Cleaners and humidifiers: types, functions, how to choose

To create a comfortable atmosphere at home, at work or in the car, you can install special equipment - cleaners and humidifiers.

Cleaners - this filter system, the flow of air and collecting the dust and micro-particles that are in it. In combination with a humidifier, air enriched with water particles.

Kinds

• cleaners. Purify the air from dust, odors, smoke, bacteria, spend ionization and ozone treatment facilities. Level purifiers work is provided by several, different in its structure and design of filters.
• humidifiers. They are used to create a comfortable humidity level in the room within 40-60%. Dry dust-laden air irritate the respiratory tract. Humectants may be hot or cold steam.
• climate systems. Are devices that combine the cleaners and humidifiers cold evaporator. These two functions are already working and at the same time, and apart from each other.

Air purifiers are fixed, embedded in the intake system of rooms, capable of servicing the building and household. Domestic mobile devices more often designed to handle one room. It is also used in cars, and have special connectors for the cigarette lighter. There are models that are used to eliminate odors in refrigerators.

Types of air purifiers

Systems of filters made of paper material, felt, foam, mesh, and other materials.

On the effectiveness of their divided into three classes:

• first class - dust collection of any size, the second name of "absolute";
• second class - the ability to capture particles with diameter greater than 1 micron;
• third class - capture of 10 microns.

Air filters, divided by the material used and the principle of operation:

mechanical - pre-filter. The task to detain large dust, pet dander and hair. Installed in almost every appliance to protect the internal parts of the equipment consists of a fine mesh. The used filter is replaced by a new or washed, it can be used repeatedly.

coal - absorb the gas particles. Efficacy is determined by the amount of material in the device. A larger number of micropores in the larger angle allows to absorb odors and gases, as well as increase the useful life of the filter. Use in a high humidity will be ineffective.

To increase the quality of air purification charcoal filters may be combined with other types.

oil - metal or plastic mesh soaked in mineral oils. There are two types: self-cleaning, or Valium. Self-cleaning takes place by continuously moving mesh belt through an oil tank.

HEPA filters. They were originally intended to capture radioactive particles, and are now used in cleaners. It is set in hospitals, where patients' condition related to air quality.

In the composition of the nonwoven fibrous sheet material which is folded like an accordion. A factor in the quality of work - the diameter of the fibers in the composition and thickness of the filter. Used for manufacturing fiberglass fiber diameter of from 0.5 micron to 2 microns. Such a device design cleaner capable of trapping minute particles due to more efficient mechanisms:

• Engagement. Particles engage the fibers in the case where the air stream passes close to the fibers.
• Inertia. Particles of large diameter have large inertia indicators, which does not allow to bend around the fiber.
• Diffusion - capture the smallest particles.

Replacement filters is done once in 1-3 years, depending on the contamination.

spongy. At the core of polyurethane foam, rubber and other sponge materials. They are used repeatedly, exposing washing.

electrostatic. The filter is two zones, where the first of them charged particles are obtained, and the second face down on the plates. Accumulated dust easily washed away with water.

Acquisition of new components for these filters are not required, making them more profitable, but the performance of these devices is not great.

ULPA-filters - better than HEPA. Their efficiency is 99.999%. In their composition also is fiberglass, which is divided pleating plastic threads.

photocatalytic - work on the basis of UV radiation. Toxins, viruses, bacteria - is not stored in the device, and is destroyed to form water and carbon dioxide. Scents which reason organic compounds are destroyed by UV radiation.

air streams pass through the openings, wherein by ultraviolet radiation harmful bacteria and microorganisms are killed. At the exit, the user receives a sterile environment.

The lamps are in a closed housing and have no effect on the human body, even with close-finding device.

