backlight;
- blocking if the device is assembled incorrectly;
- indication when filters are dirty.
Some humidifiers have a purification unit, some models have an ionizer.Due to these elements, dust, unpleasant odors, and other contaminants are removed.
Advantages and disadvantages of humidifiers
Before giving preference to one or another device, you should find out their advantages and disadvantages. Benefits:
- Environmental friendliness. This quality is distinguished by steam humidifiers and those models that have an ionization function. They clean the air from viruses and microorganisms.
- Humidifiers, other than ultrasonic devices, do not leave a white coating around them.
- Moisturizes quickly.
- Classic and ultrasonic devices are absolutely safe.
- UV models run quietly and steam models emit a low gurgle.
- Compactness and mobility.
- Moderate cost.
- Classic and UV devices consume a small amount of electricity.
Among the minuses are:
- the risk of waterlogging, especially when using steam devices;
- small radius of action;
- the need to move the device for uniform moistening;
- replacement of pre-filters.
Tap water can be poured, but constant use of untreated liquid will shorten the life of the device.
Advantages and functional features of air cleaning
Sinks naturally moisturize and clean the air masses. They act on the air like rain, neutralizing dust particles due to water. Sinks are classified into two types: with a water bath effect and a hydro filter. In the first, water covers the rotating discs with a film and air passes through them, saturated with moisture. Secondly, air masses are passed through a water curtain formed by rotating the central rod in the tank. The latter type of device is less noisy.
As a result of passing through the sink, the air is purified and humidified. There is a circulation of air masses. The fan spreads the flow throughout the room, and exactly as much liquid as necessary gets into the atmosphere. There is no risk of waterlogging, damage to the surrounding furniture, upholstery, wall decoration, since the humidification mechanism corresponds to the natural one.
Sinks clean the home atmosphere from wool, dust, tobacco smoke. Dust and wool can be removed from any model due to exposure to water, unpleasant odors, allergens and bacteria are eliminated with the ionization function.
When choosing an air washer, it is necessary to take into account the features of a particular device.
- There are three control methods: mechanical, sensory and electronic. The mechanical one is the most reliable, but the least informative, the touchscreen is not practical and often fails, the electronic version is the most functional, it is easily repaired and provides comprehensive information due to the presence of the screen.
- The air washing model should be selected taking into account the area of the room. Moreover, the performance of the device should be slightly higher than the calculated values.
- The reservoir of the device must meet two requirements: optimal dimensions and sufficient operating time without adding water. It is believed to be preferable to a device with a capacity of 7 liters. Consuming 300 ml / h, they work without refueling during the day.
- Presence of "eco" and "night" modes is desirable. In the night mode, the noise level is reduced, and in the economical mode - the consumption of water and electricity.
- Some models have a separate compartment for adding fragrances.
In intensive operation, the sink can consume up to 20 liters of water per daylight.
Advantages:
- Effectively cleanse the air from dirt, pollen and dust.
- Models without additional filters do not screen out microparticles and bacteria.
- They work according to the principle of natural circulation, therefore, waterlogging is excluded.
- Noise during operation does not depend on the power of the device.
- Ultrasound and heating are not applied.
- A large area is being processed.
- Does not form white deposits on surfaces.
Disadvantages:
- difficult care;
- high price;
- noisiness;
- high water consumption;
- significant dimensions and weight;
- a rapid decrease in the humidity level when the device is turned off;
- the presence of fine filters leads to the need to replace them, which increases maintenance costs.
Thanks to the wide assortment, it is easy to choose a model for your own requirements: with certain functions, dimensions.
Choosing between air washer and humidifier
Choosing between a sink and a humidifier, you need to understand that not a single device, even the most powerful one, is designed to humidify the air in several rooms. The device can be moved from one room to another, but the balance will be disturbed, because in one room the air will be too saturated with moisture, and in another it will remain insufficiently humidified. You can partially find a way out by installing the device in the corridor or hallway. Then the moisture will spread to adjacent rooms. An important difference between air cleaning and a humidifier is that most humidifying devices have an ionization function, and such an option is rarely found in sinks.
In the humidifier and in the sink, you will need to monitor the water level, and in the humidifier, you will also need to monitor the readings of the sensors and temperature. A sink is preferable to a humidifier because it saturates the air with moisture to optimal values, there is no hot steam and air exchange is carried out, which has the best effect on the air balance. But the main difference between a sink and a humidifier is that a sink purifies the air, while a humidifier, above all, saturates it with moisture.
Leaning in favor of an air purifier or humidifier, take into account several features:
- Washing costs an order of magnitude more.
- An ultrasound model is suitable for a small room. For a large open area, it is better to purchase a sink, because it is capable of effectively humidifying air over an area of up to 100 m2.
- Sinks are recommended for apartments with allergy sufferers, asthmatics and children.
- Sinks are excellent at removing wool, dust and pollen. And if they have an ionization option, they attract the smallest particles due to static electricity.
- Classic humidifiers will make noise, but thanks to the natural principle of humidification, they do not release excess moisture.
- Classic humidifiers do not remove allergens and viruses.
- The humidifier from the air purifier will differ in weight. The former are lighter and more mobile, and for washing you need to allocate space on the floor.
It is better to choose models with an ionization function, because they allow you to fight viruses and bacteria. In any case, it is necessary to select a device for performance and the presence of additional functions. The humidifier is recommended as a compact, lightweight device for intermittent use. The sink qualitatively humidifies the air in the house, maintains normal humidity, and is undemanding to the quality of water.
