Choosing the best humidity measuring device for your home

Grandfather's methods for determining humidity give an approximate answer. To accurately measure readings, you need to turn to modern instruments. Mechanical and electronic samples are considered the best. The choice of a meter for home use is directly related to the capabilities of the device and the purposes of its use.

When creating a microclimate at home, you should take care not only of a comfortable temperature. The humidity in the room is important for health. Too much or too little can be harmful to your health. The average value of well-being is 40-60%. Relative parameters are taken. To find out the exact indicator at home, you should use a device to measure air humidity.

TOP 7 best hygrometers for home: which one to buy, pros and cons, reviews, price

The state of human health is greatly influenced by the composition of the air, one of the main indicators of which is humidity.
The optimal level of moisture content in the air is 45-65%. You've probably noticed how easy it is to breathe on the shores of the sea, river, or lake, because it's not for nothing that we always strive to relax by some body of water. And the air in our apartments is completely different in winter, when the heating is on. How can you find out the moisture content in the air at home to avoid health problems? You just need to purchase a device that measures relative air humidity - a hygrometer. We, in turn, will try to help you choose the right thing.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video will talk about the operating principles of stationary psychrometers and will compare the results obtained with the indicators of digital hygrometers:

Optimal air humidity in rooms reduces the risk of chronic diseases, alleviates the symptoms of existing bronchopulmonary diseases, and reduces the manifestation of allergic reactions.

The amount of moisture in the air affects a person’s performance, appearance and health. Therefore, measuring indoor water vapor should become a good habit in every family. .

Do you still have questions about choosing a hygrometer? Or would you like to add useful comments to our publication? Write your comments under this material.

If you have a hygrometer at home and want to talk about its pros and cons, write about it below the article.

TOP 7 best hygrometers for home

Manufacturers today offer a huge selection of hygrometers. Having studied the characteristics of dozens of devices, the opinions of experts and users about them, we selected the 7 best quality models:

We invite you to get to know them better.

Boneco A7057

The small mechanical device is reliable and durable. The device is hung on the wall using Velcro and will easily fit into any interior of the room, as it is white. The measurement error is no more than 5%.

Price: 490-1,450 rub.

pros

Minuses

I bought a hygrometer to guide me when to turn the humidifier on and off. The device has been working for about two years since purchase, helping me maintain the required level of humidity. I don’t know any problems at all, I can confidently recommend it to everyone I know.

Glass device VIT-2

Cost: 330-450 rubles.

pros

Minuses

During pregnancy, I heard a lot about how important air humidity is for a child and, of course, rushed to buy a hygrometer. I chose the best one in terms of price and quality. My son recently turned 2 years old, and the little device still hangs in the children’s room. I’m so used to navigating through it, now I don’t even know how I lived without it.

TFA 45.2033

The thermohygrometer made in Germany has a classic round shape and a dial on which comfort zones are highlighted in different colors, making it easy to maintain the necessary readings for a healthy indoor climate.

Price tag: 2,590-2,890 rub.

pros

Minuses

Looking at my friends, I decided to buy a thermohygrometer. The choice, naturally, fell on mechanics - environmentally friendly, reliable and does not require constant costs for batteries. I immediately liked the device, even when unpacking, it was very well assembled, nice design, comfort zones were marked on the humidity scale.

Beurer HM 1

Cost: from 1,400 to 2,290 rubles.

pros

Minuses

I often began to get sick with the onset of the heating season, and the doctor recommended purchasing a hygrometer and a humidifier. Of the hygrometers, I chose the Beurer HM 1 model, even if it’s two in one, but I’ll know the temperature in the room. I like the device, the lack of backlight does not interfere: the numbers are clearly visible both during the day and in the evening. Definitely recommend!

Boneco X200

The popular model Boneco X200 determines the temperature and humidity in the room. You will see all the readings on the LCD screen. The device manufacturer has provided a choice of °C or °F scale. By the way, the device has a memory function for the minimum and maximum temperature values, and can be installed optionally: wall-mounted or table-mounted. The model is powered by a CR2025 battery, the charge of which lasts for a long period.

Price: 1,490-1,990 rub.

pros

Minuses

I purchased a Boneco X200 thermo-hygrometer more than a year ago. It took me a long time to choose the right one, but in the end I was satisfied with the purchase. Nice design, small size, but the value on the display is very clear. It shows temperature and humidity quite accurately. Large contrast display. I was looking for exactly this combination, so that the device would show only these parameters, without an alarm clock and other unnecessary nonsense.

Hama TH 50

For home use, you can choose white or black, whichever color you prefer. The model will replace several functional devices at once. At the same time, the compact case takes up little space and is convenient; it can be installed on any surface. You will finally stop setting an alarm clock, because now the HAMA TH50 device will wake you up, and at the same time show you important air parameters in the house, the date and day of the week.

Price tag: 328-875 rub.

pros

Minuses

After a year of using the device, I can honestly say that I only used the setting buttons once - I set it and forgot it. It’s a convenient and stylish device, I use it with pleasure and I’m going to buy the same device for my dacha. I recommend!

WENDOX W241A-T

Cost: 1,500-1,890 rubles.

pros

Minuses

I purchased this device six months ago and liked the presence of a thermal sensor. As long as everything works, the readings are highly accurate. I'm glad I chose the WENDOX W241A-T. I recommend it to everyone.

Heating standards in the apartment

Costrefer to recalculate

Meanwhile, housing heating parameters have state standards. Failure to comply with the norms of limit values ​​entails at least a reduction in payment.

In case of maximum deviations from the norms, payment is not made at all (Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation of May 6, 2011, paragraph 98). You can learn more about what the air temperature should be during the heating season from this article.

