Different Types of Humidifiers
Humidifiers are electric appliances that generate steam or water mist and discharge it into the atmosphere within the room where the gadget is located, or through the entire home when a strong whole-house in-line humidifier is installed in the ductwork of the home. Most humidifiers with a unique style, features, and built-in humidistat are highly demanded and hence expensive. The best models are characterized by low noise, maintenance reminders, ease of cleaning, adjustable-output humidity, ease of filling, automatic shut off, antibacterial features and a hygrometer or humidistat to monitor the moisture of the room. Humidifiers are either classified as warm-mist or cool-mist depending on their function within the area of installation. They are sold in compact personal, floor console, portable or whole-house models.
A cool mist humidifier functions well in places where the inhabitants struggle with hard water. The process of cool mist is efficient since it prevents hard water from building up on the filter portion and wick of the machine. The cool mist assembly is also effective in trapping the minerals contained in the hard water, preventing them from permeating the air where they can be inhaled as people breathe. These humidifiers are ideal for kids since they are less prone to burn risk, which is common with hot vapor humidifiers.
Warm mist humidifiers are the best models in areas with soft water. They moisten the air by releasing warm, wet vapor to the atmosphere. Most people prefer their impeccable comfort and uniform humidification that mitigates the effect of cold symptoms, sore throat, and congestion. However, they get clogged with the minerals that occur naturally in harder water making them dirty. A water softener can offer a perfect remedy to this defect. These models boil water and release the warm vapor as steam, which ensures that spores and bacteria are killed. Therefore, they make for a more comfortable and healthier night’s sleep.
There are different types of humidifiers with distinct features, although they serve almost the same purpose. The main types include portable, industrial, and forced-air humidifiers among other types.
Industrial humidifiers are installed in big buildings to maintain a specific level of humidity so as to preserve material properties, prevent static electricity buildup and ensure a healthy and comfortable living or working environment. Industries such as printing, paper, packaging, plastic, electrostatic, textiles, pharmaceuticals and automotive manufacturing are prone to static problems. Scientists recommend a range of 45-55% relative humidity (RH). If humidity falls below 45% RH, the occurrence of friction causes static buildup and sparks that can damage Information Technology equipment. Paper and printer manufacturing firms use humidifiers to curb shrinkage and paper curl while art museums use them to preserve sensitive works of art. These humidifiers are also ideal for hospital operating rooms, cold storage rooms, and semiconductor manufacturing firms.
Portable humidifiers come in different sizes and ranges from small tabletop humidifiers to large floor-mounted units. They require manual refilling with water on a periodic basis. The main categories of portable humidifiers include evaporative and ultrasonic humidifiers. Although the two models humidify a room efficiently, they are distinct and have significant differences in moisture production with minimal trade-offs. These differences are evident in their features, operation noise, and how each model tends to handle mineral scale deposits such as white/gray dust.
Ultrasonic humidifiers are the most energy-efficient among all humidifiers. They contain a water reservoir and oscillating plates. The plates vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency, transforming water into a fine mist, which is then blown out by use of a fan. One of its downfalls is that it produces white dust as a by-product, which is hazardous to people who experience breathing problems. Nevertheless, some newer models use advanced technology that prevent the occurrence of white dust.
Evaporative humidifiers blow water by use of a fan, which releases moisture into the air. These appliances are human-friendly since they maintain hygiene. They are also energy-efficient and noiseless. They are ideal for bedrooms, study rooms or places that require minimal noises. There are two main models of evaporative humidifiers, which can be distinguished by their system. One model uses the porous filter while the other uses rotating discs. The model that uses a porous filter can be polluted easily by dust or other fine matter in the air. On the other hand, the model containing the rotating discs is made using hardened plastic that makes them firm and easy to clean.
Other portable humidifiers include natural humidifiers, vaporizers, and impeller humidifiers.
