A humidifier is a device that helps get rid of dry air masses, especially during the heating season. The device is indispensable in rooms where newborn children, people with allergic reactions or asthma are. For the effective operation of the device, you need to choose the right installation location in the apartment. It is necessary to take into account a number of important parameters and save free space near the humidifier. Recommendations from experts will help to correctly position the air humidifier in the room.
Device selection
To choose the right model, you need to know the characteristics and types of manufactured humidifiers. They are traditional, ultrasonic and steam. All of them have their own working principle and are used in different conditions.
Humidifier cold steam works as follows. The air flow passes through the filter, moistens and cools. Efficiency depends on the initial humidity level in the room. The higher the percentage, the less intensive the equipment. The average liquid flow rate 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. Conventional unfiltered liquid quickly clogs the cartridges, which is why they become unusable.
The steam device is also effective and is often used precisely for medicinal purposes. There are models with inhalation nozzles. The principle of operation of the device is similar to the operation of an electric kettle. To evaporate the liquid, bring it to a boil. Humidity control is carried out using sensors. The average water consumption is 7-16 liters.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are installed in large areas. They have the highest rate of performance and power among similar devices. These are the most popular humidifiers, as they are small and work silently. From a high-frequency source, ultrasonic vibrations are applied to a container of water. Further, the vapor pressure above water increases and the evaporation process occurs. 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 the optimum level of humidity in the room at a level of 40-60% during 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 may have additional functions - night mode, timer, air ionization. Depending on the number of additional options, the price of equipment will increase.
Choosing an installation location
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 fall down.
- The device must 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 not allowed to be moved. You can only move it to another location after disconnecting from the network.
- Do not place the appliance on a shelf with books or other valuable items that can be damaged by water.
- The minimum distance from the humidifier to furniture, radiators and walls is 30 cm.
- Only steam that has been previously purified in the filter must be poured into steam devices.
- Do not place the appliance near household appliances and electronics. Finely dispersed particles settle on electrical appliances and can damage the microcircuit, as a result of which the gadgets will become unusable.
If there are plants in the house, a humidifier can be placed next to them only if it is not a steam device. The best rooms for installation are a bedroom, a nursery and a living room. In the bathroom and kitchen, the appliance is not installed due to excessive humidity in the room itself. It also makes no sense to put a humidifier in the hallway. Due to humidity and artificial lighting, furniture or wall decoration may be damaged.
Device Features
Depending on the volume, the area that the device is able to moisten will vary. The device with a capacity of 4-5 liters works on an area of 15-20 sq.m., larger humidifiers for 6-7 liters work in rooms of 30-40 sq.m. Models with a reservoir of 8-9 liters are suitable for installation on 50-60 sq.m. The higher the volume, the larger the dimensions of the unit itself.
There are climatic complexes capable of performing several tasks. They moisturize the air, may include cooling and purification, doing air washing. They are placed on wheels and have a latch. The size of the complexes is larger than that of a classic humidifier.
Humidifier for a nursery
On the recommendation of pediatricians in the children's room should be a humidifier. It is recommended to take an ultrasonic model that 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 children will like. Choosing an installation location 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. It is possible to install appliances on the cabinet. Then it is advisable to take a model equipped with a remote control.
The benefits of a humidifier
Humid air helps the human body function better. If there is fresh air in the room, the person falls asleep better and tiredness goes away faster. It also has beneficial effects on the skin, reducing its dryness. Wet mucous membranes of the respiratory tract minimize the risk of viral infections.
Adequate moisture level is also beneficial for plants. Lack of moisture leads to wilting and deterioration of the appearance of flowers.
To eliminate anxiety, speed up falling asleep and reduce headaches, you can take a model with aromatherapy. It is enough to drop a few drops of oil into a tank of water, and a pleasant aroma will fill the whole room.
Equipment Maintenance
Any technique requires proper care. Humidifiers are easy to use, easy to install and configure, for their operation it is enough to disassemble and rinse the water tank daily. If you have filters, you need to monitor their cleanliness and periodically replace them with new ones. Compliance with the operating and maintenance rules, 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 operations only when disconnected from the mains.
You cannot repair an electric device yourself if you do not have skills. In case of breakage, contact the master.
If there is an aquarium at home, a sufficient amount of water evaporates from it during the day.In large tanks, this value can reach 3 liters per day. The evaporating liquid moisturizes the air masses, which is why the aquarium itself acts as a humidifier. The purchase of additional equipment in this case 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, while it does not need to be connected to the network.
You can make the device from an ordinary two-liter plastic bottle. Step-by-step creation algorithm:
- Using scissors, you need to make a hole 5 cm wide and 10 cm long. The slot should be located on the side of the bottle.
- Next, you need to take the fabric and cut two strips of equal size. They will perform the function of hanging the bottle to the pipe from the battery. In this case, make sure that the hole is directed upwards. The length of the strips is chosen arbitrarily.
- The junction of fabric strips is recommended to strengthen with tape.
- Then you need to take gauze and fold it several times. A rectangle should be at least 10 cm wide and about a meter long. One end must be released into the hole in the bottle, and the other should be wrapped around the pipe.
The device is ready. After pouring water, a home-made humidifier will perform its functions.
