Fresh air and normal humidity in an apartment are the key to human health and well-being. And if to access fresh air it is usually enough to simply ventilate the room, then with humidity everything is more complicated. cost a lot of money, so many people ask the question: how to humidify the air in a room without? There are several effective methods, which we will consider in this article.
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Air humidity in the apartment: optimal value
First, let's figure out what humidity is? When it comes to the required level of microclimate in a room, we are used to talking about relative humidity - the amount of water contained in the air in comparison with the maximum possible value at which condensation forms. This value is measured as a percentage, so for a person optimal value– 40-60%, for computer and household appliances– 45-65%, for indoor plants 40-70%.
Important! Insufficient air humidity has a detrimental effect on the sound quality of musical instruments. For example, if a guitar dries out, it can be considered irreparably damaged.
In winter, due to central heating, the air in the apartment becomes very dry, often the relative humidity drops to 15%, which can have a detrimental effect on human health.
How to measure relative humidity?
To make sure there is a lack of water vapor in the air, the relative humidity must be measured. This can be done using, but the likelihood of this device being in ordinary apartment tends to zero. Therefore we will give a few folk ways measuring relative humidity in a room:
- using the Assmann table;
This method is the most accurate of all folk methods. First, we measure the temperature in the room with a regular mercury thermometer and record the readings. Then, wrapping the edge in which the mercury is located with a wet cloth and waiting 5 minutes, we record the new value, which we subtract from the previous one, finding the temperature difference. Next, in Assmann’s psychometric table we find the intersection of two values, this will be the approximate value of the relative humidity in the room.
For example: the temperature shown by the dry thermometer was 15°C, the wet thermometer was 10°C. The difference between them is 5°C. Thus, the relative humidity in the room is 52%.
- using a glass of water;
Take a glass of water and put it in the refrigerator. It is important that the water cools to 3-4°C, so it is advisable to leave the glass in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Next, we take out the glass, place it in the middle of the room (for a clearer picture, as far as possible from the radiator and other heat sources) and observe. At first (due to the temperature difference), the walls will quickly fog up, then within 5 minutes three options are possible:
- The walls will dry out, which will indicate very low humidity in the room.
- The walls will remain foggy - the humidity in the room is normal.
- A trickle of water forms from the condensation - increased humidity.
- using a fir cone;
For this method you will need an unopened cone; it must be left in the room for several days. If the cone begins to open, the air in the room is dry and needs to be humidified.
Why is dry air in an apartment dangerous for humans?
When constantly in a dry room, a person begins to feel increased fatigue and deterioration of attention. In addition, the body as a whole begins to weaken (especially in children, people with respiratory problems, and the elderly):
- Having breathing problems;
The main consequence of dry air in an apartment is a detrimental effect on the condition of the nasopharyngeal mucosa. When it overdries, a chronic runny nose occurs, and the likelihood of bleeding also increases. In addition, the respiratory system as a whole may be impaired, which can contribute to the occurrence of asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.
Children are the most vulnerable group - Eye problems appear;
People who constantly use contact lenses are the first to notice unacceptable microclimate parameters, as they begin to dry out too quickly, which contributes to the appearance of irritation and redness.
During normal functioning, the eye is always moistened with tears, however, when the air is dry, the tears quickly dry out, leaving the surface of the eye unprotected. The first symptoms are the appearance of irritation (due to the accumulation of fine dust on the surface) and increased fatigue. If you stay in such a room for longer, microorganisms may develop on the surface of the eye, which leads to deterioration of vision. You can get rid of discomfort by applying compresses with chamomile infusion, but it is better to humidify the air in the apartment.
- The condition of the skin worsens.
Dry air has a detrimental effect on the condition of the skin. Because of it, the skin (especially the hands) becomes dry, cracks and peeling appear. With a longer stay in such a room, susceptibility to skin infections increases, and the aging process also accelerates.
The advantages of sufficient humidity in the apartment
If the relative humidity in the room corresponds to the norm, the person will feel great: there will be no problems with breathing or dry eyes. Ornamental plants will also be comfortable, their leaves will not dry out, and you will not have to constantly spray them.
Ways to humidify the air in the apartment
What to do if the air in the apartment is dry? To increase the relative humidity, it is necessary to evaporate a sufficient amount of water in the room. There are two ways to solve this problem: install a household humidifier or make one yourself.
