Have you ever wondered what the difference is between air purifier vs dehumidifier? Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are two of the most common household appliances, but they serve different purposes. Air purifiers eliminate allergens and other airborne irritants, while dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from your home. The main difference between air purifiers and dehumidifiers is that air purifiers also filter out smoke particles, pet dander, dust mites, etc. Whereas a dehumidifier only removes the excess water in the air, it can be circulated back into your home more efficiently.
However, If you have dry skin or allergies, this post may interest you! Read on to find out which appliance will be best for you!
This guide will help you answer the question, “Do I need an air purifier or dehumidifier for my home?”
What is the difference between air purifier and dehumidifier?
When you’re wondering about the difference between an air purifier and a dehumidifier or how these two devices are alike, it’s important to remember that they help reduce allergens in your room.
To clean the air, an air purifier circulates it in a room through filters. As such, airborne allergens and pollutants are trapped in these filters like dust or mold spores. The airflow is then returned to the room, creating fresh air again.
A dehumidifier is a great tool for mitigating the growth of mold and other microbes. It absorbs water from the air, lowering humidity levels in any room that it’s placed into. Without all those pesky microbes thriving around them, your winter colds will be less frequent as well!
However, Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are two devices that improve the air quality inside the home.
Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier- Here’s what you should know
There is a difference between air purifiers and dehumidifiers. Air purifiers circulate the air through filters, trapping harmful pollutants in your environment like bacteria or mold spores while removing them from the surrounding area. Dehumidifiers draw out moisture within a room by creating a breeze to help evaporate it into clean water droplets that are then stored until they dry up.
Comparison Table
Have you ever been curious about how to tell the difference between an air purifier and a dehumidifier? In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what sets these two appliances apart from each other. To learn more about which one is right for your home, keep reading!
| Criteria | Air purifier | Dehumidifier |
| Application | Useful for allergy sufferers and asthmatics as it reduces or eliminates dust, second-hand tobacco smoke, and other airborne allergens. | Get rid of mold, dust mites, and fungi for better breathing with these fantastic products! |
| Size Range | Small to Large | Small to Large |
| Humidity levels | Not affected | Used where humidity is greater than 50% |
| Types | Ozone generators, filters, ionizers, adsorbents, UV light. | Mechanical/coolant, air conditioner, adsorption/dryer, electronics, ion diaphragm, makeshift; |
| Filtration | Multi-stage | Single |
| Purify Air | Yes | No |
| Scope | The current rating is 3.05 out of 5, with 58 ratings in total. This product circulates and filters the air by trapping dust, smoke and other allergens inside its unit for a cleaner home environment. | The rating for this product is 3.4/5 stars (182 ratings). This fan helps reduce the moisture content in its surrounding area by producing a strong stream of air to quickly dry out wet surfaces and vegetation. |
| Profits | Helps asthmatic and allergic people. | It helps allergy sufferers and reduces unpleasant odors. |
| Remove | Allergens, dust, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, and smoke. | Mold and dust mites. |
| Noise Level | Soft to Loud | Average to Loud |
| Maintenance | Quarterly to Annual check | Regularly clean and maintain |
| Average Cost (including Upkeep) | Highest | Average |
What is an Air Purifier?
Air purifiers consist of systems that act as a filter for the air that comes from outside, making it pure and healthy, and for this reason, they are particularly suitable for allergens.
The air purifier can capture the pollen that arrives from the outside and the dust that settles in the house. In practice, it filters all the harmful substances that pollute the environment.
This device is composed of a suction unit that captures the air and filters it. The best models have two filters. The first activated carbon filter collects organic compounds, polluting gases, cigarette smoke, and unpleasant odors. The second, a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) element, eliminates particulate or dust with a minimum diameter of 0.3 microns.
Some cleaners use a UV lamp to eliminate viruses, molds, and bacteria. Some devices are also equipped with an ionizer. This device produces negative ions, which can capture positively charged particles circulating in the air.
What is a Dehumidifier?
The dehumidifier sucks in the air present in a room, deprives it of humidity, and puts it back into circulation. It is equipped with a tank into which the condensate flows and then becomes water. The environment will be drier and healthier, with cleaner air. It is the ideal solution when there are molds and fungi in the house. It also manages to mitigate temperatures, both too high and too low, representing a relief for those who perceive them.
The dehumidifier can have different shapes and sizes, depending on the design and the brand. It is a household appliance consisting of an electric motor, evaporator, fan, and refrigerant gas. The latter is located in a refrigeration circuit.
When it comes into contact with the air, the gas, changing state, and temperature captures part of the humidity. Having a shallow temperature, the water condenses and ends up in the collection tank. The air is not filtered and is recirculated at the same inlet temperature.
Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier – Pros vs Cons: What Should You Buy?
It’s essential to choose between an air purifier or a dehumidifier, depending on what you want the appliance for. Both devices have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, so read below if you need help deciding!
Improve the health of the environment
Both humidity and the presence of particulates and VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, exacerbate some respiratory diseases, especially in asthmatics.
