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.