Using household humidifiers for the home
A household humidifier is an electronic device for maintaining an optimal level of indoor air humidity and can be of the following types (the most popular):
- Steam;
Air humidity is achieved by evaporation of steam. devices of this type are able to quickly achieve the required humidity, but are less safe than traditional ones due to high temperature steam (60℃). Therefore, steam humidifiers are not recommended for use in rooms with children and near plants.
- Ultrasonic;
The most modern and effective of all types. Main advantages: safety, high speed of humidification, quiet operation.
- Climate complex.
It can not only humidify, but also purify the air in the room using fine filters. The main advantage of this unit is its ability to significantly improve the lives of allergy sufferers by collecting microparticles. In addition, such filters kill microorganisms through steam.
How to humidify the air in a room without a humidifier quickly and effectively
Most people think about how to humidify the air in an apartment without a humidifier. To do this, you can use some tricks:
- place vessels with water around the apartment (and it will be more effective to place one large container near the radiator than several in other parts of the room);
- hang a wet towel on the radiator;
- drying washed clothes;
- purchase ornamental plants, they can not only humidify the air, but also rid it of toxic substances and excess carbon dioxide. Best suited: ficus, decorative linden, house fern;
- put up an aquarium or decorative fountain.
Remember! The opinion that to increase relative humidity it is enough to ventilate the room is wrong. After all, in dry weather in winter, the air humidity outside is no higher than indoors.
How to make a humidifier with your own hands at home
Often such methods do not give the desired result, therefore, after several failed attempts, the question of how to humidify room air without a humidifier remains relevant. The best solution is to make a special device yourself. Below are some interesting homemade humidifier options that you can make at home:
- Humidifier from a bottle onto a battery (only possible if there is a horizontal section of pipe extending from the battery).
It will require: plastic bottle volume 1-1.5 liters, tape, thin strip of fabric (or rope), gauze 1 m long, 10 cm wide.
Procedure:
- Cut a hole in the bottle as shown in the picture.
- We hang the bottle from the pipe using fabric with the hole facing up.
- We glue the junction of the bottle with the fabric with tape to prevent the bottle from turning.
- We wrap the gauze around the pipe, while lowering one end into the hole in the bottle.
- We fill in the water, thereby starting our humidifier.
The main advantage of this humidifier is the absence of any energy consumption and noise. In addition, it can be hidden behind a curtain, and it will not spoil the design of the room.
- Humidifier from a plastic bottle.
It will require: 10 liter plastic bottle, computer cooler, tape and cardboard.
Procedure:
- Cut the neck of the bottle to a size that the cooler can fit into.
- Pour water into the bottle and secure the cooler. This can be done in two ways: attach the cooler directly to the bottle using tape, or first make a cardboard frame that will be attached to the bottle, and then insert the cooler into it.
Such an air humidifier can be made not only from a bottle, but also from any plastic container, for example, from a container.
The advantage of these humidifiers is their fairly high efficiency. But there is also a significant drawback - the need to connect the cooler to the network. Why its location depends on the location of the power source.
Video review: how to make a simple air humidifier
Conclusion
Do you need a humidifier in your apartment? The answer is unequivocal - yes. Dry air causes too many significant problems, and there is no reason to put up with them. In addition, to create a comfortable microclimate there is no need to spend large number money, you can always humidify the air in your apartment on your own.
With the onset of the heating season, the air in apartments becomes excessively dry. Dryness has a particularly strong effect on the child’s body, leading to the development of frequent respiratory diseases in the child. It is for this reason that many mothers begin to look for ways to increase the humidity in the room.
Dry air is often bad for a child's health
The need for air humidification
Maintaining optimal humidity in the room is necessary not only for the sake of small children. The health of adults also worsens in dry air conditions. The condition of hair, skin and general performance of a person depends on the level of humidity.
Maintaining the required moisture content in the apartment has a beneficial effect on the health of all family members. If there is a lack of moisture in the room, the following may develop:
- Allergic attacks. Dry air contains many dust particles that do not settle down, but fly around the room. This condition harms people suffering from bronchial asthma.
- Sleep disturbance. A healthy night's rest is possible only with cool and humidified air.
- Dry mucous membranes. They are the ones who trap all harmful bacteria and microorganisms, acting as a barrier between the human body and environment. Dry membranes facilitate the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the body.
