Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier: Which One Do I Need?


Humidifier and dehumidifier are different forms of air conditioners – they condition the air in your home in relation to how humid or dry it feels. A dehumidifier works by removing moisture from the air if your home is too humid. The opposite is true when it comes to humidifier as they release water vapor into your home when the air is too dry.


Should I Buy a Humidifier or Dehumidifier?

The typical humidity for most homes is between 30% and 50%. It is best to have your house assessed before choosing between the two. If your house is above 50% humidity then a dehumidifier is needed. However, if humidity levels are below 30%, a humidifier is needed. The humidity of your home is therefore important to consider in choosing between these two. Your personal preference also figures here. If you would like a more humid atmosphere, get a humidifier, etc.


How Does Humidity Affect My Health?

Both of these technologies work to help reduce ailments like chest congestion and asthma. On one hand, using a dehumidifier could help treat asthma that is triggered by humid air. If you are suffering from a cold that has caused nasal passage blockage or just chest and sinus congestion, using a humidifier will help break that up. By increasing the water content of the air, nasal passages and air ways become moistened, lessening discomfort.


How Does Humidity Affect My Home?

The feel of the rooms can also be used to decide between the two you would need for your home. If your eyes are getting itchy, your skin and lips are dry then you need a humidifier. Conversely, if there are damp stains on the ceilings or walls or if rooms are stuffy because of rotting wood then you need a dehumidifier.

Dry air in the house can cause, over a long period of time, cracks on wood beams, some types of plasters and leather furniture. Wooden instruments such as guitars and violins in the house can be cracked by the dry air. In this case, a humidifier would help. Mold can also grow on walls and ceilings if there is too much moisture in the house. This could lead to health problems. A dehumidifier prevents this from happening and can also remedy the situation.


How Does Weather Affect Indoor Humidity?

During the summer months, the air is naturally more humid. It would then get sticky and uncomfortable inside the house. Dehumidifier should be used. When the winter comes however, the air is usually dry and cold. Heaters compound the situation by removing most of the moisture in the house making it very dry. Humidifier are best used here.

Pest control can be impacted by controlling the humidity in the house. Carpenter ants, wood destroying beetles and termites are attracted by moisture. The cause a lot of damage and will prove costly to repair. Using dehumidifiers to lower water content in the air could drive these pests away.

If you have potted plants in your home it is important to observe the humidity. Drier air means you would need to water your house plants more since they transpire more. However, very moist air makes it easier for these plants to become infected with diseases. A dehumidifier and humidifier should therefore be chosen accordingly.



HUMIDIFY OR DEHUMIDIFY





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