They should add a little sticker that certifies that the humidifier supports water conservation, but in the sense of energy conservation or momentum conservation.

https://explainxkcd.com/3044/

  • fine_sandy_bottom
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    22 hours ago

    I’m not an expert on thermodynamics, but we do have a humidifier.

    My laypersons understanding is that it works by booking water to steam and kinda hoping some of the steam is absorbed by the air to become humidity, rather than condensing to water vapour as it cools.

    It tries to maximise the humidity by having this internal chamber to mix steam with air and catch condensation but of course some steam escapes.

    That I’d to say, I think it’s possible for some humidifiers to produce more humidity with less water given that inefficient humidifiers produce more steam as a waste product.

    • yesman@lemmy.world
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      20 hours ago

      Some humidifiers use an oscillating diaphragm to mechanically aerosolize the water. No heat, No steam.

      • Apathy Tree@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        19 hours ago

        Others are just a huge wick and a fan, also known as swamp coolers. Aprilaire whole house humidifiers work this way. Those are quite effective as well, and no heat or steam.

      • nova_ad_vitum@lemmy.ca
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        16 hours ago

        Yeah this is the ultrasonic type. The diaphragm is basically a waterproof speaker fed with a signal in the 3-5 MHz range. I don’t get how the fine liquid bubbles don’t coalesce. Are they all similarly charge or something?

    • MagosInformaticus@sopuli.xyz
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      20 hours ago

      It depends a bit on what you want to optimize for, as there’s drawbacks to all the major methods:

      • Ultrasonic sprayers are decently efficient but spread any contaminants around your home, potentially still biologically active. Dissolved trace minerals will turn into fine dust, affecting cleaning needs.
      • Boiling for humidification is energy intensive because of water’s heat capacity.
      • Air forced wicks are by default great habitat for mold and similar, so they need regular care and replacement.
    • RobotZap10000@feddit.nl
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      21 hours ago

      You’re right, a space heater using “too much” power would have been irrefutable.

      • Korhaka@sopuli.xyz
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        2 hours ago

        Omg several years back so many people on UK sub reddits just didn’t understand that 2kw of heating is the same regardless of what it comes out of and it was so frustrating. Pretty sure it was precovid, at least now there is a useful technology connections video to point people at.