Comparison of popular air cleaning systems for homes
Over the past few years, various air cleaning systems have become widely used. The purpose of using this kind of equipment is to create comfortable conditions for living or working. The richness of choice is impressive: humidifiers, cleaners, “washers” of air and full-fledged climatic complexes. When buying the best model for solving certain problems, a lot of questions arise, because it is not always easy to evaluate the effectiveness of certain devices.
Content
Air washing: cleansing and moisturizing
Today, there are two types of air washers: conical, creating a water curtain, and disc, which in the process of rotation form a thin water film and collect various impurities in the air. The peculiarity of this type of air purifiers is that they qualitatively perform the function of a humidifier. Some models equipped with hygrometer (moisture meter) and work in automatic mode, maintaining the optimal 40 - 60% humidity.
Air wash Stadler Form Tom T-001
Often, manufacturers equip appliances function of aromatization, they can add special aromatic or essential oils.
Air washing effectively cleans the air from various mechanical impurities larger than 2.5 microns in size:
- household, street or building dust;
- particles of pile, wool, hair;
- plant pollen.
Objectively assessing the technique of this segment, we can conclude that their effective area of use is easy cleaning and maintaining a comfortable level of humidity. The device is suitable for rooms with a low concentration of gases or odors. The aromatization function will help to fill the house with a pleasant aroma, but water filters do not adsorb gas molecules.In rare cases, washing can be used for allergies, as they are not able to fully neutralize all types of irritants.
- high-quality dust removal from large and medium sizes;
- natural moistening, forced aromatization of air;
- some models are equipped with an ionizer;
- low maintenance costs - replacement of water, filter elements, purchase of essential oils;
- environmental friendliness.
- maintaining efficient use requires regular cleaning;
- big sizes;
- medium or high noise level (depending on the model);
- the device is powerless against fine dust, smog, exhaust gases, tobacco smoke.
Air purifiers - a new level of comfort
The advantage of air purifiers in a rich selection of different modifications and layouts. Depending on individual needs, the user can choose the most suitable model without overpaying for unnecessary options.
All variety is divided by type of filter elements and additional options:
- photocatalytic systems;
- primary filters;
- carbon filters;
- HEPA filters;
- disinfecting UV lamps;
- built-in ionizers;
- plasma or electrostatic filters.
Each type of filtering system is also divided into subtypes. The variety of air cleaners is not limited to strict standards, there are models of different configurations on sale - here you just need to highlight priorities.
Without going into a detailed description of the features of the filtering elements, you can conditionally divide them according to the principle of operation:
- removal of large mechanical impurities;
- fight against viruses, fungal spores, germs and other bacteria;
- neutralization of gases, odors, vapors of building materials or household chemicals, formaldehydes, soot, other impurities inherent in the urban air;
- effective cleaning of animal hair, plant pollen;
- high-quality air purification from all types of dust of any size.
Thus, the combination of several filters will provide maximum efficiency and remove up to 99.9% of harmful impurities, allergens. This kind of technique is suitable for all users without exception, the main thing is to choose the right model.
Advantages and disadvantages of air purifiers
It is rather difficult to give a certain characteristic to such a diverse segment of air cleaning systems.It would be fair to get acquainted with each type of filtering, its working principle and technical side. A summary of the pros and cons applies to the total range of models and does not apply to certain types.
- high cleaning efficiency;
- relatively low cost of some replaceable elements (for example, coarse filters are reusable, and coal ones serve from 3 months to 1 year);
- the ability to choose the most suitable model that meets individual needs;
- medium or low power consumption;
- Among air cleaners there are both simple devices for easy cleaning and specialized devices for allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
- each filter has a narrow effective scope, universal manufacturers have not yet developed;
- the cost of some devices and consumables is quite high;
- not all devices can be used around the clock, some are able to repack the air with ozone, others - to break the natural microclimate.
The benefits of humidifiers
Humidifiers are specialized devices for maintaining the natural or set humidity level in room.Unlike air washers, there are much more options available to the user.
There are three main types of humidifiers:
- devices of "cold" or natural moisture;
The principle of operation of PHILIPS humidifiers - NanoCloud "cold evaporation" technology
- steam models;
- ultrasonic humidifiers.
