How do humidifiers impact indoor air quality. What are the potential health benefits of using a humidifier. Can humidifiers help prevent the spread of airborne viruses. Are there any risks associated with using humidifiers incorrectly. How should humidifiers be maintained for optimal performance and safety.

The Role of Humidifiers in Combating Illness and Improving Health

Humidifiers play a significant role in maintaining optimal indoor air quality, especially during dry winter months. These devices increase the level of humidity in a room, offering numerous health benefits while also posing certain risks if not used correctly. Understanding the pros and cons of humidifiers is crucial for making an informed decision about their use in your home or workplace.

Do humidifiers really help in preventing illnesses? Research suggests they do. A study conducted by Stephanie Taylor, a Harvard Medical School graduate and lecturer, found a strong correlation between low relative humidity and high infection rates in hospitals. The study, which involved 370 patients, revealed that dry air was one of the most significant factors associated with infections.

Why does dry air increase the risk of infections? When the air lacks moisture, droplets and skin flakes carrying viruses and bacteria can travel farther and remain airborne longer. Additionally, dry air can compromise our natural immune barriers, making us more susceptible to infections.

Key Benefits of Using a Humidifier

• Reduces the spread of airborne viruses
• Alleviates dry skin, throat, and cough
• Helps with chapped lips and nose irritation
• Eases sinus congestion
• Prevents nosebleeds
• Soothes irritated vocal cords

Humidifiers in the Workplace: Addressing Dry Air Health Risks

The impact of dry air extends beyond residential settings. Many workplace environments, such as hospitals and construction sites, can be affected by low humidity levels. How does dry air affect workplace safety? In some cases, it can contribute to electrostatic discharge incidents, potentially causing equipment malfunctions or even injuries. Moreover, prolonged exposure to dry air in the workplace can lead to skin irritation and respiratory issues among employees.

To mitigate these risks, employers should consider implementing humidity control measures. This may include installing humidifiers in office spaces or implementing strict hygiene protocols to counteract the effects of dry air. By addressing these concerns, companies can create a healthier and more comfortable work environment for their employees.

The Importance of Humidifiers in Nurseries

Parents of newborns and young children often wonder about the benefits of using humidifiers in nurseries. Is it really necessary? Pediatricians frequently recommend humidifiers for babies’ rooms, and for good reason. Infants have particularly sensitive skin that can be easily affected by dry climates. Furthermore, their underdeveloped immune systems make them more susceptible to illnesses.

How do humidifiers benefit babies?

• They help maintain optimal skin moisture
• They can reduce the risk of respiratory issues
• They may improve sleep quality by creating a more comfortable environment
• They can help alleviate congestion and coughs

However, it’s crucial to use humidifiers correctly in nurseries. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and be aware of any product recalls or defects. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure the device remains safe and effective for your baby.

Proper Usage and Maintenance of Humidifiers

While humidifiers offer numerous benefits, improper use can lead to potential health risks. How can you ensure you’re using your humidifier correctly? Here are some key points to consider:

1. Monitor humidity levels: The ideal humidity for most homes is between 40-60%. Excessive moisture can promote the growth of dust mites and mold.
2. Use a hygrometer: This inexpensive device measures relative humidity in your home, helping you maintain optimal levels.
3. Clean regularly: Proper maintenance is crucial to prevent the growth of harmful organisms and bacteria inside the humidifier.
4. Replace filters: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter replacement to ensure optimal performance.
5. Check for mineral buildup: If you notice a film or hard water deposits inside the humidifier, clean it thoroughly.

What happens if you don’t maintain your humidifier properly? Neglecting maintenance can lead to the spread of bacteria and potentially cause serious health conditions like pneumonia. Always prioritize cleanliness and proper upkeep of your humidifier to maximize its benefits and minimize risks.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Humidifier Use

While humidifiers can be beneficial, it’s important to be aware of potential risks associated with their use. What are some of the drawbacks of using a humidifier?

• Overhumidification: Excessive humidity can lead to mold growth and dust mite proliferation.
• Bacterial growth: Improperly maintained humidifiers can become breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms.
• White dust: Some types of humidifiers may release mineral particles into the air, which can settle as white dust on surfaces.
• Allergic reactions: For some individuals, increased humidity might exacerbate allergy symptoms.
• Burns: Steam vaporizers can cause burns if knocked over or handled improperly.

