It's time for the heating season and cold weather, which means that the air in our homes becomes drier. Reduced humidity in the room negatively affects the quality of our lives: the skin begins to dry, the throat becomes sore, and overall health worsens. This happens because the skin loses moisture and the mucous membranes dry out. To improve the situation, you can use special devices that increase the humidity in the room.
Inexpensive air humidifiers are easy to use, light in weight, have small dimensions, which is why they do not clutter up space and are easy to move from place to place. The modern design of the models and various color schemes help them blend well into the surrounding space. The devices can simultaneously not only humidify the air, but also serve as a night light or spray aromatic oils, saturating the space with your favorite aromas.
Budget models can have a mechanical or touch control type and at the same time perform all the necessary functions:
- Capable of humidifying the air in a room from 18 sq.m to 40 sq.m.
- They work from 7 to 18 hours without a break.
- They have the ability to adjust the intensity of air humidification.
Many inexpensive devices also come with the following options:
- Auto shut-off function when there is no water in the tank.
- A timer with which the device will turn itself off after a specified time.
- Possibility to adjust the direction of the spray jet.
- Demineralizing cartridge that helps soften water hardness.
- A hygrostat that optimizes humidity levels.
- Ionization mode or ultraviolet lamp, which help disinfect water.
- Possibility to add aromatic oils.
- Availability of backlight.
We present the rating of inexpensive air humidifiers 2021. The best 11 models under 4,000 rubles, which were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.
Rating (2020) | Prices, ₽ | A country |
1. Kitfort KT-2802 | from 2700₽ | China |
2. Xiaomi Deerma DEM-SJS600 | from 3400₽ | China |
3. Ballu UHB-310 | from 2300₽ | China |
4. Timberk THU UL 35E (W) | from 2600₽ | China |
5. AIC SPS-858 | from 2900₽ | China |
6. CS Medica Kids CS-19h | from 2500₽ | China |
7. Marta MT-2689 | from 2000₽ | China |
8. Electrolux EHU-4015 | from 1900₽ | China |
9. Xiaomi Deerma DEM-F600 | from 1600₽ | China |
10. Leberg LH-11 | from 1800₽ | China |
11. Galaxy GL-8003 (2015) | from 1300₽ | China |
Which inexpensive air humidifier is better to choose?
This concludes our rating of the best inexpensive humidifiers. It presented functional models with interesting design solutions. One of their main advantages is their relatively low price. We'll also give you some tips for choosing:
- If you are the owner of a small room, then models that humidify the air and are designed for a small area are suitable for you. Those who have large-sized housing should pay attention to Xiaomi Deerma DEM-F600, MARTA MT-2689 and Ballu UHB-310. Their effect extends to an area of 40 sq.m.
- Fans of aroma candles and aroma lamps can take a closer look at devices that combine not only the function of a humidifier, but also an air flavoring agent. This way you will not only increase the humidity in the room, but also enjoy your favorite aroma.
- For those who are constantly on the move and want to breathe easily and freely, the Electrolux EHU-4015 is suitable. This compact model does not require much space, it will fit in a small bag, besides, it weighs little and takes up minimal space on your desktop.
- CS Medica KIDS CS-19h will decorate any children's room, and your child will delight with its bear design.
- To increase your own safety, you should also choose humidifiers that automatically turn off when there is no water in the tank.
Well, we wish you a pleasant shopping experience!
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The essence of the device
Pollution and insufficient air humidity are one of the main reasons for decreased immunity. Harmful particles contained in the environment lead to various diseases and the development of allergic reactions. To prevent this, that is, to improve the climate in the room, purifiers with humidifiers are used.
At their core, these devices perform radically different tasks. If the main goal of the former is to remove dust, pollen, toxins and unpleasant odors from the air, then the latter relieve dryness. Usually, with the onset of cold weather and the beginning of the heating season, atmospheric humidity decreases to 25%, despite the fact that according to sanitary standards it is 60-65%.
Dry and dirty air worsens overall well-being; possible consequences may be: dizziness, complications from viral diseases, the development of allergies, dry skin.
Operating principle
In fact, when choosing a humidifier and air purifier for their home, consumers often buy a combination device rather than two separate ones. The difference between a complex device and individual ones is only in performance.
The principle of operation of the purifier is similar to a vacuum cleaner. With the help of fans, air is drawn into the device and passes through the filtration unit. The degree of purification ultimately depends on the quality and type of filters used. From their outlet, air enters the ionizer and is then thrown out. There are five types of filters:
- Coarse cleaning is an easily blown fabric that resembles gauze. It is capable of trapping particles with a size not exceeding one micron. This design is also often called a mechanical barrier.
- Coal - is coal crushed to a powder state with zeolite additives. Coal itself is an excellent natural adsorbent material that absorbs toxic substances, and the addition of zeolite increases the efficiency of eliminating freon and formaldehyde.
- Photocatalytic - its action is based on ultraviolet radiation, which affects bacteria and carbon dioxide. The degree of purification reaches 99%.