The narrow area of use is not bad “diluted” by various options: an ozonizer, an ionizer, a flavoring agent, some models are equipped with a light bulb and can be used as a night light.
The use of each type of its own. Ultrasound suitable for creating a comfortable level of humidity for people, a large limit of moisture allows you to set them in greenhouses or in rooms where there are a lot of indoor plants. Low noise and safety of operation will allow to place the device even in the bedroom or children's room.
Steam The humidifier works on the principle of a kettle: the heating element heats the water, it evaporates, moistening the air. These are very productive devices which are effective for use in rooms with very dry air where other models will not cope.
Devices for "cold "moistening are in the upper price category, the water in them evaporates naturally, and the humidified air is sent by the usual fan. Devices can increase humidity up to 60%, which is optimal for people or animals. The peculiarity of these devices is a strict, low-key design, quiet mode of operation.
- effective humidification of the air, some models are equipped with a hygrostat, therefore, are able to maintain a given level of humidity in the automatic mode;
- You can choose a small model;
- a number of devices suitable for installation in greenhouses, flower beds, winter gardens;
- a wide choice of additional options;
- simple management, mobility.
- continuous operation time is limited by the volume of the water tank, respectively, the longer the device can work, the larger its dimensions;
- steam humidifiers are dangerous for children and animals, consume relatively a lot of electricity;
- Ultrasonic models, devices of natural moistening are picky about the quality of water, require regular maintenance (replacement of filters and cartridges).
Climatic complexes: a combination of functionality and efficiency
The feature of these devices lies in the name - it is a complex of devices aimed at creating an optimal or ideal microclimate in the room. This is a harmonious combination of a humidifier and an air purifier in a single package, including the availability of additional options.. Accordingly, the cost of the climate complex differs from the separate narrow-purpose devices in a big way.
The equipment of this class is suitable for home, apartment, office or conference hall. In other words, for almost any room, but such an acquisition is not rational when there is no need for one of the main functions.
Air purification is carried out here in the traditional way, using various filters:
- photocatalytic;
- plasma;
- HEPA filter;
- carbon filter.
The ultraviolet lamp has a bactericidal effect, the built-in ionizer charges the mechanical particles with negative ions. For the humidification of the air meets the built-in evaporator.
Overall principle of operation for the whole segment of climate technology the following: air is forcibly supplied and cleaned through a HEPA filter, then moistened with a built-in evaporator.The use of disinfectants will have an additional disinfecting effect. After the air flow is processed by a photocatalytic filter, which effectively eliminates unpleasant odor and destroys harmful microorganisms. The built-in flavoring or ionizer completes the purification cycle, filling the room with a pleasant aroma, ionizing clean air masses.
Also in the assortment are climate systems that can heat the air. They are distinguished by high energy consumption, but they do well replace medium-capacity heating equipment.
Strengths and weaknesses of climate complexes
In general, the climate system is a very useful device that can create comfortable conditions in a room for almost any purpose with maximum efficiency. But there are weaknesses in these devices that you should be aware of before making a purchase.
- the choice is made between a simple mechanical control or a programmable model for autonomous operation;
- climatic complexes qualitatively perform the functions of cleaning and humidifying the air;
- a wide variety of models;
- various additional options.
- heating / cooling functions are less efficient than split systems;
- The principle of “cold” humidification implies a slow, methodical maintenance of an optimum level of humidity, transferring such devices from one room to another is irrational (in one room the humidity level is disturbed, and in the other it does not have time to recover);
- high cost and not the cheapest maintenance - you need to regularly change the filters, update the cartridges for the humidifier, use clean (distilled water).
An overview of all major types of air purification systems covers only the total mass of models, while there are a wide variety of layouts, types, shapes and design styles. Some devices are designed to create the most effective comfort, others perform only one function. What is better to choose - a question that does not have an answer, because the needs of each person are strictly individual.
To solve specific problems, narrow specialization devices have been created; comprehensive air treatment will require an integrated approach and multifunctional devices.
Modern offers from manufacturers are able to meet the needs of even the most demanding users.The use of any type of climate technology for the home will certainly give a positive result and, to a certain extent, improve the microclimate.
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