Which humidifier is better - steam or ultrasonic? Compare two types of humidifiers

For normal human life humidity in the room should be 40-60%. Dry air irritates the mucous membranes, can provoke the development of allergies and leads to a decrease in immunity. The wrong microclimate in the room is especially harmful for young children - they begin to act up for no reason, sleep poorly and often get sick.

To optimize the humidity level in the room air, some people put wet towels in the bedroom or put a bucket of water. Agree that such methods are not quite aesthetic. You can solve the problem with the help of humidifiers. But they are presented in a wide range and you do not know how to choose the best option?

In this article we will figure out which air humidifier is better than steam or ultrasonic, for which we will consider in detail the characteristics of existing types of devices for humidifying air. We also talk about the rules for caring for such a technique.

Features of steam humidifiers

Domestic humidifier helps to create a microclimate as comfortable as possible for a person in a house. With proper use, the device will help get rid of poor health, irritability, and also drowsiness.

To compare a steam humidifier with an ultrasonic one, first you need to familiarize yourself with the features and characteristics of each of them. So, let's start with steam.

How is the device arranged and working?

The steam humidifier consists of a heating element, a water tank and a supply valve. During the operation of the device, the liquid turns into steam and goes outside, quickly moistening the room.

A working steam humidifier can be compared to a boiling electric kettle. Only it does not turn off after boiling water. Liquid is supplied in small portions to the heating element.This principle of operation allows you to save electricity, since you do not need to immediately heat the entire volume of water.

Special heating elements or electrodes are used as heating elements of steam humidifiers. They allow you to quickly heat water and bring moisture indicators in order

Steam humidifiers have high performance. Changes in humidity indicators in the room occur rather quickly. Some models are capable of evaporating up to 700 ml of water in an hour of work. Therefore, the device must be monitored so as not to turn the room into a "steam room".

Many versions of steam-type devices are designed for large rooms and industrial use conditions: museums, hangars, warehouses and others. There are also household models. They are ideal for conservatories as well as indoor greenhouses.

Advantages of steam humidifiers

If the steam type humidifier is selected taking into account the area of ​​the room, it is correctly installed, and it is also serviced on time, then it will work for a long time and households will notice only the positive qualities of the device.

Modern models of humidifiers in their design have a built-in hygrostat and are equipped with an automation system. Such devices are more convenient, since their work is automatic. The appliance turns on when the humidity level drops

Device Advantages:

• affordable cost and the absence of additional costs for the purchase of filters, as well as cartridges for water softening;
• quick humidification up to 60% - the forcing of moisture in the room with their help is faster than with ultrasonic counterparts;
• due to boiling water, the released steam is completely sterile - there are no microbes and bacteria in it;
• the efficiency and productivity of the device does not depend on temperature in room;
• some variations have additional functions and can be used as a flavoring or inhaler;
• safe use - the appliance switches off automatically if all the water in the tank has evaporated or the lid is not closed properly.

Steam humidifiers are unpretentious. From their steam there is no white coating on the floor, furniture or walls. In the capacity of the devices, you can pour water from the tap.

The device does not need filters, but its reservoir must be periodically cleaned of scale.

The main disadvantages of devices

The relatively high consumption of electricity and water are the main disadvantages of steam devices.

For an hour, the device can consume about 0.6-0.7 liters of water. Therefore, when buying a steam humidifier, it is better to give preference to models with a large tank

Depending on the model and power, the device consumes from 200-600 watts. Installing such a high-performance device in a large room can be costly.

Also cons include:

• ability to exceed the prescribed humidity level 50-60% - this is typical for models without a built-in hygrostat;
• loud noise in the process of boiling, which may interfere with comfortable sleep;
• scale formation on the heating element or other elements - it is necessary to remove deposits on time or the device will fail;
• condensation - There should not be books or wooden furniture near the device, as they may suffer from constant exposure to steam;
• an opportunity to get a burn - they do not recommend installing steam humidifiers in nurseries, since hot steam is not safe, and boiling water inside the tank can be harmful if the device is accidentally knocked over.

Not all steam humidifier models are equipped with a hygrostat. Without constant monitoring, they can waterlog the room. Too high humidity promotes the growth of bacteria and mold development. Therefore, it is better to purchase models with a built-in humidity sensor or buy a hygrometer separately and monitor moisture readings.

Steam humidifiers increase the temperature in the room by 1-2 degrees.This feature can be attributed to both advantages and disadvantages. In the cold season, an additional source of heat will not be out of place. If it’s hot in the room, then this function definitely won’t deliver comfort to households.

Characteristics of Ultrasonic Humidifiers

During operation, ultrasonic units produce cold steam. They consume a minimum of electricity, since there is no need to heat water. Consider their main characteristics in more detail.

Device and principle of operation

Such humidifiers are sensitive to the quality of the liquid supplied. They cannot function without water softening cartridges.

The basic equipment of ultrasonic devices includes a water tank, a two-jet sprayer, an ultraviolet lamp, a low-speed fan and other details

The algorithm for the operation of ultrasonic units:

1. Distilled or purified water is poured into the tank.
2. Water flows by gravity into the cartridge and is further purified.
3. The heating tube brings the liquid to the desired temperature.
4. Water is transported to the evaporation chamber. There, the piezoelectric element (membrane) breaks up the liquid into small particles, forming a cloud of cold vapor.
5. A fan blows moist mist into a room.