To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to follow manufacturer guidelines, maintain proper humidity levels, and clean your humidifier regularly. If you or family members have allergies or respiratory conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before using a humidifier.

Choosing the Right Humidifier for Your Needs

With various types of humidifiers available on the market, how do you choose the right one for your needs? Consider the following factors:

1. Room size: Ensure the humidifier’s capacity matches the size of the space where it will be used.
2. Type of humidifier: Options include ultrasonic, evaporative, and steam vaporizers, each with their own pros and cons.
3. Noise level: If you’re sensitive to noise, look for quieter models like ultrasonic humidifiers.
4. Ease of cleaning: Choose a model with easily accessible parts for thorough cleaning.
5. Additional features: Some humidifiers come with built-in hygrometers, automatic shut-off, or adjustable mist output.

When selecting a humidifier, prioritize models with clear instructions and safety features. Read customer reviews and consider consulting with a healthcare professional if you have specific health concerns.

The Impact of Humidifiers on Energy Efficiency and Home Comfort

Beyond health benefits, humidifiers can also affect your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency. How do humidifiers influence your living environment?

• Temperature perception: Properly humidified air often feels warmer, potentially allowing you to lower your thermostat and save on heating costs.
• Wood preservation: Consistent humidity levels can help prevent wood furniture and floors from cracking or warping.
• Static electricity reduction: Higher humidity levels can decrease static electricity, protecting electronics and reducing annoying shocks.
• Plant health: Many indoor plants thrive in environments with higher humidity.

While these benefits can enhance your home’s comfort, it’s important to balance humidity levels carefully. Excessive moisture can lead to condensation on windows and walls, potentially causing structural damage over time. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels and adjust your humidifier accordingly.

Integrating Humidifiers with Smart Home Technology

As smart home technology advances, humidifiers are becoming increasingly integrated into connected home systems. How can smart humidifiers enhance your home environment?

• Automated humidity control: Smart humidifiers can adjust their output based on real-time humidity readings.
• Remote operation: Control your humidifier from your smartphone, even when you’re away from home.
• Integration with other smart devices: Some models can work in conjunction with your smart thermostat for optimal climate control.
• Voice control: Operate your humidifier using voice commands through virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Home.
• Usage tracking: Monitor water consumption and filter life through mobile apps.

While smart humidifiers offer convenience and precise control, they often come at a higher price point. Consider your budget and technical comfort level when deciding between traditional and smart humidifier models.

In conclusion, humidifiers can be valuable tools for maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. By understanding their benefits, potential risks, and proper usage, you can make an informed decision about incorporating a humidifier into your home or workplace. Remember to prioritize regular maintenance and monitor humidity levels to ensure you’re reaping the maximum benefits while minimizing any potential drawbacks.

Should I Use a Humidifier

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Written by Atlee Hall

The Pros and Cons of Using a Humidifier

Now that cold dry weather is finally here, you may be thinking about getting out your humidifier to put some moisture back in the air. A humidifier is a device that increases the level of humidity or moisture in the air of a room. While humidifiers can be very beneficial in the dry winter months, they also carry some health risks that everyone should be aware of, particularly if they are not used and maintained properly. Faulty humidifiers, if not properly maintained can also create health risks.

How a Humidifier Battles Against Illness

Humidifiers have a lot of health benefits in helping to keep you from getting sick and reducing allergy and asthma symptoms. Humidifiers can also help prevent the spread of airborne viruses. This is because moistened air makes it more difficult for germs and bacteria to travel. Humidifiers are often also used to help get relief from dry skin, dry throat, dry cough, chapped lips, nose irritation, sinus congestion, nosebleeds, or irritated vocal cords.

In fact, a recent study done by Stephanie Taylor, a Harvard Medical School graduate, and lecturer, found that dry air was one of the biggest factors associated with infection in hospitals. In her study, she and her colleagues studied 370 patients in one unit of a hospital to isolate factors associated with patient infections. Surprisingly, at low relative humidity, indoor air was strongly associated with high infection rates. Dr. Taylor explained that when the air is dry, droplets and skin flakes carrying viruses and bacteria are launched into the air and travel farther and longer.

