Humidifiers vs Dehumidifiers
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT, AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
Humidity plays an important role in our daily lives, affecting both our comfort and health. When the air is too dry, we may experience dry skin, cracked lips, and other respiratory problems. On the other hand, when the air is too humid, it can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and other issues. That’s why it’s essential to control the humidity level in our homes, and two devices that can help with that are humidifiers and dehumidifiers. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at these two devices, their benefits, and which one may be more suitable for your needs.
Note: If you have a foam or sealed attic, discuss with an A/C technician during a system maintenance visit to ensure the use of a humidifier or dehumidifier is not affecting the performance of your HVAC system.
Humidifiers:
Humidifiers are devices that increase the moisture level in the air, making it more comfortable to breathe. There are several types of humidifiers available, including cool mist, warm mist, ultrasonic, and evaporative humidifiers. Each type works differently, but they all have the same goal of adding moisture to the air.
One of the benefits of using a humidifier is that it can help alleviate respiratory problems. When the air is too dry, it can irritate our nasal passages, making it harder to breathe. By increasing the humidity level in the air, a humidifier can help reduce congestion and make it easier to breathe.
Humidifiers can also help with dry skin, allergies, and other health issues. Dry air can cause the skin to become dry and itchy, and it can also aggravate allergy symptoms. Using a humidifier can help keep skin moisturized and reduce allergy symptoms by keeping the air moist.
Another benefit of using a humidifier is that it can help preserve wood furniture and floors. Dry air can cause wood to crack and warp, but a humidifier can help keep the wood moisturized and prevent damage.
Note: When it comes to adding humidity, people with pianos and guitars often need to keep into account how much humidity they need to keep the instrument working correctly.
Dehumidifiers:
Dehumidifiers, on the other hand, are devices that reduce the moisture level in the air. They work by drawing in humid air, removing the moisture, and then expelling dry air back into the room. Dehumidifiers are typically used in areas with high humidity, such as basements or bathrooms, to prevent mold growth and musty odors.
One of the benefits of using a dehumidifier is that it can help prevent mold growth. Mold thrives in humid environments, so by reducing the moisture level in the air, a dehumidifier can help prevent mold from growing. This can also be helpful in places like heavily used bathrooms where the shower and baths are used frequently.
Dehumidifiers can also help reduce musty odors. When the air is too humid, it can create a musty smell that can be unpleasant. By using a dehumidifier, you can remove the excess moisture in the air and eliminate the musty odor.
Another benefit of using a dehumidifier is that it can help reduce energy costs. When the air is too humid, it can make the room feel warmer than it actually is. By using a dehumidifier to remove the excess moisture, you can reduce the humidity level in the air, making the room feel cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning.
In North Texas, a whole home dehumidifier is often a great comfort add-on to your HVAC system. This ensures the moisture in circulated air throughout the entire home is measured to your comfort level. When moisture levels get too high, the system triggers to operate and dehumidify the air. And, as mentioned, when used at a whole-home scale, your A/C system is able to work much less to provide comfortable air. Plus, whole home dehumidifiers require very minimal maintenance! Ask your Milestone HVAC technician about this upgrade your HVAC system today!
Which one should you choose?
When it comes to choosing between a humidifier and a dehumidifier, it depends on the specific needs of your home. If you live in an area with low humidity, a humidifier may be more beneficial to you. However, if you live in an area with high humidity, a dehumidifier may be more useful.
If you’re not sure which one to choose, you can also consider a combination unit that includes both a humidifier and a dehumidifier. These units can be helpful if you live in an area with fluctuating humidity levels, as you can switch between the two functions as needed. Or give Milestone a call, for an HVAC technician to address your indoor air quality and provide various solutions to ensure your home has comfortable air temperatures and humidity.
