Humidifiers are devices that control the humidity in a room by making water vapor, which is one of the essential household appliances in the dry winter months. In particular, humidifiers are essential in families with young children who are susceptible to various respiratory diseases. Humidifiers vary in price, but there are advantages and disadvantages to how they work: ultrasonic, heated, combined, evaporative. Here, we will look at the types and advantages of humidifiers and what to consider.
Types of humidifier
Even though humidifiers are made by different manufacturers, there are no significant differences in how they work. That’s why it’s important to choose the right product based on the nature of how it works and the purpose of using it, rather than the brand.
1. Ultrasonic Humidifier
Ultrasonic vibrating and spraying water is the cheapest and most commonly used method. It has the advantage of having the lowest electricity bill and low noise. However, since water is released in the form of droplets, various impurities and bacteria can be released into the air.
- Cheap price and low noise
- If the device inside the humidifier or stored water is contaminated with bacteria, it may be sprayed into the air.
For this reason, you should never inhale the water sprayed from the humidifier nozzle immediately or expose it to your skin. Another problem is that a percentage occurs. White powder phenomenon causes lime powder dissolved in water to stick to home appliances, which causes powder powder.
This sounds like a big disadvantage, but in fact, ultrasonic humidifiers are one of the most commonly used types and are ideally suited for those who prefer cost-effectiveness. If you are worried about germs, you can wash them in clean water every day.
- Choose a product that is easy to clean.
- Even if your tank is a large product, you should change the water every day.
2. Heated humidifier
This is a humidifier in the way of boiling water and spraying water vapor. Because it boils water, it is of course safe for bacteria to grow. In addition, hot steam can increase the temperature inside the room. However, since it is a method of boiling water, electricity costs are incurred naturally, and hot water can also cause safety accidents.
- Heated humidifiers are mainly used in high-end products.
- The price of the product is high and the electric charge is higher than that of the ultrasonic type
- It is safe from germs because it boils water.
If the conditions are suitable, this is a very suitable way of operation in cold and dry winters. However, the process of boiling water can cause a sizzling sound, and the water boils, which also has the advantage of longer cleaning cycles than other products.
3. Combined Humidifier
The combined humidifier combines the advantages of both ultrasonic and heated. The water is heated to low temperature and then sprayed by ultrasonic method, which is very suitable for consumers who have difficulty in choosing either ultrasonic or heated type. Of course, not only advantages are combined.
- It takes time to heat the water.
- It is difficult to expect perfect sterilization effect because it is heated at 140 ~ 176 degrees Fahrenheit (60 ~ 80 degrees Celsius).
- Electricity rates between ultrasonic and heated are expected.
- The price range of the product is also in the middle range.
Bacteria can grow due to the characteristics of low temperature heating. Therefore, you should clean it periodically. In a family with young children, a combination humidifier is suitable if both proper disinfection and spray volume are required, but be aware of the risk of burns.
4. Evaporative Humidifier
Evaporation literally literally evaporates moisture and does not generate much electricity. It’s like putting a wet towel in your room. Recently, a fan-controlled humidity control product is available. The advantage is that there is not much electricity and the price of the product itself is low. However, there is a disadvantage that it is inferior to other types of humidifiers.
- Suitable for those considering a cheap and safe humidifier.
- Electric charge is not high.
- The noise is not bad.
- It is difficult to increase the humidity in a short time.
How to Use a Humidifier Safely
The safe way to use a humidifier is simpler than you think. The only problem is that not many people do this properly.
1. Do not use in a confined space.
The biggest problem when using a humidifier is bacterial growth. Enclosed environments can cause excessive humidity, while humid environments are ideal for germs to grow. It is recommended to ventilate for 10 minutes once every 3 hours.
2. Use tap water.
The use of good water in a humidifier may produce good water vapor, but this is not true. Disinfected tap water is most suitable, and water such as mineral water can provide an environment in which fungi or bacteria grow during decomposition.
3. Do not use near.
As you’ve seen the humidifier up close, the water vapor sprayed is very cold. The vapors that are sprayed may contain bacteria, and cold vapors can cause a drop in body temperature and irritate the bronchus, causing a variety of diseases. Heated humidifiers, on the other hand, can cause burns due to hot water vapor.
4. Use baking soda for cleaning.
Many people do not know how to clean the humidifier. Use vinegar to clean your humidifier, but it can smell bad. Instead, using baking soda can be cleaned safely and cleanly. When not using the humidifier, it is also important to open the lid and let it dry completely.
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