Dry Air Health Risks at The Workplace

Moreover, dry air also harms the natural immune barriers that protect us from infection. It is important to note that dry air can also pose a health risk in many workplace environments, such as hospitals, construction sites, and more. For example, our team of professional lawyers have seen cases where dry air has contributed to electrostatic discharge incidents and also had a help in causing dry skin and respiratory issues for workers. Employers and workers should be aware of the potential risks associated with dry air and take steps to mitigate them, such as using humidifiers or implementing strict hygiene protocols.

Humidifiers in Your Nursery

Pediatricians may also recommend using a humidifier in a baby’s nursery. A baby’s skin is especially sensitive to dry climates. Also, babies tend to be more prone to illness because their immune systems have not fully developed. For these reasons, a humidifier can be very beneficial in a baby’s nursery.However, be sure to read the full instruction manual upon purchasing your child’s humidifier, and be aware of any current defective products out in the market.

How To Use Your Humidifier Correctly

Despite all the health benefits, there are also some risks associated with using a humidifier. For example, it is actually possible that a room can have too much moisture. If your humidifier is set too high, it can result in the proliferation of dust mites which can trigger allergy symptoms. The ideal humidity setting for most homes is approximately 40-60% humidity. You can measure the amount of relative humidity in your home by using a device called a hygrometer. These devices are relatively inexpensive at about $10 and widely available for purchase at major retailers like Amazon and Target.

Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance of a humidifier is absolutely essential. This is because harmful organisms and bacteria can breed and grow inside humidifiers that are not properly taken care of. It is extremely important to clean the humidifier at regular intervals and replace any filters inside. It is also important to check the humidifier for any film that is collecting on the surface and that there are no signs of hard water deposits forming inside. Failing to properly clean and maintain your humidifier, or a faulty product can result in serious health conditions such as pneumonia since uncleaned units are basically just spreading the bacteria they are growing inside all around the room.

Is a Humidifier Right For You?

The bottom line is that a humidifier can be a beneficial and useful tool to help prevent and reduce cold and flu symptoms in the dry winter months. However, this is only true when the units are properly cleaned and maintained in order to avoid spreading harmful bacteria.

5 humidifier uses: Benefits and risks

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Humidifiers add moisture to the air. They can help people with dry skin, allergies, and respiratory problems. They may also help prevent influenza and reduce snoring, among other benefits.

There are several ways to use humidifiers in the home or office, but there are also some risks.

In this article, learn about the benefits of humidifiers, how to use them correctly, and precautions to take.

By adding moisture to the air, humidifiers may be beneficial for several medical conditions.

Dry air can cause moisture to evaporate from the skin and respiratory symptoms to worsen over time. Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can counteract these problems.

Humidifiers can help people who experience:

• dry skin
• irritated eyes
• dryness in the throat or airways
• allergies
• frequent coughs
• bloody noses
• sinus headaches
• cracked lips

Some people experience respiratory symptoms in the summer months, when the weather is hot, and the air contains more allergens. Air conditioners and fans can circulate dry air through the room, and air conditioners remove any moisture from the air. A humidifier may be beneficial during this season.

However, people are more likely to benefit from a humidifier in the cold months, when cold air dries out the lungs, nose, and lips. Also, some types of central heating can dry out the air indoors.

Benefits of a humidifier may include:

1. Preventing influenza

Authors of one study noted that humidifiers might reduce the risk of catching the flu. After adding the influenza virus to the air with a simulated cough, researchers found that humidity levels above 40 percent rapidly deactivated virus particles, making them much less likely to be infectious.

2. Making a cough more productive

Dry air can cause a person to have a dry, unproductive cough. Adding humidity to the air can get more moisture into the airways, which can make a cough more productive. A productive cough releases trapped or sticky phlegm.

3. Reducing snoring

Increasing the amount of moisture in the air can also reduce snoring. If the air is dry, a person’s airways are less likely to be sufficiently lubricated, which can make snoring worse.

Adding humidity to the air by running a humidifier at night may help to relieve some symptoms.

4. Keeping the skin and hair moist

Some people notice that their skin, lips, and hair become dry and fragile in the winter.

