What kind of water should I put in my humidifier?
The content of the article
Characteristics of liquid for humidifiers
The result of the mechanism is determined not only by its type, capabilities and power, but also by the quality of the moisture. Let us clarify the important characteristics of the liquid used in devices for increasing air humidity.
Water characteristics parameters
Of all the parameters of a humidifier liquid (temperature, composition, source, etc.), the most important is hardness. It depends on calcium and magnesium salts dissolved in the liquid.
There are 2 types of hardness:
- Temporary hardness, which is determined by the presence of carbonate salts.
- Constant hardness, which depends on the presence of non-carbonate salts.
Important! Water with temporary hardness, when boiled, forms a sediment of particles of carbonate salts, which can affect the quality and duration of operation of the device.
Types of Liquids You Can Use for Humidifiers
Water suitable for refilling air humidification devices can be divided into 2 main types: water that has not undergone special purification and purified.
Moisture without special purification requires virtually no acquisition costs.
Sources:
- water supply networks;
- keys and springs.
Liquids that have undergone special treatment will require payment.
Types of purified water:
- distilled liquid without impurities;
- demineralized liquid without salt;
- artesian fluid subjected to several levels of purification.
How to choose water suitable for a humidifier
Having installed a humidifier at home, its owner will have to make the right choice of fluid for the mechanism.
What to look for when choosing water for humidifiers
The instructions for many devices contain instructions on what is best to pour into the humidifier. In the absence of such recommendations, it is necessary to pay attention to the following features of the liquid and device:
- type of hardness;
- principle of operation of the mechanism (with or without heating);
- the presence of a filter cartridge for additional liquid purification.
Taking into account these characteristics will allow you to choose the optimal type of water for the device.
Important! Filtration using a cartridge will soften the liquid and remove a significant percentage of particles of heavy metals and salts.
What water is suitable for steam humidifiers
Spring, artesian, distilled, demineralized types are equally suitable for unpretentious steam appliances.
You can also fill the device from the water supply, but only after preliminary filtration.
What water is suitable for cold humidifiers
To protect the filter from rapid clogging, when humidifying cold, it is best to use purified water: distilled and demineralized.
What water is suitable for ultrasonic humidifiers
Ultrasonic devices are also sensitive to the quality of the solution. Safety and reliability will be ensured by distilled or demineralized liquid, which is recommended for such devices. Spring, artesian, and tap water can only be used after additional mechanical filtration of the liquid.
Important! Not all filters are suitable for additional filtration, but only those that have a metal mesh, as well as some types of plastic (petal polyester, foamed polypropylene). Polyphosphate or activated carbon in the filter will not provide the degree of purification required for the device.
The correct choice of water for the humidifier and its additional purification will not only prolong the operation of the device. This way you will be able to protect the air and lungs of your loved ones from harmful substances.
Humidity - an important indicator of a healthy and comfortable microclimate. Many people know that excessive humidity leads to dampness and fungal diseases. You shouldn’t rejoice in an overly dry atmosphere. It causes difficulty breathing and leads to problems in the cardiovascular system. This means that the air needs to be humidified in moderation. A special humidifier device can do this.
Operating principles of air humidifiers. 
A humidifier is a device that performs its function using water. The device heats it to steam and then sprays it evenly throughout the room. In this case, the device changes the quality characteristics of the liquid. In the humidifier it undergoes the following changes:
- purification using a filter and silver ions;
- heating and turning into steam;
- antibacterial treatment under the influence of an ultraviolet lamp;
- spraying around the room.
The result of the devices’ operation is the saturation of the air in the room with purified vapor particles, creating an optimal air regime for humans.
Use of water in different types of humidifiers
Liquid is the main component that ensures the positive results of the device. Its quantity in devices varies. The power consumed by the device, as well as the principles of operation, are also different. Some devices distribute wet particles around the room without heating them, others convert them into steam before spraying, thereby increasing energy consumption.
Let's get acquainted with different types of structures
The following devices are used in residential premises:
Cold
5 liters is enough to run a cold humidifier for 24 hours. Its main components are a fan and a wet filter. The device consumes from 20 to 50 W.
Steam
Heating moisture to the state of steam gave steam appliances their name. To prevent spraying from being uncontrolled, the device is equipped with a special sensor that replaces the humidity level - a hygrometer. Water consumption - from 7 to 16 liters per 24 hours, power - from 300 to 600 W.
Ultrasonic
In ultrasonic devices, the main actions with liquid are performed by ultrasound. With its help, the oxygen in the air is moistened. The device needs approximately as much water as steam appliances: from 7 to 12 liters per day, and the power consumption is much less: from 40 to 50 W. Ultrasonic devices not only humidify, but also refresh the air. Today they are considered the most effective in everyday life.
In industrial premises, another type is used - a spray or atomizer.