Assemblies with UV lamps have the following advantages over models that do not have such lamps design:

• The device can be used at any time, regardless of the presence of people in the room. During processing, the processing is not distinguished products, compared with ozone generators. In old-style patterns, the processing allocated ozone particles but modern devices developed to meet this problem and exception.
• Low noise level - his absence. Purifier with UV lamp can work at night, did not bother their owners during sleep.
• Low power consumption, which means economical to use.
• Preventing the development of fungi and mold. Fungal spores - are microorganisms that are in the person's environment at all times. Ultraviolet destroys spores, which allows to maintain a healthy environment in the home and extend the life of interior - furniture.
• Can be installed in any location. The device is portable, allowing you to clean in any room.

there are rules of operation for this type of cleaning:

• Do not open the cover on the operating equipment, it protects the eyes and skin from UV exposure;
• do not put the instrument children lamp contains mercury;
• use lamps disposed in a special way, but not as household waste.

Purifiers, equipped with UV lamps, can be of different types and different quality and working principle:

• Ionic Purifier with integrated quartz lamp combats dust and mites living in it destroys particles cause allergic reactions. Ultraviolet latest models do not contain mercury in the lamps. Its use is permissible even in the presence of shaking in transport.
• Type UV germicidal recirculator. Such equipment is widely used in medicine and in the food industry. The device removes not only bacteria, but also the toxins trapped in the air, unpleasant odors. It used around the clock.
• Ionizers UV lamp. The presence of such features in cleaners, it is useful for people suffering from diseases of the respiratory system (asthma, allergy), migraine and other possible diseases are aggravated by the presence of odors. The air cleaned from the gases (carbon monoxide or sulfur dioxide), nicotine and flavor of tobacco smoke, pollen, unpleasant odors, etc. This device provides the air particles of ions, and makes it sterile in combination with a UV lamp.

Lamp units may be different, depending on what and duration of operation. The power of the devices and the treated area of ​​the air depends on the presence of additional filters in the device. The stores are models that can handle the premises of 19-25 m².

Types Humidification

Devices for cleaning air and indoor moisture saturation are divided into four types.

Traditional humidifiers - units, based on the work which the air flows pass through a wet filter. This equipment is still known as "cold foggers." When using this device, there is a slight decrease in the room temperature.

premises irrigation rate depends on the air humidity. To prevent quick clogging of the cartridge, the rational use of demineralized or distilled water.

Steam humidifiers. The principle of operation is similar to the kettle. The air is saturated with moisture evaporated when the water boils. Devices have a significant drawback - a high power consumption.

ultrasound - humidifiers operating on the basis of ultrasonic vibrations. In the process of fine water droplets from the water surface are knocked out. heating fluid does not occur, noiseless process. Water slurry is fed into the room with powerful fans. For equipment important to the quality used in the process water.

It is not necessary to save on buying a quality moisturizer, if the choice was stopped on the ultrasound model. Often the stores get a fake, which can harm the health of domestic animals, unlike humans, they can detect ultrasound.

ultrasonic liquid evaporation technology is widely used in medicine for the treatment of diseases the respiratory system, so for people who have respiratory abnormalities in the functioning of such a device will be especially useful.

air cleaning - is an upgraded model of humectants, a combined system. The definition can be heard with respect to these instruments - the climate system.

The use of such equipment in-house to increase the quality of the air handler.

functions

desalinization cartridge

To reduce the content of inorganic substances and reduce the level of water hardness for cold humidifiers in its construction include demineralized cartridge.

If the instruments to reduce steam pasteurization these figures, the vaporized water is passed through a filter containing special resin delaying these substances.

Supported humidity

To create favorable conditions for different regions, need a selection of humidity depending on external factors.

To create a positive atmosphere or potted plants in a greenhouse, the humidity set at 90%.

The functions of the consumption and preparation of water

Water consumption humidifiers. Manufacturers indicate flow characteristics in ml / hr. Performance depends on the capacity of the machine - the higher the capacity, the more water is recycled. Depending on the equipment and room size models of consumption for one day smooth operation can be up to 15L.

To humidifier performance is not lowered, the water tank must always be filled. None purifier tank has sufficient volume for the smooth operation of the device. Its filling takes place 2-3 times a day.

It is understood that the reservoir is 6.5 liters will be filled with less than 3. From the tank volume depends on the size of the device.