- The occurrence of friction when wearing lenses. In this case, it is extremely important to moisturize the mucous membranes so as not to injure them.
Women look less attractive due to brittle hair and premature skin aging. In a stuffy room, the human body is forced to expel more fluid to cool and maintain vital functions.
If these parameters are not observed, interior items also become very dry: floors creak, furniture becomes deformed. But over-humidification of the air leads to dampness. It is no less harmful to health than dryness.
In this video you will learn how dry air is harmful:
Methods for determining humidity levels
A hygrometer is a device designed specifically to maintain optimal parameters moisture in the room. Its task is to determine the amount of water vapor in the house. Install the device away from radiators and moisture-forming resources-kitchens and bathrooms. If these conditions are not met, the results obtained will be incorrect.
For different types premises have their own humidity parameters determined. They are calculated based on the frequency of stay of family members in each room and are consistent with the physiological characteristics of the body. Normal air humidity should be:
- in the children's room - up to 70%;
- in the bedroom for adults - up to 70%;
- in the living room - up to 60%.
This is due to the fact that the child has narrow nasal passages, therefore mucous membrane dries out quickly. In the nursery he spends most of of its time. In the bedroom, people get complete rest, as a result of which the body must replenish the lack of oxygen and moisture. Residents of the house use the living room much less, so there are no strict requirements for it.
Not everyone can afford to install a hygrometer at home. It is quite possible to carry out an approximate moisture analysis using traditional methods. To do this you will need a bowl filled with water. It is put in the refrigerator for several hours. After the time has passed, they take it out and place it in the center of the room. When there is a temperature difference, condensation forms on the vessel.
Indicators are assessed based on the results seen. If the air is dry, the walls of the dishes will also dry out. If the humidity is normal, condensation drops will drain slowly. High humidity will result in the formation of a puddle under a container of water.
Based on these indicators, conclusions should be drawn: dry air needs to be humidified, and excessively humid air needs to be dried with special electrical appliances. Otherwise, this condition threatens the development of mold and mildew.
Methods to normalize indicators
Increasing the humidity of dry rooms is especially important if children are growing up in the family. The industry produces special devices - humidifiers, which are designed for different areas. Devices differ in cost and operating principles. They make it much easier to combat dryness, but you can do without them if you wish.
Apartment aeration
Air exchange in the room helps normalize the local microclimate. It is permissible to increase the air humidity in the child’s room by daily ventilation. Ventilating a child's room is just as necessary as an adult's. It is recommended to open windows up to 3 times a day even in winter time.
During the warm season, you can keep the windows open to the minimum width. If constant ventilation is not possible, this should be done in the morning and evening hours. In case of rainy and cool weather, it is recommended to ventilate the apartment more often.
If the windows face a busy highway or the apartment is on a low floor, ventilation can worsen the microclimate of the room. In this case, all the dust from the street will rise and enter the living space.
It is more important for residents of such apartments to purchase a special humidification system.
Wet cleaning of the premises
You can increase the humidity in the apartment by carrying out daily wet cleaning. This procedure can not only make the room clean, but also prevent the development of allergies due to inhalation of foreign particles.
Don't forget about wet cleaning indoorsYou can get rid of excess dust by recycling carpets and floor coverings from fabric, as well as soft toys.
Drying clothes or buying an aquarium
In winter time Drying clothes will help to effectively humidify the room. Wet towels and sheets hung around the apartment can increase the amount of moisture. For better evaporation, it is recommended to place them on or near radiators. After drying, it is recommended to wet the material again.
Adding an aquarium to the interior helps increase the humidity in the room. An alternative to this device can be a small fountain. Such devices constantly contain water, which evaporates when the temperature rises, creating a favorable climate in the house.
Purchasing home flowers
Green plants can raise the humidity in a room. Decorative flowers help increase the concentration of oxygen in the air in the room, clean and moisten it. Among the rich abundance, preference should be given to:
- dracaena;
- monstera;
- broadleaf ficus;
- Schefflere;
- fatsia;
- ferns.
The level of humidity required for the room is achieved through daily spraying and regular watering of flowers. Based on their condition, you can judge the level of humidity in the apartment. When the air is too dry, plants dry out and their leaves become soft.