Restrictions on heat supply are possible:

• No more than 24 hours per calendar month;
• Within 16 hours, if the room temperature does not exceed 12 degrees;
• Maximum 8 hours if the apartment is 10 degrees;
• The 4 hour limit is set at a temperature of 8 degrees.

GOST R 51617-2000: “Housing and communal services” characteristics

• In rooms classified as common property (except for attics and basements) - at least 16 degrees;
• In the apartment - at least 18 degrees (in rooms located at the corners of buildings - 20 degrees);
• In the bathroom and in the restroom combined with the bathroom - at least 25 degrees;
• Attics and basements - from 4 degrees and above.

In houses with two or more floors, staircases may not be heated, if there is a heating system in the apartments. Heating of stairs is not provided in areas with winter temperatures of 5 degrees and above (SNiP 41-01-2003 “Heating, ventilation and air conditioning”).

We draw your attention to the article about temperature standards for batteries in apartments. Details here.. You can learn about hot water temperature standards from the following article

You can learn about hot water temperature standards from the following article.

Comparison of models

To make it easier for you to select the right device, we have compiled a comparative table of characteristics of the devices described above.

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Best lists

Let's look at the best hygrometers in the following categories:

The most popular

Alcohol thermometer-hygrometer G337

Price: 229 rub.

Mechanical

Sawo 222-THD

The device has an unusual shape. The body is made of cedar wood, where two devices are placed: a hygrometer that measures humidity levels from 0-100%, and a thermometer that shows temperature values ​​from 0-120 degrees. The device looks beautiful and is perfect for use in a room, bathhouse or sauna. By the way, the Sawo company produces a whole line of hygrometers of original design in casings made of various types of wood.

Cost: 2,190 rub.

Electronic

Xiaomi Mijia Hygrometer Bluetooth

A smart device with an LCD display in a stylish design fits into any interior. The device uses sensor and electronic components from Sensirion, resulting in reading accuracy of 0.1˚C and 0.1% humidity. Results are updated once per second. This device is smart because it supports the Bluetooth MIA Home function. This allows you to use the device with other automatic equipment and establish their collaboration. The device will be best appreciated by lovers of all sorts of electronic gadgets.

The device costs from 750 to 1,290 rubles.

How to get rid of the effects of dampness: odor and mold

High humidity in a house or apartment does not go away without leaving a trace. Usually it leaves behind unpleasant consequences - the smell of dampness and mold. The following measures will help get rid of them:

1. Remove all contents of cabinets and nightstands. Wash and dry things well in the sun. Wipe the cabinets inside and out with a vinegar solution and leave to air for 2-3 days.
2. Use a solution of bleach and water (ratio 1/10) to treat all mold-affected areas of the apartment.
3. You can use hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach. Wipe the moldy surfaces with the solution, then wipe with a damp and dry cloth.
4. Vinegar works well against mold and mildew. Using a spray bottle or rag, apply table vinegar to areas with black mold. Then rinse and wipe dry. Repeat the procedure once a week until the problem disappears.
5. Use professional products: antifungal, anti-mold aerosols to disinfect premises

Professional antifungal agents will help get rid of mold

What is humidity and how does it affect people?

Air humidity is the amount of evaporated microscopic water particles it contains. Usually the parameter is expressed as a percentage.

Although a person can live in very dry or very humid climates, the optimal level is humidity between 45% and 60%.

High humidity

Increased moisture content in the air (from 70-80%) leads to the following adverse consequences:

Reduced

Dry air is also harmful and can lead to the following negative consequences:

How to measure humidity?

The home atmosphere is tidied up using special humidifiers or dehumidifiers. However, in order to make these devices work as efficiently as possible and not cause further harm, you will first need to measure the level of moisture content in the surrounding air. For this purpose, devices called household hygrometers are used.

All hygrometers can be divided into two large groups.

Rating of the best hygrometers

Below are several of today's most optimal models of household hygrometers available for purchase in Russian stores.

Glass device VIT-2

The VIT-2 glass device is a simple domestic hygrometer, in which a glass tube with tinted alcohol serves as an indicator (like on a thermometer). It is very convenient that to the right of the tube there is a table that helps in deciphering the readings of the device. There is an additional function for changing the temperature. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The range of humidity measurements according to the manufacturer is from 20% to 90%.

The Steklopribor VIT-2 is quite inexpensive - about 300 rubles.

Sawo 102-HA

Sawo 102-HA is a mechanical hygrometer, the readings of which are indicated using a small dial. A distinctive feature of the device is its appearance. Thanks to its pleasant design, it will decorate any apartment. Sawo 102-HA is made from treated wood.

This model does not have any additional functions.

The manufacturer positions Sawo 102-HA as a hygrometer for a bath or sauna. However, it can also be used at home.

Sawo 102-HA is distinguished by high sensitivity - it is able to reflect humidity from 0% to 100%.

Sawo 102-HA costs from 400 to 500 rubles.

TA 218 A

TA 218 A is a multifunctional electronic device that combines:

A distinctive feature of this model is its remote sensors.

This allows you to use the device not only indoors, but also:

In this case, the device itself can be placed at a certain distance from the point where measurements will be taken. It is very comfortable.

TA 218 A costs from 450 to 500 rubles, which is quite inexpensive for such a functional device.

DT-322

DT-322 is a device somewhat reminiscent of the TA 218.