Many types of heating units pump hot, dry air through the house or office, which can make the skin dry, itchy, or flaky. Cold air outside can also dry out the skin.

Using a humidifier to add moisture to the indoor air may help to reduce the occurrence of dry, cracked skin.

5. Benefits for the home

Moisture from a humidifier can be helpful around the home. Any moisture-loving houseplants may become more vibrant, and wood floors or furniture may last longer. Humidity can also help to prevent wallpaper from cracking and static electricity from building up.

Humid air can also feel warmer than dry air, which could help a person to save money on utility bills in winter months.

While most humidifiers have the same basic function, to add moisture to the air, many types are available:

• Steam vaporizers: These use electricity to create steam, which cools before it leaves the unit. However, there is a risk of burning the skin, and people should avoid using steam vaporizers around children.
• Ultrasonic humidifiers: Instead of electricity, these units use vibrations to vaporize water.
• Evaporators: These produce humidity by blowing air past evaporating water.
• Impeller humidifiers: These are generally child-friendly and use rotating disks, rather than heat, to vaporize water.
• Central humidifiers: A person connects one of these units to the central air conditioning in the home or office to add moisture to the entire space.

Sizes can vary. Console humidifiers are large enough to add moisture to an entire house or office, while personal humidifiers are portable and easy to carry.

It is essential to keep children safe around humidifiers.

A humidifier can be a great way to add moisture to the air, but there are some risks to consider.

Dirty humidifiers

Humidifiers turn water into breathable vapor in the air. If the unit’s water tank is dirty, the vapor a person breathes will also be dirty.

A dark, humid tank is an environment that fosters germs, but regular cleaning can help to prevent any issues.

Always clean a humidifier thoroughly as directed by the manufacturer. Water should not sit in the humidifier for too long. If the humidifier has a filter, be sure to replace it often.

Too much humidity

Some humidity in the air can be a good thing, but excessive levels can make breathing difficult and some allergy symptoms worse. For example, common allergens, including dust mites, mold, and mildew, thrive in damp environments.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor humidity levels should be between 30 and 50 percent. Humidity levels above 60 percent are too high.

Anyone using a humidifier should also have a humidity meter, or hygrometer, in the room. Some humidifiers have built-in ways to measure humidity, while others require a standalone meter.

Using hard water or tap water

Many manufacturers recommend using only pure, clean water in their humidifiers. There are a few reasons for this.

Unfiltered tap water can contain higher levels of minerals and other particles than purified or distilled water.

Minerals from hard tap water can build up in the machine, causing it to wear down faster than expected.

The humidifier can also push these minerals into the air, and a person may inhale them. The particles may also settle around the room as dust.

Other risks

While using a humidifier can help with dry sinuses, it can also cause harm. Dust mite and mold growth is promoted more in humid environments, so if people are allergic to dust and mold, or if they have asthma, using a humidifier could aggravate these conditions.

Some other risks associated with using a humidifier include steam burns from units that use heat and the growth of mold where moisture has accumulated on walls and ceilings.

Anyone using a humidifier should avoid getting too close to the machine. When using a humidifier in a room with a child, it is important to supervise them.

Basic tips for using a humidifier include:

• keep track of humidity levels
• change the water in the humidifier regularly
• clean the humidifier regularly
• change any filters as instructed
• use only distilled or purified water that does not contain minerals
• exercise caution when using a humidifier around children
• follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Humidifiers can benefit people with skin issues or respiratory problems who live in areas with low humidity.

It is essential to remember that humidifiers cannot treat underlying conditions, such as asthma. They may be beneficial, but they should not replace medical treatment.

Anyone experiencing new or worsened symptoms when using a humidifier should turn it off and contact a doctor.

Humidifiers are available in many department stores and online.

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Why do you need a humidifier? How to choose a humidifier?

Simple things

Vika Arakelyan

May 8, 2019 19:06

Humidifiers are often referred to as magical healing machines. Manufacturers promise improved well-being and prevention of flu and colds, and cosmetologists recommend using moisturizers for people with dehydrated skin. Afisha Daily figured out who really needs humidifiers, what they are and what they can not be filled with.

What does air humidity affect and why increase it?

