Dehumidifiers vs. Humidifiers: Which Do You Need?

office air space

 

Dehumidifiers and humidifiers function to regulate the level of humidity in the air. While a humidifier will add moisture to the surrounding air, a dehumidifier removes moisture. As the seasons change, maintaining a perfect comfort level in your home can be challenging for both dry and humid environments. Yet when your home is at the right level, you will be maximizing the machine’s potential.

On average, a good humidity level for a home is between 35 and 45 percent. Keeping the humidity level within this range ensures a comfortable and healthy environment for you and your family. It is also important to maintain this range as large amounts of moisture or excessive dryness can severely damage your home.

So, which do you need?

 

What is the difference?

Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are used at different times of the year, depending on the weather each season brings. Choosing the right system is vital for surviving both the humid and dry air scenarios. Here are some insights about the differences between these indoor comfort systems:

dehumidifier humidifier

Dehumidifiers

  • Decreases moisture in the air.
  • Used during summer months when the air is warm and humid.
  • Prevents dust mites, mildew, and mold growth, keeping allergies and headaches at bay

Types:

  1. Refrigerative/mechanical: Uses a fan to draw moisture into the unit where a a refrigerated coil removes the water air and then released back into the room
  1. Desiccant: Uses a moisture-absorbing material to draw moisture out of the air and into its rotating system 
  1. Ionic Membrane: Invisible | Uses electrolysis to remove water vapor 
  1. Electronic: Quiet | Uses a heat pump to remove water from the air 

Humidifiers

  • Increases moisture in the air.
  • Used during winter months when the air is dry.
  • Low humidity can cause nosebleeds, headaches, allergy flare-ups, and dry skin.
  • Adds moisture, keeping skin from drying out and helps to control allergies and nasal congestion.
  • Low humidity causes woodwork or wood furniture to dry out and crack.
  • Easy for mold and mildew to build up on these machines so it is important to clean them regularly. 

Types:

  1. Cool Mist: Emit a cool vapor into the air
  1. Warm Mist: Warm mist humidifiers boil water to release warm steam.

 

Where to Find Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

online shop info

 

Dehumidifiers and humidifiers can be found at a range of retailers, as well as online stores. Target, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, and Amazon all carry dehumidifiers and humidifiers, ranging in price anywhere from about $45 to $300. For business owners, commercial dehumidifiers and humidifiers are also available for purchase at a price range of around $1100-$1300.

Popular models of dehumidifiers include:

Popular models of humidifiers include:

We’re Here to Help

If you’re looking to improve your home’s air quality, talk with one of TemperaturePro’s experienced HVAC technicians about your needs and concerns. An indoor comfort system will help to eliminate the future need for constant maintenance by keeping you home at a safe and supportive humidity level.