Alternative methods
Achieve the required humidity levels in different ways. Among the well-known folk methods, the most often used are:
- placement of vessels with water near the batteries;
- spraying from a spray bottle;
- turning on the clothes steamer;
- periodically boiling water.
Some of these methods are not suitable if children are growing up in the apartment. Working with electrical appliances requires caution, and keeping an eye on kids is sometimes very difficult.
In the children's room It is recommended to set up an aquarium and place several flower pots. Some plants contain toxic substances, so purchasing monstera, for example, is not recommended.
Types of home humidifiers
If a child has an allergy, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of humidity in the apartment. To maintain optimal parameters, it is recommended to buy a special humidifier. Modern industry produces several types of such devices: traditional, ultrasonic and steam. It is recommended to consider the advantages of each type before purchasing. The main parameter is the area of the room that should be humidified.
Standard equipment
A natural type of evaporation is produced by cold-type humidifiers. These devices consist of a water tank, a filter and a fan. The advantages of the device are minimal electricity consumption, maintaining operability in the event of all the water evaporating, stopping work when optimal humidity is reached.
Among the disadvantages are the frequent replacement of filters, the use of purified liquid, and the inability to independently regulate the level of humidity. The device is programmed to receive a humidity of 60%, when this indicator is reached it turns off.
Steam design
Models of this type produce hot steam during operation. Steam humidifiers are characterized by rapid humidification and the ability to use tap water, no filters, automatic shutdown when there is a lack of liquid.
Please remember that there is a risk of burns if handled carelessly. This technique consumes a large amount of electricity, which can be considered a significant disadvantage. The devices are stable and mobile, but they should not be installed in children's rooms. Pets can also be injured by these devices.
Ultrasonic device
The latest developments have made it possible to create a device that operates on high-frequency vibrations of a special film (membrane). It helps convert water into cold steam. The latest generation devices are in demand thanks to safety, compactness, efficiency, humidity control, fast hydration and reasonable cost.
Some models modern systems air conditioning units are equipped with humidification devices. Special built-in systems are capable of purifying and humidifying the air according to certain parameters. They are usually assembled from several devices.
One of the most important indicators of the microclimate in the house is the optimal level of humidity. But when using special devices, moderation should be observed: low humidity threatens a deterioration in well-being, and increased humidity threatens the formation of mold and mildew.
Dry air in an apartment is a small problem that is fraught with big troubles, and it needs to be solved as quickly as possible. Why humidifiers are not always effective and how to humidify the air at home without them - we will talk about this today in our article.
Why is dry air dangerous?
Winter period – active time operation of heaters and batteries in every city apartment. And, unfortunately, it is precisely these irreplaceable devices that we owe the dry air that dries out the skin and does not allow us to breathe deeply. Lack of moisture should not be underestimated, because it can cause a number of serious diseases.
The following symptoms may indicate that the air in your apartment is too dry and needs humidification:
- headaches for no reason;
- heavy sleep, disturbed sleep;
- fatigue, apathy;
- dry skin, especially on the lips and hands;
- yellowed plants;
- a feeling of dryness in the throat and nasal cavity, especially after sleep (this symptom can cause subsequent viral diseases);
- eyes hurt, dry, irritated (especially for those who wear contact lenses).
Dry air can also have a detrimental effect on wooden furniture, which begins to dry out and crack. Owners of wooden musical instruments should be especially careful - violation of humidity standards leads to irreversible drying of the material.
How to find out the humidity level in an apartment?
The normal humidity level is 40-60% (for both humans and equipment). To find out what the humidity level is in your room, it is recommended to use the following techniques.
Humidifier: to take or not to take?
If all signs indicate that the air in your home is lacking moisture, the first piece of advice you might receive is to invest in a humidifier. We are talking about a device that sprays tiny particles of water into the air, thereby moistening it. The humidifier takes up little space, is easy to use and does its job well, but it also has several disadvantages that may stand in the way of purchasing this product:
- high level of energy consumption, which will be noticeable in a small city apartment;
- price;
- The noise produced by the humidifier during operation can be quite noticeable, especially at night.
If the above disadvantages are significant disadvantages for you, do not despair: there are several simple and free ways to humidify the air in a room.
Method one. Water!
Place humidifying containers with water throughout the apartment. It is advisable that the container be wide enough, since the larger the evaporation area, the faster water particles will enter the air. That is why it is much more effective to place plates in the room, even shallow ones, than glasses or mugs.
