Many people think about the state of the air in their apartment, and this is not without reason. The cleaner what we inhale, the healthier we will ultimately be. Air is life, and many things are connected with it that directly affect human health. The parameters of cleanliness, humidity and cleanliness of the room are the most important. For example, if a room is heated too much, or, on the contrary, cooled with the help of additional means, this can significantly dry out the air. Many people have probably noticed that being in a room with stale air is uncomfortable. Of course, you can ventilate, but the air outside the window is not always clean, especially if it is the first floor and the windows overlook the roadway.
An effective way to clean and humidify the atmosphere in a room is to use special devices. The most common device today is the so-called air washer. Below we will find out what the benefits and harms of using such devices are.
Why do you wash the air?
And for many people, such an event as air washing is no longer exotic. Whether in an office at work or in a room at home, everywhere you need to not only monitor the purity of nitrogen and oxygen, but also the level of humidity.
40-60% is considered the norm, but if the level drops to about 20-25%, then this is the Sahara Desert.
Negative factors of dry air are:
- In dry rooms, pathogenic bacteria and viruses develop. Such pathogenic microflora is dangerous to health, especially affecting children and the elderly.
- Dry nose. Drying of the mucous membrane allows microbes to easily enter the body, causing various diseases, including respiratory diseases. Hard deposits form in the nasal canal, interfering with free inhalation, the skin tightens, loses elasticity, acquires an earthy color, and a feeling of sand appears in the eyes.
- Dryness affects not only the person, but also the environment. Furniture and floors are drying out, creaking, and wallpaper is peeling off. The plants wither, do not bloom, and stand drooping.
- Static electricity appears, creating an unpleasant sensation when combing your hair and putting on clothes.
And many other factors that can be easily eliminated by bringing the humidity level to optimal levels.
Types of air purifiers
Many housewives will agree that it is difficult to do without air filtration in the kitchen. If you used to buy the usual air purifier for the kitchen above the stove - an extractor hood - now the choice of devices is much wider. In our assortment, you can choose devices that more successfully combat odors, soot and fumes.
If you need kitchen air washing, the following devices will be optimal:
- Photocatalytic
. The operating principle is photocatalysis, when ultraviolet rays affect the catalyst. - Coal
. They retain molecules of gases and volatile compounds well, absorb bacteria and odors. Both granular and finely dispersed activated carbon are suitable for filling. - With mechanical filters
that are made of fibrous materials. This air purifier has a significant disadvantage - the device does not absorb cigarette smoke and small viruses.
Air purifier - ionizer
Many owners prefer ionizers. These apartment air purifiers work on a different principle than the ones mentioned above. The flow of electrons is generated by a high-voltage converter, dust particles are drawn in or settle on the floor and furniture, from where they can be easily removed during cleaning. What does the air ionizer wash guarantee:
- not only cleans, but also disinfects the air;
- has a therapeutic effect in inflammatory diseases;
- works silently;
- consumes little energy.
Disadvantages of work:
- cannot neutralize harmful gases;
- leaves volatile substances in the air.
Air purifier with photocatalytic filter
The type of filter plays an important role in the operation of the device; in restaurants and medical institutions, devices using photocatalysis are more often chosen. If you don’t know what photocatalytic air washing is, then we are talking about porous and rough cleaning. The surface of the filter is coated with titanium dioxide. In this case, the catalyst transmits light, and the device itself operates silently. Characteristics:
- does not trap harmful particles, but burns them with ultraviolet light;
- removes odors well;
- no regeneration required;
- does not destroy construction dust.
Ultrasonic air washing
It is important to consider before purchasing that these devices are designed for a certain area; if it is larger than necessary, then the desired effect will not be achieved. An ultrasonic air purifier for an apartment has also proven itself quite well. The principle of operation is simple: water falls on a membrane, which, due to high frequency vibrations, turns the liquid into water dust. Characteristics:
- humidifies the air quickly;
- Water dust leaves a residue on furniture in hard water.
Air washing with UV lamp
Many people still remember quartz lamps in hospitals, with the help of which they disinfected rooms. Working with it required caution, since a failure could cause poisoning and eye burns. Today it has been replaced by such a convenient and safe device as an ultraviolet air cleaner for home or medical institutions. Characteristics:
- sucks in air, the rays kill microorganisms in the air collector;
- affects all organic contaminants;
- organic matter decomposes into safe substances;
- effective in combating fungi and mold;
- consumes little energy.
Water air purifier
Among the models you can see devices with water filters, they are also called aquafilters. When buying such an air purifier for your home, you should take into account some of the features of its operation: it passes polluted air through a curtain of water, washing away dust and large solid particles, but it cannot cope with small ones. Peculiarities:
- easy to maintain, you need to replace dirty water with clean water on time;
- guarantees a not very high degree of purification;
- Doesn't get rid of odors.