You can actually make a natural humidifier with items around your house. Natural humidifiers use an evaporative mechanism and hence can be classified under evaporative humidifiers. They are normally non-commercial gadgets that make use of just a wick and reservoir. The cost of assembling them is very minimal. During assembly, a stainless steel bowl is partially filled with water and then covered by a towel. The towel is then made to sink in the bowl’s center using a waterproof weight. The water spreads via the towel by a mode known as capillary action. The wet towel provides rapid evaporation that leads to increments in humidity. Both the bowl and towel are easier to clean, although the towel requires periodic replacement to prevent the occurrence of mold and bacteria.
A vaporizer, which is also known as a warm mist humidifier or steam humidifier, works by boiling water and then releasing the steam and moisture into the air. It is advisable to add a medicated inhalant to the vaporizer to curb coughing spells. They are hygienic appliances since steam does not convey microorganisms or mineral impurities to the water held in the reservoir. This vaporizer consumes a lot of energy, as it requires boiling water, which raises the utility bills. Its heat source should be well designed to prevent overheating or leaking.
Impeller humidifiers are also known as cool-mist humidifiers. They fling water at a diffuser using a spinning disc, which splits the incoming water into fine droplets that are then made to float in the air. If the water used is not kept scrupulously clean, dissolved minerals and microorganisms can be sent into the air, settling on nearby household items as white dust.
Forced-air humidifiers are normally installed in buildings with a forced-air furnace. They are efficient in protecting wooden items and antiques as well as other furnishings that might be damaged by overly dry air. If bypass humidifiers are connected between the cold and heated air return ducts, some heated air will bypass via the humidifier and go back to the furnace. The pressure difference that exists between the ducts enhances this connection.
Humidifiers that use a forced-air mechanism include drums, disc wheels, bypass flow-through, and spray mist.
Drums style (bypass) contains a pipe that is used to supply water to the reservoir or pan, which is attached to the furnace. The reservoir’s water level is controlled using a float valve. The wick is comprised of a foam pad attached to a small motor and mounted on a drum. The air that enters the drum is forced out through its sides. When the hygrostat detects a decrease in humidity, the motor is restarted making the drum spin swiftly through the pan containing water. This ensures that the foam pad does not dry out. The drum-style humidifier should be used with furnace air filters that are rated as high quality to prevent mold buildup.
A disc wheel style (bypass) has a lot of similarities to the drum style humidifiers. However, the foam drum is replaced with several plastic discs that have small grooves on both sides. This indicates that the evaporative surface area is large, regardless of space. Unlike the drum, the disc wheel doesn’t require periodic replacement.
Bypass flow-through (bypass or biscuit style) delivers water to an electrically controlled valve situated at the top of the appliance using a pipe. Air is passed through the “biscuit” (aluminum or pad) that is identical to a very coarse steel wool. The biscuit is coated with matte ceramic to increase the surface area. When the hygrostat detects a decrease in humidity, the valve is opened, and a spray of water is directed to the biscuit. Evaporation of water from the pad takes place when the biscuit is subjected to hot air. The produced vapor is then released into the atmosphere.
The spray mist type is fitted with a small tube or pipe, which delivers water to an electrically controlled valve. The air supplied is sprayed with water mist, causing the flow of air to push the mist into the premises.
Other types of humidifiers include the centrifugal atomizer, under duct, non-bypass flow-through, and steam designs. The introduction of new humidifier models such as whole house console humidifiers, top-fill humidifiers, and UV germ-free humidifiers has revolutionized the humidifier market due to their high demand.
Humidifiers are efficient in improving the air quality and comfort by moisturizing the dry air in the home or work place. This has a positive impact on the home inhabitants and the general home environment. The moisturized air curbs the occurrence of coughs, chapped lips, static electricity and cracking of wooden musical instruments or furniture caused by extremely dry air. Nevertheless, excessive moisture in the air incubates mildew and can be hazardous to human health. It is recommendable to maintain a balance of home moisture by controlling the amount of the home’s humidity. The level of humidity can also be reduced using a household appliance known as a dehumidifier. This appliance is also ideal in eliminating musty odors.