As we have just seen, both appliances perform two different functions. If your need is to clean the air from pollutants, the air purifier is right for you. If instead, you have problems with mold, which in any case can be dangerous for our health, you need to get a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier should only be used in environments with a humidity level of over 50%. Any lower than this, and there is an increased risk for allergens to proliferate.
By using both appliances together, you can save time and energy to complete your tasks. There are also some air purifiers, especially those with HEPA filters, also equipped with a dehumidifier. This way, you can protect yourself from allergens, such as pollen, mites, or bacteria that cause asthma and allergies, and at the same time, you can ensure a home environment with perfect humidity. Choosing this solution will be the way to say goodbye to mold finally.
To eliminate bad smells from the environment, a purifier equipped with activated carbon filters can be used. A dehumidifier will help get rid of that classic stale smell brought about by high humidity and mold.
Air purifier and dehumidifier: which is louder?
Noise is a fundamental aspect because both devices could accompany us for an extended part of the day. A too-noisy appliance could disturb sleep or make it more challenging to concentrate in the office.
Of these two appliances, the dehumidifier is the loudest. Its sound pressure is around 45/50 dB. On the other hand, the air purifier is a quieter appliance and, with its 20 dB average, it can easily be used even during the night.
Which is easier to use?
Both the air purifier and the dehumidifier are extremely easy to use. In most cases, they are also equipped with practical swivelling wheels, which allow them to be carried around from one room to another in case of need. Furthermore, the latest generation models are equipped with remote control and a control panel with an LCD in both cases.
What types of air purifiers and dehumidifiers are there?
Types of air purifiers:
- Air purifiers can circulate clean air through your home with an Air Purifying Filter. These filters use a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter or Ultra-Low Penetration Air (ULPA) to trap dust particles, which are then thrown out of the system and back into the environment where they belong.
- Ionizing the use of corona discharge cleaners, a small but powerful electric field that creates and uses oppositely charged particles to collect and settle in the air.
- Ozone generators work to transform the oxygen molecules in the air into ozone.
- Adsorbents are materials that remove chemicals and odors from the air, absorbing them so they cannot be smelled or inhaled.
- The UV lights sterilize some microorganisms through ultraviolet radiation
Types of air dehumidifiers:
There are typically two types of dehumidifiers on the market: hot mist and cold mist. Regardless of the type of fog selected, they both affect the humidity level in the air and lower the humidity level.
- Mechanical/coolant air conditioners are the most common type and work by sucking in humid air over a refrigerated coil with an attached small fan. The condensed, cool mist is collected to keep your home at perfect temperatures regardless of how hot it may be outside!
- Air conditioners inherently act as dehumidifiers.
- Adsorption/desiccant is a unique material that absorbs moisture, which moves along a belt exposed to low-temperature air conditioning. After heating, the air is reused to reduce humidity, usually at levels of 35% or less.
- The electronic dehumidifier is a modern marvel of engineering. It uses a Peltier heat pump to generate an excellent surface that condenses water vapour from the air with no moving parts and, as such, it’s quieter than other models on the market- perfect for rooms where you need peace and quiet! While this design has lower energy efficiency when compared to its counterparts in terms of size, we think it more than makes up for any shortcomings by being so compact yet powerful.
- Ion membrane – Researchers have developed a new ion membrane that can be used as an ion pump. The device is mainly used to improve fuel cells, chemicals, or water in industrial areas.
- Fortunately – Window air conditioners work similarly to mechanical/refrigerant dehumidifiers. Makeshift dehumidifiers work by sending their heat discharge back into the room.
Where to place an air purifier and a dehumidifier?
The other difference between purifiers and dehumidifiers is their location. The dehumidifier is mainly used in bathrooms, kitchens, cellars, and all rooms necessary to dry the air. The cleaner, which does not affect humidity, is placed in the house’s rooms where more and more dust circulates.
Which costs more?
Both the dehumidifier and the air purifier have an equivalent cost. It is now possible to find models from all budgets based on the functions they make available. The cleaners may have a higher price among the most equipped models, with HEPA filters, activated carbon filters, and UV rays.
How to maintenance them?
Maintenance of dehumidifiers requires periodic cleaning of all coils and buckets and checking these coils for freezing to improve efficiency.
If you want to breathe cleaner air, be sure to change your air purifier’s filter every six months. If your humidifier has plates, you need to wash them once a week. To clean the dishes, remove them from the system and put them in the dishwasher or immerse them in the sink.
Air Purifier or Dehumidifier: Which One Is Right for You?
We have seen how the two types of devices work very differently. The best way to make a good decision is by understanding what the real needs are. A person suffering from allergies and other respiratory diseases such as asthma will find in an air purifier a valuable ally to eliminate allergens and pathogens, immediately having a healthier and healthier environment.
On the other hand, health problems are linked to a disproportionate percentage of humidity. You need to sanitize rooms with mold on the walls and ceiling; a good dehumidifier can ensure satisfactory results after just a few uses. The possibility of using the two devices at the same time should not be underestimated, combining the advantages and benefits of both.
How and where to buy?