- Electrostatic - air passing through the chamber undergoes ionization, that is, its particles acquire a positive charge and are attracted to a special surface located at a negative potential. Removal of dust impurities is about 90%.
- HEPA is considered the thinnest filter and is used at the last stage of cleaning. It is a glass fiber with a diameter of 0.5 to 2 microns. The essence of the work is to engage particles in the air mass with these fibers. The degree of purification is 99%.
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The operation of a humidifier is based on the forced conversion of water into steam. The water located in a special compartment is subjected to ultrasonic action of a vibrator, turning it into a fine suspension. With the help of a fan, it is transferred to another compartment, where it transforms into a gaseous state. The steam rises into the atomizer, from where it is released outside. To automate the operation, the device is equipped with a hygrometer - a humidity sensor.
Equipment characteristics
There are a large number of air purification devices on the market. Air humidifiers are most often present in them as an option, turning the device into a cleaning complex. The models offered by manufacturers differ from each other not only in design, but also in technical characteristics. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to determine the necessary parameters.
The main characteristics include the following parameters:
- Performance - characterized by the largest volume of air that the device can pass through itself in one hour. This parameter is selected in such a way that the air mass in the room can pass through the device three times in one hour. When calculating it, the formula is used: P = k*S*H, where: S is the area of the room, H is the height of the room, k is the coefficient indicating the multiplicity of exchange.
- Type of filtration - as a rule, several stages are used. The more there are, the better the air is cleaned. The HEPA filter is considered the best, but it should be noted that it is disposable, and after some time the filter will need to be replaced, which is an additional cost.
- Noise level - the unit of measurement is decibel. It is important to note here that this parameter may be paramount for many, since consumers often use cleaners at night. On average, the noise emitted by a climate control device is about 30 dB.
- Power consumption - determines the energy consumption of the device. Usually does not exceed 100 W.
- Sensors - determine the functionality of the device and its degree of automation. Thus, elements for monitoring the condition of filters, dust levels and room humidity are especially popular.
- Maximum humidification - indicates the amount of water that the device can transform into steam in one hour, measured in ml/h.
Some models are equipped with the ability to scent air, remote control, and liquid crystal displays. A useful function may be a timer that allows you to automatically turn off and start the purifier.
Review of manufacturers
On the market you can find products from various manufacturers - both famous and non-name ones. The products of the latter are most often distinguished by their low price, but at the same time poor quality. This is due to the use of low-quality materials, leading to low reliability. At the same time, equipment produced by unknown companies is not certified, which means that in itself it can be dangerous to use.
Studying reviews and ratings of the best humidifiers and air purifiers, we can identify the following leaders among manufacturers:
- Air comfort is the flagship in the field of climate control technology. This company specializes in solving the problems of creating the right indoor microclimate.
- Daikin is a Japanese corporation with branches all over the world. Its products are characterized by reliability, efficiency and safety in use.
- Venta is a popular German manufacturer of various types of equipment. Its products are very popular in Germany, occupying 60% percent of the air purifier market.
- Boneco is a Swiss brand that has been on the market for over 40 years. The range of its products will satisfy a wide range of consumers.
- AIC is an Italian company that carefully monitors the compliance of its products with European standards. Users consider most of its devices to be multifunctional, silent, and providing high comfort.
- Ballu is a name owned by a Russian company. The main manufacturer of climate control equipment for both household and industrial purposes in Russia. It differs from foreign companies in having a fairly affordable price for its products.
- Bork is a successful Russian company that has repeatedly received prestigious international awards for engineering solutions and design. Its engineers work together with specialists from Japan, Germany, and Korea.
- Sharp is a well-known Japanese corporation that introduces innovative ideas into its products.
- Panasonic - although recently the company’s climate control equipment has been produced in China, it is still impeccable and reliable. The company pays special attention to process automation.
We recommend that you read: Types of household humidifiers for apartments
Nuances of choice
The climate complex is a balance of functionality that makes the microclimate optimal. Therefore, while wondering what is better - a humidifier or an air purifier - to buy for an apartment, the consumer ends up buying a complex.
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Before directly selecting a device, you should determine the requirements for the device. The purifier will help solve a number of problems with air purification, removal of foreign odors, humidification and even partial ventilation. The selection algorithm can be presented in the following sequence (in order of importance):
- performance;
- noise;
- Energy consumption;
- operating modes;
- quality of cleaning and moisturizing;
- costs of consumables;
- additional features;
- design;
- trademark.
Having decided on each point consistently, it will be much easier to choose a quality product.
The set of functions ultimately determines the price of the product. In addition to replacing expensive filters, air purifiers require regular maintenance. Therefore, the more functionality a device has, the more expensive its maintenance will be.
It is also worth noting that the humidifier requires water without impurities to operate. Often tap fluid is not suitable for use. Therefore, distilled water is considered the best. If the humidifier has a cartridge in its design, then the water must still be demineralized. Using tap water will lead to rapid wear of the cartridge and the formation of a white coating on the container, which will affect the performance of the entire device.