There are a number of side effects when working with modern ultrasonic humidifiers. When loading ordinary tap water into them, the filter elements become clogged with the need for regular cleaning. With poor-quality refueling with a liquid saturated with salt solutions, a white bloom settles on indoor objects, which has to be fought with all available means. It is important to figure out what kind of water to fill in an ultrasonic humidifier.
The working principle of the ultrasonic humidifier
To understand the principle of operation of an ultrasonic device, it is enough to learn the following points:
- The water poured into its container is supplied to a special plate that vibrates at the frequency of ultrasound.
- Due to such vibrations, the liquid turns into a finely dispersed suspension.
- There is a built-in fan inside the humidifier, the air flow from which disperses the water dust to the area to be humidified.
The vapors emitted by the device resemble fog, containing the smallest particles of moisture. The latter are then picked up by the air flow and supplied to the outside through a special spray nozzle. It is designed in such a way that the vapor mist is distributed in all directions as evenly as possible.
Features of work
The specifics of the operation of an ultrasonic humidifier include the noiselessness of its operation. The ear of a normal person does not perceive fluctuations in the ultrasound range. The user will hear a slight rustle of a miniature fan when it is turned on. Another feature of this device is the dependence of its functioning on the quality of the liquid poured into the working container.
Since ordinary tap water most often contains dissolved impurities, during ultrasonic evaporation, they spread throughout the room and gradually settle on objects in the form of a white coating. In addition, they accumulate on the inner surfaces of the filling container and on the walls of the appliance, clogging the built-in filter element. The only reasonable way out of this situation is to use distilled water for the humidifier.
The ease of use of these devices include:
- ease of maintenance;
- low noise level;
- high humidification efficiency.
A controlled and easily eliminated disadvantage of ultrasonic humidifiers is the settling of white plaque after long-term operation and the need to clean the surrounding objects.
Water for ultrasonic models
The ultrasonic variety of household humidifiers is the most "capricious" among the known types in terms of the quality of the water poured into the container. At the same time, the samples of this technique are distinguished by their manufacturability and high productivity. From the description of the principle of operation of the device, it follows that this is the safest and most effective method of humidification, requiring additional costs and a number of special requirements. First of all, they relate to the working fluid poured into the container.
For efficient operation of the device, it is recommended to use demineralized or distilled water. If this requirement is violated, you will often have to change the purifying filter or cartridge, the cost of which is relatively high on the market. For users who are not ready to spend time and money on the selection of liquid for filling into an ultrasonic device, it is best to abandon it and buy a simpler steam device.
Water for other types of humidifiers
Steam humidifiers are low-maintenance spraying devices when judged by the quality of the water used. Since as a result of their action, ordinary steam is formed, which a person and his body breathes, the composition of the initial environment is not decisive. As an exception, the situation is considered when the water flowing from the tap is of too low quality. In this case, a prerequisite for its suitability is the use of effective cleaning filters. If this rule is violated, salt deposits will accumulate in the internal parts of the device, which over time will lead to clogging of the device and its failure.
"Cold" humidifiers work on the principle of passing air, accelerated by a fan, through a special cartridge, where they are saturated with water vapor. When using ordinary running tap water in them, the built-in cartridge quickly clogs up, after which it has to be completely replaced. Caring users should take care in advance that the liquid poured into such devices is thoroughly cleaned of all impurities present in it. One of the options for cleaning it is thorough filtration. But it will be even better if you pour a pre-purchased or self-prepared distillate into the humidifier container. If this is not possible, it remains to do with cartridges that reduce the hardness of the water used.
Distilled water production
Manufacturers of modern models of humidifiers are prescribed to use only distilled water for them, obtained by purifying the original product. During the distillation process, organic and inorganic impurities evaporate from it, resulting in a liquid that is practically free of salts. For its production at home, you will need to master a simple technology associated with heat treatment. But first, ordinary tap water should be allowed to settle for about 7-12 hours. During this time, almost all inorganic impurities will precipitate from it, which will facilitate the subsequent distillation procedure.
To evaporate the working fluid, you will need to do the following simple operations:
- About half of the water is poured into a large enamel container.
- A deep plate is placed in it, the size is slightly smaller than the diameter of the main container.
- The pot is closed with a lid turned upside down and put on an open fire on a gas stove.
- As soon as the water boils, pieces of ice, previously prepared in the freezer, are placed on the inverted lid.
When the water boils, the generated steam will begin to rise and settle on the lid cooled from the outside, forming condensation. When it accumulates, it will begin to flow in the form of drops into the plate placed below and floating in the water. This liquid will be distilled water, which is then poured into the filling container of the humidifier.
What can or can not be poured into the humidifier
Before pouring any agent into the humidifier, you need to make sure of its usefulness, as well as safety for the human body and the device itself. In addition to distilled tap water, it is allowed to add aromatic oils and other substances to ultrasonic humidifiers, information about which is given in the instruction manual of the device.It indicates which additives can be used in this particular humidifier sample and how often this can be done without harm to it.
Features of aromatic additives
Some models are designed with a special place for just under the capsule with aromatic or similar agents. Under the influence of ultrasound, the liquid poured into the device, together with the ingredients added to it, evaporates into the surrounding space, refreshing and cleansing it at the same time.
Aromatic oils suitable for use in humidifiers contribute to:
- improving the respiratory function and work of the human heart muscle;
- stimulating the brain activity of people using the device;
- improving the structure of the skin and hair;
- increase immunity and body resistance to most of the known infections.
Scenting the air in an apartment or house should not be done in all cases. Pediatricians do not recommend refueling aromatic oils and using appliances as directed when there are children under the age of 3 in the house. Also, you should not use these substances too often and more than the time specified in the instructions. Violation of these rules leads to undesirable consequences when the harm from flavors outweighs the benefits.
Overuse of various extracts often leads to clogging of the humidifier itself, which forces users to engage in periodic cleaning. Otherwise, the failure of an expensive device is possible.
Saline, essential oils and sea salt
The saline solution is poured into the working container of the ultrasonic device for the purpose of inhalation and moistening of the nasal mucosa of sick people. It can be used in most ultrasonic-type models, except for disc samples, which salt additives can harm. Some users prefer to fill them with essential oils and natural extracts, which have a beneficial effect on human health. The phytoncides included in their composition enter the blood of the patient through the lungs and skin and inhibit the growth of the number of microbes.
In ultrasonic household appliances, the use of classic sea salt is acceptable, which can be purchased at any hardware store. It is important to take into account that it is allowed to be used only in those samples of devices where, in accordance with the manual, additives can be used in general. If the operating documents supplied with the device indicate that it is intended only for pure water, it is advisable to completely exclude additives from use.
