Air Purifiers Versus Dehumidifiers: Which Works Better?
When maintaining a household, indoor air quality is something a homeowner should always consider. As a homeowner, you have a few options to choose from for air regulation, including air purifiers and dehumidifiers. While these two products may seem similar, they serve very different purposes. Air purifiers cleanse the air we breathe, while dehumidifiers get rid of excessive moisture in the air. Here is what you need to know about these products and how they compare with each other.
Air Quality in the Home
The indoor air you breathe does not just affect your enjoyment of your home. It can also have a long-term impact on your health and the condition of your property. That is why so many homeowners look into air cleaners, purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers in order to control residential air quality. Some homeowners prefer to take the stress off of their HVAC systems by purchasing an air regulation unit that works separately from the main HVAC equipment.
So, do you need one of these devices for your premises? That depends on whether your residence has an excess of pollutants and contaminants or too much humidity.
When You Need Humidity Control
Depending on where you live, some residences will have too much humidity. Excess water vapor in a house can lead to problems like musty odors, moldy areas, wet staining on the walls, or a clammy sensation for the inhabitants. Residents living with high levels of humidity may notice allergic reactions, congested breathing, and flare-ups of asthma. Besides health symptoms, occupants of the household might notice mold, mildew, or dust mites circulating throughout the residence. Be on the lookout for dark spots growing on the walls, especially near ceilings, bathtubs, and showers.
Bugs are naturally drawn to water sources, so a residential area full of condensation is much more likely to draw in a pest infestation. Such an infestation tends to lead to property damage and further health hazards. In order to avoid these issues, the homeowner should look into getting a dehumidifier.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
A dehumidifier is a device that works to extract water from the air. It uses a fan to draw in moist air, and that air then passes through a coil system that condenses the moisture into a liquid. Once the water is separated, the air is released back into the room.
Dehumidifiers are also helpful at removing dust from the air. They tend to require low energy, and they take additional stress off of a house’s HVAC unit. One downside of dehumidifiers is that they tend to make noise. If you are content with a fan-like noise emanating from the equipment, you should consider purchasing a dehumidifier.
What Does an Air Purifier Do?
If your primary goal is to remove particulates and contaminants from the air, then a dehumidifier is not necessarily your best option. An air purifier is an appliance that works to clean your air by removing contaminants. This device specifically targets allergens, dust, pollen, pet dander, toxins, and pollutants.
Types of Air Purifiers
There are two main types of purifiers: the passive purifier and the active purifier. The passive purifier will collect dust through a built-in air filter. An active air purifier will release negatively charged ions to cause pollutants to stick to surfaces. Both types are good at addressing dust accumulation throughout a home.
Aside from filtering pollutants, air purifiers can eliminate odors wafting through the air. If your residence attracts odors from cooking, smoking, or temporary garbage storage, an air purifier can make your home smell better by activating a carbon filter. This is a good alternative to air fresheners, which can leave a place full of known chemicals that inhabitants will have to breathe in. Purifiers also target harmful toxins. Some buildings are full of materials such as adhesives, chemical cleaners, and wall paint. High concentrations of these chemicals can become toxic, which is why an air purifier may be necessary in some situations.
Comparing Air Purifiers to Dehumidifiers
If your primary goal is to lower the moisture of your house, then a dehumidifier will be best suited to the job. Dehumidifiers are good for residences that attract too much mold or mildew. If you are looking to remove a greater range of contaminants, such as smoke or pet dander, then an air purifier will best meet your needs. While both devices are able to improve air quality, purifiers are better at cleaning the confined atmosphere in an area.
Finding Indoor Air Quality Services in Nacogdoches
For those considering installing an indoor air quality device, look no further than Nacogdoches Sheet Metal, Plumbing & Air Conditioning, LTD. in Nacogdoches, TX. In addition to air quality control, we perform heating and cooling installation, maintenance, and repair, air duct cleaning, metal fabrication, and a full line of plumbing services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.