Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier

One question homeowners ask an HVAC technician often is, “What is the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier?”  We’re here to help briefly explain the difference between these two essential accessories to a heating and cooling system. 

What is the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier? 

Humidifier- humidifiers are designed to add moisture to the air. Humidifiers help regulate humidity levels in a home by adding water vapor to the air when the air is too dry. 

Dehumidifier- dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers help regulate humidity levels in a home by taking out the water vapor from the air when the air is too dry. 

When do I use them? 

It is crucial to ensure your heating and cooling system can regulate proper humidity levels in your home. How much water vapor is in the air in relation to the temperature of the air can be measured by relative humidity (RH). Dehumidifiers and humidifiers help regulate and maintain proper humidity levels. 

Often, homeowners use their humidifiers more during the winter months to add moisture to the dry winter air. Heating systems are running more often during the winter and can lead to dry air inside the home. People who may experience frequent dry skin, chapped lips, or itchy eyes during the wintertime may need a humidifier installed. 

In contrast, the dehumidifier operates more during the spring and summer months to remove excess moisture from the air. People who may experience seasonal allergies or congestion, especially when the weather is humid may need a dehumidifier. The weather is more humid during the spring and summer months, leading to high humidity levels inside a home. Too much moisture is in a home can lead to the growth of mold spores and fungi, which can affect the health and safety of the people inside. A dehumidifier is an excellent solution to removing excess moisture from the air, which can prevent mold from growing, This can lead to better indoor air quality. 

Can a humidifier or dehumidifier improve indoor air quality? 

Yes! Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can certainly improve indoor air quality inside a home. 

Maintaining the proper humidity levels is essential to ensure comfortable and purified air circulating throughout your home. Both a humidifier and a dehumidifier help improve the air quality inside a house.

These systems regulate humidity levels in your home and help reduce the circulation of particles that cause common allergies, which can affect congestion and asthmatic symptoms. A dehumidifier can reduce the growth of mold and bacteria, which can improve symptoms involved with common colds and bronchitis.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can improve the air quality inside a home. When an HVAC system automatically maintains the humidity levels inside a home, everyone can breathe better air.

Read more about how a humidifier and dehumidifier can affect your health here on Healthline.

Does an HVAC professional install humidifiers and dehumidifiers? 

Yes! Call an HVAC professional to install a whole-home humidifier and dehumidifier for your heating and cooling system! 

Although there are portable types of these systems, we recommend installing a whole-home humidifier and dehumidifier. This will help to regulate proper humidity levels in your home. 

Portable units only regulate humidity levels in a small area. Whereas, a whole-home system humidifier and dehumidifier will regulate humidity levels throughout your entire home. When controlled humidity levels circulate throughout your home, you feel comfortable in each room all year round. Portable systems require more upkeep for homeowner to maintain. In contrast, whole-home systems can be a part of a home’s heating and cooling system. It is important to have humidity levels automatically controlled and adjusted. 

You will have peace of mind knowing your heating and cooling system automatically regulates the humidity levels in your home. This will ensure you feeling comfortable all year round.

Want to learn more? 

Do you want to learn more about the importance of humidifiers and dehumidifiers? 

Call us today to talk with one of our HVAC professionals about the difference between humidifiers and dehumidifiers. You can reach us at 908-331-0434

 We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have about installing a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home.