However, unlike it, DT-322 has several additional functions:

Otherwise, everything is the same: thermometer, hygrometer, clock with alarm. But the model does not have remote sensors, so it can only be used indoors. Outdoor use with external installation is impossible due to the lack of a remote sensor and insufficient moisture insulation: when installed outdoors, sooner or later the LCD screen will darken or the electronic filling of the device will short out due to water.

DT-322 costs about 1,000 rubles.

Smartsensor AR847

Smartsensor AR847 is a thermo-hygrometer for specialists, which is used primarily for field measurements. However, no one forbids placing it in an apartment. The device’s hygrometer is quite accurate and can measure from 5% to 95% humidity. But the thermometer is poorly suited for Russian realities, since the lower measurement threshold is only 10 degrees Celsius.

There is a remote sensor and a monochrome backlit LCD screen.

Smartsensor AR847 costs from 4,500 to 5,000 rubles.

Testo 608-H1

Testo 608-H1 is a household device for measuring temperature and humidity, characterized by increased accuracy (according to the manufacturer, the error does not exceed 5%). The device has been certified in accordance with GOST, so there is every reason to trust the information contained in the technical data sheet of the model.

Testo 608-H1 does not have a remote sensor, so it is only suitable for measurements in the place where it is attached. The device can be mounted on the wall, or you can not mount it at all, but simply put it in a place convenient for you. All data is displayed on a small monochrome liquid crystal display.

Testo 608-H1 costs about 7,000 rubles.

Do-it-yourself dehumidifier for an apartment

Why do you need to buy an air dehumidifier if you can independently and quite easily construct it from improvised means at home?

First way

1. Arm yourself with glass or plastic containers with a volume of 0.5 liters.
2. Next, pour regular salt into the container, about halfway.
3. To eliminate unpleasant odors in your home, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the salt.
4. Place these containers in areas most prone to high humidity.
5. Change damp salt as needed.

Second way

1. Take two 2 liter bottles.
2. Cut the first bottle in half; you will need both halves.
3. In the lower half, use a hot, sharp object to carefully make two holes for the future release of air.
4. Then fill the resulting container with silica gel, a litter used for cat litter.
5. Take the top half without the lid and close the throat hole with a bandage folded into several parts.
6. Place the top part into the bottom part, neck down.
7. Cut off the bottom of the second bottle.
8. Place a small fan from a computer processor in the resulting hole so that it draws air into the bottle through the neck and passes it through the adsorbent.
9. Place this bottle with the neck up on the first one, secure the structure with electrical tape.

The dehumidifier is ready for use. After a couple of days, the filler must be replaced with a new one or dried under high temperatures.

Let's sum it up

Both the lack and excess of water evaporation in the atmosphere adversely affects the general condition and health of people. Especially often, such problems arise in a city apartment. They can be completely eliminated using special humidifiers or dehumidifiers. However, in order not to make the situation worse, you should first find out the level of moisture content. This is where a device for measuring humidity, called a hygrometer, comes to the rescue.

There are two types of hygrometers: mechanical and digital. The former are not as accurate, but are cheap and reliable. The latter are convenient because they have several functions at the same time, but they are more expensive and not as reliable. However, among both types of devices you can choose a high-quality, accurate and inexpensive model.

What is air humidity

Air humidity

is an indicator of the water vapor content in the air. The humidity of home air changes depending on weather conditions and human life processes.

A decrease in indoor humidity can occur due to excessive use of heating devices or air conditioning. Cooking without a hood or high-quality ventilation, drying clothes in the house, and high humidity outside lead to a high level of humidity in the apartment.

Dry indoor air can cause drying of furniture and finishing materials, wilting of plants, dry skin and mucous membranes. Dry air often leads to allergic reactions and the development of colds.

Too humid air can also damage furniture and finishing materials, contribute to the development of fungus on the walls and reduce human immunity. An unpleasant damp smell may appear in the apartment.

Criterias of choice

In order to choose a quality device, study the following parameters:

1. Hygrometer designs: psychrometric type, mechanical devices and electronic devices.
2. Measuring range. Since humidity levels in residential premises decrease significantly during the winter season, you need a device capable of measuring in the range of 20.0-70.0%; in wet rooms - bathhouses, basements, you will need a device with a scale of up to 100.0%.
3. Accuracy. For household measurements, a device with a division of up to 2-3% is sufficient, for more accurate ones up to 1%. This level can only be provided by an electronic device or psychrometer.
4. Design. For many buyers it has special significance; for a bathhouse it is usually a model with a wood or stone finish, in the living room plastic products are harmonious, and for children's rooms an ideal option is made in the form of a toy.

Thus, we can summarize that a hygrometer is a very important and inexpensive device for household use, which helps to timely establish the actual humidity, both indoors and outdoors, so that the user can promptly protect himself and his loved ones from the harmful effects of excessively humid, and dry air.

How is air humidity measured?

Without special equipment, it is difficult to determine the relative exact level of air humidity. However, moisture concentrations that do not meet the norm can be determined by dry skin and mucous membranes or the accumulation of condensation (dew point) on windows and mirror surfaces.

Today there are special devices with which you can determine the balance of air humidity in a room with high accuracy.

Causes of high humidity

But before you deal with humidity in your apartment, it is important to understand why it formed. Main reasons:

1. Poor ventilation. According to building codes, ventilation ducts must be in every apartment. But in practice, they are often clogged with debris, installed incorrectly, and sometimes completely absent.

The photo shows an example of a separate ventilation system for a bathroom

2. Incorrect insulation. In this case, the thermal and waterproofing of the room is compromised. It will be too hot here in the warm season, and cold in the winter. The problem can only occur in one room, usually the corner one.

