In Northern Italy one of the biggest problems for homes is the high level of humidity, which leads to mold and other discomforts. Here in the North we have the opposite problem, for example I have 20% humidity, at 23 degrees.
Recognizing low humidity
The consequences are quite annoying, such as dry skin that causes itching and leads to “scratching” continuously, dry eyes, dry lips, continuous feeling of thirst. I tried to search on the net what is the correct level of humidity for an apartment, but I found very little information, and even conflicting ones, who said 20 to 40%, and who said 40 to 60%, some even 80- 100%!
Fortunately, I know a professional in the sector who told me that according to UNI standards, which indicate the ideal climate for a home, they recommend 20-22 degrees with 50% and long-sleeved clothes.
Solution n. 1 – the evaporator
His advice was to put a evaporator for radiators as it used to be, and which is not I had never understood why they existed, until a few days ago!
Solution n. 2 – the ultrasonic humidifier
In the end, since I wanted something that would solve the problem quickly and perpetually, I decided to buy an ultrasonic humidifier for the whole apartment, as it is indicated up to 50 square meters (many can only be used for one room, of usual for children). For an equipment that can cover up to 50 square meters, I would not spend less than 60/80 euros, the risk is to buy something under-sized and then it would be useless. For bedrooms, on the other hand, I don’t think there are great demands, apart from the noise level.
Some of the features that I considered important, useful for choosing the right humidifier:
- display the current humidity,
- possibility to adjust the desired humidity%,
- two types of jet: cold and hot,
- possibility to choose between two power levels,
- which is very quiet (<30db),
- can hold up to 5 liters of water,
- stops automatically when the water runs out,
- completely removable and easy to clean (but not in the dishwasher),
- and I can also use it with home fragrances.
Place the humidifier
Some indications, not exactly obvious but useful before buying it, for positioning:
- cannot be placed on the floor,
- ideal in a ventilated area,
- at a minimum height of 90 cm,
- at least 30 cm away from the wall and
- at least 120 cm from the ceiling,
- as a precaution, not on floors or surfaces that could be damaged by water.
This is because it emits a jet of steam (clearly visible, of about one meter) that must not be obstructed, otherwise it would generate condensation and would not be effective (as well as wetting the area).
Regarding the cold or hot jet: I’m not an expert but from what I understand the hot jet is better as it eliminates bacteria more, at the expense of greater energy consumption. Energy consumption is still low, at most 90 watts (at full power and hot jet).
After about 3 hours my humidifier (a Co/Tech DF-HU28015) raised the humidity in the apartment by 10% (from 27% to 37%). Consider that I have an open-space kitchen-living room of about 50 square meters.
Update: I broke the humidifier cleaning it (water on the mainboard). Then – as I absolutely need an humidifier – I bought a more powerful one, read my review about the Stadler Form Eva humidifier.
I hope I have been useful for a more effective and informed purchase!
