Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier…Which One Do I Need??
Updated 02/27/2024
You’ve probably heard of humidifiers and dehumidifiers before but maybe weren’t so sure about which was which and how either could help improve the comfort of your living space. Both of these options work by taking into account the amount of humidity levels in your home and whether the level needs to increase or decrease. In order to make your home the most comfortable, first you’ll need to determine which is ideal for your space.
Which do I need?
In order to determine if your space is in need for a humidifier or a dehumidifier it’s a good rule of thumb to first have an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) expert perform an analysis of your home.
These professionals are trained to help assist your family in order to obtain the best air quality for your home. The typical humidity level for most homes is usually between 30 and 50 percent. The area you live in can also affect the indoor humidity levels.
If your house is above 50 percent then a dehumidifier is needed to pull humidity from the air. On the contrast, if your house is below 30 percent then a humidifier is recommended to add humidity to the air.
How does humidity affect my health & home?
- Health: both a humidifier and a dehumidifier work to reduce chest congestion and asthma. If your asthma is triggered by humid air, a dehumidifier would complement by pulling humidity from the space. If you are experiencing a pesky cold with nasal blockage and chest congestion then a humidifier is a nice pairing to break the mucus up by adding moisture to the air.
- Home: the feeling you have in the rooms could also help you decide which is the best fit for your home. If your eyes are getting itchy and you’re also experiencing dry skin and lips, a humidifier could help add moisture to the air. Opposite from that is if you are seeing damp stains on the ceilings or walls and rotting wood. This is an indicator that there is too much moisture in the air and a dehumidifier should be used to pull moisture from the space. Dehumidifiers can also help to prevent mold from growing indoors if too much moisture is inside.
Does the weather affect indoor humidity?
- Summer months will naturally bring more humidity inside your home which could cause it to become sticky and uncomfortable inside which calls for a dehumidifier! Humidifiers should be used more in the winter months when it is dry and cold.
- Pests such as carpenter ants and termites love living in high moisture areas. Adding a dehumidifier to your home can prevent a lot of damage and costly repairs from being needed should a pest infestation take place.
- Plants inside your home can also be affected by the levels of humidity in your home. If the levels of humidity in your home are low, you’ll spend more time watering your plants since the dry air will also easily suck moisture from the soil. On the contrary, if there is too much moisture in your home, your plants may become infected with diseases.
BELOMAN is here to help!
All in all, there is a lot to take into account when determining if a humidifier or a dehumidifier is needed in your space. Contacting an indoor air quality (IAQ) expert to discuss your options will definitely be your best bet and help you jumpstart a more comfortable living space! If you would like further information on whole house options, give us a call at (618) 235-6626.
For any heating, cooling, or plumbing needs, give us a call. Like always, the #BELOMAN is here to help! BELIEVE IN THE BELOMAN WAY! We’re the only HVAC and plumbing company in the Metro East to receive the Better Business Bureau TORCH Award for ethics. The award honors excellent commitment to customer service through exceptional standards for ethical business practices.