From the outside, it may seem that the “fog” is hot, but it is not. If you put your hand under the stream with steam, there is only a feeling of freshness and coolness. Such device options are more preferred for use in children's rooms.

Advanced variations of ultrasonic humidifiers in their structure have a built-in hygrometer and an air ionizer. The devices can be equipped with an LCD display and have a remote control function

Expensive models of humidifiers are equipped with an ultraviolet lamp. It processes steam before being released into the room, destroying microorganisms and bacteria.

The useful functions of some devices also include the ability to spray water fog in all directions. There are devices equipped with anti-foaming and self-cleaning functions.

Pros of Ultrasonic Humidifiers

Easy to use, easy to maintain, maintain an optimal level of humidity - the main positive characteristics of ultrasonic humidifiers.

Humidifiers look stylish, safe, and also consume a minimum of electricity. Devices are sold in a wide assortment, so it’s quite easy to choose a model that will suit the general situation of the room

Usually ultrasonic humidifiers produce cold water fog, so they do not need to spend energy on the process of boiling water. There are also models with the function of heating steam to 80 degrees.

Advantages of humidifiers:

• almost silent work;
• safe use;
• Extensive feature set
• creating a steam curtain;
• during normal operation, power consumption up to 40 W;
• the ability to change the direction of the steam jet.

Models that are equipped with a hygrostat turn off automatically when the desired humidity in the room is reached. Some options have a backlight steam escaping. These humidifiers are ideal for humidifying the air in the rooms where children live.

To familiarize yourself with the recommendations for choosing an ultrasonic humidifier and operating rules, please go to following link.

Significant disadvantages of devices

Devices are susceptible to water quality. They quickly fail if in their capacity fill in water from the tap. For the normal functioning of humidifiers, distilled or at least filtered water must be used.

The disadvantages include the high cost of devices equipped with a number of additional functions.

Even when using filtered water, a white coating may appear on the humidifier and furniture.To prevent the possibility of such a raid, you need to use high-quality filters and change them in a timely manner

Which moisturizer is better?

Steam and ultrasonic humidifiers have many advantages. And to choose the best among them is quite difficult - both types can qualitatively improve the indoor microclimate.

However, you need to select a device for specific operating conditions. First of all, the area of ​​the room is taken into account, the power of the device is selected under it.

In small rooms it is advisable to use ultrasonic models, and in large ones - steam ones.

An ultrasonic device is suitable if:

• need a compact size humidifier that can be carried;
• there are no allergic people in the family, and the air in the area of ​​residence is not too polluted;
• there is no desire to carry large energy costs to improve the microclimate in an apartment or house;
• sensitive sleep and there is a need to sleep in perfect silence;
• need to equip a humidifier with a nursery.

Despite the minimal energy consumption, some costs with ultrasonic humidifiers still have to incur: the purchase of filters, cartridges and distilled water.

There are so called ultrasonic type microhumidifiers. Additionally, they can be used as an aroma lamp or a night lamp. Some models come with a built-in speaker.

Steam types of devices are optimally suited for families in which children have already grown up, and no one wants to check the temperature of the steam with their palm or open the lid during operation.

With the help of devices you can also perform inhalations and disinfect rooms. If such functions are in demand, you should definitely buy a steam humidifier.

Ideal steam humidifiers are suitable if there are many flowers in the house that love a warm and humid climate. The device is able to quickly create conditions for them “wet subtropics”

When choosing a device for humidifying the air, you must also pay attention to the rate of flow of water, as well as the volume of the tank. If it is not possible to add water every 8-12 hours, then it is better to buy an aggregate with a tank volume of 6 liters or more.

More recommendations on choosing an air humidifier for home and apartment we have given in next publication.

Humidifier Care Features

Regardless of the cost, modification or number of functions, any devices need timely care and maintenance. For example, in some models of ultrasonic humidifiers, it is recommended to change filters or cartridges every 3 months.

Mandatory procedures also include:

• washing the device - perform 1 time per week;
• descaling, which is especially true for steam humidifiers - carry out the procedure as the apparatus becomes dirty, on average 1 time in 2 weeks;
• disinfecting procedures - disinfect the device 1 time per month.

Clean the humidifier using special products. They do their job well, but are expensive. Also, to combat pollution, you can independently prepare a cleaning agent from a solution of laundry soap and water (1: 2).

Baking soda will help get rid of solid deposits in the humidifier. It is necessary to fill the soda solution in the tank of the device and turn it on for 50-60 minutes. To prepare the product, take 50 g of soda per 1 liter of water

Conventional bleach can be used as a disinfectant. For the preparation of a solution of 1 tbsp. l chlorine is diluted in 4 liters of water. The cleaning procedure should be performed on the balcony or street. After disinfection, thoroughly wash the water tank. Clean with a soft cloth, as hard elements can scratch the equipment.

Timely cleaning and proper operation allows you to extend the life of a household air humidifier.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

A detailed overview of existing types of humidifiers is given in the video:

In the article we examined the features of the work, the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular types of humidifiers. Steam options are cheaper and can even be used for inhalation. However, they are not suitable for everyone. Ultrasonic devices are completely safe, they can be used to moisten children's rooms. Their disadvantages include the need for periodic replacement of filters.

What type of humidifier did you prefer? Are you satisfied with your choice? What are the pros and cons of operating your humidifier? If you still have questions after reading this article, ask them to our experts and other site visitors - the feedback form is located below.