The water in such containers needs to be changed frequently, preferably every day, because water is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and even the larvae of some insects (for example, mosquitoes).
The first method has several other embodiments besides bowls of water placed everywhere.
- If the room is too large or you cannot keep many different water tanks in it (for example, there are a lot of electrical appliances and household appliances in the apartment), then the best solution there will be an aquarium for you! Especially if we are talking about a children's room: in this case, the aquarium will not only humidify the air, but also entertain and develop children. You can add underwater plants to your aquarium to double the amount of oxygen and moisture in the air. Please note: an aquarium requires attention and timely care, so before purchasing it you should still evaluate your strengths.
- A bulky and difficult to maintain aquarium can be replaced with an indoor fountain: it is inexpensive, unpretentious and perfectly enlivens the interior. Externally, the fountain can have the most different shapes: the shape of a forest, a medieval castle, a Japanese bonsai, an elegant sculptural composition and so on. Inside the shell there is an electric motor, which causes the water to circulate.
- Due to the fact that the water is constantly moving and creating splashes, the air around the fountain is very quickly saturated with moisture and noticeably refreshed. The fountain is often installed to relieve stress and fatigue - not only because of the melodious gurgle, but also because of its ability to bring clarity to the mind. You can place plants next to the fountain, if any: firstly, this way you will create a unique composition in the interior, and secondly, the plants will quickly receive moisture and release oxygen.
Method two. Drying wet
Surely you have noticed that the humidity in the room increases noticeably if freshly washed clothes are left to dry in it. It is usually not recommended to dry clothes indoors precisely because of the risk of condensation and mold, but if the air in the apartment is very dry, then the presence of damp things will even be beneficial.
In order to humidify the air in a room with a radiator, just wet a large towel, wring it out slightly and hang it on the radiator. When exposed to high temperatures, the towel will heat up and quickly evaporate moisture, and the moisture, in turn, will saturate the air.
Attention!
Drying things on electric heaters is prohibited! For detailed information, please refer to the instructions for the device.
Another folk invention is a wet bandage. Pour plain water into a jar, soak a bandage (or just a long strip of cloth) in it and hang it on the battery so that one end is dipped into the water. One end of the bandage will constantly dry out, evaporating the water, while the other will absorb the contents of the jar. This ingenious invention allows you to perfectly humidify the air.
Method three. Get some plants
Plants are not only the only inhabitants of the Earth that produce oxygen, they also saturate the air with moisture. At the same time, the air is ionized and also purified from harmful bacteria, radiation and dust.
What plants will contribute most to the fight against dry air? To do this, we need to remember in which place on our planet the highest humidity level is maintained. That's right, we will look for the necessary plants in the jungle. It is there that they saturate the air with moisture so that a person becomes covered in perspiration after spending only a couple of minutes in the jungle.
You should expect the greatest benefit from the following types:
- fern;
- phytonia;
- orchid;
- hypoesthes.
True, the above plants require no less moisture than they give, so they will need to be watered quite often.
However, in middle lane There are worthy and familiar alternatives to them:
- house fern;
- indoor linden;
- ficus;
- hibiscus;
- dracaena;
- Cyperus and others.
These plants can truly transform your home!
Method four. More air!
Ventilate the room more often. Street air in winter, and even more so in autumn and spring, is sufficiently saturated with moisture. 15-20 minutes of airing several times a day - and you will notice how your breathing has become cleaner and your well-being has become better.
While airing, you can do wet cleaning or simply spray water in the air using a spray bottle. This will greatly increase the efficiency of ventilation.
If there is a fan in the apartment, then turn it on and direct the spray jet exactly in the direction of air movement. This way the water will independently penetrate to all ends of the room.
Relative humidity, the one reported in weather forecasts, is the percentage of humidity in the atmosphere at a certain temperature.
Indoors, people feel most comfortable and breathe easily when the humidity is: 60-75% in summer, about 55-70% in winter.
Pay attention! If an apartment or house is filled with solid wood furniture, it has wood trim, parquet or other interior items made from this natural material, it is enough to maintain a humidity of 50-60%.
You should not try to reduce the room humidity below these levels. Even in the Sahara Desert the relative humidity is 25%.
How to measure humidity in a home?
