Difference Between A Humidifier And A Dehumidifier.

A humidifier and dehumidifier help maintain the recommended moisture in the air during hot and cold weather. A humidity level of 30%-50% is recommended for good health by professionals.

The main difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier is that. A humidifier adds more moisture to the air, while a dehumidifier removes the excess humidity from the air.

4 Differences Between A Humidifier And A Dehumidifier

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers, though, deal with maintaining the humidity of your house; they both work in opposing ways. There are a few differences in their functionality and working. These differences are discussed in detail below.

1. Humidity:

A humidifier functions to add moisture to the air. While a dehumidifier is designed to take excessive moisture out of the air. They both maintain the ideal humidity level of 50% in the air.

A humidifier is ideally used when the humidity level is below 30%, while a dehumidifier is used when humidity exceeds 50%.

2. Health:

A humidifier is mostly used in winter when the air gets too dry. It helps deal with diseases such as dry sinus, asthma allergies, and eczema. Bringing the moisture back into the air, the dryness reduces. That can help get rid of dryness, cough, and infections.

A dehumidifier works effectively in an environment with excessive moisture. A lot of moisture in the air can enhance the growth of bacteria, mold, and dust mites. These agents spread allergies and infections. A dehumidifier helps reduce the effect of bacteria and hinders the growth of molds.

Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers work in their ways to create an environment for better health.

3. Weather:

The cold can make the moisture in the air disappear, making the air dry. The moisture level drops below 50%. This can cause various diseases to spread faster and the body to get weaker. A humidifier is a useful appliance in winter to help restore that moisture.

In summers, the moisture level in the air increases, which can result in mold and bacteria growing faster. A dehumidifier is a helpful appliance to bring the moisture back to the ideal amount.

4. Purpose:

The main purpose of a humidifier is to add moisture to the air, especially in winter when the moisture level goes below 30%. There are different types of humidifiers. Choosing the one that fits your needs is the best way to achieve better results.

The purpose of a dehumidifier is the same as that of a humidifier, to bring the moisture level to the ideal amount. But it works in the opposite way, that is, by taking the moisture out of the air.

What Is A Humidifier & 5 Types?

A humidifier is used to increase the moisture in the air. However, during winter and fall, the air gets dry and cold. As a result, the humidity in the air reduces, causing allergies and nasal congestion.

Using a Humidifier in your house during winter helps bring back the moisture into the air. In addition, humidifiers help restore air moisture up to the ideal 50%.

Depending on their size and functionality, several different types of humidifiers exist. Each type has its perks. You can use the type of humidifier that fits perfectly with your needs.

1. Warm Mist Humidifier:

Warm mist or steam humidifiers have a boiling system that boils the water, releasing the steam into the air. Warm mist humidifiers are healthier since the water boils inside, killing the bacteria.

A warm mist humidifier is not recommended for children as it can make the air too warm and hot for them to breathe easily.

Adding essential oils and medicinal inhalants to the warm mist humidifier helps with allergies and a pleasant smell.

2. Central Humidifier:

Central Humidifiers are whole-house humidifiers that are hardwired to the whole house’s heating or cooling system. They require less maintenance as they are connected to the HVAC system. They are quiet and are out of sight, which is also a plus point.

These humidifiers maintain the humidity level of the whole house instead of one room. They are a great investment, especially if you live in a colder region.

3. Cool Mist Humidifier:

Cool mist humidifiers use the process of evaporation to create moisture.

It consists of a Wick filter and a fan. Wick absorbs water from the tank and brings it up to the fan that steams the moisture into the air. Cool mist Humidifiers are ideal to be used around babies.

4.Ultrasonic Humidifier:

Ultrasonic humidifiers release water droplets into the air by vibrating. These droplets are small and suspended in the air. It is a simple device containing a reservoir, a diaphragm, or a vibrating machine.

The water in the air then evaporates, bringing moisture to the air. An ultrasonic humidifier is a type of cool mist humidifier.

These humidifiers are small in size and can be used in constricted places.

5. Impeller Humidifier:

Impeller Humidifier has a rotating dish. The water comes up and out, passing through a mesh screen, broken down into tiny droplets. These water droplets are suspended in the air, increasing air moisture.

The technology used in these humidifiers is simple, making them less expensive than the other types. It has a fan in it which causes loud noise while rotating. So, the only negative point would be the loudness.

When To Use A Humidifier?

During winters and dry weather, the moisture level in the air reduces. As a result, the moisture in your body condenses, too, causing dry skin, cough, and infections.

The reduced moisture also ruins your wooden furniture as the wood starts shrinking in the cold.

A humidifier is best for dry weather when the moisture level drops below 30%. It helps avoid seasonal flu and infections and protects your wooden furniture.

What Is A Dehumidifier? & 4 Types

A dehumidifier is used to reduce the excessive moisture in the air. In summer, the weather gets moist and warm.

The increased moisture in the air can speed up mold and bacteria growth. This mold and bacteria eventually spread diseases. Sometimes the moisture increases up to 98%.

A dehumidifier can help bring the moisture down to 50%, which hinders the growth of bacteria and mold.

Same as a humidifier, there are various dehumidifiers, depending on the size and functionality. Choosing the right dehumidifier according to its functions is important for good results.

1. Desiccant Dehumidifier:

Desiccant dehumidifiers have a material called a desiccant that absorbs moisture easily.

The desiccant rotates on a belt with a heating system on one end to draw moisture out of the material.

These dehumidifiers work better in places with high humidity and low temperature.

2. Refigirative Dehumidifier:

This dehumidifier uses a fan to pull the air over a refrigerated coil. The moisture condenses over the coil, dripping into a collecting space.

The dehumidifiers work best when the temperature is above 19 degrees Celsius, and the humidity level is above 45%. These dehumidifiers are very efficient and energy-efficient.

3. Electronic Dehumidifier:

An electronic dehumidifier uses a heat pump. That creates a cool surface where the moisture from the air condenses.

This dehumidifier works efficiently only in small places.

4. Ionic Dehumidifier:

The ionic Dehumidifier has an ionic plate. This plate pumps the water in or out of the air.

Ionic Dehumidifier works molecularly, which is why no visible water is seen.

Such dehumidifiers are used for chemical engineering, water filtering, and fuel cells.

When To Use A Dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers are mostly needed when the moisture level in the air exceeds 60%, usually in summer. The exceeding moisture in the atmosphere enhances the growth of mold and mites in the environment.

Too much moisture can also ruin your furniture by breeding pests and termites.

A dehumidifier reduces the excessive moisture in the air, which helps avoid allergies and creates a better environment for your house.

Conclusion:

The difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier is that both serve opposite purposes, yet both help maintain air moisture and enhance your environment.

A humidifier is best during the winter season when the air gets dry, making the moisture leave your body too. Dry air causes cough and other diseases.

On the other hand, a dehumidifier is best used during summers when too much moisture makes your body heats up, and the bacteria spread faster.

Both appliances are necessary to enhance the quality of your house.

FAQs:

1. How To Check If You Need A Humidifier Or A Dehumidifier?

Humidity levels between 0% and 35% indicate that you need a humidifier to increase the moisture level to 50%. While humidity level above 60% and up to 98% means that you need a dehumidifier that can remove the excess moisture from the air.

2. What Device Helps In Checking The Level Of Humidity?

A hygrometer is used to check the humidity level of air digitally. It is a device designed specifically for this purpose. It would help to determine if your house needs a humidifier or a dehumidifier and what settings are best for your needs.