Are Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers the same in any case?

Air purifiers and dehumidifiers both remove particles from the air, but they carry out their functions differently. Air purifiers are machines that use an air filter to remove allergens, mold, bacteria, and other particles from the air. Dehumidifiers work by removing water vapor from the air through a refrigerant coil.

The difference is that a dehumidifier only removes moisture while an air purifier can be used to remove particles in addition to moisture. An air purifier will also typically produce cleaner indoor air than a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier should not be used as a replacement for an air purifier because it does not have the same effect on all contaminants. When looking for an air purifier, you need to consider your needs before buying one because some have more features than others do.

Are air purifiers and dehumidifiers the same in functions?

No. The main function of an air purifier is to remove particles from the air, while a dehumidifier will only reduce humidity. A dehumidifier can be used in conjunction with an air purifier, which may provide better results than just using one or the other.

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air by cooling it, whereas an air purifier uses ultraviolet light to break down volatile organic compounds that cause odors and other contaminants. The process by which a filter traps particles like pollen, bacteria, and pet dander in order to clean the air is called particulate removal. Get a deeper insight into both devices and learn Are air purifiers and dehumidifiers the same in functions and how they work.

What are Air purifiers?

As the name indicates, air purifiers remove dust, allergens, and other harmful particles from the air. They are specifically designed to remove toxins and purify the indoor atmosphere. It not only adds freshness but also prevents various respiratory disorders.

Technical Insights: what is an air filter?

An air filter is the mechanical heart of purifiers fitted inside it. It’s designed to trap foreign airborne particles (dust, pollen, and sometimes hazardous gaseous) from entering indoor spaces.

How does it work?

Air filters capture particulates in the air through physical filtration or chemical absorption.

The most accessible definition of the filter is:

 “a mesh of fibers with minute pores that capture airborne particulates.”

Here are some correct and commonly used types of filters in air purifiers:

1) HEPA filters

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. They purify the air by trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns. The pollutants stick to this surface and begin circulating throughout the house through ventilation systems such as ventilation fans or ducts.

2) Carbon filters:

Carbon filters are also known as activated carbon filters. They clean the air by adsorbing odors and chemicals.

These filters remove impurities from the air by trapping them inside their pores.

3) Ionizing filters:

Ionizing filters remove airborne pollutants through ionization. These filters use electricity to create charged gas particles called ions.

These ions attach themselves to the pollutant particles and purify the air.

How do I know that my air filter is working?

If your air filter is working correctly, you should see an improvement in indoor air quality. The effect of your air filter will depend on its efficiency and the size of its collection area. The more efficient it is, the greater it will work and the more effective it will be at removing particulates.

What are dehumidifiers?

Dehumidifiers are made to remove excess moisture from the indoor air. They are also known as desiccants or dew-tenders because they remove water vapors within a room or building like a dewdrop on grass would do in nature.

How does it work?

Dehumidifiers have two main parts: a compressor and an evaporator coil (the part that removes moisture). The compressor draws in outside air (usually through ducts), heats it, and then expels this heated air through vents into the evaporator coil.

Later in the coil, moisture is removed (evaporated) from the heated air stream and condensed into water droplets on top of the evaporator coil before being released back into the room.

Types of dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers fall into two categories: evaporative and forced-air.

Evaporative dehumidifiers (H-3)

These dehumidifiers use the natural evaporation process of condensation (as in a refrigerator) to remove moisture from the air. This type of dehumidifier is preferred for small spaces where space is at a premium. It can be used in homes, offices, closets, basements, garages, etc.

If you live in a humid area or you are someone who loves having an open window during warm weather months, this type of dehumidifier might be right for you.

Forced-Air Dehumidifiers (H3)

These units work by drawing in outside air (usually through ducts) through a fan and using it to cool down the air inside the unit’s housing.

The cooled air then travels through the evaporator coil before exiting the vents into the room.

A fan then forces the cooled air through the evaporator coil, thereby removing excessive moisture from the air.

How do I install my dehumidifier?

To install any dehumidifier, you must purchase the correct size and unit for your space. Once you’ve decided what size and type of dehumidifier will fit your space, you can consider where it should go in the room.

If you are using an evaporative dehumidifier, it is recommended to be placed near a location where you will spend most of your spare time (like a bedroom or living room). If you are using a forced-air unit, place it in an area with high humidity (such as a bathroom or kitchen).

You also need to ensure that there are no power outlets in the area where your dehumidifier will be installed if there is any cover them adequately.

Specify the location to place your dehumidifier and search whether or not there is an outlet available. You can now begin installing it.

Before installing your dehumidifier, be sure to turn off any fans or other appliances that may be running. If the unit is a forced-air model, make sure that the exhaust duct from this unit does not run through any rooms with fans in them (like the kitchen or bathroom).

If you are using an evaporative dehumidifier, ensure it’s placed where it receives adequate sunlight (sunlight helps speed up evaporation).

Once all of this is finalized, you can plug in your dehumidifier. Ensure that the power cord does not come into contact with anything and then plug it into an electrical outlet (either a standard wall outlet or a particular dehumidifier outlet).

If you are using a forced-air dehumidifier, you need to ensure that the fan is not turned on when you plug it in. This will allow the unit to suck the air and begin cooling it down.

Once all the steps are done, you can turn on the air conditioning system or exhaust fans in your room. You can now let the unit do its job.

How long will my dehumidifier work best?

Most dehumidifiers are rated by their moisture output (how much moisture they can remove from the air). These units typically have an output of 1/2 ounce per hour (oz./h). If this is your first time installing a dehumidifier, it is recommended that you test your unit’s capacity before installing it permanently.

If it has been up for more than a few days and there are still signs of moisture remaining inside your home, you may leak into your system, or the unit is not working correctly.