The easiest and most effective way to do this is to use a home hygrometer. The device is small and easy to operate and will show the exact moisture content in your home atmosphere, and you can buy it at almost any hardware store.
If you have a home weather station or air conditioner that measures the amount of evaporation in the air, this will also give you an accurate and quick reading.
Today, air humidity can be determined even through smartphone applications. Just download and install the program, and it will allow you to easily control the state of your home microclimate.
How to increase humidity in an apartment?
If measurements show an unacceptably low level, and household members feel and notice signs of a lack of water vapor in the air, it is worthwhile to improve the atmosphere.
If the room humidity is insufficient:
- leaves of domestic plants dry out at the edges and fall off for no apparent reason;
- sore throats in people and animals;
- the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose are dry, discomfort is felt;
- the skin dries and peels;
- cough and runny nose appears.
There are many ways to increase the vapor content in the air. We will now look at some of them.
Quick ways
If dry air is an irregular phenomenon in your apartment, it is enough to use several fast-acting but short-term methods.
Wet sheets
This grandmother’s method is still actively used if it is necessary to increase the content of water vapor in the air quickly and for a short time. To do this, sheets, towels or any other bulky textiles are wet, wrung out and hung around the house. During the heating season, it is preferable to hang fabrics on radiators, in the summer - in passages and places where the fabric will not interfere with you.
A regular spray bottle will do the job just as well. Simply spray clean water in all rooms in the air and on the curtains through the most frequent nozzle, which creates a cloud of fine spray.
Battery-powered water containers
Dryness often occurs in winter due to the fact that hot heating radiators simply displace moisture. In this case, you can place bowls of water on the radiators or porous containers between the sections in the radiator itself. The water will gradually evaporate, saturating the air.
We increase humidity for a long time
If dry microclimate is a constant phenomenon for you, and you have to deal with it year-round, methods that can allow you to forget about this problem will come in handy.
The aquarium will humidify the air
A great option to improve the atmosphere in your home is to install an aquarium. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to have fish. Decorative frogs, snails, turtles, and jellyfish look great in illuminated water. You can completely abandon living creatures by decorating the tank with smooth stones and a few aquarium plants.
Indoor flowers against dry air
Surprisingly, it is those who first suffer from dryness who are able to correct the situation. Plants with large soft leaves, such as monstera, cope best with this task. As a rule, they come from humid tropical forests and are accustomed to absorbing a lot of moisture and giving away a lot. The main thing is to take good care of the flowers (water them regularly, wipe the leaves from dust, spray them), and then they will repay you with a healthy atmosphere in the house.
Indoor fountain to protect your health
An indoor fountain does an excellent job as a humidifier. The water in it constantly overflows, due to which it evaporates faster than, say, from an aquarium. In addition, it is very beautiful and creates a cozy atmosphere. The main thing is to use only clean water and change it often, and wash the fountain itself to avoid the formation of microorganisms.
Today they constantly talk about the need to monitor the humidity in an apartment or house and maintain the required level. But not everyone understands why this is necessary. However, this is an important indicator that affects the health, well-being and comfortable living of household members.
Excessively dry air in an apartment leads to allergies, deterioration of the respiratory system and rapid fatigue. It negatively affects the condition of young children, causing frequent colds and other diseases, especially in winter.
To avoid these problems, it is important to maintain a comfortable humidity level. It is 30-60%, in a newborn’s room it can reach up to 65%. Read more about what humidity and temperature should be in an apartment for a comfortable and healthy stay.
Today, humidifiers and ionizers that clean, disinfect and humidify the air have become popular. But there are also traditional methods that will help improve the atmosphere in the house. In this article we will learn how to humidify the air in an apartment without a humidifier.
Why is low humidity dangerous?
- Dry air irritates your throat, nose and eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses. It causes tickling and coughing;
- Rapid accumulation of dust and animal hair. It can cause an allergic reaction, especially in a newborn or infant. Worsens the condition of people with allergies and asthma;
- Increases fatigue and drowsiness, while impairing sleep. The person sleeps restlessly and often wakes up;
- May cause headaches and worsen overall health;
- Dries out the skin, makes nails and hair dull and brittle;
- In a warm, dry room, harmful bacteria and viruses multiply quickly. This increases the risk of colds and infectious diseases;
- Dry air is especially dangerous in winter, when due to heating and minimal ventilation the humidity level drops significantly;
- Low humidity negatively affects the condition of pets. They shed and feel unwell;
- Due to dry air indoor plants and the flowers do not grow or dry out;
- Insufficient humidity negatively affects natural materials, primarily wood. So, wooden furniture, windows, doors, musical instruments and other products crack. They are losing attractive appearance and for short term fall into disrepair.