3. Builders' mistakes. Often, a lot of dampness appears after a good renovation in an apartment. Modern windows, seals, thick layers of plaster, plastic and other dense finishes provide airtightness, but make ventilation difficult. And if the builders violated the installation technology, then problems with dampness cannot be avoided.

4. Violation of thermal balance. The presence of such a problem can be noticed by the formation of constant condensation - on windows, walls and any other surfaces. The concept is closely related to the “dew point”, which we talked about a little higher. It’s good if the dew point does not fall within the boundaries of the apartment at all, but is located closer to the outside of the building.

The dew point directly depends on the correct insulation of the walls

5. A constant source of moisture in the apartment. This could be faulty leaking plumbing or heating pipes, a bathroom without ventilation, “crying” windows, or frequent cooking in the kitchen without a hood. Additional sources include indoor plants, an aquarium, and wet laundry that is dried in the apartment.

Leaking plumbing is the most common cause of dampness and mold.

6. External factors. Here we include causes that are difficult or impossible to eliminate, but their consequences can be corrected. This is a dilapidated roof (for the top floor) and leaks from neighbors, the location of the apartment above a basement or other room with high dampness, the presence of a nearby reservoir or groundwater leakage (for a private house).

You will see such smudges and mold on the ceiling if dampness comes from neighbors above or from the roof

Often there is not one reason, but several at once, then you will have to put in a little more effort.

On a note! The risk group includes corner apartments and those located on the ground floor. As well as houses built in damp places or near bodies of water.

Check your apartment for each factor on the list above. Having determined the cause of high humidity, you can begin to combat it.

Instruments for measuring air humidity

A device for measuring air humidity is called a hygrometer

.

Hygrometer

is a device that measures indoor air humidity. If the percentage of moisture in the air is too low, various viruses can enter the body, which can significantly weaken the immune system. Thanks to the hygrometer, you can avoid discomfort and protect the mucous membranes and skin from drying out.

Principle of operation

of this device is based on the physical characteristics of the materials of which it is composed. Materials, depending on the level of moisture in the air, change properties: weight, density, length and others.

There are several types of hygrometer:

Hair hygrometer

Hair measuring device

consists of degreased synthetic hair, pointer, spring and scale. When the amount of vapor in the air changes, the tension in the hair changes and the spring reacts to these changes by changing the position of the needle on the scale. The humidity determination range of a hair hygrometer is from 30 to 80%.

Film hygrometer

The sensitive element here is a film, which also contracts or stretches when the humidity level changes. This sets the counterweight in motion, which changes the angle of the needle on the scale. The operating range is also from 30 to 80%.

Weight and condensation hygrometers

Weighing mechanical and condensation hygrometer

are distinguished by high accuracy of measuring the level of humidity in the room, since both are devices for measuring absolute air humidity. Such equipment is used only in laboratories, but not for measuring the humidity of home air.

Psychrometric hygrometer

The psychrometer is based on the interaction between “dry” and “wet” thermometers. The device contains two thermometers with tinted liquids (red and blue). One of these tubes is wrapped in cotton cloth, the end of which is immersed in a reservoir of solution. The fabric becomes wet, and then the moisture begins to evaporate, thereby cooling the “wet” bulb. The lower the air humidity in the room, the lower the thermometer readings will be.

To calculate the percentage of air humidity on a psychrometer, you should find the air temperature value in the table on the device according to the thermometer readings and find the difference in values ​​at the intersection of the indicators.

There are several types of psychrometers:

Electronic hygrometer (digital)

Also known as home digital weather stations. The operating principle of digital hygrometers is based on constant measurement of the air condition in the room. The device operates from the mains or a household battery. Inside the hygrometer there is a sensor that records changes in the moisture concentration in the room air.

All calculations are displayed on the device display, information is updated in real time.

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Let's get acquainted with the operating principle of different types of humidifiers, with their advantages and disadvantages.

3Natural evaporation humidifiers (traditional)

These are the simplest devices in design. They do not have any steam generator - water evaporation is carried out in the usual way and at room temperature.

Shapes, sizes, layout may be different. But the basic principle of design and operation is always maintained, which can be seen in the following diagram.

Approximate diagram of a traditional type air humidifier

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The entire structure is assembled in the device body (item 1), which is often given some kind of original shape and external design. So that the device simultaneously serves as a kind of decorative piece of furniture.

Inside the housing there is a tank for filling clean water (item 2). A float-type block (item 3) is lowered into the tank, onto which filter elements are attached - a cartridge or replaceable inserts made of porous, breathable, hygroscopic material (item 4). The float block is designed in such a way that these filters are constantly approximately one-third immersed in water. Thus, due to capillarity, they are always in a wet state.

A fan is located at the bottom (item 5). Its task is to create an air flow that enters through the intake holes in the lower part of the housing (item 6). Next, this flow passes through the spongy wet filter material, where it is quite effectively cleaned of dust. After this, having already received humidification in the filter elements, the air additionally picks up water vapor from the water container (where natural evaporation occurs), and enters the room through the outlet nozzles or holes (item 7).

Thus, both humidification and some kind of air purification occurs at the same time.

In addition, such devices can be additionally equipped with ionizers and (or) air flavors; filters or cartridges are often provided with antiseptic impregnation, which allows them to successfully resist the spread of certain pathogenic bacteria.

Since vaporization occurs naturally, the level of relative humidity in the room cannot be raised above a certain limit, about 60%. In essence, the principle of self-regulation works. That is, as the level rises, the performance of the device decreases, and at a certain moment, even when connected to the network, it begins to practically run idle.

Very often, such humidifiers are installed near heating devices to activate the process of water evaporation.

