I consider myself fairly health conscious, so I do all I can to improve my indoor air. So, I went out and bought an air purifier and a humidifier.
Many people do this, but a lot of them don’t really know how these machines work together (or if they even can).
Fortunately, I know that if used correctly, an air purifier and humidifier working together provides multiple health benefits for me and my family.
Although these devices have drastically different functions, together they can create a heavenly indoor environment.
Let’s look into how these devices work and how they can team up to improve your indoor air and promote better health.
Can You Use An Air Purifier And Humidifier Together?
I’ve been using an air purifier and a humidifier together for some time now, so I know it’s not as easy as putting them next to each other in a room and calling it a day. First, let’s talk about what these machines are.
An air purifier filters and circulates air to produce fresher and healthier indoor air. HEPA air purifiers use an electric fan to circulate air.
Dense HEPA filters effectively trap and permanently remove pollutants like smoke, pet dander, odors, pollen, and dust, making them ideal for allergy symptom relief.
Humidifiers are designed to ease the discomfort caused by dry air, such as bloody noses and cracked lips. They relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions by adding moisture to the air through water vapor or steam.
Using an air purifier and a humidifier together can provide multiple health benefits for you and your family. The humidifier adds moisture to the air, while the air purifier filters out pollutants.
However, if you use them together in the same room, keep the humidifier away from the cleaner. I have mine on opposite ends of the room. Placing the humidifier too close to the air purifier’s air inlet can dampen and clog the HEPA filter, reducing its effectiveness.
The dampness also promotes mold and bacteria growth in HEPA filters. Be sure to adequately maintain both devices with frequent cleaning and regular filter replacement.
Your ideal humidity levels depend on the season, weather, and location. Average humidity levels range from 30% to 50%. Low humidity can cause:
- Dry skin
- Cracked lips
- Irritated throat and eyes
- Nosebleeds
- Respiratory problems
- Static electricity buildup
High humidity can cause:
- Rooms feeling stuffy
- Visible condensation on walls and floors
- Increased risk of mold and bacteria growth
- Musty odors
- Damage to furniture and electronics
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased risk of respiratory issues
Having the humidifier and air purifier in the same room is possible as long as the above precautions are taken.
There are also air purifier and humidifier combos with therapeutic and stress-relieving functions. These products are cost-effective, require less space, and can reduce energy costs in the long run.
When Should You Use An Air Purifier and Humidifier?
Using an air purifier and humidifier together is always beneficial, but they are particularly useful during winter and allergy seasons.
The winters where I live produce cold, dry air, and my heating system dries out the air even more. However, my humidifier adds moisture back into the air, making breathing (and my chapped lips) a bit more comfortable.
Winter air pollution can also aggravate respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies. An air purifier can remove pollutants such as smoke, dust, and pet dander from the air, relieving respiratory issues.
Both devices can be highly beneficial during allergy seasons. While home air purifiers can remove airborne allergens such as pollen, dander, and mold spores, humidifiers can help to alleviate the symptoms of nasal irritation caused by dry air.
The two devices together create a more comfortable and healthy living environment by working together.
Considerations When Using An Air Purifier & Humidifiers In The Same Room
Here are some tips on using humidifiers and air purifiers in your home:
- Place your humidifier in a safe, waterproof location, out of the reach of children.
- Use cold or room temperature water without minerals and only use the humidifier when needed to relieve allergies or battle dryness.
- If your humidifier creates a lot of condensation, place a tray or piece of plastic underneath it to protect surfaces.
- Place your air purifier and humidifier opposite each other to ensure optimal functioning. Air purifier filters handle a wide range of humidity levels well but won’t filter out moisture.
FAQs
Can an air purifier remove moisture in the air?
Air purifiers can’t remove moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers, not air purifiers, remove moisture.
Can a humidifier clean the air?
A humidifier cannot clean the air. An air purifier cleans the air, while a humidifier only increases humidity.
Are there any all-in-one air purifier and dehumidifier combos?
There are all-in-one air purifier and dehumidifier combos available on the market. These devices use advanced technology to remove pollutants from the air while reducing the room’s moisture content.
Conclusion
Using both an air purifier and a humidifier simultaneously is extremely beneficial for my family and me, especially during the dry winter months and allergy season.
Just place them correctly in your home and regularly maintain them both and you will be comfortable year-round. These simple steps will create a healthy and comfortable living environment for you and your loved ones.
