Ultrasonic humidifier: principle of operation, features, selection criteria

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Humidifiers are devices designed to increase the humidity of the air in individual rooms and buildings as a whole. To do this, they generate water vapor.

A child is dear to every parent. Moms and dads don't want to see them sick. Children's illnesses hurt them. If your doctor prescribes the use of a humidifier, or if you have a hunch that the humidity will help your child breathe easier with bronchitis, coughs, or the flu, then you should read this review to choose the most suitable model.

In general, a cold steam generator is the best choice. Warm or hot air increases inflammation in a child's airways.

Humidifiers provide a breeding ground for bacteria. They must be disinfected daily and distilled or purified water changed every day. The child should not breathe the minerals and lime contained incity tap water. It is also not worth pouring softened water into the humidifier, since it is obtained from hard water by adding s alts.

Benefits of using

Humidity is the concentration of water vapor in the air. It can be seen on foggy days. Humidity varies depending on the season and where you live. It is higher in summer and lower in cold winter. Humidity in the house should be between 30-60%. When it gets too high or too low, problems can arise.

Low humidity irritates nasal passages, causes dry skin, itchy eyelids and dry cough.

High causes condensation on the windows, making the atmosphere stuffy, making breathing difficult and making you feel like you are in a sauna. High humidity activates unsafe bacteria, mold, fungus and dust mites. Allergies, asthma flare-ups, and other respiratory illnesses can also result.

Also, when the humidity is too low, static electricity can become a problem, causing annoying sticking of fabrics and small electric shocks when touching doorknobs or metal. Furniture can dry out, and paper can dry out and crumble.

Humidity should provide comfort without causing he alth problems due to its too high level.

Working principle

In cold climates, this unit will provide the necessary level of humidity in the room. In ultrasonic humidifiers (photo is given later in the article)a metal diaphragm is used that vibrates at a high frequency, creating a cool or warm mist. Sound vibrations, acting on water, saturate the air with moisture. The liquid particles formed in this way are so small that they are absorbed by the air almost instantly. The ultrasonic humidifier does not require a fan, so it operates quietly.

Which ultrasonic humidifier is better?

The first thing to decide is whether to install a humidity control system for the whole house or just one room, usually the bedroom. As a rule, a small device in the nursery is sufficient for most users. However, those who live in dry, arid climates or suffer from severe sinusitis, dry cough, dry, flaky skin and hair should consider a centralized humidification system.

Must purchase a device with a capacity and performance that matches the size of a particular room.

Portable and desktop ultrasonic humidifiers are great for one room. Tanks of different tank sizes are available for rooms of different sizes.

Whole-home systems lead the way in ultrasonic humidifiers because they provide the right level of humidity through air ducting and hydrostatic control. Retrofitting existing ventilation is expensive. Such a system is constantly connected to a water source and does not require replenishment of containers. Installed by a heating and ventilation specialist who must calculate the requiredperformance.

Things to keep in mind when choosing a humidifier?

The parameters of the humidifier depend on the planned place of its use and the desired purpose. Features such as performance, functionality, design, service, and warranties should be considered.

• Performance. In most humidifiers, the moisture output is expressed in cubic meters per 24 hours. They are also rated by the area of \u200b\u200bthe premises that they can serve. The performance of the purchased humidifier should correspond to the volume of the room or house. If the air is too humid (more than 60%), then favorable conditions will arise for the reproduction of mold, fungus and bacteria.
• Features. Ultrasonic humidifiers generate both warm and cold mist. In devices of the first type, cold water is passed through a heating element. The mist leaves the ultrasound machine at a safe temperature of 40°C. However, the water that is inside the device, if it is knocked over, can burn the child. Therefore, it is safer to use cold fog generators near small children and the elderly.
• The best ultrasonic humidifiers use hygrostats. They measure humidity and provide it to a given level, without requiring additional calculations.
• Design. If the intended installation location of the device is known, it should be measured to ensure that it will fit. The humidifier should be easily transferable tosource of water to replenish it. It should have handles so you can move it around when it's wet.
• Service and Warranty. Most humidifiers usually come with a 1 year warranty. But it's better to buy devices from manufacturers who support their products for a longer time. You need to make sure that the company provides a toll-free phone number or chat to help users. It is better to choose a reputable company that advises its clients.

Criteria for the right choice

Ultrasonic humidifiers increase the level of comfort at home. The right choice will satisfy all needs. These devices are inexpensive and easy to use. Here are some specific guidelines for choosing the perfect humidifier:

• Square. It would be redundant to integrate a humidifier into an existing ventilation system if all that is needed is an occasional increase in humidity in one room. A small portable device will easily provide the necessary level of comfort and save money. To calculate the serviced area, you need to multiply the width of the room by its length. For example, the area of a 4 x 5 m room is 20 m2.
• Operating costs. The initial installation of a whole-house humidification system will cost more, but is generally less expensive. Warm mist vaporizers are cheap but use a lot of energy. Humidifiers can be controlled using a hygrostat. Replacing Filters and Cartridgesis another expense item. These costs can make a humidifier too expensive.
• A hygrostat is an analog or digital device that uses a hygrometer to control air humidity. Hygrostats are important because without them, fog generation will continue until the humidifier is manually turned off. Excessive humidity leads to condensation on windows and the appearance of mold and mildew in the room, so you should use a portable hygrometer to control its level.
• According to reviews, the ultrasonic humidifier makes almost no noise, except for a slight hiss.
• Water quality. When hard tap water is used, many humidifiers will have a lower mist output. At the same time, the cost of maintenance increases. The use of distilled water may be economically justified, but it also comes at an additional cost.
• Safety. It is advisable to purchase a device that automatically turns off when there is no water. Top rated ultrasonic humidifiers beep when the liquid level gets low and needs to be topped up. The transparent tank will allow you to determine the moment when you need to replenish it. For example, the Polaris PUH 7140 ultrasonic humidifier turns off automatically when there is no water.

