Room area (humidification)
A very conditional parameter that slightly characterizes the purpose based on the size of the room. And depending on the height of the ceilings, layout, building design and equipment, actual values may differ significantly. However, this item represents the maximum recommended room area for which the device is designed. In fact, this paragraph indicates the maximum service area in air humidification mode: use on a smaller area is quite acceptable, but the device simply does not have enough performance for a larger space. We also note that the area is indicated based on a standard ceiling height of 2.5 - 3 m. With higher ceiling heights, the effective humidification space decreases; it can be recalculated using special formulas.
When choosing by area, it is worth taking a certain reserve, but it should not be too large - otherwise the device will turn out to be overly powerful, bulky and expensive.
Room area (purification)
A very conditional parameter that slightly characterizes the purpose by the size of the room. And depending on the height of the ceilings, layout, structure of the building and equipment, the actual values may differ significantly. Nevertheless, this item represents the maximum recommended area of the room in which the device is able to effectively clean the air. The parameter is indicated taking into account the standard ceiling height of 2.5-3 m. If the ceilings are higher than generally accepted values, the volume of space increases — it can be recalculated using special formulas. If the unit is used in rooms larger than the specifications of the model, the air cleaning quality may be poor, and maintenance and filter replacement may need to be done too often.
If the device is supposed to be moved from one room to another, when choosing, you should focus on the room with the largest area. In any case, it is recommended to take equipment with a reserve for the serviced area, but a small one – otherwise the device will cost more and may turn out to be more bulky.
Air flow
Maximum performance provided by the humidifier — that is, the maximum amount of air that it can pass through itself in an hour. This parameter is most relevant for models with a purifier function (see “Type”). However, it can also be specified for humidifiers.
The flow rate is selected by manufacturers, taking into account the area and, accordingly, the volume of the room for which the device is designed. For efficient operation, the device must be able to pass the entire volume of processed air through itself at least once per hour (or better, two or three times). At the same time, for models with the same area of the room, different air flow indicators can be declared - accordingly, the processing speed and efficiency will differ.
We also note that the recommended area of the room can be estimated by air flow if the latter is not stated in the specs. For example, if the device provides 200 m³/h, this means that the volume of the room can be no more than 200 m³, which, with a standard ceiling height of 2.5 m, gives an area of 200/2.5=80 m². And ideally, the area should be even 2-3 times smaller — that is, it should be about 25-40 m².
Operating time
It is the operating time of the humidifier with a full tank. It depends on the volume of the tank and on the water consumption (see below for both). For models with humidity control (see "Features"), this parameter can be indicated in different ways: in some cases, the maximum duration of the operation is given (at the minimum output humidity), and in others — vice versa. Nevertheless, according to the declared figures, it is quite possible to estimate the operating time at least approximately.
Water consumption
The rate at which the humidifier uses water. Knowing this speed and the volume of the water tank (see below), you can determine the operating time. Also, this indicator can be used to evaluate the performance and speed of the device: the
higher the water consumption, the more it evaporates into the air per unit of time. Accordingly, a high-consumption device allows you to quickly achieve the desired humidity, all other things being equal.
Note that for models with humidity control (see "Features"), the maximum consumption is most often indicated, at the highest humidity settings. And in evaporate devices(see "Type"), the claimed consumption will be achieved only with dry air (30% or less) — at higher humidity, evaporation will slow down and water consumption will decrease.
Min. noise level
The noise level generated by the air cleaner when operating in low or night mode. Most of these devices are used in domestic conditions, so the noise level plays an important role, especially at night. According to sanitary standards, constant noise in such rooms should not exceed 40 dB (quiet conversation) during the day and 30 dB (wall clock ticking) at night. More detailed comparison tables and recommendations can be found in special sources.
Maximum noise level
The noise level generated by the air purifier during operation. Most of these devices are used in residential areas, so this parameter should be treated carefully. According to sanitary standards, constant noise in such rooms should not exceed 40 dB (quiet conversation) during the day and 30 dB (wall clock ticking) at night. More detailed comparison tables and recommendations can be found in special sources. It is also worth mentioning that the noise level is indicated for the maximum operating speed, so the noise level will be significantly lower in reduced mode.
