When comparing different air purifiers and humidifiers, it’s crucial to understand how each one works to either filter or eliminate allergens and dust from the air, release moisture into the air, or both.
Many individuals have humidifiers installed in their houses, and many have air purifiers and dehumidifiers installed. Some HVAC systems already have them incorporated into the system. Some individuals use humidifiers instead, while others opt to use both. However, they are not the same entity and serve different functions because of this difference.
In this article, we will discuss the topic of air purifiers versus humidifiers to provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the operation of both highly effective equipment. When you conclude this tutorial, you will know unequivocally whether or not you require an air purifier, a humidifier, or both in your house.
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Difference Between Air Purifier and Humidifier
There is a common misconception that air humidifiers and air purifiers may be used interchangeably. However, this is not the case at all. Continue reading to learn the reason why.
Air Purifier
What exactly is the function of an air purifier? An air purifier’s job is to rid your indoor air of a wide variety of particles carried through the air by airborne pollutants.
In addition to dust, germs, allergies, mold spores, pet fur, and smoke smells, it also captures and eliminates other potentially hazardous particles. When you turn on your air purifier, it draws the air from within your home into the machine, where it is passed through several filters.
One of these filters is called a HEPA filter, which can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. The True HEPA variant of this filter is effective to a level of 99.97% in removing airborne pollutants that aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.
HEPA filters are constructed of a tightly woven collection of plastic and fiberglass threads that enable air to pass through while simultaneously catching particles more significant than the apertures within the material. If you’re wondering what HEPA filters are made of, the answer is that they capture particles.
Remember that using an air purifier will not result in more moisture being released into the air. Its only purpose is to clean and filter out environmental pollutants.
Humidifier
What does a humidifier do? The primary purpose of a humidifier is to replenish the level of moisture in the air inside a house. This is accomplished by pumping water vapor into a room, which may or may not be visible to the human eye. Compare this to a humidifier, which adds water vapor into the air, and a dehumidifier, which removes water moisture from the air.
You must constantly pour water into a reservoir to properly maintain the humidifier. This water is vaporized into a thin mist, then released into the atmosphere around it. Because they replenish the moisture in the air, humidifiers are most beneficial when utilized in environments lacking water.
You may find that living in a dry environment causes your skin to get dry, your throat to become irritated, your sinuses to become irritated, your nose to bleed, and your breathing to become difficult. Humidifiers can help reduce these symptoms.
It is critical that you know that using a humidifier will increase the relative humidity level in a space. Mold can begin to develop in environments that already have high humidity levels. This can be a contributing factor. As a result, you want the humidity levels inside to remain between 30 and 50 percent.
Relative humidity below 30% is regarded as excessively dry and might lead to the problems discussed in the previous paragraph. Mold, mildew, and dust mite multiplication can be encouraged by more than 50 percent humidity levels.
Suppose you cannot reduce the humidity levels in your house by an adequate amount. In that case, it is recommended that you invest in a high-quality air purifier for mold spores to remove the fungus from the air.
Comparison Chart.
| Criteria | Air Purifier | Humidifier |
| Application | It employs filters to capture and remove impurities suspended in the air. | It provides more moisture to the air, which helps to alleviate discomfort brought on by dry environmental circumstances. |
| Benefits | Helpful for those who have asthma or allergies or want cleaner air. | The dry air is a boon for those who have asthma and other respiratory irritations. |
| Removes | Pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, cigarette smoke, and other allergens. | Dry Air |
| Suggested Humidity | N/A | 30% to 50% |
In what way does a humidifier function?
Using a variety of methods, humidifiers increase the humidity in a room. Some machinery may boil water into misty steam by heating it to its boiling point. One way is to utilize a wick filter, which draws moisture from the air. The filter is blown by air from a fan, creating a refreshing mist. As for other humidifiers, they use ultrasonic vibrations to generate steam.
How does an air purifier function?
Oakland, California, family doctor Peter Bailey, MD, explains that air purifiers can help eliminate allergens, including pet hair, pollen, mold spores, dust, and germs floating in the air.
Most of these devices draw dust and other particles into a filter and then release the cleaned air back into space. Ionization and ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation are only two of the many methods used by air purifiers.
Some, known as ozone generators, use ozone discharge to clean the air. Because of the risks it poses to human health, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises against using ozone generators.
Is It Possible to Use a Humidifier and an Air Purifier at the Same Time?
A humidifier and air purifier may be used together without problems. The humidifier will provide moisture back into the air while the air purifier eliminates indoor allergens. This is the pinnacle of ease for individuals who struggle to breathe because of medical conditions.
However, remember that you should put each gadget some distance apart, ideally on different sides of the room. If the air purifier’s filter becomes wet from condensation, mold and bacteria might grow in the home.
A humidifier or an air purifier—which one is better?
Consider using an air purifier if…
- You have a respiratory ailment exacerbated by exposure to dirty air, such as asthma or allergies.
- You want to lessen your house’s allergy or pet dander count.
- If you’re looking to cut down on the dust in your home, an effective dust removal machine is a must-have.
- To eliminate smells caused by dogs, cigarettes, cooking, or mold, you must take action.
- The goal is to make the air safer to breathe again.
- Reduce the inflammation in your respiratory system so you can get a better night’s rest.
- You’re hoping to make your house as germ-free and sanitary as possible.
Consider using a humidifier if…
- You’re situated in a region that experiences extreme dryness or aridity.
- You feel the need to raise the relative humidity in your house.
- You suffer from sinus problems or nosebleeds worsened by dry air.
- During the colder months, your skin, hair, and eyes dry.
- You’re looking for a solution to your breathing problems caused by dry air.
- You suffer from nightly snoring due to the dry air.
Choose an air purifier
Air purifiers have become extremely popular in recent years. However, with so many different variations on the market, it can be difficult to pick the right unit for your home. Click on this link and I’ll walk you through how to choose an air purifier. I’ll also look at some of the pros and cons of each type of air purifier. Click on the link to learn more!
Bottom Line
Hopefully, you now know better whether you need a humidifier or air purifier, and if so, why. You now know that a humidifier and an air purifier may both be helpful for your health and your house. Most of the time, people who need comfort and relief offer options to use them inside.