Air washing
This is a household appliance designed to purify and humidify the surrounding area by automatically adjusting to maintain optimal humidity levels. The main principle is natural humidification, that is, dryness or excessive moisture in the premises is not allowed. With basic settings, humidity does not rise above 50-60%; to increase the indicator, you can use an ultrasonic humidifier, which forcibly increases the indicator to 80-90%.
The undoubted advantage of this device is the absence of the need to purchase consumables, which distinguishes the device from an ultrasonic humidifier, the cost of a replacement filter varies from several hundred to several thousand rubles with a replacement period of 3-5 months. Thus, air washing, despite the initial price, is a more economical option in maintenance.
In addition, this device can be filled with ordinary tap water, without fear of the formation of a white coating.
Model Faura Aria 500
The Faura Aria 500 air washer has quite contradictory reviews. Some are dissatisfied with the device, but most users claim that it copes with its responsibilities. The main advantages are:
- Low price.
- Can be used in the car.
- The device is desktop and quite compact.
- There is an ionization function.
- If used near a wall, condensation will not form.
- It works quietly and can be used in the bedroom.
Consumers often complain about the small tank and the need to add water twice a day. But some believe that this fact is an indicator of the effective operation of the sink.
Considering that the device is electronically controlled, equipped with a display, timer and water level indicator, it is quite reasonable to recommend the Faura air washer for purchase. Reviews also indicate that the equipment copes with its responsibilities if you use it in a room no larger than 20 m2 and regularly clean the internal parts.
Work process
To evaluate the result of the device, you need to compare how you breathe in the room before turning on the device and at the end of the cycle.
The room space is filled with dust, hair, dander and animal hair, fallen skin particles and other polluting allergens.
- The design of the device includes a fan that sets air in motion and supplies it to the humidification element or drum, onto which dirt particles stick and are washed off with water into a tray specially designed for this purpose.
- Thus, dry, dirty and allergen-containing air enters the device, and purified, refreshed and humidified air comes out back into the room.
- Moreover, the humidification process occurs according to the traditional type and, unlike forced humidification, for example, ultrasonic, no cloud of fog is observed at the output.
Of course, you can purchase a climate control system with deep cleaning and a whole filtration system, but its cost is far from affordable. It is designed for large areas, which is why it is sold at the price of industrial equipment.
About the Venta LW25 model
This is the most popular model for use in a child's room or bedroom. According to reviews, it works almost silently, so it does not interfere with a peaceful rest.
The model is designed for a large space and is capable of purifying the air in an apartment up to 41 m2. The water tank is large enough (7 liters), enough for 8 hours of continuous use.
Among the advantages, users highlight:
- Visual indication of water level.
- There is no need to purchase replacement blocks.
- Silent operation.
- Ergonomics.
The Venta air washer also has negative reviews. A deposit often forms in the tank, which is difficult to clean. In addition, if the device is placed near a wall, condensation may occur.
Moisturizing elements
Manufacturers offer a large range of devices such as air washers. One of the main indicators influencing the choice is the performance of the device.
Not every product has a maximum of 500 g/hour, and the design features of the body and the moisturizing elements have a direct impact:
- Disks. Presented in different modifications from various brands, for example, Boneco, Electrolux, Venta.
- Sponges. A relatively new solution, for example, from the manufacturer Boneco. There are no fundamental differences, they differ in size.
Schematically, the operating principle is as follows:
- The moisturizing element (sponges, discs) is immersed in water (there are 2 trays in the device) to an optimal depth, which allows it to wash away dirt during rotation and retain moisture without drying out.
- Those. Due to the special structure of the synthetic material and textile upholstery, the sponge always remains wet.
- Water also does not drain from the disks, thanks to the presence of a number of lamellas and other retaining elements that focus centrifugal force. The number of disks is sufficient (cassette), their total area exceeds 2 sq.m., allowing you to quickly ensure sufficient performance and optimal moisture levels.
Such a large area cannot be moistened by traditional methods, such as hanging a wet cloth around the apartment or on radiators, heating radiators and placing containers with water.
Only modern household appliances can purify the air, evenly humidify it throughout the entire room and maintain an optimal microclimate in the house.
"Electrolux EHAW-6515" - model for home use
This device has many positive reviews. Its price is quite affordable, but the sink is equipped with an ionization function. Thanks to the ability to serve a large area (up to 52 m2), one is enough for an entire apartment.
Among the advantages is the presence of working disks that can be washed. This eliminates the need to purchase replacement filters. The device also turns off automatically as soon as the water reaches a critical level.
But there are also disadvantages to this model. The sink is quite large and requires free space for installation. In addition, it is difficult to care for the working elements. But without proper care, the internal parts of the device quickly become dirty.
Bay of water
According to their design features, the devices are filled with water by filling them from the top, or through a special tank.
The top option is considered more convenient, as, for example, with the Boneco W200: the lid is removed and water is silently poured directly into the pan, possibly directly onto the sponge. Capacity – 4.5 l.
In another option, the liquid comes from a separate tank, and to avoid gurgling sounds, good manufacturers use thick plastic that muffles possible noise.