Air humidifiers BONECO E2441A, operating on the principle of natural evaporation of water.

What can be said about the advantages and disadvantages of devices of this operating principle:

pros

• Their design is simple and reliable.
• Despite the fact that it is recommended to use distilled or fully purified water, such humidifiers are unpretentious and can work perfectly with regular tap water.
• The device is easy to clean. You only need to monitor the water level and periodically, approximately once every 10 days, rinse the filters and tank under running water to remove any dirt that has accumulated in them. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, after a certain time (usually several months) the filters should be completely replaced.
• With such a device it is impossible to over-humidify the air - the optimal level of humidity will be maintained. Sometimes, however, this is also regarded as a disadvantage when it is necessary to “catch up” with higher humidity, for example, for exotic flowers placed in a room.
• Minimum electricity consumption - it is most often spent only on the operation of a low-power fan.
• The cost of such devices, if they are not equipped with some kind of bells and whistles, is low.
• Safety in operation is also important - there are no heating elements or radiation sources.

Minuses

• The built-in fan may seem noisy.
• It is necessary to purchase consumables - filters or cartridges for periodic replacement.
• It is naive to expect quick results from such a humidifier. Its productivity is low: rarely do any models reach 400 ml of evaporated water per hour - usually significantly less.

In short, such devices will be good for constant operation to maintain relative humidity at an optimal level under fairly favorable initial conditions. For example, they are perfect for a children's room, especially since they provide the maximum level of safety.

But whether such a device can cope with significantly low, “desert” humidity is still a very big question...

4Humidifiers with thermal steam generation

How such a humidifier functions is easy to understand just by looking at the operation of an electric kettle or even just at a pan of water placed on the stove. Steam generation occurs due to the thermal effect on water, in other words, its heating to the boiling stage.

Let's look at a slightly simplified diagram:

Steam humidifier device

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The device body (item 1) contains a fairly large water tank (item 2). From there, water through the nipple device (item 3) flows by gravity into the pan located below (item 4), from where it gradually flows into the steam generation chamber, where the heating element is located (item 5). The design of this heater may be different.

Heating of the constantly replenished, but always small, volume of water in the chamber occurs very quickly and is accompanied by boiling with its active transition to a vapor state. The resulting steam rises along the vertical guide chamber (item 6), losing some of its unsafe temperature, and enters the room through the guide nozzle or hole (item 7).

No forced action is required - the movement of water and steam occurs solely according to the laws of thermodynamics. The scheme is very effective and efficient - even small-sized devices of this class are capable of evaporating at least 700 ml of water per hour. There are no restrictions on the upper limit of humidity - such a device will cope with the task even in a greenhouse with tropical plants.

One of the most popular models among thermal vapor humidifiers is the Boneco Air-O-Swiss S450.

Let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this group of devices.

Their obvious advantages and disadvantages include the following:

pros

• Such humidifiers can be called the most effective - lights raise the humidity level in the room faster than others.
• The scheme is simple, with an almost complete absence of any complex mechanics.
• No consumables are required for operation (except water, of course).
• There are no restrictions on creating the required level of relative humidity.
• Some models can be used as inhalers in the treatment of respiratory organs. The kit often includes special attachments for these purposes.
• Thermal exposure destroys the pathogenic microflora present in the water.

Minuses

• The absence of restrictions on the upper limit of the created humidity requires owners to be more attentive so as not to suddenly create a “tropical forest” microclimate in the room, which is also very unhealthy.

This problem is solved in many models by the presence of a hygrostat - a built-in device that monitors the level of humidity in the room and gives a command to turn the power on and off depending on the preset values. This improvement, however, makes the humidifier more expensive.

• The operation of heating elements requires considerable energy consumption.
• Heating water to high temperatures is accompanied by the appearance of scale. That is, you will have to either use treated water, or, if regular tap water is poured in, you will have to clean such deposits quite often. Otherwise, scale will clog the internal channels and damage the heating elements.
• This scheme does not provide for the possibility of air purification.
• When the steam generator is operating, a rather sensitive noise can be produced - the bubbling of boiling water.
• The devices are unsafe, especially for curious children. There is a risk of being scalded by steam or hot water if the humidifier is accidentally knocked over.

In a word, such a humidifier is more suitable for specific conditions, for example, a greenhouse. Or, if it is installed in a living room, a hygrostat is required, otherwise you may lose control over the created humidity level. Such a device, a humidity sensor, can be purchased separately.

You should definitely not buy such a humidifier for a child’s room - due to the considerable potential danger, as mentioned above.

1Ultrasonic humidifiers

Devices of this type are currently the most common. This is not surprising - they combine compactness, high performance, and economical operation.

How does an ultrasonic humidifier work?

Design and principle of operation of an ultrasonic air humidifier.

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2.75 out of 5

Prices for ultrasonic humidifiers

ultrasonic humidifier

The device usually consists of two detachable parts. The upper one (item 1) necessarily includes a container for filling water (item 2), necessary for generating steam.

In high-quality models, water, before entering the steam generator, passes through a cartridge filter, which softens it, that is, gets rid of hardness salts. In addition, other filtering and purification devices may be provided, for example, those that disinfect water.

The filtered water that has passed through the cartridge enters through the valve device (item 4) into the lower part of the device (item 5). There are channels for its gradual flow into the steam generation chamber (item 6).

The main element of this generator is a special membrane (item 7), which, when power is applied, begins to vibrate with frequencies comparable to ultrasound, which is practically not perceived by the human senses. This effect on water results in it being whipped from a liquid state into a thick fog of tiny crushed droplets. This dense steam is picked up by the air flow created by the fan located below (item with very low power indicators.

