The Difference Between Humidifier and Dehumidifier

Depending on where you live, maintaining an appropriate humidity level in your home can be a challenge. Seasonal conditions can make your indoor air too dry or humid throughout the year. The moisture in the air is measured by relative humidity, which refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. The relative humidity level will determine how hot or how cool it feels. The most comfortable humidity level is thought to be around 30 to 50 percent. In many situations, your HVAC can help control the humidity level in your home. However, if the air in your home becomes too dry or too humid, it could lead to problems with allergies, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Air that is too dry could cause dry, itchy skin, nosebleeds, and other problems. If you have high humidity levels in your home, it could promote mold growth and other allergens that trigger health problems. Keeping the humidity levels inside your home in check will ensure the most comfortable and healthy environment possible. It will also help protect your home from damage due to excessive dryness or humidity. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be used during certain periods to help control moisture levels in the air. So, what is the difference between humidifier and dehumidifier units? Let’s take a closer look at humidifier equipment and how it could benefit your home.

What is a humidifier?

The primary function of a humidifier is to put more moisture into the air. Increasing the level of relative humidity in your home could prevent minor health problems and improve the comfort level in your home. The two types of humidifiers are warm-mist and cool-mist units. Warm-mist humidifiers use a power source to boil water inside a container. The boiling water produces steam that is cooled down before it exits the humidifier. With a cool-mist humidifier, that water stays cold throughout the entire process. Different units rely on various methods to break water into tiny droplets that vent into your air as water vapor. Since cool-mist humidifiers rely on cold water, they can also help cool the air. Both types of humidifiers work equally well at adding moisture to your indoor air.

What is a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier serves the opposite function of a humidifier. A dehumidifier draws excess moisture from the air while circulating dryer air around the room. A typical dehumidifier can reduce the relative humidity to a more comfortable level. Dehumidifiers work by taking in warm air through a fan and cooling it down. The warm air shrinks, and tiny water droplets fall out. The cooler, drier air is circulated, and the removed moisture is stored in the condensation tank within the machine.

Which device do you need?

Both systems help reduce ailments like chest congestion, allergies, and asthma. Depending on your home and the indoor conditions, you may need one or both types of machines. A dehumidifier can treat asthma triggered by humid air, and a humidifier can help relieve nasal passage blockage or sinus congestion. The machine you need will be determined by the climate where you live and the effectiveness of your HVAC system. The air is naturally more humid in the summer and can create a sticky, uncomfortable feeling. However, in the winter, the air is usually dry and cold, which can be compounded by heaters. Your location, health concerns, and comfort level will determine what type of machine you need and when you should use it. Maintaining the right level of humidity in your home is important for your comfort and health. However, many situations and external factors can make managing humidity levels challenging. A humidifier or dehumidifier can help control the air moisture in your home and create comfortable conditions year-round.