HVAC Contributor
It can be difficult to keep your home’s air clean and at the right humidity levels, especially during dry seasons. You might be asking if you can use an air purifier and a humidifier simultaneously, even if some users only use one of these products.
Yes, it is possible to combine an air purifier and humidifier. The humidifier will raise the room’s humidity levels while the air purifier operates as a cleaner to remove impurities from the air, improving the indoor air quality in your home and making it a nicer place to live.
The good news is that you may not always need to run an air purifier and humidifier simultaneously if energy consumption is a concern for you. Continue reading to learn when it is appropriate to use these devices together. We will also discuss the operational considerations and potential effects on a range of medical issues.
The Ideal Time To Use A Humidifier And An Air Purifier
Winter and allergy season is the ideal time to use these appliances together (spring and fall). Various two devices can effectively operate simultaneously throughout these periods of the year, guaranteeing that problems with hazardous air are resolved.
Low humidity throughout the winter makes for dry, frigid air, and furnaces can even remove extra moisture during the heating process. You will therefore require a humidifier to replenish the moisture in the air during these chilly months. Winter air pollution effects can often be lessened when used in conjunction with an air purifier.
The two seasons that are regarded as allergy seasons, spring and fall, can also benefit from the use of an air purifier and a humidifier. While your humidifier aids in relieving and reducing nose irritation brought on by dry air, your air purifier does remove pollen from the air.
Running A Humidifier And An Air Purifier In The Same Space
Here are some more considerations to take into account in addition to scheduling if you want to utilize an air purifier and humidifier in the same space.
Humidity Levels
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that between 30 and 50 percent indoor humidity is desirable. In humid environments, house dust mites also grow swiftly. Aim to keep the humidity below 50% to prevent them from growing and interfering with your air purifier. Additionally, avoid humidity levels above 80% since they can encourage the growth of mold.
Humidity On HEPA Air Filters
The overall humidity in your space shouldn’t be greater than 90%. Otherwise, it will reduce the effectiveness of an air purifier’s HEPA filter. So be cautious and stay away from really humid environments.
On the HEPA filter, ongoing dampness may encourage the growth of fungi that could disperse fungal spores into the atmosphere. Despite the fact that an air purifier and humidifier can both be used in the same space, it is still best to place these appliances as far away as you can.
Humidity On Activated Carbon Filters
Together with activated carbon, water molecules form flimsy connections. When the humidity is high, it’s likely that the water molecules will take up the majority of the area on the filter. There will thus be fewer binding sites on the filter for volatile organic compounds and other pollutants. The carbon filter is less effective at removing pollutants from the air as the humidity rises.
Last but not least, remember that the carbon filter will function well if the humidity level is consistently lower than 60%.
Placement
A humidifier and an air purifier should be set as far apart as feasible. This configuration prevents water droplets from the humidifier from clogging the air purifier filter.
It is recommended to position each device on the opposing sides of the room to maximize its functionality.
Utilizing A Different Air Quality Sensor
Any built-in air quality sensor may have its reading changed by a humidifier. The air purifiers’ built-in sensors typically cost little money and employ infrared technology. Contrary to the more accurate laser diffraction technology, infrared sensors are renowned for providing measurements that are not very exact.
An infrared receiver and emitter are used in this technique. When the amount of light reaching the reception detector has decreased, air pollution is assumed to be the cause. The air purifier will operate more quickly the darker it gets since it detects more air pollution.
The infrared light can then be absorbed by the water particles, and the sensor recognizes this as air pollution. The air purifier believes there is an increase in air pollution whenever the humidifier discharges water particles.
Normal stand-alone air sensors are more effective and precise than standard built-in air purifier sensors in terms of effectiveness. Typically, the sensor will cost around the same as a basic air purifier.
Both sensors were created using cutting-edge technologies and produce more precise findings. Additionally, it is more practical to monitor the air quality in the room using a separate air quality sensor that makes use of laser diffraction technology. It gives you the ability to sufficiently lower the particle count so that you may continue to breathe clean, wholesome air.
Air Quality Impacted By Humidifiers
Since utilizing your regular supply of water may add mineral particles and germs to the air in your house, the majority of manufacturers advise using distilled water in the humidifier. Air quality can also be lowered when a humidifier is used with the incorrect water.
The humidifier can be introducing particles to the air while the air purifier is working to remove and minimize them. Therefore, using distilled water for the humidifying process is both safe and practical.
Can An Air Purifier Get Rid Of Air Moisture?
No moisture is taken out of the air by the air purifier. Its primary purpose is to purify the air, not to remove moisture from it. The appliance, however, may cause the air to feel dryer.
It occurs when the fan speed on your device is set at a level that is too high for comfort.
Or perhaps the air purifier is too big for the space. Regardless of how the air feels, the air purifier is not to blame for the moisture in the air.
Additionally, bear in mind that cold air during the chilly winter months is mostly responsible for dry air. Therefore, there is a good chance that the cold weather, not your air purifier, is to blame whenever the air in the room seems to be getting drier.
Your Health And Air Purifiers And Humidifiers
The use of humidifiers and air purifiers can benefit your health. These common health issues are helped by them in the following ways:
Flu, The common Cold, And Respiratory Irritation
By removing airborne contaminants and irritants to the respiratory system, your air purifier can aid in the relief of respiratory problems.
On the other side, your dehumidifier can aid in easing the discomfort associated with the flu or a cold. It doesn’t provide a rapid fix for an already existing illness, but it can lessen the severity of the symptoms by assisting in the prevention of a dry, scratchy throat and nose.
Allergy And Asthma
By removing allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores from the air, air purifiers can prevent asthma and allergy attacks.
Traditional air filters might pull these irritants in and capture them, but air purifiers effectively eliminate allergies.
Allergens are not immediately impacted by humidifiers. They assist in reducing allergic reaction symptoms, especially if your nasal passages are dry and inflamed. By helping to maintain the correct humidity levels, humidifiers can lessen the severity of allergy-related illness symptoms and lessen the suffering of individuals who suffer from them.
Should I Purchase A Humidifier And Air Purifier Combo?
The usage of an air purifier and humidifier combination is not advised by certain specialists. They assert that the air purifier’s standards, particularly its ability to filter the air, are frequently compromised. Additionally, this combination typically lacks HEPA filters, which reduces the effectiveness of its air filtration.
They advise buying the air purifier and humidifier separately to get high-quality air cleaning and humidifying. However, if you’re a little dubious, you might as well try one of the available air purifier and humidifier combinations. Some of them come with fantastic features and a multitude of benefits.
Conclusion
An air purifier and humidifier should always be used simultaneously. These devices are typically necessary during the winter and allergy seasons, but there are several things to keep in mind when operating either of them effectively. Keep in mind that you should pick the appropriate size for each unit. Finally, maintaining a clean atmosphere and having appropriate ventilation can both contribute to having clean, healthy air.
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