Dry skin, recurrent colds… these may be signs that the air in your home is too dry. Maybe you need an air humidifier? If natural ventilation is not enough, this device purifies the ambient air, improving your breathing and your sleep. But how to find your way between the many models and technologies on offer… Operation, usefulness, we tell you everything so that you can equip yourself with the most suitable device.
The air humidifier is good for your health. Why ?
We breathe much better in sufficiently humid and cool air. Opening your windows wide for at least twenty minutes every day helps to renew the indoor air. But if that’s not enough, especially when too much heat dries out the air, a humidifier is your health’s best friend.
What are the (bad) effects of too dry air?
The air is often too dry in winter, when the heating is in use, and in summer when it is very hot. In both cases, the heat drives out the ambient humidity. However, the ideal humidity level is between 40 and 60%, and closer to 50% for people in fragile health.
Too dry air affects your body in two ways. It dries out your mucous membranes, causing breathing difficulties in particular, and dehydrates your skin.
- Frequent respiratory problems set in. You still have a sore throat. With your nose constantly running, you empty the box of tissues. Nothing to do with a temporary cold, since it often lasts all winter. Nocturnal breathing problems, permanent nasal congestion… It’s tiring!
- Your body is poorly hydrated. Dry skin, dry lips, itchy scalp, red and dry eyes, nose bleeds… Even if you apply moisturizer to your skin and drink liters of water, it doesn’t get any better.
- People with asthma have worsened symptoms. Repetitive coughs more frequent than usual sound the alarm.
- You have to heat a lot to reach the right temperature. Problem: a vicious circle sets in. The longer your heater runs, the drier it dries the air. But the drier the air, the less heat it retains. And you heat up even more… To stop this endless phenomenon, quickly install an air humidifier.
- The house creaks everywhere. Like you, wood feels the effects of ambient drying. When the moisture disappears from the floor or the furniture, the wood no longer breathes and shrinks. If you hear creaks or see cracks, it’s time to act. The installation of an air humidifier is also sometimes imposed by installers of hardwood floors. Without this, no guarantee.
The (many) benefits of the air humidifier:
By restoring the ambient air to the desired level of humidity, a humidifier purifies your living rooms, bedroom, living room or office.
- For health: more comfort, less fatigue. Cough, respiratory and hydration disorders cause fatigue that we can do without. Your mucous membranes appreciate being properly hydrated again. Without forgetting your epidermis which regains its freshness.
- Baby’s small mucous membranes are protected. If everyone is sensitive to a lack of humidity in the air, infants are even more vulnerable to it. For their health, it is essential that they can sleep peacefully in healthy air.
- Less airborne dust. Humidity purifies the air and reduces dust. Even if you clean regularly, the dust that remains in suspension prevents you from sleeping the sleep of the righteous.
- Reduction of static electricity. Dryness promotes micro-charges of static electricity, present in metal surfaces or hair. And it sucks.
How does an air humidifier work?
Well, it just works! This device is equipped with a hygrometer which measures the humidity level of the air. It fires automatically when needed, vaporizing its supply of water into the atmosphere. You can adjust it to fine-tune its sensitivity according to your own needs.
That being said, the different models of humidifiers on the market do not all operate the same.
The steam humidifier
This is the BA-BA of humidifiers. It works in the simplest way. Working on the basis of natural evaporation, it injects water vapor into the air. Some use cold steam, others hot steam.
- The cool mist air humidifier injects water droplets into the atmosphere, propelled by a fan. Its absorbent filter retains minerals: the vapor is healthy and fresh. This model is perfect for refreshing a room in summer. Its strengths: silent and energy efficient. You have to change your water every day, but it is a safe and effective model.
- The warm mist humidifier is equipped not with a filter but with two electrodes. The water vapor it emits into the air has been previously heated and slightly cooled. This has the effect of destroying the bacteria and germs contained in the water (at 80° C there is no one left), and slightly warming the room. This results in a healthy and pleasant vapor. Two disadvantages: it must be recharged with fresh water and it consumes energy.
The ultrasonic humidifier
The device uses the principle of vibration. Its ultrasonic plate emits micro vibrations, which will transform the water into droplets, which a fan will propel into the atmosphere. You follow ? In the end, you get a soft mist, cool or warm depending on the setting. This type of humidifier is appreciated for its efficiency, speed, discretion and low consumption. Suitable for small rooms (max. 20 m2), it is capable of lowering the temperature while cooling it. Only problem: it is better to fill it with demineralized water if you do not want to find traces of limestone on the furniture, since it does not filter the minerals.
UV humidifier
This type of humidifier has a small ultraviolet (UV) lamp which is used to destroy microbes. It is a model recommended for people with an immune deficiency. It is also sold in pharmacies. For it to be always effective, consider changing the lamp from time to time.
The special baby humidifier
Baby sleep is precious. The humidification of the air in his room is often necessary so that he can sleep long and peacefully. Humidifiers intended for children’s rooms are generally of ultrasonic technology, which is safer. Make sure that the device has a long battery life, enough time for baby to sleep at least overnight. These air humidifiers can be programmed so that the humidity does not exceed a certain level. Children’s models also have an LED night light and sometimes an essential oil diffuser.
Choosing a humidifier: according to what criteria?
What are your needs? Whatever their technology, air humidifiers have several characteristics to take into account so that they best meet your expectations.
- The flow must be suitable for the surface of the room. The larger it is, the greater the flow must be.
- tank size must correspond to the desired autonomy. This can vary from 8 to 22 hours. Depending on the models, the humidified surface is generally between 35 and 50 m2.
- The sound level is an important point if it has to operate at night in a room. Some are quieter, others louder may offer a silent night mode.
- The hygrometry rate must be adjustable.
- Device size must be adapted to the surface of the room.
Before choosing the humidifier of your dreams, take the time to assess your needs. What is the area of the room you want to sanitize? How much autonomy do you need? Who are the people occupying the room: a young child, a fragile person…? Also consider the climate in your area.
Installing an air humidifier: what precautions?
The air humidifier is easily installed in any room. But its effectiveness depends on how you use it. Let’s see what precautions to take to prevent it from malfunctioning. Whether in a bedroom, living room or office, install the humidifier as follows:
- In the center of the room. Do not place it against a wall or near furniture, which will prevent moisture from spreading throughout the room.
- Away from radiators and air vents. The effect of the humidifier would be neutralized.
- In height. Do not place the device on the ground. Ideally, it should be 80 cm from the ground, that is to say on a piece of furniture or a table, which you will protect with a towel.
- Always upright. Make sure it is stable and not in danger of falling or being bumped on the way. He fears shocks.
- Protected from sun, heat and humidity. Risk of failure.
- Out of reach children or pets, for their safety and the proper functioning of the appliance. Also be careful not to spill anything on it.
Watch the rate hygrometry of the room to regulate the action of your humidifier. Trigger it when the ambient humidity drops below 30%. If the rate is 50% or more, no need to humidify the air. And so that your device lasts a long time, remember to maintain it according to the instructions in the manual and to clean it regularly.