Difference between Humidifiers and Air Purifiers

Air is the most vital thing to the living organism for their survival. But what if the air surrounding you is not as breathable as it meant to be. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air pollution inside your house is among the top five environmental dangers that are linked to a significant increase of asthma and other severe respiratory allergies in children and adults. Hence, the equipment that ensures hygienic air in the home has become the basic necessity.

The best equipment used indoor for making the surrounding air hygienic are air purifier and humidifier. But most people are confused which one is most suitable for their house and don’t know the difference between humidifiers and air purifiers.

Both of these devices help to get rid of the irritants and pollutants in the air, but these two offer different functions. Here is a guide on the difference between them, their features, benefits and which one you should choose over the other.

What is an Air Purifier and How It Works?

As the name suggests, an air purifier is the air cleaner or air filter. It has nothing to do with the humidity levels in the air and aims to remove contaminants from the air. Air purifiers have filters in them through which the polluted air is directed and pollutant particles like dust particles, chemical, smoke, allergens, and other airborne particles get trapped. The air which then comes out is pure and free from any contaminants. You can easily get the best air purifier for bacteria and viruses from the market that removes these pathogens from the air. Some other benefits you get from air purifier are:

•    Prevention of asthma symptoms and specific allergies.

•    Removal of unpleasant and unwanted odors.

•    Removal of indoor pollutants present in the air.

Air Purifier Features

For Asthma Patients: An air purifier is the best option for people who have asthma as it helps you get rid of asthma-triggering particles in the air.

For Baby: If you want your baby to inhale clean air, then an air purifier is the best choice as is promotes better health for your baby by cleaning the air.

People with Allergies: For people with allergies, an air purifier aids by removing allergens, dust particles and more things from the air. It doesn’t let any of these particles reach or damage your eyes, throat and lungs.

What is a Humidifier?

A humidifier elevates the levels of humidity in your home by adding moisture in the indoor environment. If the moisture in the air declines specially in the winter season, the dry air leads to many problems including sore throats, chapped lips and skin, headaches and even nose bleeds. A humidifier prevents all these issues and many other respiratory issues by adding moisture in the air. Along with that, it also decreases the static electricity in the air caused by dryness.

Dry air is not only dangerous for your own health but also for your belongings because it causes cracks or split furniture, antiques and musical instruments. So, using a humidifier in your house results in longevity of your belongings too. Some other benefits of this device are:

•    It maintains the appearance of the luxury home stuff.

•    Reduces inflammation and thus relieves congestion and nasal irritation.

•    Alleviates the intensity and symptoms of an asthma attack.

The recommended humidity level is between 30 to 50 percent and the best humidifier for asthma and other respiratory problems is the one that maintains the humidity level in the balanced range.

Humidifier Feature

For Asthma Patients: A humidifier is quite useful for Asthma patients. Although, it is not able to remove asthma triggering particles, but it makes the air more soothing and breathable.

For Baby: A humidifier is an excellent option for your baby to breathe more comfortably by adding moisture to the air when it’s dry.

Difference between Humidifiers and Air Purifiers

Air purifiers clean the air while humidifiers add moisture in the air. If you want to maintain and control the desired humidity levels in your house, a humidifier is an adequate device to provide quality breathing air. But at the same time, it leaves behind the humidity-loving allergens in the air. Similarly using an air purifier doesn’t control the existence of dust mites, pet hairs and pollens that get stuck on the furniture items and floor. So, if you are using a humidifier or an air purifier, measures such as dusting, sweeping and vacuuming still need to be employed.

•    An air purifier averts you from inhaling the airborne particles, but a humidifier does nothing when it comes to these irritants.

•    Air purifiers are strict as compared to humidifiers about cleaning and maintaining hygienic air.

•    A humidifier makes sure that the humidity levels in your house remain balanced and prevents the dryness of the air, whereas an air purifier works to make the air healthy, clean and hygienic to breathe.

What Should You Buy, A Humidifier or An Air Purifier?

There are a number of symptoms and signs that indicate whether you need an air purifier or a humidifier in your house. For example, a humidifier is the best choice if you are experiencing the following signs:

•    Dry and chapped lips and skin

•    Itchy eyes

•    Sinus congestion

•    Regular nose bleeds

•    Frequent Asthma attacks

•    Excessive snoring

•    Sore throats, colds or allergy symptoms

•    You’ve developed a dependence on antihistamine and Kleenex

On the other hand, if you feel the air surrounding you is contaminated and you experience the following, it is time to invest in an air purifier.

•    If you are experiencing occasional allergies.

•    If you have respiratory problems caused by dust, tobacco smoke and pollen.

•    The family members keep getting sick without any medical explanation.

•    There are toxic particles indoor.

•    Snoring is another reason to get an air purifier because allergens in the air cause chest congestion and as a result, the person start snoring.

•    If your home has the recommended humidity levels.

Conclusion

Humidifiers and air purifiers are useful in their respective places. A humidifier moistens the air, on the other hand, the air purifier cleans the air from harmful particles. Although there are several differences between humidifiers and air purifiers, both of them have a common goal of maintaining a clean and hygienic indoor environment. Both these devices improve the quality of life and prevent many health issues.