Low humidity is below 30%, high is over 60%. Anything between these values ​​is normal. It is easy to measure the humidity level in your apartment: you can buy the cheapest hygrometer or fancy home weather station. In urban apartments, humidity is often below the recommended norm, and in the cold season it even reaches a critical minimum.

Air humidity really directly affects our well-being and risks of contracting airborne diseases. For example, at 40–60% humidity, influenza viruses die faster than in dry air, and the unpleasant symptoms of respiratory diseases (blocked nose, shortness of breath) are alleviated.

Air humidity also affects the number of mites and fungi: the higher the humidity in the room, the more likely it is to share it with these dubious neighbors. But here, too, the recommended value is within those same 40-60% – most fungi cannot grow at rates below 60%.

If we talk about the condition of the skin, then everything points to the benefits of an optimal level of moisture. When the air is too dry, the skin loses moisture, its barrier function is impaired, and at very low levels of humidity, inflammatory processes are noted in the skin. At the same time, there is no benefit in excessive air humidification for dry skin : at 70% humidity, such skin begins to release much more sebum, but the moisture level in it does not increase. This means that after sleeping in a room with high humidity, your skin will be quite oily – but dehydration will not go away , and after washing, the amount of lipids will return to normal.

What are air humidifiers?

Ultrasonic

How it works The water from the tank hits an ultrasonic membrane, the vibrations of which break up the water into microscopic particles.

Pros Ultrasonic humidifiers are considered the most efficient. As a rule, such devices are the quietest and consume the least energy.

Cons Very demanding on water quality. If the device does not have a special filter and purifiers, only distilled or filtered water should be poured into it. Moreover, even this does not guarantee that, along with moisture, you will not spray dangerous bacteria around the room.

Steam

How it works Almost like an ordinary electric kettle. Water is heated to a high temperature and evaporates intensively.

Pros Insensitive to water quality: evaporation does not release impurities contained in water. Steam is sterile: at high temperature, most microorganisms are destroyed. Steam humidifiers are quite efficient and can quickly raise the humidity in a room to high levels.

Cons Consumes a lot of power and makes a lot of noise. They raise the temperature in the room – even in winter it can be unpleasant if the house has powerful heating. Models without built-in hygrometers can quickly raise the humidity to 100% and continue to work.

Cold Steam Humidifiers

How They Work The principle of operation of these humidifiers is often referred to as “natural”. Water from the reservoir falls onto the replaceable cartridges, and the fan drives dry air through them, moistening it naturally.

Advantages Such devices will not over-moisten the air: the principle of their operation does not allow raising the humidity level above 60%. You can use special antibacterial cartridges that destroy pathogenic microbes.

Cons Regular filter replacement required. Many models make a lot of noise due to the operation of the fan.

How not to harm yourself?

In the case of steam humidifiers, the risk of harm to your health is minimal – you will only get a burn through carelessness from them. Cold steam humidifiers are also not a threat and are often recommended as the optimal type for children’s rooms.

The situation is more complicated with ultrasonic humidifiers. The droplets they spray can contain both salts and metals found in the water, as well as pathogenic microorganisms. The particle size is small enough to penetrate the lungs – there are several cases where infection with legionellosis occurred in this way. But the cost-effectiveness, noiselessness and efficiency of ultrasonic humidifiers are quite weighty arguments in their favor. Therefore, if you decide to purchase just such a humidifier, fill it exclusively with distilled or filtered water, as well as wash the device at least once a week .

Regular cleaning is generally necessary for any type of humidifier. Researchers in South Carolina found that people who regularly cleaned their humidifiers were significantly less likely to complain of symptoms such as headaches, coughs, eye irritation and sore throats. This is also important because if the humidifier is already contaminated, cleaning it completely can be an overwhelming task. The resulting bacterial biofilm often remains in place even after washing, contaminating a new portion of water.

Please read the instructions before adding essential oil to your humidifier. Some devices have special compartments for oils and flavors. In any case, do not exceed the dosage of a few drops and do not forget to clean the filters well from oily deposits.

The last important point. It might never have crossed your mind, but the humidifier should not be filled with anything other than water. And especially you should not pour biocides (substances to fight harmful organisms) there in an attempt to disinfect the room – such undertakings even led to death.

