Ultrasonic humidifier: pros and cons, customer recommendations

For a comfortable stay in one’s own home, a person needs favorable conditions, among which is the normative air humidity. If it is too dry or too wet, the body responds quickly. There are problems with the skin and breathing, exacerbated chronic diseases.

An ultrasonic humidifier will do the job of forming an optimal composition for life: we will examine the pros and cons of the device in detail in this article.

And if you want to buy an effective and safe device for your own use, we will tell you what characteristics you need to pay attention to and how to choose a model for your home.

Distinctive features of an ultrasonic humidifier

The indoor microclimate is constantly changing, as it is affected by the weather outside, heating in the cold season, and ventilation problems. In order to somehow regulate the level of humidity, use humidifiers - devices that artificially maintain the necessary parameters.

All types of humidifiers are designed to saturate it with moisture - this is easy to understand even by the name of the devices. The main difference between the devices lies in working principle - that is, in the way in which water is distributed throughout the surrounding space.

In the winter season, due to the intensive operation of heating devices in residential premises, it becomes extremely dry - the humidity drops to 23-30% and lower, while the norm is 45-60%

According to the principle of operation, 3 types of humidifiers are distinguished:

• traditional
• steam;
• ultrasound.

If in the first water, to get into the air, it is driven through a wet filter, and in the second it evaporates from heating, then in ultraviolet devices it splits into tiny particles under the action of the emitter.

Design diagram of an ultrasonic humidifier. The main elements: ultrasonic membrane, fan, atomizer; optional: heater, filter cartridge for softening water, ultrasonic lamp

Consider how the spraying process occurs. Water, previously poured into the tank and filtered, is dosed into the vaporization chamber. Before that, it is slightly warmed up. At the bottom of the chamber is an emitter - a piezoceramic part with electrodes coated with silver.

As soon as power is supplied to the emitter, it goes into vibration mode. When the speed of ultrasonic vibrations reaches certain parameters, under their influence, the water in the chamber is divided into microscopic droplets. In fact, it turns into an aerosol.

Moisture leaves the device in the form of a stream of fog, which is sprayed in a given direction or in all directions. Humidity in the room rises, as can be judged by the hygrometer

The instruments that had to be controlled manually were replaced by more modern automatic models. They independently monitor the level of humidity and turn off the device when they reach the set values. As soon as the parameters fall below normal, the humidifier starts functioning again.

Externally, ultrasonic models also differ from standard humidifiers and cleaners: they are more compact, often made in an unusual design and are often designed for installation on a table.

Advantages of buying a home appliance

Why buyers often prefer it ultrasonic humidifiers? We will try to answer this question by sorting the pros of these home appliances.

Plus # 1 - a wide range of humidity

Modern appliances, especially those from the expensive category and equipped with additional functions, have the ability to adjust humidity. Using the buttons or the touch panel, you can configure the necessary parameters for the room.

The adjustment range is different, and for some models reaches an amplitude of 20 to 90%.

It is believed that in the kitchen or in the bathroom a humidifier is not needed - it is already quite humid there thanks to the constant use of water from the tap or shower. But for a bedroom or study, the device is simply necessary

Effective moisturizing will not hurt in such special places as the home greenhouse: plants need a special spraying regimen so that they develop well and bloom magnificently.

Plus # 2 - automatic control of air parameters

Thanks to the automation of household appliances, the user can calmly go about their business, and not follow the hygrometer.

Humidifiers are equipped with sensitive humidity sensors that transmit signals to the electronic board. As soon as the indicator falls below the norm - the device begins to act and fill the room with "fog". Gradually, humidity reaches normal, the sensors react again and stop the device. This happens all the time.

To make it easier to navigate in the settings, manufacturers introduced separate options - special operating modes. With them, the user does not need to adjust the humidity according to time or condition, the humidifier will do everything for him

Popular modes include the modes of "night", "children's", "warm steam". To understand what is capable of humidifier of your choice, preliminarily look at the instructions - the names and nuances of the modes for devices of different production may differ.

Plus # 3 - low noise

Noisiness for home appliances is one of the most important indicators. Imagine the discomfort you might experience if all the appliances in the house start to work with a noise level of 35 dB or higher - you just want to run away from home.

According to the scheme, it is possible to judge which noise level is easily tolerated by the human hearing, and which is critical for it.

Some powerful appliances buzz very hard - for example, a hairdryer or a vacuum cleaner. However, their difference is that they work for a limited period of time, relatively short-lived. A humidifier, in contrast to them, is periodically turned on throughout the day, including at night.

That is why most of the models have a maximum noise level of 22-30 dB on average, and in the "night" mode it works even quieter - not so much annoying as reassuring residents. With the top ten models that work almost silently, introduce next article, which we recommend reading.

Plus # 4 - small sizes

Unlike traditional and steam units, ultraviolet devices look small. Of course, among them there are also voluminous models that hold up to 6 liters of water, but they are more of an industrial type, as they are designed for spacious rooms - halls, waiting rooms, the lobby of entertainment venues, and not for living rooms.