TION
The series of breathers of this brand includes such models as TION Lite, TION O2, TION 3S. Even in the basic configuration, this device includes everything necessary for effective ventilation and air purification. It is characterized by low noise during operation (only 18 dB at first speed). It can be equipped with filters - from simple dust to a full set of filter elements (charcoal filter, prefilter, G4 and HEPA H11). Productivity – up to 140 m3/hour, can work in passive mode (without electricity), controlled via Wi-Fi (model TION 3S).
Control
Basically, the devices are presented with mechanical control, including 3 modes:
- Day;
- Night;
- Turned off.
Models with touch controls are gaining popularity, making it easier to operate the device.
There are devices with a built-in hygrometer that displays humidity levels on the screen in real time.
OXY
The manufacturer of this brand of breathers is a Russian company. The OXY breather line includes three models – OXY, OXY2 and OXY3. These devices are distinguished by their compact size (246*326*125 mm), the ability to operate in “natural” ventilation mode and cost-effectiveness. Other advantages of OXY breathers include the ability to smoothly adjust the air supply speed, as well as the modularity of the equipment - having installed OXY, you can change it at any time to a more functional model, simply paying the difference in the cost of the devices.
Additional options
For the season of respiratory diseases, families with children and people with respiratory diseases, models with an aroma capsule are relevant, which allows you to add healing essential oils for disease prevention and aromatherapy sessions. The air is not only filled with a pleasant smell, but also suppresses the effect of viruses.
A useful feature in some models is a built-in hygrometer that measures humidity levels and a hygrostat designed to adjust parameters so that the microclimate does not become over-humidified.
Although, even without such additional options, any model of the device, by its operating principle, maintains an optimal level of moisture in the premises, so the absence of such additional functionality is not critical.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like other types of humidifiers, air washing, the pros and cons of which will be discussed below, saturates the air with moisture. Thanks to this, normal conditions are created for human life and many health problems are solved - dry eyes, frequent colds, nasal congestion, sore throat and others.
Popular brands of air washers are Ballu and Boneco Air-O-Swiss
Advantages of the device:
- cleans the air from contaminants larger than 10 microns;
- cannot lead to overhydration that is harmful to health;
- processes the air in the entire room due to its forced intake by a fan;
- does not heat the water, which means there is no risk of getting burned if used carelessly;
- does not provoke the appearance of limescale on household appliances and furniture.
Many devices are equipped with additional options: several operating modes with different noise levels, water level sensors, a hygrostat, an ionizer, antibacterial silver cartridges, an aromatization system, a cleaning reminder function, and so on.
The main disadvantage of air washers is that they are difficult to maintain. As already mentioned, in order to avoid microbiological contamination, the device must be disassembled and washed every 3-4 days. Some parts are complex and difficult to clean and reinstall.
Caring for the device
Any product requires proper care. In this case, it is necessary to carry out simple hygienic maintenance fairly regularly:
- Wash the tray periodically, keep the moisturizing element clean, and wipe the fan blades approximately once every 2 months.
- The sponge is easily removable and can be washed by hand, in the washing machine or dishwasher.
- The discs are removable, can be disassembled without difficulty, and can be cleaned just like a sponge or washed under the pressure of a shower; even a few seconds are enough. If the disc cassette in the model is not collapsible, then the entire drum can be washed in the dishwasher without any problems.
- Maintenance must be regular so that the efficiency of the device does not decrease; both professional products recommended by the manufacturer and ordinary household chemicals or citric acid dissolved in warm water are used as cleaning compounds.
- It is useful to use an ionizing rod made of silver, which prevents water from blooming and removes possible unpleasant odors. Most models are equipped with a silver rod; with daily use, its service life is quite long - a year.
The tank should be washed with warm water, no more than 40 degrees, i.e. do not use hot water. It is recommended to remove contaminated water daily, rinse the tray and refill with fresh liquid.
When choosing a model, choose larger tanks; the humidifying elements should have optimal contact with water over their area. Pay attention to the ease of maintenance and the ability to adjust the fan speed (work in night mode).
The device is designed for year-round daily use, has a sufficient resource, effectively purifies the air, maintaining an optimal level of humidity, and generally has a beneficial effect on health.
Swiss cleaner Boneco W2055
The Boneko air washer has quite positive reviews. The device is designed for large rooms and eliminates dust. Boneco W2055 DR is capable of humidifying and purifying the air in a room up to 50 m2. It has a convenient, clear display and support for specified functions.
Among the advantages, users highlight:
- Possibility to set the device to day or night mode.
- There is an air ionization function.
- You can add essential oils and use them as a flavoring agent.
- The drum is equipped with a silver rod, which helps disinfect the air passing through it.
But the Boneco air washer also has negative reviews. Some people are not satisfied with the inflated price. Others claim that the humming of the device prevents them from sleeping peacefully, so they cannot use it at night. Still others believe that the tank is not well thought out and filling water is not very convenient.
