Interested in air purifiers or dehumidifiers or both? Good because both help us stay healthy. Do they help us stay healthy in the same way though? Is an air purifier the same as a dehumidifier?
No, an air purifier is not the same as a dehumidifier. Air purifiers remove things out of the air, which makes indoor air better to breathe. Dehumidifiers take water out of the air, which lowers the chances of mold, mildew, and dust mites.
Air Purifiers
What They Do
Air purifiers remove things from the air that aren’t good for our health. Depending on the type of air purifier, these can be things like dust, dander, pollen, viruses, bacteria, and even some gases too.
When And Where To Use Them
To be at their best, air purifiers should be run all day. As far as where they need to go, put them in rooms where they’re most needed. To determine this, regularly use an air quality monitor to keep an eye on air quality in each room.
Effect On Health
Air purifiers affect people’s health in a number of ways. In terms of minor issues caused by air pollution, an air purifier lowers the chances of eye, nose, and throat irritation. In terms of major issues, an air purifier lowers the chances of cancer and respiratory diseases, among others.
Dehumidifiers
What They Do
Dehumidifiers use fans to draw warm air into their refrigerated coils. Pretty soon, all that’s left of the warm air is some water droplets, which drop into a container. When the container gets full, it needs to be emptied so that the process can start again.
When And Where To Use Them
Use dehumidifiers whenever and wherever there’s too much moisture in your air. Warmer months are a good bet because it’s more likely for indoor air to be humid then. Thankfully, dehumidifiers don’t need to run all day, just long enough to remove moisture from the air. Use a hygrometer, which measures humidity, to determine where to place the dehumidifier.
Effect On Health
Dehumidifiers help us stay healthy in a few ways. One way is that by lowering the moisture in the air they lower the chances for mold and mildew to grow. Another way is that lower moisture in the air means dust mites don’t survive as well.
Is An Air Purifier The Same As A Dehumidifier?
No, air purifiers and dehumidifiers are not the same. Both remove things from the air, but air purifiers focus on pollutants while dehumidifiers focus on moisture.
What About Air Purifier Dehumidifier Combos?
If you want both an air purifier and a dehumidifier, there are some machines where they come together. Since they both need fans to take something out of the air, they go well together.
Related Questions
Do Dehumidifiers Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Not in the way that air purifiers do. Air purifiers make indoor air healthier to breathe. Dehumidifiers also do that, but that’s not what their main goal is. Still, dehumidifiers can improve indoor air quality indirectly by lowering opportunities for mold and mildew to grow, and also for dust mites to survive.
Do Dehumidifiers Or Air Purifiers Cool Down Rooms?
Because dehumidifiers lower the humidity indoors they can make the air feel cooler. However, they don’t actually cool the air directly. Air purifiers also don’t cool down rooms. They can make it feel that way though due to the wind chill effect.
Do Dehumidifiers Or Air Purifiers Make The Air Dry?
Dehumidifiers can make the air drier since they are taking water out of the air. To make sure this doesn’t happen, follow manufacturer recommendations. Air purifiers don’t dry out the air in any way, shape, or form.
Key Takeaways: Is An Air Purifier The Same As A Dehumidifier?
Both air purifiers and dehumidifiers take things out of the air. Is an air purifier the same as a dehumidifier though? No, they take different things out of the air for different reasons. What do you think though? What are your reasons for looking into air purifiers and dehumidifiers? Let us know in the comments below!