Warm or cold? Some people prefer cold mist to warm steam, which is reminiscent of the atmosphere in a steam bath. Others prefer the soothing warmth that they feelthought to soften the air. This is a personal choice and a doctor can recommend which one is best for your he alth concerns. If drugs are used, then warm steam generators are better suited. Ballu UHB 1000 ultrasonic humidifier, for example, supports 2 modes - cold and warm mist

In dry climates, humidifiers are essential during the cold winter months, and often throughout the year. Moist air feels warmer and provides more comfort. It becomes easier to breathe, and the habitat receives the moisture it needs.

What is the difference between cold and warm fog?

There are not many differences. Cold fog makes breathing easier for allergies, asthma and respiratory diseases. If the user breathes more easily in a bathtub filled with steam, or in high humidity, such as during rain, then warm steam will be more preferable. Otherwise, it is better to use a cool mist. To create a warm mist, you need a heating element. This is the reason why it is not the best option in homes with small children and pets.

How do humidifiers deal with bacteria?

Models are available with functions to limit or prevent the growth of bacteria in the water tank. Some of the top-rated ultrasonic humidifiers use nanotechnology or silver for this, but are more expensive. But you still have to clean and disinfect the device, as well as distill water to limit the growth of bacteria. Although these humidifierscost more, they are worth it because they last longer.

For example, the Polaris PUH 7140 ultrasonic humidifier has a special water tank coating that contains silver particles, the disinfecting properties of which are well known. In addition, this model is equipped with a water purification cartridge and two air filters that purify it from odors and dust.

Can I add s alt to breathe "sea" air?

No. Do not add s alt to the humidifier. It promotes corrosion and destroys metal parts, seals, filters and reduces the life of the device. S alt corrodes the heating element and increases the risk of fire from overheating. All this may void your warranty.

How often should I clean my humidifier?

Be sure to read the user manual. An ultrasonic humidifier requires regular maintenance to stop the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Do not leave the device wet, as this leads to the growth of pathogens. A good rule of thumb is to change the water daily. Maintaining this practice means that you can thoroughly clean and disinfect the device not every day, but only once a week. It is necessary to do this so that contaminated moisture does not enter the air. The cleaning procedure should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

Why does white dust appear on the furniture, floor and around the humidifier?

These are mineralspresent in hard water. They are not harmful and are easy to remove, just like ordinary dust. Ultrasonic humidifiers, unlike evaporative humidifiers, can become a source of these s alts if they are not equipped with a quality demineralization cartridge. To combat this phenomenon, distilled water should be used. In addition, thanks to it, the filter will last longer, and it will not have to be cleaned as often. However, you will still need to change the water every few days and disinfect the device according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Can I use a timer to turn off the humidifier?

Yes. Many new models have built-in digitally controlled programmable timers. This allows you to start the device at the right time and save energy. Humidifiers with a countdown timer allow you to program the humidifier to turn off. Instead, you can set the number of hours the device will run. The Boneco 7135 ultrasonic humidifier, for example, allows you to set an automatic shutdown timer within 1-9 hours.

How much energy does the humidifier use?

It depends on the capacity and availability of the heating function. Ultrasonic humidifiers, according to reviews, usually consume little energy. Cold fog models tend to cover a larger area and are more efficient than warm steam generators. Large desktop units consume less energy than console units that run all day. Whole house humidification systems connected to the systemventilation are the most economical.

Can I use hard water?

Be sure to read the user manual as different brands and types of humidifiers have different requirements. If the purchase of the device is only planned, then it is better to purchase one that has a mineral cartridge. Hard water from a tap or well contains minerals that can build up inside the unit. Because of them, fog can leave white spots and dust around the humidifier area. Inhaling minerals can worsen respiratory conditions or cause new problems over time. Cartridges filter minerals from hard water, eliminating the need to inhale them. If there is no cartridge, it is better to use distilled water, in which there are no s alts. It should be noted that, for example, the ceramic cartridge of the Polaris PUH 7140 ultrasonic humidifier, according to the owners, does not help to get rid of the formation of white dust.

Different from diffusers

Humidifiers saturate the air with moisture and can operate for long periods of time. Made from strong metals or thick plastic, they are large and use a lot of water. Diffusers are small apple-sized glass, plastic or ceramic devices.

Personal models can even fit in a purse or bag. Diffusers play the role of a small humidifier when filled with water only, although they are mainly used to diffuse fragrance.essential oils that have a therapeutic effect on colds, sore throats, dry coughs, dry flaky skin, sinus irritation and dryness of the nasal mucosa. They also help those suffering from hay fever, allergies, asthma and respiratory problems. Diffusers use herbal ingredients with healing properties.

Those who do not suffer from these conditions can use fragrances to enhance the comfort of their home, office, spa or hair salon. Some boutiques use lavender oil diffusers, providing a pleasant atmosphere for customers.

Thus, bulky humidifiers are designed for large rooms, while diffusers are for local use. At the same time, the former can work longer, since they have a large supply of water, while the latter function for shorter periods of time, requiring refilling. Some of the newer more advanced diffusers can run up to 15 hours, and this is due to the fact that small installations support large water tanks. They usually cover an area of 20 to 100 square meters. meters.

Both humidifiers and diffusers fill the air with water vapor, just the former more than the latter.