How do I clean my dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers need to be cleaned regularly to keep them running at optimal efficiency. If you notice any build-up of dirt or debris on the blades of your dehumidifier (especially after continuous use), it may be time to clean it out.

To clean your dehumidifier:

• Remove all of the water from the inside.
• Open up the hoses to drain out into a container (this will allow any dirt and debris that may have been trapped inside of them to fall out)
• Enclose the dehumidifier by fixing everything like earlier

Air purifiers vs. dehumidifiers

Here are the 6 significant differences between an air purifier and a dehumidifier.

1) Filters:

Filtering units are present in air purifiers, but dehumidifiers have a different working mechanism. Air purifiers trap airborne particulate matter, while dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air.

Size:

2) Capacity

Air purifiers can remove up to 99% of airborne particles from the air and goes in the long run. At the same time, most dehumidifier models don’t remove airborne particles at all. They are only aimed at removing moisture and are comparatively less durable than air purifiers.

3) Efficiency

The efficiency of an air purifier is accessed by its ability to remove airborne particulate matter (pollen, radioactive material, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens) from the air. A good example is smoke odors, which some models will not effectively remove (or may even enhance).

However, the efficacy of a dehumidifier is measured by its ability to desiccate or dewater. Both devices work differently, hence requiring different parameters to access efficiency.  

4) Cost:

Air cleaners are more expensive than dehumidifiers because they require greater power. The filters inside the air purifier must be replaced regularly, and it can become costly to operate.

5) Maintenance

Dehumidifiers are easy to maintain as compared to air purifiers. A great working purifier should require no more than weekly maintenance. However, some air purifiers need to be cleaned every day or every other day. The dust that accumulates inside the air purifier can also cause problems for some people if it is not cleaned out regularly.

6) Types:

There are many types of air purifier technologies that are available on the market today, including high-efficiency particle filters (HEPA), ionizing filters, and ultraviolet light systems. Cleaners come in various styles, including portable units with casings resembling walk-in coolers or cabinets; wall-mounted units; central vacuum systems; whole house units; and handheld units that cling to your face or go in your pocket.

Types of dehumidifiers include mechanical, electrical, ionic, and desiccating units.

Air purifier vs. air dehumidifier for asthma; which one is accurate?

Some researchers believe that an air purifier is more effective than an air dehumidifier for asthma. This is because many people believe that an air purifier will be able to remove all kinds of airborne particles from the air, including allergens, dust mites, and other contaminants that can cause allergic reactions in asthmatics.

Dehumidifiers can also help prevent respiratory disorders by controlling mold growth. Among microbes, mold or fungal spores require minor water activity for their reproduction. In the summer, mold proliferates in carpets and mattresses. While in winter, it is dried out and remains dormant. However, during the rainy season, this mold begins to grow again.

Dehumidifiers can reduce airborne dust particles in a home and remove moisture from the air with moisture sensors.

No matter what type of dehumidifier is chosen, it should be noted that the more moisture that is removed from the air, the greater the risk of mold growth.

3 in 1: Dehumidifier, humidifier, and air purifier device- a life-changing solution

A device with all 3 functions can be a good choice for homes, offices, or large buildings. This will help with the air quality in your home, eliminate allergens, and reduce the chances of mold growth.

Health benefits of using an air purifier and dehumidifier

Air purifiers have been shown to reduce the amount of airborne particulate matter in the room by up to 99%. For example, if you have an asthma attack triggered by allergens in your room, you will feel better when using an air purifier and less need for medication.

In addition, air purifiers may help to improve your health by reducing the number of mold spores and other allergens in your home.

Air purifiers are also beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. It can help reduce or eliminate symptoms from allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, etc.

Dehumidifiers are pretty precise in removing moisture from the air. In addition to controlling the spread of airborne contaminants and molds in your home (which will also improve your health), dehumidifiers can help keep the humidity in your home at a comfortable level. It’s ideal for people who suffer from mildew or have asthma.

However, if you use a dehumidifier that does not have an automatic shut-off feature or is not energy efficient, it can cause some severe damage to your home.

Some dehumidifiers do not effectively remove moisture from the air because they only filter out visible moisture (such as aerosols), which is not harmful when breathed in but causes problems when released into the air.

Are air purifiers and dehumidifiers the same devices for cleaning the basement?

No. Dehumidifiers can be used to dry out a basement, thus aiding the cleaning process. In areas with a lot of humidity, cleansing can be challenging due to microbial spillage. Dehumidifiers can maintain cleanliness by removing moisture in the air and preventing mold growth. This is especially noticeable for people who grow plants indoors without sunlight.

But dehumidifier water can cause diseases in plants. Hence, we do not recommend dehumidified or dedicated water for plant growth.

Read more: Is dehumidifier water suitable for plants?

Can I use essential oil in air purifiers?

Air purifiers can be used to remove allergens in the air. Some people use essential oils in their air purifiers to further reduce the number of allergens in the air. Some of the essential oils used include:

• Lavender
• Eucalyptus
• Tea tree oil

However, some essential oils should not be used in air purifiers. These include

• Pine oil
• Peppermint oil
• Cinnamon oil

What are the Benefits of using essential oil in an Air Purifier?

The most calming benefit of using essential oils with air purifiers is that they can create serene vibes inside your home.

You may benefit from using essential oils in your air purifiers if you have allergies.

You can also use essential oil to disinfect the air in your home, preventing mold growth and other airborne pathogens from growing.

Some people believe that essential oils help with sleep. This can be because oils are known for their sedative properties.

The bottom line

Next time you’re at a store thinking, “are air purifiers and dehumidifiers the same?” this guide will help.

The most apparent difference between these two is that dehumidifiers remove water from the air while air purifiers use filters.