Ultrasonic humidifier with the top tank removed. The operation of the membrane is well shown - a dense fog is formed above it from water sprayed into tiny droplets.

The steam-air mixture passes through the channel provided for it (pos. 9) and through one or more nozzles (pos. 10) is released into the room. As a result, the operation of such a humidifier is very clearly visible visually - a stream of steam comes out of it, which, however, cannot get burned, since its temperature differs little from room temperature.

A typical picture when an ultrasonic humidifier operates is that a fairly dense stream of cold steam comes out of the device.

The advantages and disadvantages of such devices for air humidification include the following:

pros

• Electricity consumption is minimal: neither the membrane nor the low-power fan require much. And along with this - very high productivity.
• The devices are very sensitive to settings - by changing the frequency and amplitude of the membrane vibrations, you can almost instantly change the performance of the steam generator.
• As a rule, devices are equipped with a hygrostat, which automates their operation.
• High-quality devices are equipped with reliable filters and even a water pasteurization system.
• The noise level of the device is low - it usually does not cause any problems from this side.
• An undeniable quality is safety of operation - the steam created is cold, and will not cause any harm even to an inquisitive child who wants to try everything “by touch”.
• Such devices are compact and have sufficient performance. Usually they are given an original external design.

Minuses

• Along with the water, all dissolved salts, impurities and microflora are sprayed. If you use water that has not undergone the necessary purification, then very soon all surfaces in the room will be covered with a layer of white plaque, which, if not removed immediately, can become deeply embedded in furniture, decoration, etc. By the way, such “pictures” also become a clear example of the fact that, along with the inhaled air, all this “beauty” enters the lungs.

These are the photos shared by owners of ultrasonic humidifiers - the consequences of operating the device with hard water in the absence of a filter or when it has reached the end of its life.
It has already been said that expensive models are often equipped with a whole cascade of filters, which include a softener. But such cartridges, with constant use of the humidifier, quickly exhaust their service life and require regular replacement. And at the same time, their cost is considerable. That is, operating costs will also become very significant.

For example: such a filter-softener for BALLU brand humidifiers costs 290 rubles, but it is enough for only 150 liters of water or approximately 45 days of operation of the device.

In inexpensive models this may not be the case. The manufacturer simply recommends using distilled water. But she, too, is not a cheap pleasure.

An alternative as a water source can be a filter system with a reverse osmosis module. Such water is indeed suitable, but it is necessary to take it to fill the humidifier not at the outlet itself, but before the mineralizer, which is usually the finishing module in such systems.

In a word, refilling such a humidifier can be a lot of hassle.

By the way, judging by user reviews, simply softening water, for example, in an ion exchange column, sometimes does not give the desired result. And even more than that, there have been cases where when using such water, predisposed people experienced very serious asthmatic attacks. So - either distilled water or deeply purified water.

• The cost of high-quality ultrasonic humidifiers is very high. There are many cheap, attractive-looking models on sale, but they, as a rule, do not have high-quality built-in filters - see above. In addition, they have another “disease”.
• This complaint is made by some owners of inexpensive ultrasonic humidifiers. The water tank in many models is a non-separable structure with a narrow filler hole, which is extremely difficult to maintain. There are a lot of “hidden corners” that are difficult or even impossible to get to. But over time, this can become a hotbed for the development of mold. And its spores, along with the bacteria that always accompany this matter, spread throughout the room along with the water dispersion.

If the tank is not removable, try to thoroughly wash all its hidden places to prevent mold from appearing... It’s not that easy!
It would seem that for such a lesion it is necessary to use special compounds - treat all these areas with fungicides, and then, after wiping off the plaque, rinse generously with boiled or distilled water. But you simply can’t get there, even if you use a bizarrely curved brush. But if after treatment you do not perform such a guaranteed high-quality rinse, then these same fungicides will be released into the atmosphere of the room along with the steam, which is also of little joy.

In a word, there is something to think about when choosing.

2Air washers

Such devices are no longer so much humidifiers as air purifiers. Yes, they are capable of raising the level of relative humidity, but only due to the natural evaporation of water.

In terms of hydration, they are sometimes ironically compared to an ordinary “bucket of water” placed indoors. This is, of course, not true. If the area of ​​evaporation in an open container is simply limited by the “mirror” of water, then here a special design significantly increases this area. And such a sink, without using any principles of forced steam generation, is capable of evaporating from 8 to 12 liters of water during the day. Quite a lot!

Let's look at the principle of design and operation.

So-called air washers are designed and operate on this principle.

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The device is assembled in a collapsible housing (item 1). In its upper part there is an electric drive with a fairly powerful fan (item 2). Its purpose is to take air from their room and pump it into the chamber for cleaning and humidification.

This chamber is located in the lower part of the body (item 3), which has a large water tray inside (item 4). And the main working unit of the device is a cassette-type drum (item 5), made up of many plastic disks with a special surface texture that promotes maximum water capture during rotation. This drum is located on an axis so that approximately its lower third is immersed in a pan filled with water.

When the electric drive is turned on, rotation is transmitted to the fan and at the same time, through a kinematic transmission, to the drum.

Air forced from above passes between the rotating plates of the drum. Due to the fact that these disc-plates actively capture water when rotating, a very large area of ​​contact between air and water is achieved. Moisture, firstly, binds dust particles that remain in the container. It is for this quality that such a device is called an “air washer.” And secondly, due to natural evaporation, the air being driven through is saturated with moisture, which helps to increase the overall level of relative humidity in the room. Purified and humidified air is discharged through the side windows (item 6) into the room.