Thinking about the right appliances for your home can be a little confusing. Luckily, there are a variety of resources that will help you find exactly what you’re looking for. If possible, it’s best to start by deciding on which type of appliance is ideal and then purchase from an online retailer like Amazon with excellent customer reviews as well as helpful guides such as their list of air purifiers or dehumidifiers across various budgets and preferences. Making sure to consider how each person in your household feels about the different types available so everyone has a say!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Purifiers vs Dehumidifiers
As you read this article, certain questions might have popped up in your head. In order to answer those and other frequently asked ones, we created a section below that will provide all the information you need!
1. Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
No, a dehumidifier only uses the energy of a few light bulbs. They can be run on a deep-cycle battery which will last for up to six months at a time and you’ll only spend $50 for the battery even though it’s quite an investment.
You can also plug your dehumidifier into an outlet where it won’t use as much electricity as say, turning on all your lights and appliances in your house during high-demand periods like 3:00 PM or 5:00 PM, but at those times we should either turn off our electronics or reduce their usage significantly to avoid stressing the power grid.
The bottom line is that dehumidifiers don’t use as much electricity as some may think them.
2. Do air purifiers dehumidify the air?
Air Purifiers do not dehumidify the air. Air purifiers filter pollutants out of the air, but most do not have the capacity to remove moisture. If your air is dry, or damp for that matter, you’ll need an entirely separate unit to properly address that issue.
3. Are purifiers and dehumidifiers the same?
No, they are not the same items. Purifiers remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like cigarette smoke or cooking odors, while dehumidifiers reduce excess humidity in the air. For the healthiest home, you’ll need both! Click HERE for more information about purification and HERE for more information about dehumidifying.
Since some compounds that cause bad smells are also harmful to your health, reducing them with a purifier is an important first step towards living safely at home! Dehumidifiers can help ward off musty odors as well as lower the potential for molds and bacteria to grow in humid conditions – this will extend your HVAC system’s lifespan too!
4. Should you use an air purifier or a dehumidifier in your basement?
Whether to use an air purifier or a dehumidifier in your basement depends on the specific issues you are trying to address. If your basement has a moisture problem and you are experiencing issues such as mold growth, musty smells, or dampness, a dehumidifier would be more appropriate. It will help to remove excess moisture from the air, reducing the likelihood of mold growth and other related problems.
On the other hand, if your basement has air quality issues such as dust, pet dander, or other airborne particles that can cause allergies or respiratory issues, then an air purifier would be more effective. It will help to remove these particles from the air, making it cleaner and healthier to breathe.
In some cases, it may be beneficial to use both an air purifier and a dehumidifier in your basement to address both moisture and air quality issues.
5. Which of the two devices is better for asthma?
Air purifiers help those who suffer from asthma and other respiratory issues such as bronchitis because they remove many of the elements that cause flare-ups. This is especially helpful for those with allergies or constant triggers like dust, pollen, and mold.
6. Which is better for allergies humidifier or air purifier?
Both humidifiers and air purifiers can help alleviate allergy symptoms in different ways. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help relieve dry nasal passages and reduce allergy symptoms like coughing and congestion. However, if the humidity levels in your home are already high, a humidifier can actually make allergy symptoms worse by promoting the growth of mold and dust mites.
Air purifiers, on the other hand, can help remove allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites from the air, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergy symptoms. HEPA air purifiers are particularly effective at capturing small particles like allergens and can significantly reduce airborne allergens in your home.
Overall, both humidifiers and air purifiers can be helpful for allergies, but the best choice depends on your individual needs and the specific allergens you are trying to address. A combination of both devices may also be effective for some people. It’s always a good idea to consult with an allergist or healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific allergy symptoms.
7. Which of the two devices is better for mold?
Although both devices help fight mold, a dehumidifier is the best option. Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air that allows mold to breed and grow.
An air purifier only removes mold spores in the air; that is, it does not attack the cause of the problem.
8. Air purifier or dehumidifier for dust mites?
Both devices help fight dust mites. An air purifier traps the dust in a room to keep it clean and fresh; it removes the food that dust mites need.
A dehumidifier reduces humidity levels. This prevents dust mites from spreading.
If you have indoor humidity problems, using an air purifier and dehumidifier at the same time is a great way to protect yourself from dust mites.
9. Can you use an air purifier and a dehumidifier in the same room?
Yes, you can use both devices in the same room. The air purifier cleans the air by removing various pollutants such as dust and allergens while also making it harder for these contaminants to survive or return. On top of that, a dehumidifier removes excess moisture from the space, which further reduces their presence should they attempt to resurface.
Final verdict
We conclude that it all depends on the severity of your problem. If you’re dealing with a mild case, we recommend an air purifier for allergy relief and to remove airborne particles in your home. But if you have more severe issues such as mold or bacteria buildup, then a dehumidifier may be necessary to combat those problems and provide long-term comfort in your space.
However, We hope this post has helped you understand the differences between an air purifier and a dehumidifier. If you still have any questions regarding air purifier vs dehumidifier, please feel free to reach out, and we’ll do our best to answer them for you!
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