Preheating water. This function is used in ultrasonic humidifiers models. Water - a habitat of microorganisms, infections and bacteria spray that is detrimental to the health of the inhabitants of the room.

The water is heated to a temperature of 80 ° C.

The operating principle of the water filter

Water wash or filter the air by its design is not a filter - a drum in which is disposed the plastic discs 20, endlessly rotating and washed with water from the reservoir.

The untreated air is directed at the fan wheels, and there occurs the washing process: the particles adhere to the moist disks. This type of purifier removes the room from dust, allergens, infections and odor.

Ionization and ozonization

Modern air cleaning device - is not only removal of dust, but ionization and ozonization.
Ionization. Air away from the city - in the woods or the mountains, near the sea or ocean oxygen saturation and useful content in it ions with a negative charge. The wood particles having such 1cm³ It is from 700 to 1500, and at the sea coast increases from 50 to 100 million units.

The lack of such particles in the person's environment has adverse effects - the development of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and strokes, problems with blood clotting.

Cleaner air ionization in the room - air ionizers or "Chandelier Chizhevskogo".

Increased motor activity of man, improves the function of the immune system in opposition to viruses and infections.

Ionizers are divided into two categories:

• unipolar - only produce ions with a negative charge;
• bipolar - saturated with oxygen both negative and positive particles.

ozonation. Function discourages customers in connection with the fact that high concentration of ozone in the environment have a toxic effect on humans. As a consequence, there are headaches, heart palpitations, or sometimes the weakening of cardiac activity, dizziness, pain in the breast, inflammation of the mucous membranes, choking cough.

Dangerous concentration of ozone inhalation particles find 2-20mg / m³. Conditioning occurs with normal ozone content of 0.01 - 0.02 mg / m³ .

The use of ozone within the permissible limits is safe and useful. This is an effective method of cleaning the air from unpleasant odors, viruses and infections, mold spores. The effect of ozone on the presumably harmful microorganisms only. He destroys the enzymes in their composition and disrupts the metabolism. Ozone decays to oxygen for 1-3 hours.

Disinfection of the premises with the help of ozone is produced without the presence of people in a closed room.

Source of power

Air Purifiers, depending on the source of energy consumption, divided into three types:

• Rechargeable - portable device in a compact, convenient for transportation. The device is convenient to use at home, for a brief stint, and travel;
• network - landline home appliances that are used at home or at work. Only work from the mains;
• Combined - a device from the network and from the battery. For places that are prone to interruptions in electricity supply, are essential tools.

monitoring functions

Air saturation moisture adjustment and determining the quality of cleaning, reducing energy consumption manufacturers equip cleaners additional functions.

Humidistat and purity control. The absence of a humidistat or failure leads to over-saturated room. This device optimizes the operation of the humidifier. At the moment when the desired humidity level is reached in the room - the unit is turned off. This saves water and electricity.

The device humidifiers often set humidity sensors whose operation is significantly different from that of the humidistat.

This function is important for steam humidifiers, and if the humidistat is not in the design, then you have to purchase it separately.

Control of air cleanliness is conducted by specialized integrated sensors. Passing air flow, cleaner determines the polluted environment.

That information is available to the user, and the equipment was adjusted for a particular processing power, manufacturers have established quality indicators. They display four levels of air quality, defined by different colors of illumination.

Air Purifiers with aromatization

Aromatization - is an optional feature in the cleaning equipment. Use a humidifier assumes the possibility fragrance for all models. To this should be added to the tank with water a few drops of aromatic oil.

Fill the room a pleasant smell with the help of the cleaner will be more difficult. This is possible only if the built-in replaceable cartridges. This additional function affects the price in the direction of its increase.

Timer

Setting the self-turn on or off the device - is useful for people employed, but who wish to constantly maintain a comfortable environment in your home. The device itself will be included in the user-set time on and off.

Wireless technology management

Modern equipment allows for remote control of its functions not only through the console, but using more modern technologies.