This is what the air washer device looks like if you remove the upper part of the housing with the electric drive and fan.

The circuit is very simple and reliable in operation. Judging by the reviews, many users, having previously tried ultrasonic humidifiers, subsequently preferred a similar air washer as more reliable and easier to use and maintain.

The advantages and disadvantages of such devices include the following:

pros

• At the same time, the air is cleaned from dust and humidified.
• If we evaluate the “basic package,” that is, without any additional “bells and whistles,” then no consumables are required to operate the air washer. It is enough just to refill it with clean water in a timely manner. Moreover, there are no increased requirements for water quality.
• Of course, the device requires maintenance, especially since one of its main functions is air purification, and a lot of dirt will accumulate. But such sinks, as a rule, are very easy and quick to disassemble, and it is not difficult to wash the tanks and drum disks, say, once a week when cleaning.
• Electricity consumption can be considered quite moderate.
• If desired, it is possible to use the air aromatization function.
• Despite the presence of an electric drive and rotating components, the level of noise created by serviceable high-quality models is low.
• Air washers are attractive for their reliability and are designed for long-term non-stop operation. There are no restrictions on the use of such devices in any room of the house or apartment.
• Many models are also equipped with additional functions of air purification and ionization.

Minuses

• Since air humidification occurs due to the natural evaporation of water, it is impossible to achieve an increased level of humidity. But to maintain within the optimal range – quite.
• Typically, such devices have only one mode of operation, which is rather “slow,” so you shouldn’t expect very fast results.

Expert opinion: Masalsky A.V.

Editor of the “construction” category on the Stroyday.ru portal. Specialist in engineering systems and drainage.

It should be correctly understood that the main purpose of such devices is still to clean the air from dust. The moisturizing function is secondary, although with constant use it becomes quite effective.

5Multifunctional climatic complexes

This category of devices is also designed not so much for humidification as for deep air purification. But the function of increasing humidity is also built into it, however, also without the use of any steam generators - simply due to the passage of driven air through a humid environment.

But such a device is equipped with a whole cascade of filters that make it possible to very efficiently purify the air from contaminants of various natures.

Climate control systems are always automated to the maximum, equipped with sensors that respond to signs of pollution or other anomalies, including regular or cigarette smoke, increased dust, and a drop in humidity levels. That is, if such signs are detected, the control unit will automatically start cleaning and humidifying the air.

The layout of such purifiers-humidifiers can be different. Just as an example, here is a diagram to show the principle of cleaning.

Operating principle of a multifunctional air purifier-humidifier

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The device body (item 1) contains a fan (item 2), which circulates air through the cleaning system. Air is sucked in from the room through intake windows or grille (item 3) and immediately enters the HEPA filter (item 4), which cleans it of dust particles and other suspended contaminants. Filters provide very fine cleaning, even trap pollen and fungal or mold spores.

Next, the air flow passes through a humidifier (item 6) - a porous filter, which is lowered into a container with water (item 5). After humidification, almost at the outlet, the air is passed through a carbon filter (item 7), which eliminates odors. And finally, already at the exit, a capsule with air flavorings can also be installed (pos. 8).

This cascade can be further supplemented with ultraviolet disinfection treatment, an ionizer or an air ozonizer.

Air purifier-humidifier “Tefal Intense Pure Air PU4015”

Advantages and disadvantages of such devices:

pros

• The air receives truly deep cleaning, including from allergens.
• The device is capable of removing unpleasant odors from rooms and aromatizing the air.
• As a rule, the device is full of electronics - sensors and status indicators; many models are equipped with informative displays. The owners of the purifier have a picture of the state of the air in the room and can respond in a timely manner to the circumstances. In addition, the device, programmed for a certain operating mode, is capable of independently making decisions to turn on filtration depending on the changed microclimate.

Minuses

• These cleaners themselves are a very expensive purchase.
• Effective operation is only possible with serviceable, clean filters that have not exhausted their service life. That is, during operation they will periodically require replacement (and quite often), which will entail additional costs.
• Since water evaporates naturally, it will not be possible to achieve an increased level of humidity if necessary.

How to choose an air humidity meter

Modern electronic hygrometers are safe and compact. The accuracy of air humidity measurement has virtually no errors, which means this is one of the most suitable options for an apartment.

There are many models that differ in functionality, design, size, etc.

To choose a hygrometer for your apartment, you need to consider several points.

Advantages of the device

Humidity range and heating threshold

The range of air humidity depends on the purpose of the room. Eg:

The wider the range of operating values ​​of a device, the higher its price. Before purchasing a hygrometer, you should consider where it will be located, and hence choose the operating range.

The heating threshold is important for devices installed in a bathhouse or sauna. In this case, the operating temperature should not be lower than 120 °C.

Measurement accuracy

This indicator is also important, but there are no devices with large discrepancies in readings on the Russian market, and maximum accuracy with minimal errors is needed only for maintenance, for example, a home wine library.

Mechanical or electronic hygrometer: which one should you take?

Let’s immediately make a reservation that we are not considering a mechanical hygrometer of the “psychrometer” type in this article, since its humidity must be calculated from a table, which is very inconvenient in a bathhouse.

Mechanical hygrometers have a fairly simple design, so they are inexpensive. They are equipped with a minimum of functions compared to electronic ones. Most often they can only show humidity. Advanced models will additionally show time and temperature.

The advantage of mechanical models is the ability to work without a power source (although some run on batteries). They also often have a beautiful retro design, which is perfect for baths and saunas. However, the error value for mechanical models is higher than for electronic ones, and for some devices it reaches 5 - 8%.