How to determine the humidity level in an apartment
Experts advise monitoring the temperature, humidity, and level of harmful bacteria in the apartment, especially if children and people with various diseases live in the room. A hygrometer, which is installed away from radiators, radiators and other heating devices, will help determine humidity. It will show accurate results.
If you cannot or do not want to use a hygrometer, humidity can be measured using improvised means. But they will give approximate information. To do this, put a bottle of plain water in the refrigerator for several hours. After this, take out the container and leave it indoors. Drops of condensation will quickly appear on the walls of the container.
If the drops are almost dry within five minutes, the air in the room is dry. If they form a puddle, the air is too humid. This is also bad. Excessive humidity leads to colds and infectious diseases. In such rooms, walls and ceilings become damp, wallpaper comes off, and mold and mildew appear. If the drops slowly slide down the bottle, the humidity is normal.
A fir cone can also help determine the level of humidity in a room. If it has fully opened indoors, the humidity in the house is low. When the scales are pressed tightly against each other or slightly open, the humidity level is normal. If there is not enough humidity in the apartment, certain measures should be taken.
The most practical method of humidifying the air in an apartment is to install one that independently maintains necessary indicators humidity in the house. If you do not plan to use this device, you can use home methods. Let's look at how you can humidify the air in a room without a humidifier.
Alternative battery-powered humidifier
Placing damp towels on the radiator is a traditional method of humidifying the air in an apartment. However, the towels will have to be constantly wetted.
Today, manufacturers offer special humidifiers for radiators. They represent a container into which water is poured, and then hung and secured to the radiator. The water in the device gradually evaporates and fills the room with moisture.
Such moisturizing products are made from steel, ceramics, plastic and other raw materials. They are available in different designs, shapes and colors. You can easily select the device to match the interior of the room. The container has universal fastenings and is securely fixed on any type of radiator.
A ceramic humidifier is considered the most practical, rational and aesthetically pleasing due to its affordable price, reliable fastenings and variety of colors. Unlike standard household humidifiers, battery-powered devices do not make noise and are cheaper. In addition, they cannot burn.
You can make such a container yourself. To do this, choose a container made of material that does not melt at high temperatures. Heat-resistant plastic or ceramic will do. Make holes in the device and string a wire or other secure fastening. If desired, you can decorate the product.
How to replace a household humidifier
- Ready-made or homemade battery-powered humidifiers. By the way, to moisturize the room and fill it with a pleasant aroma, add a few drops of essential oil to a container of water;
- In a humidified room, place a container of water in front of a fan or next to heating appliances. In addition, you can periodically spray water from a spray bottle. You can also add essential oils to this water;
- In the warm season it is required regularly. Street fresh air more moisturized than homemade. In addition, it has a positive effect on well-being, improves sleep and stimulates brain function;
- Leave the bathroom open after taking a shower or bath or after washing your face. After all, the bathroom is a source of high humidity in the house;
- Hang washed clothes and linen in the room next to the radiator. Damp fabrics will quickly and without additional effort fill the air with moisture. In addition, this will speed up the drying of clothes;
- Hydrogel is used not only for growing flowers, but also for humidifying the air. Sprinkle the product into containers, add a little water and place around the room;
- Frequent use helps keep the house clean and increases the moisture content in the air. Remove dust in a timely manner;
- Choose plants and flowers that love moisture and humidify the air. These are ferns, ficus, hibiscus and others. Such plants require regular watering and spraying, and only 1% of the water goes into the ground and roots. The rest evaporates through flowers, stems and leaves;
- Use an open aquarium without a lid, an indoor waterfall or fountain. Any open container leads to evaporation of water, and, therefore, makes the air humid. But a bowl of water is unlikely to decorate the room, and an indoor pond or aquarium will become original decoration and addition to the interior.
When trying to increase the humidity in the apartment, it is important not to overdo it. Too high a level also leads to problems. The apartment becomes damp, mold and mildew appear, and the wallpaper peels off. Excessive humidity worsens the condition of books, leather goods, clay and wood.