It should take into account the fact that the use of Bluetooth is designed for a maximum distance of 10 meters without obstacles. If these conditions are met, the user gets a high-speed connection to the device and the possibility to adjust the phone: switch on or off, set the mode, set the timer.

Support for Wi-Fi. With built-in Wi-Fi module unit can give the team its climate system from anywhere. For work required to stay in the WIFI network coverage and provide continuous access to the Internet appliance.

backlight housing

Another additional parameter which is independent of the quality of the equipment - the backlight housing. This function rests solely decorative qualities.

Cleaner with lighting can serve as a nightlight or simply beautifully illuminated at night.

Securing device

Acquired equipment involves the allocation of a special place for him, which will not have access in small children or animals capable of dropping the device. So that the user is not looking for a place on a table or cabinet, manufacturers have taken care of the possibility of attaching the device to the wall.

Control and regulation

A method for device control, affect the ease of its use. Two ways - mechanical or electronic.

Humectants design features which are not adjust the direction or strength of evaporation, lose those models that have these features. For more accurate of the equipment can be installed in any position, and after the adjusted direction.

The fan speed depends on the intensity of evaporation humidifiers and purifiers in the volume of treated air. With the presence of the regulator in the design can be customized to work the equipment, depending on the circumstances. For example, the smell of burnt food quickly eliminated by increasing fan speed. A dry air softens, increasing the intensity of the evaporator.

Purchasing equipment for smooth operation, it should be noted that the provision of a permanent purification is available only on the minimum rate regulators.

Additions to the equipment

Regulation in some models and settings can not be installed by default to the average level of humidity and air pollution.

The display on the unit is at most models. Here you can see the settings: operation, the level of humidity and others.

It is convenient to follow the settings on the display, but more convenient to set them remotely using the remote.

If a periodic change settings, or if the device is set to high, or access to it is hindered planned for the premises, the control panel will be most welcome.

Ways to alert the user

For user convenience, the manufacturers have prepared several options available to not be distracted by the constant monitoring of consumables in the device, or clogging of its filter.

Simplify operations allow indicators notifying the person of the need for intervention, namely indicators of contamination of the filter or the low water level.

In models with electronic control and present a display such characteristics as the filter contamination indicator. If the instrument is set somewhat different principle cleaning filters, the contamination sensor is installed only on the cassette which collects the smallest particles. Flashing the display or the appearance of the characteristic indicator indicates the need to replace or clean the filter.

But he does not say that the water is completely evaporated. When complete evaporation equipment is switched off. The indicator only warns of a small amount of it. The signal may be a sound and light.

Audible alarm - a guarantee that the user will receive information from the equipment and correct the problem, the LED light can not be overlooked. Notification sound device may interfere during sleep, so if the owner is asleep sensitive or live in the house young children, it is better not to acquire equipment.

on indicator. It looks like a signal light or backlight power button and notifies the equipment serviceability. This indicator is unimportant at first glance, but when a fault occurs it allows you to notice it immediately.

For auto

Manufacturers of cleaners take care of the health of the consumer, not only at home but also on the move.

Air conditioning installed in the car, do not always cope with the air handling in the cabin. Members note that the air becomes dry during their work.

Drivers are particularly difficult to be in a constant voltage, watching the road, and inhaling dust and exhaust gases. Increased irritability, decreased concentration of attention - there are emergencies.

To solve the problems with cleaning the air in the cabin, there are compact models cleaners.

Car appliances come in three types:

• cleaners;
• ionizers;
• humidifiers.

The principle of operation of such equipment does not differ from domestic appliances, despite its compact size. They are not designed for continuous operation, but still have to serve them more often.

For people who smoke, or those who have purchased a used car, it will be useful to buy a car ionizer. He is able to remove the smoke and the tobacco smell in the cabin.

How to choose

If the choice is stopped at the cleaners with the filter system not photocatalytic or electrostatic, it is best to purchase equipment with the function of ozonation or ionization. The fact is that after going through multiple filters, the air becomes empty, they gather themselves not only harmful but also beneficial substances.

