An air humidifier is a device that helps to get rid of dry air masses, especially during the heating season. The device is indispensable in rooms where there are newborn children, people with allergic reactions or asthma. For effective operation of the device, you need to choose the right installation location in the apartment. There are a number of important parameters to consider and to save space next to the humidifier. Recommendations from experts will help to correctly position the air humidifier in the room.
Instrument selection
To choose the right model, you need to know the characteristics and types of humidifiers produced. They are traditional, ultrasonic and steam. They all have their own operating principle and are used in different conditions.
The cold steam humidifier works as follows. The air flow passes through the filter, humidifies and cools. The efficiency of the work depends on the initial level of humidity in the room. The higher the percentage, the less intensively the equipment works. The average liquid consumption in such devices is 3-9 liters per day, depending on the model and volume of the tank. The features of cold steam humidifiers include work only on distilled water. Normal unfiltered liquid quickly clogs cartridges, making them unusable.
The steam device is also effective and is often used for medicinal purposes. There are models with inhalation nozzles. The principle of operation of the device is similar to that of an electric kettle. To evaporate the liquid, you need to bring it to a boil. Moisture control is carried out using sensors. Average water consumption is 7-16 liters.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are installed over large areas. They have the highest performance and power rating among similar devices. These are the most popular humidifiers as they are small and quiet. From a high-frequency source, ultrasonic vibrations are fed into a container with water. Further, the vapor pressure over the water increases and the evaporation process takes place. A crystal is located in the liquid, which receives voltage and produces waves of various pressures. Models are equipped with displays and remote controls.
All existing models maintain an optimal humidity level in the room at 40-60% at normal times and up to 70% during colds.
There are models with a built-in hygrostat. It allows you to determine the degree of humidity in the room. Also, devices can have additional functions - night mode, timer, air ionization. Depending on the number of additional options, the price of the equipment will increase.
Choosing a location
The efficiency of work directly depends on the place where the humidifier will stand. There are recommendations for choosing the location of the device:
- The humidifier should be placed a short distance from the floor on a stool. The minimum height is 50 cm. This is due to the fact that water is heavier than air, and air flows down.
- The device should be placed on a firm, level surface. It is forbidden to place it on upholstered furniture, inclined surfaces and unstable structures.
- The switched on device is forbidden to move. You can move it to another location only after disconnecting from the network.
- Do not put the device on a shelf with books and other valuable things that can be damaged by water.
- The minimum distance from the humidifier to furniture, radiators and walls is 30 cm.
- Steam devices should only be filled with pre-filtered water.
- Do not place the device next to household appliances and electronics. Fine particles settle on electrical appliances and can damage the microcircuit, as a result of which gadgets become unusable.
If there are plants in the house, the humidifier can be placed next to them only if it is not a steam device. The best rooms to set up are the bedroom, nursery, and living room. The appliance is not placed in the bathroom and kitchen due to excessive humidity in the room itself. It also makes no sense to put a humidifier in the hallway. Moisture and artificial lighting can damage furniture or wall finishes.
Features of devices
Depending on the volume, the area that the device can humidify will vary. A device with a capacity of 4-5 liters works on an area of 15-20 square meters, larger humidifiers for 6-7 liters work in rooms of 30-40 square meters. Models with a reservoir of 8-9 liters are suitable for installations of 50-60 m2. The higher the volume, the larger the dimensions of the unit itself.
There are climatic complexes capable of performing several tasks. They humidify the air, can include cooling and purification, and make the air wash. They are placed on wheels and have a lock. The size of the complexes is larger than that of a classic humidifier.
Children's room humidifier
On the recommendation of pediatricians, there should be a humidifier in the children's room. It is recommended to take the ultrasound model, which is safe for health and will not leave burns on the skin when touched, unlike a steam device.
On sale you can find devices with different interesting designs that will appeal to children. The choice of installation site is also straightforward. It is better to place it in an inaccessible place. If a steam humidifier is used, it is best to turn it on when the child is not in the room. Then the device can be placed in the center of the room on a chair. Installation of devices on the cabinet is possible. Then it is advisable to take a model equipped with a remote control.
The benefits of a humidifier
Humid air helps the human body to function better. If there is fresh air in the room, the person falls asleep better and fatigue goes away faster. It also has beneficial effects on the skin by reducing dryness. Moist mucous membranes of the respiratory tract minimize the risk of viral infections.
Adequate moisture levels are also beneficial for plants. Lack of moisture leads to wilting and deterioration of the appearance of flowers.
An aromatherapy model can be used to eliminate anxiety, speed up sleep and reduce headaches. Just drip a few drops of oil into the water tank, and a pleasant aroma will fill the whole room.
Equipment care rules
Any technique requires proper care. The humidifiers are easy to use, easy to install and set up, and to function it is enough to disassemble and rinse the water tank every day. If filters are present, you need to monitor their cleanliness and periodically replace them with new ones. Compliance with the rules of operation and maintenance, which are indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions, will help the device to serve the declared period and prevent the formation of mold and plaque. It is important to carry out all cleaning actions only when disconnected from the mains.
You cannot repair an electrical appliance yourself if you do not have the skills. In the event of a breakdown, you should contact the master.
If you have an aquarium at home, enough water evaporates from it during the day.In large tanks this value can be up to 3 liters per day. The evaporating liquid moisturizes the air masses, so that the aquarium acts as a humidifier itself. In this case, the purchase of additional equipment is not required.
DIY humidifier
If it is not possible to buy an air humidifier, you can assemble it yourself. The device will also perform its functions, without having to connect it to the network.
You can make a device from a regular two-liter plastic bottle. Step-by-step creation algorithm:
- Use scissors to make a hole 5 cm wide and 10 cm long. The slot should be on the side of the bottle.
- Next, you need to take the fabric and cut two strips of equal size. They will serve as a suspension of the bottle to the pipe from the battery. In this case, make sure that the hole is directed upwards. The length of the strips can be chosen arbitrarily.
- It is recommended to reinforce the joints of the fabric strips with tape.
- Then you need to take the gauze and fold it several times. You should get a rectangle at least 10 cm wide and about a meter long. One end must be released into the hole in the bottle, and the other must be wrapped around the pipe.
The device is ready. After filling with water, a homemade humidifier will perform its function.