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Why you need a humidifier: pros and cons

Every year in Russia, with the beginning of the heating season, the demand for air humidifiers increases sharply, and every year the product becomes more popular, and the offers become more diverse. Even though humidifiers are recommended by healthcare professionals and used in healthcare facilities, offices and homes around the world, many continue to view the device as a marketing gimmick. Let’s try to figure out how a humidifier works and why it is needed.

Medical editor of Health on Sports.ru Margarita Klimanova .

Let’s start with basic physics and terms: what is humidity? What is the humidity like? How does it affect the sensations from the air?

First you need to understand what air humidity is and what methods of measuring it exist. There is a concept absolute humidity – this is the mass of water contained in one cubic meter of air, that is, the density of water vapor.

Relative air humidity is the percentage of absolute humidity to the maximum possible water vapor density at a given temperature. That is, if the air contains a much smaller mass of water than it can hold, according to the laws of physics, moisture from the environment will pass into the air – the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose will dry. Therefore, it is deviations from normal relative humidity that are subjectively felt by a person as “dry air” or “moist air”, and this parameter is used in the norms and requirements.

The higher the air temperature, the more liquid it can hold – the maximum possible water vapor density increases with temperature. As the air cools, its water holding capacity drops and the relative humidity rises until it reaches 100%. This is called the “dew point” at which condensation forms: this is what happens in the summer when dew falls due to the cooling of the air at night.

Room air humidity standards

Air humidity standards in residential and public buildings in Russia are developed by the Ministry of Health and subordinate research institutes, and their implementation is controlled by Rospotrebnadzor. These requirements are included in GOSTs and SanPiN (sanitary and epidemiological rules and norms).

The current provisions of GOST define the optimum relative humidity of 30-45% at a temperature of 20 to 22 degrees in the cold season and 30-60% in the warm season, when the optimum indoor temperature is 23-25 ​​degrees Celsius.

Unfortunately, with the start of the heating season in apartments and offices, humidity can drop to 20% or less, causing significant discomfort. In order to understand whether the humidity in the room is normal, you do not need to use devices at all – people can feel too low relative humidity. So, if you are concerned about dry air, you need to proceed from your own feelings and take measures to humidify it.

Why dry air bothers you at the height of the heating season

As already mentioned, cold air can hold less water. Cold air outside is not perceived as “dry”, as only relative humidity is felt. When it enters a warm apartment, where heating devices are operating, the air heats up and its ability to retain moisture increases, but the absolute water content does not. As a result, the relative humidity drops, the air begins to “pull” liquid from all available sources, the evaporation rate increases, including the evaporation rate of moisture that protects the mucous tissues and the cornea – hence the feeling of dryness in the eyes and nose.

Thus, contrary to popular myths, heaters do not “dry out” the air, and ventilation only aggravates the situation.

Dry air hazards

There is a reason for strict limits for the lower limit of relative humidity in a room: being in an environment with too dry air can lead to unpleasant and even dangerous consequences for health.

For example, dryness of the nasopharynx, bleeding, itching and burning may occur. The mucus that protects the nasal cavity and throat is mostly water – when it evaporates, the risk of getting a bacterial or viral infection increases.

The tear film protects the cornea and mucous membranes of the eyes from drying out, when it dries up, a burning sensation occurs, the sensitivity of the eye to various pathogens and toxic substances increases, which can lead to the development of dry eye syndrome and damage to the cornea.

Some scientific work has linked the onset or more severe course of atopic and seborrheic dermatitis to low relative humidity in rooms.

Interestingly, in addition to harm to health, excessively dry air harms the interior: parquet cracks, paint cracks in paintings. Wooden musical instruments also suffer: violin, guitar, piano, grand piano.

What is a humidifier and how does it work. Types of air humidifiers

Air humidifier is an electrical device for changing the microclimate in the room, increasing the absolute and, as a result, relative humidity.

The main function of a humidifier – to force water into a gaseous state – can be carried out by increasing the area of ​​evaporation, heating and boiling water, ultrasound, or even by atomizing water by mechanical action of air or special discs.

The following types of air humidifiers are distinguished according to the technology that allows saturating the air with water:

• traditional, using the natural evaporation of water without heating; air is pushed through a wet filter or cassette;
• steam, using heating elements to generate a jet of steam; some models have a built-in hygrostat that automatically turns off the device when a certain level of humidity is reached;
• ultrasonic, in which high-frequency vibrations convert water into mist;
• mechanical, for example nozzles, in which water is sprayed under air pressure.

