How do you know if you need a humidifier or dehumidifier? No matter what your reasons are, thinking about getting one or both may improve the quality of your home. In this post, we’re sharing with you what you might need to know about humidifiers and dehumidifiers. We’re hoping this will guide you in getting the product you really need?to have a better living space.
Do?I Need a Humidifier or Dehumidifier?
1. Why you need one, to begin with
Why do you need a humidifier or dehumidifier? Having one or either aids in balancing the moisture levels inside a room, house, or office space. They generally make the air more breathable, which in turn allows you to be more healthy.?This means they can help in keeping the area free from allergens, airborne virus, and weird smell. They protect your skin from getting dry and itchy.
2. Know the difference
So, what do you really need in your home? Let?s first examine the distinction between the two. When you boil it down to the basics, the difference is actually pretty simple:
- A humidifier is designed to put moisture into the air. It may aid problems caused by dry indoor air, such as cracked lips, bloody noses, and dry sinuses. The instrument also helps lessen symptoms of respiratory conditions like the common cold.
- On the other hand, a dehumidifier is designed to draw excess moisture from the air. This helps combat condensation, preventing mold growth and reducing the dampness on walls. Essentially, a dehumidifier?makes your home less hospitable to dust mites, mildew, and other allergens.
3. Learn when to use them
Now you know the basic difference between the two, it?s time to know when you should use them:
- You typically don’t need a humidifier in the summer months. It is generally needed during winter when the air is super dry.
- When there is not enough moisture in the air, chances are you’ll have dry skin, chapped lips, and itchy eyes. This is the time when you need a humidifier as well.
- A dehumidifier is typically used in areas which are humid and damp. It helps in reducing the excess moisture clouding the air.?If your rooms feel stuffy or when you notice wet stains or patches of rotting wood in your room, you may need a dehumidifier.
4. Measure the moisture first
But how can you be certain your room has too much or not enough moisture in the air? The only way to know is to use a hygrometer. This is a special type of thermometer designed to measure the moisture levels in the air. An ideal healthy home contains moisture levels between 30-50%. If the moisture level is less than 30%, you might want to consider getting a humidifier. On the other hand, if the levels are above 50%, you might want to get a dehumidifier instead.
5. Consider all details before you buy one
Now, here are more helpful tips to keep in mind before you choose a humidifier or dehumidifier:
- One humidifier or dehumidifier is probably not going to be enough to balance the moisture in an entire house or other big spaces. Make sure to research the size and square-footage coverage of the devices before you purchase them.
- If you?re conscious about spending too much on a humidifier or dehumidifier, sit down and give some thought to what you actually need. Ask yourself questions like, “Do I really need more than one humidifier or dehumidifier in the house?”, “Do I need both?”, “Which part of the house do I spend the most time in?”. Make it a point to consider all the details first before you purchase anything. This helps you to cut costs, even avoid over or under-moisturizing your home.
- Remember that ?bigger? does not necessarily mean ?better.? Some people buy big humidifiers and dehumidifiers thinking these will give them the type of coverage they want?only to find out the maintenance costs are higher, moreover, there is excess space covered. Be realistic about your purchase.
Why do you need a humidifier? Watch this video by Health and Care to learn more about its benefits.
Whether or not you need a humidifier or a dehumidifier, at the end of the day, we just want something to make our personal spaces healthy and breathable. Try not to deprive yourself of the things which can help improve the quality of your air?your life. They might just be worth it.
What do you think? Do you need a humidifier or dehumidifier? Let us know in the comments section below!
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