I'm confused do I need a Humidifier a Dehumidifier or an Air Purifier?

It can get a little confusing when it comes to figuring out whether or not you need a humidifier, a dehumidifier, or an air purifier.

The answer to which you need isn’t quite black and white and can be one or the other or even all three depending on several factors.

To figure out what you need, it’s best to understand what each one does.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are portable units that increase humidity levels in the air.

The air in our homes can become too dry when we live in dry climates or during the colder months when the heat is turned up, causing the air to dry out. Dry air can also damage valuables, such as art and musical instruments, as well as dry-out and warp wood floors, panelling, and furniture.

Humidifiers may help you prevent the following:

• Allergy Reactions
• Nasal and Throat Irritation
• Nosebleeds
• Dry Skin
• Cracked Lips
• Breathing Difficulties

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers take humidity out of the air. Too much humidity in the air can cause breathing complications in those with COPD and asthma. Excess moisture in the air can also cause mould and help dust mites grow and thrive. People living in hot and humid climates tend to have too much moisture in the air of their home, and summertime and warm temperatures increase humidity levels for those not living in especially humid climates. Also, homes that are damp due to leaks and poor ventilation also have too much humidity in the air.

Dehumidifiers work best on places such as:

• Basements
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Bedrooms

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers clean the air in the home. They take in air that is then passed through a series of filters. People with asthma and allergies are especially prone to complications when breathing in air that contains dust and other allergens. An air purifier continuously filters the air you breathe for cleaner and healthier air, as well as less dust to clean.

Air Purifiers helps eliminate airborne pollutants such as:

• Dust
• Pet Dander
• Smoke
• Pollen
• Airborne Allergens and Pollutants

So Which Do You Need?

In reality, most people who want their climate to be as clean and healthy as possible choose to use all three depending on the time of year. An air purifier is helpful year-round, especially if someone living in the home is a smoker or suffers from allergies or asthma.

During the winter months when the heater is on, a humidifier helps maintain the moisture in the air that you need to breathe better, especially when you or a loved one has cold or breathing difficulties. And during the summer months when humidity levels rise or in a home that is especially damp or has mould; a dehumidifier can help you control mould and mildew and make breathing easier by taking away the excess water vapours in the air.

Each type of unit has its benefits and be useful during certain times of the year or in certain climates. Those with allergies or asthma and those concerned about the quality of the air they breathe might consider using all three as necessary.

View our Air Purifier Buying Guide

View our Dehumidifier Buying Guide