Difference Between Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers – Which One You Need
Moisture management is not as simple as you might have thought. The air keeps changing throughout the year and so the level of humidity. Several problems can come into existence if the indoor atmosphere of your home is either too dry or too humid. Keeping the right balance is crucial for enjoying a healthy lifestyle with your family.
Thanks to technological advancement, we have access to devices that can help manage the correct relative humidity level at home, office, or any other place. You need a dehumidifier for mold because it comes into existence because of excess humidity. This article will let you know the real difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier so that you can better decide which one you need to maintain a good level of moisture in the air. Let’s check out this write-up to discuss humidifier vs dehumidifier.
Difference between a House Dehumidifier and Humidifier
Although they both sound somewhat similar to each other, yet there’s a big difference in their functioning.
Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier is an electrical device used to extract the extra humidity from the air inside your home. In most cases, people use these units during the summer and spring season when the humidity level is relatively high. The main purpose behind using these devices is to control seasonal allergic reactions caused by humidity. Another reason is to get rid of mold and mildew that may develop on the walls, doors, windows, and other parts of your home.
Usually, mold growth is spotted in the basement and garage because we don’t use these areas frequently. The air circulation is another problem at such places because they mostly remain closed. A whole basement dehumidifier can extract all the extra humidity from the basement and restrict the growth of mold.
There could be chances that humidity becomes a permanent issue in specific areas. You need to install a permanent basement dehumidifier if humidity is a permanent issue in the cellar.
Humidifiers
Unlike a dehumidifier, a humidifier is used to add needed moisture to the air so that it becomes healthy to inhale. These devices are used by folks when the air gets too dry due to seasonal changes. Dryness of air becomes a real issue, especially in the winters. People with several breathing illnesses may suffer from symptoms after inhaling dry air. That’s why doctors recommend them using humidifiers for maintaining a good level of humidity.
Which One You Need?
The normal humidity level in US homes ranges from 30% to 50%. If the level is more than 50%, you need a dehumidifier to extract extra moisture and make it less than 50%.
On the other side, if the humidity level is less than 30% then you need a humidifier to add extra moisture in the air artificially. This will help remove the unnecessary dryness that may exist in the air.
According to experts, the ideal humidity level is 45%. It is recommended to maintain this particular level to stay away from diseases and mold issues. You can fix the dehumidifier settings to achieve the desired level of moisture.
Now you might be wondering how to know the current humidity level? A hygrometer is a device that is used to measure moisture levels. Many latest dehumidifiers and humidifiers come with a built-in hygrometer. However, you can buy a separate one for under $20 if your device didn’t come with a built-in meter.
The Effects of Humidity on Human Health
Humidity has deep-rooted effects on human health. Lessor too humid air can cause several health problems such as chest tightness, asthma, sneezing, runny nose, hay fever, and other allergies.
High moisture in hot and humid weather makes our bodies feel hot. Our bodies have to work harder to evaporate moisture existing in our skin. That’s the reason we observe excessive sweating and increased respiration rate. Blood circulation also increases as a result of an excessively humid environment. To get rid of such problems in the summer, you need a dehumidifier for car, under house dehumidifier, small dehumidifier for bathroom, and baby dehumidifier.
People who suffer from sinus congestion and nasal blockage should use a humidifier. The reason behind this preference is that dry air is the most common reason behind nasal congestion. So, make sure you opt for the right device keeping in mind your health condition. A wrong choice can cause further damage to your health. That’s why don’t forget to consult your physician before making a purchase decision.
The Effects of Humidity on Homes
Dangerous humidity levels are not dangerous for just human health, but your homes as well. The entire building can start to deteriorate if the right level of humidity is not maintained by dehumidifying the basement through whole basement dehumidifiers or a permanent dehumidifier.
Whenever the relative humidity level goes beyond 50%, it can cause several damages to the structure of your home. High humidity encourages the unsightly growth of mildew and mold in different parts. Aside from the building structure, high humidity is also destructive for home appliances, furniture articles, and other belongings. That’s the reason why you should focus on making dehumidification and humidification an essential part of the HVAC system.
The Effects of Weather on Indoor Humidity
Have you ever wondered why do we start feeling uncomfortable in summer? The core reason behind the upset situation is high levels of humidity. It makes us feel sticky and super-hot. You can’t sleep well without using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
In the winter, the air usually gets too dry and you can’t see water vapors in it. This results in making your home atmosphere dry, which is not good either. Potted plants need water frequently because of the dried air. If you don’t water them on time, they are likely to die because of dryness in the air.
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are amazing devices to maintain a healthy level of humidity. Using them as and when needed can save you from hundreds of health and home-related problems.
