All about Humidifiers

All About Humidifiers

We consider the most important points when it comes to choosing a humidifier. Doctors and specialists generally recommend a relative humidity in rooms of 40 to 60%, but you can go a little lower in winter, but not higher in summer. During the heating season in winter, it is not uncommon for the relative humidity to drop below 25%. Therefore, measures should be taken to increase humidity. This is in line with what you should know about humidifiers, humidity, and your indoor climate.

What does relative humidity mean?

• Relative humidity is the ratio of the percentage of water present in the air at a given time to the maximum amount of water the air can hold at that temperature.
• With a relative humidity of 50%, the air contains half of the water it is capable of holding at that temperature.
• With a relative humidity of 100%, the air is completely saturated with water. This means it is not possible to add more water to the air at this temperature.
• If the water saturation exceeds 100%, the moisture will condense into water. It rains.

How to find the level of humidity?

With the help of a hygrometer, you can determine temperature and relative humidity. Some humidifiers and dehumidifiers have this built-in and show it on a display. Alternatively, a standalone hygrometer can be used.

Are there no so-called "natural" ways to increase humidity?

• Indoor plants:

Leaves and soil release water vapor, but in small amounts.

• Evaporators for radiators:

These are not recommended because the water heats up to between 30 and 40°C, which promotes bacterial growth. They can therefore have a negative impact on health, even though they add useful moisture.

• Open the bathroom door after showering:

This helps, and it also helps to dry the bathroom after showering. Nevertheless, it is only sporadic and with little control.

• Hang laundry in the room:

This helps increase humidity, but it has a short-lived effect, and you have little control over the result. You should only do this during the heating season.

Why is the air so dry in winter?

See the graphic representation above.

Here we see an example where air is completely saturated at -5°C.

There we have 100% relative humidity. If we raise the temperature to 0°C, the relative humidity drops to 69%. There is still the same amount of water (the blue field), but the air's ability to absorb moisture has increased (the gray field). Therefore, the relative humidity (measured in percent) decreases.

If the temperature rises further to 14 degrees, we see that the relative humidity drops to 26%.

Again, there is exactly the same amount of water (blue) but the air has the ability to absorb more moisture (gray) and thus the relative humidity will decrease (percentage of water compared to the air's ability to absorb moisture at that temperature). When we reach room temperature of 23 degrees, we see that the humidity has dropped to 15%. 15% is, however, very dry, and some will notice the discomfort of this.

From this, we can see that air that is 100% saturated with water at minus 5°C becomes very dry and has a relative humidity of only 15% at 23°C. 15% is too low humidity, and something must be done.

What are the consequences of excessively dry air?

• Dry skin

• Reduced efficiency

• Fatigue

• Discomfort

• Reduced resistance to colds

• Dry mucous membranes

• Dry eyes

• Musical instruments crack, go out of tune, and can be damaged

• Wood furniture, wood floors, parquet, and moldings dry out and crack

• More static electricity (you get "shocks" more easily)

• More airborne particles

• More air pollution from traffic.

What are the main reasons for buying a humidifier?

We asked why customers buy a humidifier, and here are the answers we received:

• 30% to counteract very dry air

• 18% to relieve allergies/asthma

• 13% for cooling in summer

• 10% to improve indoor climate for children

• 8% for general health

• 6% for doctor's recommendation

Where are humidifiers placed?

We asked our customers where they place the humidifier, and here are the answers we received:

• 35% children's rooms

• 25% bedrooms

• 20% living room/dining room

• 5% kitchen

• 15% other

What are the different technologies for humidifiers?

There are several techniques for adding moisture. Here are the most common ones:

This is the most common method. A thin metal plate vibrates very rapidly, breaking down water molecules into very small droplets. Ultrasonic humidifiers will produce a very fine mist (water droplets about 1 μm in size). A quiet fan then blows the finely dispersed water into the air where it immediately evaporates. The moisture is visible. It looks like water vapor from boiling water, but it is no warmer than the ambient air.

• Advantage:

Increases humidity rapidly

• Disadvantage:

Generates limescale (in the form of white dust) if you don't use a limescale filter. Water can accumulate around the appliance if there is poor air circulation.

This type of humidification is the most natural. The water poured into the tank will rise through capillary action in the filters inside the unit. A fan draws dry ambient air through the filters. The humidified air is blown into the room.

• Advantage:

Quiet dispersion (depending on fan speed). Rarely causes too much humidity. Has good capacity when dry, and lower capacity when humidity rises. Water does not accumulate on the surface where the appliance stands.

• Disadvantage:

Some costs arise for replacing filters. Should be replaced every season.

The technique is very old and works like a pot of boiling water. A heating element heats the water to its boiling point. The outgoing steam then humidifies the air. This technique ensures the moisture is free of bacteria because the water is heated to a high temperature (80°C). The steam blown out of the unit is bacteria-free and completely hygienic.

• Advantage:

Very good dispersion in the room, without bacteria.

• Disadvantage:

Do not use in the presence of children due to the heat.

This is a device with a wheel that draws air into a body of water. As the air is forced through the water, it will gradually shed dirty particles and then absorb moisture. This becomes a hybrid solution of an air purifier and a humidifier.

• Advantage:

Humidifies and purifies the air. Inexpensive to use as it does not require buying filters.

• Disadvantage:

You'll have some work cleaning the wheel from time to time.

Why do so many people recommend NOT using a humidifier?

If you search for humidifiers online, you will constantly come across articles advising against using them. We believe this is based on misunderstandings, and we will explain to you why.

Bacterial growth:

Previously (common in the 80s), humidifiers that heated water were popular. The water was heated to a temperature where it evaporated, but not so hot that it boiled. However, this meant that ideal temperatures for bacteria existed. This type of humidifier is hardly sold anymore, and other technologies have taken over. Therefore, this is no longer a problem (unless you are still using your old humidifier from the 80s). Humidifiers with hot steam boil the water and are completely safe. An ultrasonic humidifier that is cleaned frequently is also safe, but if you know you might be negligent with this, we recommend using an evaporative humidifier instead.

Too much humidity:

Some advise against humidifiers because they are concerned about excessive humidity. This is a real problem, especially as the weather starts to get warmer. If it's bitterly cold outside, you are unlikely to get too much humidity indoors, but if you use a humidifier without moderation, it can end up being a problem. For this reason, we recommend using a humidifier with a hygrostat. This ensures that the humidifier stops when the humidity is sufficient. "Air & Me" also has a simple form of hygrostat they call "HygroSmart." It makes the humidifier stop at about 50% relative humidity. Alternatively, you can use an evaporative humidifier, as these are self-regulating.

Therefore:

If you use a humidifier with a hygrostat, you avoid the problems warned against. Then it is completely safe. You get the benefits of having proper humidity, and none of the disadvantages that existed in the 80s, and that some still warn against.

Do you wonder more about humidity and humidifiers?

Contact your home appliance supplier for indoor climate. Our experience is that this is not difficult to understand at all, but the disadvantage is that many stores are not interested and have not familiarized themselves with even the most basic elements. We therefore recommend that you try to get in touch with someone who understands and knows this. If you are unsure, you can always call us at Hemklimat at 072-5070100.