The humidity level can be defined as the amount of water vapor in the atmospheric air around us.
Due to the changing climate, it varies between very high-value to drastically lower values.
Both these conditions (high and low humidity levels) are not favorable for survival.
To maintain a comfortable humid condition at home, we all need a good humidifier and a dehumidifier.
Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier: Difference
| Humidifier | Dehumidifier |
|---|---|
| Helpful in enhancing the moisture level of the surrounding air | Helpful in reducing the moisture level of the surrounding air |
| Used during the winters or cold dry conditions (mostly in areas with humidity less than 35%) | Used during the extra warm and humid climatic conditions (mostly in areas with humidity more than 50%) |
| Can be used in a single room (most essential for children room) or whole house | Can be used in a single room, basement or whole house |
| Most recommended for relieving dry skin problems and respiratory issues (for adults as well as infants) | Most recommended for relieving allergies by eliminating all the dust mites, molds and mildew from air |
What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
Dehumidifiers remove the excess water vapor (or humidity) from the air around you to keep it dry and comfortable to breathe.
It is also helpful in preventing the growth of mold, mildew, dust mites, and other allergens (developed due to more humidity), which ultimately leads to allergies.
These devices are mostly advised to use on hot summer days when the humidity level hits 60 percent or higher at home.
Dehumidifiers are also found helpful in places such as the basement and attics, where damping problems are seen more.
Sometimes the mold present in these areas (due to spring water dampness) is not visible for the time being, but it does have all the traits to affect your health seriously.
With appropriate sealing along with running a dehumidifier device, you can quickly fix these sorts of problems in your home.
What Does an Air Humidifier Do?
Humidifiers perform the opposite function as dehumidifiers.
These devices increase the moisture levels in the air by adding the needed mist or water vapor droplets.
These are generally recommended for places where the humidity level falls below 35 percent.
Dry air conditions can make you suffer from problems such as dry skin, bleeding nose, respiratory issues, etc., which may further give rise to dangerous nasal troubles like asthma and bronchitis.
In winters, when allergies like cold, cough, and congestion are common due to low humidity, choosing a good baby humidifier machine can help get you the best relief.
Do I Need a Humidifier or a Dehumidifier?
Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers have their importance for enhancing the comfort level of humans.
Therefore it is a must for you to know your requirements and get knowledge about the humidity levels of your surroundings before you plan to buy these units for your home.
For a comfortable environment and health conditions, make the choice that depends upon the climatic condition, humidity level, occupants inside the room, etc.
In general:
- If you live in a place with dry climatic conditions, you need to install a good humidifier
- If you live in a place with too much humidity, you need to install a good dehumidifier
Get the help of an expert, if needed, who can advise you to make the best choice between a humidifier or a dehumidifier after checking the humidity levels of your interiors.
Most of the experts and professionals in the field recommend using both of these devices at different times of the year when the climate is completely different.
Humidifier vs. Air Purifier: What to Choose?
Both an air humidifier and an air purifier work hard to keep improving your indoor air and to keep it comfortable.
And for this reason, lots of people today use these devices in their rooms.
Even though many people know that they need to use both for ultimate comfort, they use only one of these due to varied reasons they have.
If it’s difficult to understand and decide between the two, let’s look at some of the basic differences between both through a comparison chart below…
| Criterion | Humidifier | Air Purifier |
|---|---|---|
| The Use: What It Removes? | By adding moisture into the indoor atmosphere it removes dry air and related problems (like various health and skin issues). | Removes the dust, smoke, allergens, pet dander, and other airborne contaminants (like harmful bacteria and viruses) from the indoor air. |
| Most Common Types | Ultrasonic, Evaporative, Central, Impeller, Steam Vaporizers | HEPA Filter, Negative Ions/Ionizing, Ozone Generators, Adsorbents, UV |
| To Whom It Benefits? | Beneficial for people suffering from dry air problems like dry skin, skin irritation, irritated respiratory tracts, etc. | Beneficial for people suffering from allergies and airborne health issues. |
| Recommended for | Families that have baby or allergy sufferers at home. | Families that have asthmatics and active smokers. |
| Suggested Setting | Humidity levels set to: 30% to 50% | N/A |
As clear from the above reading, we can see that an air purifier is a device that is only meant for purifying the air to make it healthy, hygienic, and clean to breathe.
Whereas a humidifier is a device that is meant to improve the quality of the air we breathe in by making it more humid, especially at times when the air is dry.
Buyers should not confuse themselves between these two devices while making a purchase.
Make a well-informed wise decision, and be most careful about the requirement you have!
✔, if you live in a bit polluted atmosphere, you should first consider purchasing an air purifier.
This will help remove all the unwanted household odors which may be caused due to cooking, smoke, pets at home, or mold.
✔ An air humidifier may only be helpful for you if you live in a place with an arid climate or where there is a lack of proper humidity.
Humidifier and Dehumidifier Combo: How Does it Help?
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers serve different functions and are equally important.
The ultimate purpose of both machines is to maintain an optimum humidity level. Therefore both of these machines are needed all around the year in your home.
However, modern equipment and humidification systems are now available which can perform both the functions of humidifier and dehumidifier to keep the best comfortable conditions in all seasons.
These are popularly known as humidifier dehumidifier combo devices.
Buying a unit with a humidifier and dehumidifier combination is a great idea that can keep the air around you most comfortable by providing the optimum humidity to the air.
Humidifier dehumidifier combo reviews can be checked at sites such as Amazon.com before you plan to buy these devices online.
In case you want, you can also check for the dehumidifier, air purifier, and humidifier all-in-one device which can purify the air in addition to providing optimum humidity.
Just go for it and provide your family with the best environment and health they deserve.
Meen Smith is a nurse by profession who loves writing online, spending time with her family and caring for the elderly. She has already worked as an associate editor on various moms, babies, home appliances, kitchen, and healthy living blogs. In her spare time, she also enjoys drawing, reading/writing kindle eBooks and improving her skills a bit.