The small size of the humidifier becomes important if you plan to constantly move it from place to place: rearrange it from the bedroom to the nursery or take it to the country in the summer

Household appliances for bedrooms and living rooms have a built-in water tank of not more than 3 liters, and decorative desktop models - from 0.2 to 1.0 liters. They easily fit on a bedside table, desk, shelf, but it is better to install them away from furniture - why, you will find out in the next section of the article.

Plus # 5 - impressive design

If productive powerful models with a large tank, designed for a room area of ​​70-100 m², look traditional - technical and minimalist, then compact household appliances have an original, and often futuristic or funny design.

There are a huge number of desktop-type models on the market, including for children. Particularly successful in this are the Chinese, who sell “3-in-1” devices - a humidifier, a lamp and a USB fan

A beautiful compact humidifier automatically switches from the category of household appliances to the category of accessories for decorating the interior, so models with an unusual design are in demand no less than effective, but outwardly standard appliances.

Plus # 6 - DIY repair options

This plus will be appreciated by everyone who is used to relying on their own skills to repair or upgrade household appliances.

Ultraviolet humidifiers have a complicated structure for amateur understanding, but some problems can be solved independently. Most often, the devices break down due to water falling on the electronic board, mechanical damage due to a fall or due to improper cleaning.

Electronic "filling" of the ultrasonic humidifier: power board that generates voltage supplied to the generator and then to the amplifier of ultrasonic vibrations of the emitter

You can repair the board yourself, replace the piezoelectric element, filter or fan. If the breakdown cannot be fixed on its own, the service center masters will cope with it.

Inexpensive humidifiers, costing 400-600 rubles are often not repairable, but due to the low price you can always buy a new, more convenient and practical model.

The pluses include energy efficiency and safety of devices. Unlike steam models, they do not heat water to + 80 ° C, create the so-called "cold steam".

Disadvantages of a household appliance with a membrane

The main disadvantage is the appearance of white coating on all surfaces in the room, including carpets, shelves in the closet, TV screen.

The point is in mineral impurities, which are found in large quantities in tap water. Even if you use purified water, a slight whitish coating cannot be avoided.

If in steam units most of the deposits remain in the device, then in ultrasonic all chemical elements are sprayed together with water droplets in the surrounding area

To reduce the amount of minerals in the water, manufacturers equipped the devices with cleaning filters. Thanks to them, no traces of the humidifier work remain on the furniture and other surfaces. Some users use distilled water.

But using devices with filters, you need to remember about the timely replacement of consumables - and this is an additional cost.

Recommendations for choosing the best model

When choosing a humidifier for a home, everything is taken into account: both external attractiveness, and technical characteristics, and operating features. Consider the main criteria that you need to pay attention to:

Humidifiers with a remote control are convenient - you do not need to jump up every time to change the mode or turn on the backlight. Some users prefer devices with an audible indication - as soon as the water in the tank runs out, they give a signal.

Of course, you should pay attention to such a nuance as the length of the power cord. A standard of 1.8 meters is not always enough for a comfortable installation, so you will have to take care of the extension cord, preferably with a protective fuse.

Terms of use and care

With some the benefits of u / z humidifier will have to say goodbye if you do not comply with the requirements for operation. Do not forget that all humidifiers are volatile devices that operate on the mains, so they are a priori dangerous if handled carelessly.

The best place to install the humidifier is the free space in the center of the room. So moisture will spread evenly around the entire perimeter of the room

Some operating standards are prescribed by the manufacturer, others are well known and do not require reflection in the instructions.

So, so that the humidifier works for a long time, properly and does not cause trouble, follow the rules:

• Remove the water tank only when the power is off.
• Use filtered water. If filters are installed in the device, they are changed on time.
• When using hard water, deposits are deposited inside the structure. To prevent this from happening, the apparatus is regularly cleaned with a solution of citric acid (30 grams of dry matter per 1 liter).
• In addition to citric acid, it is allowed to use vinegar, special means for plastic, soap solutions without antibacterial inclusions, and anti-scale.
• For reading, you can not use alcohol solutions, acid except citric acid, chemical solvents, oils, bleaches, abrasives, hard brushes. Washing parts in the dishwasher is also prohibited.
• The body of the apparatus is wiped with a microfiber cloth dipped in water, the reservoir is removed, soaked and wiped, and the internal elements are also soaked in the solution for 15 minutes.

If the device has an electronic display or indication, carefully monitor the signals and follow the prompts. Manufacturers have tried to make users of UV devices as comfortable as possible to use them.

If the device is broken and the damage cannot be fixed on your own, we recommend that you contact a service center. The warranty for some devices is 1 or 2 years, during which time you are required to repair or replace equipment for free.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Expert advice on choosing a household humidifier:

Comparative review of traditional and ultrasonic models:

Fly in the ointment - about the only but obvious minus of the ultrasonic device:

According to doctors, normal humidity in a living room is as necessary for a comfortable stay as heating or the presence of water. If you want to improve a healthy atmosphere, be sure to choose a humidifier.

An ultrasound machine is one of the most useful home devices that has not yet been given due attention. It is quiet, productive and energy efficient. And if you take into account all the pros and cons of the device, then it largely outperforms the alternative options - steam or traditional humidifiers.

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