Room area (humidification)
The area of the room for which the device is designed. This parameter indicates the maximum area in the 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 a higher ceiling height, the effective humidification space decreases, and it can be recalculated using special formulas.
When choosing by area, it is worth taking a certain margin, but it should not be too large — otherwise, the device will turn out to be unnecessarily powerful, bulky and expensive.
Controls
The type of control provided in the device.
Note that mechanical and electronic devices can use the same elements - buttons, rotary knobs, sliders — and, as a result, almost do not differ from each other in appearance. The difference lies in the fact that the mechanical control directly affects the working part of the device (for example, when the knob is turned, the resistance of the rheostat that regulates the power changes), and the electronic control sends a signal to the control circuit, which accordingly changes the parameters of the device. The advantages of mechanical ones are simplicity, reliability and low cost. However, it allows you to adjust only basic functions, and the accuracy of the adjustments is low. In turn, with electronic control, various additional features can be provided and individual operation parameters can be very precisely adjusted. But such control is more complicated and expensive. Electronic control can also be performed in the form of touch controls, which gives the device elegance and elevates it to a more advanced level.
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.
Water tank volume
The volume of the water tank installed in the humidifier. Large capacity allows you to work longer without refuelling but affects the dimensions and weight of the device. Therefore, manufacturers choose the volume based on a compromise between these points and taking into account water consumption. Usually, the volume of the tank is chosen in such a way that the humidifier can work quietly on a single refill for at least 2-3 hours, and often even more. Accordingly, the more capacious the tank, the more powerful and performant the device, as a rule. So, models with a volume
of up to 2 litres belong to the entry-level,
from 2 to 4 litres — to the average,
from 4 to 6 litres — to the larger than average category, and in the most capacious devices this figure can
exceed 6 litres .
Note that for models with the possibility of using a bottle (see below), this paragraph often indicates the optimal capacity of the bottle (such devices may not have their tanks).
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.