• Purchase

  4 devices for fast and accurate body temperature measurement

Electronic hygrometers have more functionality; they can additionally have a clock, thermometer, barometer and alarm clock. Due to such a wide range of functions, a hygrometer becomes very similar to a weather station, although the latter has a couple more functions that a hygrometer does not have, and the ability to make highly accurate measurements outdoors. Electronic models run on regular AAA or Krona batteries. The electronics of such hygrometers are more sensitive to temperature changes and mechanical damage than the mechanics. They are also significantly more expensive than mechanical models.

Which hygrometer is better: mechanical or electronic? If you need to measure humidity in a nursery, then take a high-precision electronic device that will additionally show the temperature. And for a bathhouse, a mechanical device with a minimum error rate will be quite sufficient.

How to maintain relative humidity in your home

We have already decided how to measure the humidity level in the room; now we just need to figure out how to restore the optimal humidity level.

If the humidity is low

Ventilate the room.

However, this method cannot always significantly improve the state of the home microclimate, since in the summer the street air can be dry.

Also, when ventilating in the traditional way, dangerous microbes, allergens, dust, harmful gases and unpleasant odors can enter the apartment. But if you keep the windows constantly closed, then there is a high probability of encountering another problem in maintaining the microclimate - stuffiness (high levels of carbon dioxide).

High-quality ventilation is also important when ventilating rooms. A valve can provide fresh air into the room, but it will not be enough to ventilate a room inhabited by more than one person. The air passing through the supply and exhaust valve is not heated and not cleaned.

A breather will help you easily deal with the stuffiness and not let dangerous “guests” from the street into your house. This is a supply ventilation device that takes air from the street, heats it, cleans it and supplies it to the room.

The base station collects information from room air about temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration. All indicators are displayed on the smartphone screen in the MagicAir application.

How to achieve the norm?

So, the humidity has been measured. It's good if it's within the normal range, but what if the results are too low or high. How to adjust indicators?

Humidify dry air

By purchasing an air humidifier with automatic control, you can transfer all concerns about the microclimate to it.

The device has a built-in hygrostat, which turns on the unit when the humidity drops. The owner can only periodically add water.

There are three main types:

1. Steam humidification.
2. Ultrasonic.
3. Using cold evaporation.

In short, a steam kettle is the same as a kettle, only with controlled moisture release.

It must be used with caution so that no one gets burned. And the noise of boiling water can be annoying.

The second and third methods require changing filters. But the ultrasonic one benefits from the fact that it operates silently for humans, and there is a fan in the cold evaporator.

But you need to take into account that if there are salts in the water, they will sooner or later appear on glossy surfaces and screens as white stains (so it is better to use distilled water).

When choosing a device, it is important to choose the right area, otherwise the effect may be disappointing.

But even if you don’t have a humidifier at home, there are ways to improve the atmosphere:

• A wet towel is placed on the batteries.
• Small containers with water (plates, for example) are placed on the stove or window sills. You will need to add water to them less often than wet a towel.
• Leave the door to the bathroom open (the humidity is higher there).
• Breed fish in an aquarium.
• You can dry your laundry indoors after washing.
• Buy a decorative “eternal fountain”.
• Decorate your home with indoor flowers.
• Periodically spray the air with a spray bottle.
• Wipe the floor, do a wet cleaning.

In a word, open water in any form is welcome in a dry house. You can use your imagination and make bouquets, compositions from coniferous branches, place floating candles in vases with water, fragrant baths with drops of essential oils, etc.

If you live in a region with a humid climate, you have probably encountered the problem of excessive air humidity. In such cases, a dehumidifier is used to normalize the humidity. Dehumidifier for an apartment: we will tell you in this article how to choose the optimal model.

We’ll look at how to make a candle heater with your own hands in this topic.

Dry humid air

If you have the funds, this problem is also not a problem, because there are special devices - air dehumidifiers. In them, the air is cooled, excess moisture turns into drops of water, which flow into a collection container, and drier air is heated again and returned to the room. The advantage of this device is that in hot weather it can be used as an air conditioner, cooling the air.

What can you do without a dehumidifier to make your apartment less humid:

• Make good supply and exhaust ventilation (plastic windows and sealed doors cut off the flow of oxygen into the house, and not all houses pay attention to ventilation).
• If funds are limited, install forced exhaust at least in the kitchen and bathroom.
• It is imperative to ventilate the rooms as often as possible: immediately after cooking and taking a shower (and it is better to open the window for 5 minutes than to open the window slightly for half an hour).
• Allow the sun's rays to warm the room through the glass.
• Install air conditioning and fan.
• Operating household appliances – refrigerator, TV, computer – dry the air.
• Do not dry laundry indoors.

In short, there should be more air movement in the house, but the amount of water that can evaporate is kept to a minimum. You should not set up a greenhouse in a damp house, leave uncovered containers of water, vases with flowers, or an aquarium.

For finishing you should strive to use natural materials. For example, you can prefer simple paper wallpaper to vinyl wallpaper, and wood to plastic. But you should be careful with drywall. It is classified as a natural material and indicates its ability to absorb moisture.

Air dryers

But this is also its problem - absorption cannot continue indefinitely, but wet cardboard and plaster are an excellent environment for the development of micro life. So drywall can become a breeding ground for fungi.

If moist, stale air rises from the old basement, the listed remedies will be ineffective - a major overhaul is needed!

On sale you can find special “Stop Moisture” products designed to reduce humidity using adsorbing crystals.

You can make your own small dehumidifier using silica gel. These are white balls, a bag of which is placed in new shoes and soft toys. A kilogram of the substance costs about 50 - 70 rubles.