What’s the difference between an air purifier and dehumidifier? How each of them works, and should you get them at the same time?
As early as now, let me debunk the idea that air purifiers and dehumidifiers are the same. Their design and structure might look the same. But their functions are not.
However, each of them aims to clean the air quality of indoor spaces. They fit perfectly in homes, apartments, and offices. If you are residing in areas and cities are heavily beaten by air pollution, these devices are quite needed.
This time, it is essential that you know the difference between air purifiers and dehumidifiers. In this way, you will be able to invest in the right unit based on your needs.
What’s The Difference Between An Air Purifier And Dehumidifier
The difference between these two is pretty stark when it comes to their functions. One should not be confused between their intended applications, as they were engineered to perform specific tasks.
Air purifiers are meant to clean the air by absorbing the air of a particular space and let it pass through a number of filters. It excels in dealing with allergens and other forms of pollutants such as pet dander, mold spores, and even smoke and foul odor.
Meanwhile, dehumidifiers work by pulling the moisture suspended in the air. By doing this, the device is able to lower the humidity of the room. Keep in mind that microbes and mold dwell in highly humid and damp environments. If your indoor spaces have a lot of moisture, it is possible that these organisms will perpetuate.
Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier: A Comparison
| Air Purifiers | Dehumidifiers | |
| Application | Screens and filters the air from various forms of pollutants and odors | Reduces the moisture and humidity in the air |
| Benefits | Ensures that the indoor air is free from contaminants that can cause allergies and respiratory illnesses | Keeps the indoor moisture at an optimal level and ensure that allergy-causing molds will not exist |
| Recommended Humidity | Can vary | Over 50% |
| Types | Mechanical filters, ionizers, ozone generators, UV lights, and absorbents | Mechanical, air conditioners, electronic, makeshift, and ionic membrane |
Let’s further explore the functions and benefits of these devices:
Air Purifiers
An air purifier is tailored to eliminate any harmful contaminants that are lingering in the air. They excel in removing airborne pollutants, such as smoke, dust, and pollen. These elements are something that any dehumidifiers cannot do.
It is also possible that air purifiers can remove mold build-up, especially if they possess HEPA filters. These filters can vanquish the spores in the air, which is the number one cause of mold growth.
But always remember that air purifiers are not designed to control or regulate the humidity level of a particular space. Hence, if your house is extremely moist, then air purifiers are not the right device that you should get.
As I mentioned, air purifiers have multiple filters on them. Depending on the filters included in the air purifier, it is capable of screening dust, bacteria, mold spores, allergens, and pet dander. Some purifiers are rated to cleanse the unwanted scent in the air.
For me, it is crucial that the air purifier you get has a HEPA filter. This is the very filter that captures extremely small airborne pollutants. Specifically, HEPA filters are capable of trapping 0.3 microns of contaminants. It can work against germs and bacteria.
If you want to somehow deal with excess dampness in your indoor air, it would be best if the air purifier must possess an activated carbon filter. It eliminates the musty scent in the air that is caused by mildew and mold. It can also purify cigarette smoke and pet smell, making your indoor air fresh.
Again, do not invest in an air purifier if the problem in your house is humidity and moisture. It simply works by removing the pollutants by circulating the air through it. The one that can regulate indoor humidity is still a dehumidifier.
Dehumidifier
The job of a dehumidifier is not that as stringent as that of an air purifier. However, this doesn’t mean that it is not essential or that you should not invest in it.
There are some areas or parts in the globe where moisture is pretty high. It is in these places where allergy-causing molds thrive and proliferate. If they get inside the air of your home, expect that someone will get sick sooner or later.
A dehumidifier’s function is pretty straightforward: it simply absorbs or sucks the excess moisture present in the air. Specifically, there’s a collection system attached to these dehumidifiers. A specialized bucket is used as a storage for the moisture that the dehumidifier has collected.
Keep in mind that these dehumidifiers will never clean the air of your home. They are not built to work like that. Their only role is to ensure that the moisture level inside your home and office will be regulated so that it is conducive for breathing.
Whenever there’s minimal humidity, you will certainly notice that the damp feeling went down as well. You’ll also observe that the musty scent within your living space is already gone.
Interestingly, low humidity prevents the existence of dust mites. After all, these tiny pests require moisture for their survival. Moreover, the reduced humidity in the air improves the coolness in your space. Moisture might be derivatives of water. However, they make things hot, which is pretty undesirable, especially if you are dwelling in temperate climates.
Air Purifier vs. Dehumidifier: Which One Do You Need?
At this point, it should already be clear to you which of these two items you need in your home. However, there’s nothing really wrong if you are going to get these two altogether, especially if your indoor air has a lot of issues.
In specific cases, you will need an air purifier if the following conditions are present:
- You don’t want to suffer from respiratory illnesses and allergies.
- You need clean air to deteriorate the chances of asthma and allergy attacks.
- You want to remove all the pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants in the air.
- You need to lessen the accumulation of dust.
- You hate specific scents from cigarettes and food that have a strong odor.
Meanwhile, a dehumidifier is great if:
- There’s a musty odor that is lingering in your house or office.
- You don’t want dust mites to breed and grow in your area.
- You have specific health conditions that are triggered when there are excess humidity and moisture.
- You are residing in a hot area, and you don’t want the humidity to increase the temperatures further.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers
Q: What should I use for asthma? An air purifier or dehumidifier?
A: Based on their given functions, it is pretty clear that an air purifier is a suitable choice here. It can eliminate pollutants and airborne elements that trigger asthmatic episodes.
Q: What should I use for allergies?
A: These two are capable of dealing with allergies, especially if your not system is not good in dealing with dust mites. But for a wider range of protection against allergies, an air purifier should be the right choice here. It will reduce the existence of the elements that make you sick.
Q: Is an air purifier better than the dehumidifier for basement use?
A: This matter is pretty subjective. The real question here is the kind of element or contaminant that you are trying to prevent. If your basement is exceptionally pestered by pollutants and dust, you need to get an air purifier. If the main issue is humidity and moisture, dehumidifiers are your best bet.
Q: Can you use both air purifier and dehumidifier at the same time?
A: Yes. In fact, it is highly recommended that you can get these two to ensure the optimal improvement of your indoor quality. With these two devices, you can guarantee that your indoor space will have a fresh, safe, and highly breathable air. You will no longer have to leave your property if you can get this level of convenience and benefit.
Q: Can a dehumidifier eliminate bad odor?
A: This device is not designed to filter the indoor scent of your house or apartment. As I mentioned, it is only suitable for taking care of excess moisture and humidity. It is not a filter, so it is already a given that it doesn’t have any means of filtering or cleaning anything.
Conclusion
I am quite confident that you already know the difference between an air purifier and dehumidifier. Just remember that both of them have specific roles to play. Hence, there’s nothing really wrong if you are going to get them at the same time. They are useful appliances that can ensure that your living or working rooms are free from airborne contaminants and other forms of inconvenience-causing elements.
That’s it for now. If you have other questions, feel free to drop them in the comment section below.