The level of comfort in a particular home depends on several factors including humidity, which is the amount of moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers and humidifiers are machines that will help you control the level of humidity either in the entire house or in a single room depending on size and type. To make the best selection, it is good to have an understanding of the functioning of each type of machine as well as that of the humidity levels.
Humidity Levels
Having humidity levels in their extremes i.e. too low or too high can affect your home and/or health. During the warmer seasons, a high level of humidity tends to encourage growth of molds. During the colder season, the levels of humidity drop. Low humidity is responsible for drying out the sinuses and skin and its makes you more susceptible to various respiratory illnesses. Dry air affects wood in the house negatively by causing it to shrink.
To determine a general level of humidity in your home you can use an electronic humidity gauge. During winter, a humidity range of between 30 percent and 40 percent is ideal. During summer, the ideal level of humidity is below 65 percent. If you have no humidity gauge, you can use the condensation on windows as a sign of high humidity. Dry sinuses and dry skin will alert you to a potential lack of humidity.
Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier will draw water from the air to lower the overall level of humidity. It draws air into the unit and removes excess water. It then releases the dried air to circulate back into the room. It is ideal for use in areas with warmer temperatures and high levels of humidity (over 50% inside your home).
Benefits Of Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier will help:
- Prevent the growth of mold in your home
- Prevent water-related stains
- Reduce window condensation
- Prevent other damage associated with the high levels of humidity
Types Of Dehumidifiers
They come in three main types: chemical absorbent, heat pump, and dehumidifying ventilators. All three types remove excess moisture from air but all do so in slightly different ways.
Chemical absorbent models employ a chemical drying agent to absorb the moisture from the room and release the dried air. The heat pump dehumidifier draws in air using a fan and then runs it across a cold coil to condense the moisture. A heat pump then heats up the air and releases it back into the room. The dehumidifying ventilator uses a sensor and exhaust fan to determine when there are high levels of humidity.
Video: Everything You Need to Know About Dehumidifiers
Humidifiers
Humidifiers serve the opposite function. They help to raise the moisture level in your home. Humidifiers add moisture to the air in your home through a vapor or mist depending on type.
Benefits Of Humidifiers
A humidifier will help:
- Correct the overly dry air
- Prevent damage to your wooden furniture
- Sinuses and skin feel better
Humidifiers come in different varieties. Ultrasonic humidifiers use ultrasonic vibrations to create the mist and a rotating disc distributes the mist in an impeller model. Central humidifiers connect to the heating and cooling system. An evaporating humidifier uses a belt, wick, or filters to absorb the water and then disperses it using a fan. Vaporizers create steam by heating water.
Considerations
The level of humidity in your home will be what will determine whether you need a dehumidifier or a humidifier. Most often, you will find that you will require both of the machines for different times of the year. For instance, during the winter when the humidity levels are low you will need a humidifier. However, during the summer when the humidity levels are high you will need to use a dehumidifier.
Conclusion
It is impossible to compare the two different appliances since they serve completely different functions. The main purpose of both appliances is to maintain an optimal level of humidity. Technically speaking you do need both appliances for use at different times of the year. If you cannot afford both, then you will need to consult with an expert to choose the ideal appliance for your home. If you choose wrongly, you can end up worse off than you are currently. Always remember that you need to maintain a balanced level of humidity throughout the year.