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Humidifier

technology Maturity 11-13 Next article →

A humidifier is a tool used to add moisture to the air.

Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

It works by sending water droplets or steam into a room. Some small models work for just one room. Other large ones connect to a home's heating system to cover a whole house.

Ceiling vent
Ceiling vent

These devices are very important in many different places. They are used in hospitals to help patients feel more comfortable. They are also used in large buildings like factories or museums.

Augsburg Schaezlerpalais Mattes 2013-05-05 (23)
Augsburg Schaezlerpalais Mattes 2013-05-05 (23)

Dry air can cause many hard jobs for people and objects. In the winter, heated indoor air can drop to 10% or 20% humidity. Most homes should stay between 30% and 50% humidity. Very dry air can make skin itchy or cause hair loss. It can also dry out your nose and throat. Dry air can even hurt wooden furniture by making it crack. It can also make old books and art pieces brittle and break easily.

There are several ways these machines work. One kind is an evaporative humidifier. It uses a reservoir, a wick, and a fan. The wick is a porous material that soaks up water. The fan blows air over the wet wick to help the water evaporate. Another kind is an ultrasonic humidifier. It uses a ceramic part that vibrates very fast. This creates a tiny mist of droplets that looks like cool fog.

Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

Some machines use heat to make steam. These are called steam humidifiers or vaporizers. They boil water to create warm mist. This can be a healthy choice because steam is less likely to carry germs. However, boiling water uses much more energy. Other machines, called impeller humidifiers, use a spinning disc. This disc flings water at a diffuser to break it into tiny drops.

Sony VPL-HS1 - Delta Electronic Toto TYF 300-J01-92424
Sony VPL-HS1 - Delta Electronic Toto TYF 300-J01-92424

You can also find natural ways to add moisture. Houseplants can act as natural humidifiers through a process called transpiration. They evaporate water into the air through their leaves. You can also hang laundry to dry to raise the humidity.

دستگاه بخور سرد
دستگاه بخور سرد

In a home, people must be careful not to use too much. If the humidity is too high, mold and dust mites can grow. It is important to keep the water tanks very clean. Using a tool called a hygrostat can help monitor the air automatically.

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File:Augsburg Schaezlerpalais Mattes 2013-05-05 (23).JPG
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File:Ceiling vent.jpg
Ceiling vent.jpg
File:Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.jpg
Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier.jpg
File:دستگاه_بخور_سرد.jpg
دستگاه_بخور_سرد.jpg
File:Sony_VPL-HS1_-_Delta_Electronic_Toto_TYF_300-J01-92424.jpg
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