Humidifiers

	Comefresh offers the CF-2610 model, which is equipped with a transducer and a 7-color night light.

An increasing number of China makers are releasing ultrasonic models with anti-bacterial filters and ozonizers.

Suppliers in China are developing humidifiers with improved safety and capability.

The majority of companies are shifting production to ultrasonic models. This change comes amid growing concerns that the use of steam may cause burns and other injuries. Consequently, demand for the older technology has dropped sharply.

In fact, ultrasonic designs now constitute 80 percent of the country’s humidifier exports. Some makers have even begun devoting all output to these types.

To ensure safety further, suppliers perform various tests during production. Third-party organizations such as SGS and Intertek may also be tapped for inspection according to CE, GS, UL and RoHS standards. In addition, all suppliers interviewed for this report bear ISO 9001:2000 certification.

For the same end, the inclusion of components such as anti-bacterial filters is becoming mainstream. Ozone generators, which kill airborne microorganisms, are likewise being added.

Expanding capability, many of the latest China models produce mist at different temperatures. Some also release anions or evaporate essential oils.

	The AHU-40ET model from Andefia has an ABS housing. It measures 270x270x330mm.

Comefresh Electronic Industry Co. Ltd offers ultrasonic products in 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9L variants. The most popular models have a capacity of 6L and generate vapor at a rate of 300mL/h.

Low-end versions from this company are equipped with mechanical controls. Upscale types, on the other hand, boast soft-touch panels, three humidity and three or 12 timer settings, and temperature, moisture-level and filter-replacement display.

Additionally, several designs feature anion generators. Some can also preheat water, release mist at 42 C and regulate moisture automatically via a built-in sensor.

Shanghai Povos Enterprise (Group) Co. Ltd manufactures ultrasonic and impeller products. Models of the former type utilize a removable translucent water tank with a capacity of 2 to 6L.

The company’s low-end designs have control knobs and one humidity setting. Midrange versions come with LED monitors, soft-touch panels, three to five vapor-release and timer presets, and temperature display, moisture-level and filter-replacement indicators.

Upscale models from Shanghai Povos boast LCDs or dynamic LED screens, anion generators, remote controls and a static pressure function. The noise level is less than 45dB.

Shenzhen Kavbao Household Commodity Co. Ltd’s humidifiers are available in ultrasonic, impeller and steam configurations, with the first type making up the bulk of output.

Mainstream designs have compact ABS housings, anion-generation capability, variable speed settings, adjustable mist intensity and a quiet operation mode. These also boast low-water indicators, two movable sprayers and variable-angle vapor outlets.

Likewise, the latest releases from Andefia Industries Ltd employ ultrasonic technology, and have ABS bodies and variable mist output. Most come in blue and measure 290x210x330mm.

The company exports all output to North America, the EU, the Middle East and Asia. Ninety percent of shipments are OEM orders.

Zhongshan Leyang Electrical Life Co. Ltd has developed ultrasonic models with an anion-releasing function. Some can even evaporate essential oils.

	This humidifier from Shanghai Povos features a removable 2.5L water tank.

Quotes depend on the functions, materials and size. Housings are made mostly of locally sourced ABS, although imported plastic can be used on request.

The least-expensive humidifiers from China are $9 to $14, and have basic features, low-frequency transducers and water tanks with a capacity of 3 to 5L. A tabletop construction is typical.

Midrange products are between $15 and $25, and boast medium-frequency components, automatic moisture-level settings and ozone generators. These hold 5 to 7.5L of water, and are available in tabletop and console versions.

High-end humidifiers have transducers that can vibrate up to 4,000kHz. Such models accommodate 7.5 to 9L of liquid, and usually come with anti-bacterial filters and an automatic sensor. Some designs even utilize an LCD, timer and remote control. Prices are $26 to $36.

To attract more orders, suppliers such as Andefia are developing novelty housings that resemble dogs, elephants and other animals. Egg-shaped releases are growing popular as well. In an effort to improve aesthetics, some companies are releasing products in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow and violet.

The rising cost of raw materials and key components is among the major factors contributing to higher prices. In 2007, plastic and steel went up by 10 and 30 percent, respectively, while iron-based parts became 5 percent more expensive. Expenditure for packaging cartons increased 25 percent that year.

Wages grew about 20 percent after the implementation of a new labor policy in January 2008. This is expected to push up quotes in coming months.

Further, the steady appreciation of the yuan against the US dollar is shrinking margins, causing many makers to prefer euro transactions.

Even so, exports to the EU have slowed due to the prohibitive manufacturing and design requirements of the RoHS and WEEE directives. Companies that are unable to invest in lead-free soldering machines or compliant components are shifting to less-demanding markets.

As a result of these factors, prices are expected to increase by 5 to 10 percent.

China is home to more than 200 suppliers in the line, with small and midsize companies dominating exports. While some specialize in the product, others offer it as a secondary category. Dehumidifiers and air purifiers may also be manufactured.

The industry is primarily OEM-oriented. Carrefour of France and Germany’s Tesco are among the major customers. An increasing number of makers, however, are now promoting OBM models. Designs are created by in-house R&D teams, which typically have between five and 10 members.

Last year, exports from China reached 5.8 million units worth $209 million. This was a year-on-year decrease of 20 percent in volume but a 7 percent increase in value.