In addition to portable appliances suitable for the home or office, industrial humidifiers for large rooms and hospitals are also sold.

Choosing the Right Humidifier

There are several factors to consider when choosing a humidifier for your home.

First, if the problem of dry air bothers you all the time, you should choose a humidifier that automatically maintains the humidity level by turning itself on and off.

Secondly, if, in addition to air humidity, you are worried about allergies or a large amount of dust in the room, you should look at the so-called air washers, which push air through a wet filter or a drum immersed in water: a suspension from the air will remain in the water or on the filter.

Thirdly, if the humidity in the room is very low, it is unlikely that a traditional humidifier will solve the problem – take a closer look at more powerful steam or ultrasonic models. And if, on the contrary, you are afraid that the humidifier will cause increased humidity – buy one whose work is based on natural evaporation.

Be aware that different humidifiers produce different levels of noise – do not choose a mechanical or steam humidifier for your bedroom (although, of course, noise performance varies by model).

Please note if the selected humidifier model requires low water hardness. If you constantly have scale in the kettle, and sediment forms in the water that you defend for watering flowers, most likely your water hardness is high (as in most houses with central water supply). In such conditions, the use of a humidifier will be overshadowed either by constant clogging of the mechanism, or by the daily need to pre-filter the water.

Finally, evaluate your strengths and choose a model that does not require too complex or frequent washing for you.

How to choose a location for your humidifier

There are several factors to consider when choosing a location for your humidifier. Firstly, high humidity can cause swelling of wood, chipboard, plywood, parquet, paper; in addition, it causes the growth of mold. Therefore, in no case should the humidifier be placed on the floor and close to walls, musical instruments, furniture made of moisture-sensitive materials, and also direct a jet of steam at these objects.

Do not install the humidifier in an aisle and if there are small children in the house, make sure the humidifier is out of their reach.

It is advisable to place the humidifier on a raised platform: this will allow the heavy water vapor to be evenly distributed throughout the room. First make sure the structure is stable.

Remember that portable humidifiers are designed to work in one small room and cannot provide uniform humidity throughout the apartment – if necessary, move the device to another room.

Thus, a good place for a humidifier can be a work desk, a coffee table in the living room, a bedside table.

Benefits of a humidifier

• Using a humidifier in conditions of too low air humidity prevents dryness of the nose, eyes and skin and reduces the associated risks.
• Maintaining normal relative humidity will avoid problems with wooden musical instruments and furnishings.
• Humidifier helps houseplants survive the heating season, as they have a hard time with excessive evaporation.
• Humidifiers will help solve the problem of static electricity in the room.
• Unlike folk remedies (wet rags on the radiator, pots of water placed around the apartment), modern humidifiers maintain constant humidity in the room without any extra effort.

What harm can a humidifier do

Not all humidifiers turn off by themselves when the optimum humidity is reached (however, humidifiers that use natural evaporation as a method of humidifying the air also do not create excessive humidity in the room). And this means that with uncontrolled use, you run the risk of exceeding the upper threshold of humidity.

It should be noted that too high humidity is even more dangerous for furniture, floors, paintings and books than too low: remember the smell of a damp basement or an old house – a consequence of the decay processes that high humidity stimulates. In any case, you should avoid installing the humidifier near wooden furniture and musical instruments, wallpaper, paintings, paper products: even with normal humidity in the room, a concentrated jet of steam is dangerous for them.

In addition, mold actively breeds in moist air, affecting walls, tiles, ceilings and even books. Its spores can cause allergies, and it is impossible to get rid of it without the help of special chemicals.

It is strictly forbidden to use a humidifier in the summer heat: firstly, high humidity will not allow sweat to evaporate, interfering with the work of natural cooling mechanisms. Secondly, at high relative humidity gas exchange becomes more difficult. For humid summers, on the contrary, it is recommended to use air conditioners and dehumidifiers.

Humidifiers themselves need constant care and regular cleaning. Otherwise, mold can form in internal structures, and the humidifier will spray its spores, which can cause severe allergic reactions.