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Keep in mind the time that the user can be given device. Even the device that cleans, itself requires periodic cleaning. The device worked for a long time without prophylaxis, may no longer get repaired.

Consider the following:

• For those who are willing to devote time daily cleaning - the choice is necessary to stop the air cleaning or other moisturizers. Such equipment has a high cleaning performance, but also to top up and change the water in the tank will have to quite often.
• For those who are able to set aside time once a week - is better to stop on the electrostatic devices. There will have to perform machining only plates that do not happen often.
• If you manage to find the time once a month - there is a reasonable selection of units with photocatalytic, HEPA filters, ozone generators and ionizers. Replaceable filters save time on maintenance.

Frequency of use. To create optimal conditions in the room - use filtration systems need to constantly, but it is quite expensive in power consumption. Especially for some of the instruments necessary to human presence.

If, however, each time after use, you are ready to wash and dry all the parts, the restrictions in choosing not.

Performance and service area

Performance. Calculated depending on how much air per hour can be processed by the equipment. Indicators range from 3 to 700 m³/час.

Good performance - is the ability of equipment for a specified period to process all of the air in the room 2-3 times. You can choose to calculate what is needed for the performance of your home or office by multiplying the volume of the room is 2.
area service. The area, which are designed household appliances, from 3 to 200 m². The larger the area served by the room, the higher power equipment performance.

Before you go shopping, you need to determine the exact area of ​​the room in which the appliance is installed and make a choice according to these parameters.

If you want to buy a universal device, which will be transposed from one room to another, then it is necessary to take into account the area of ​​the largest room. For rooms with a small area can be used for vehicle equipment.

The area of ​​service - a measure of an individual for each model cleaner, regardless of its type.

Running time

Continuous operation of the device - one more significant when you select a device option. The duration of the impact at the same time the following factors - mode, the power and volume of the water tank. Take into account only the time in which the device has not been disconnected, regime change or topping up water is not produced.

Noise level

If the function devices are not regulated, then adjust the level of noise that is created by running the device impossible. It depends on the particular model, the average noise figures range from 5 to 69 dB. Sounds made by the instrument, may interfere during sleep, and if the noise is too strong, then distract the afternoon.

When you select the device you need to consider the place of installation - bathroom, living room, office, etc.

For the living room, and not afraid to buy a noisy instrument.

Noise decreases power reduction. Such mechanisms in design, as the fan or engine and are sources of loud noises. It utters sounds and bubbling during boiling water in the steam humidifiers.

Influence manufacturers on pricing

At the cost of education influenced by many factors, and one of them - known manufacturers. Sales assistants in shops can advertise anyone, not even the highest quality developer, so they should not be blindly trusted.

Weighing the need of certain characteristics of a cleaning system, and went into the store, the first thing you should pay attention - this is the name of the manufacturer.

What is dangerous to purchase equipment manufacturers obscure?

To attract the attention of buyers, manufacturers not only to reduce the sale price, but the cost of replacing high quality parts at cheaper. Such equipment costs less, but also works too long.

No service center. Broken machine, located on the warranty, you need to pay for repairs. But it does not always have service centers in the city. Perhaps they do not exist at all.

Find a spare part or a replacement cartridge will be difficult.

Service

Self-cleaning of the combined equipment or humidifiers should be made taking into account the recommendations of the manufacturer. Cleaning is carried out to meet several objectives:

• Daily. Replacing the water washing of the collected dust.
• Deep. This method of cleaning is necessary every 3-5 days. This will prevent the occurrence of mold and mildew. Processing takes place with the addition of vinegar.
• Disinfection involves the use of household disinfectant or hydrogen peroxide.
• Seasonally. Using a humidifier in demand during the heating season. Therefore, at a time when not in use - it is reasonable to remove it for storage. First performed complete cleaning of all equipment parts and drying.

Air purification systems, like any other household appliances, require attention and care. In the event that the person caring for the technique is carried out on time, and the unit will carry out their work at a high level.