How comfortable you are within a closed space is usually associated with the indoor temperature. If the temperature is to your liking and does not make you feel either too cold or too hot, it’s perfect for keeping you relaxed and happy. Thankfully, appliances like the HVAC systems can now guarantee comfort the entire year.
There are times when comfort does not depend solely on the temperature. The temperature may be sufficiently cool, and yet you land up feeling clammy. Conversely, the home might be warm and cozy, just the way you like, but your skin feels itchy and dry. These conditions arise because of humidity issues. Hence, temperature and humidity are both critical to determining the individual’s comfort while indoors. Maybe this is why both humidifiers and dehumidifiers are becoming quite popular amongst the masses.
Our customers often want to know which is a better purchase – a humidifier or a dehumidifier? Since that depends from situation to situation because each serves a very specific purpose, we decided to dedicate this article to educate you about the two.
Humidifiers Vs. Dehumidifiers
Let us do a comparative study between the humidifiers and dehumidifiers under some broad categories. It will help you understand how distinctively they are from each other and the purpose they serve.
What Are They
1. Humidifier – A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air. The air is typically dry during the winter months. It is because, at this time, the moisture content in the air is low. As a result, we tend to have dry and flaky skin, nose bleeds, chapped lips, and throat irritation. To alleviate these conditions, the only option is to reduce the dryness of air by increasing its moisture content. This is exactly what a humidifier does. It adds moisture to the air and makes it suitable for healthy living.
2. Dehumidifier – Dehumidifier is the exact opposite of a humidifier. In some areas and certain seasons, especially during monsoons, the humidity is high. So much so that, even with the air conditioner running full blast, one tends to feel sweaty and clammy. No matter how much you lower the temperature, you still can’t feel comfortable. At such times a dehumidifier comes to the rescue as it extracts the excess moisture from the air and brings it down to the optimum level.
Where Are They Most Suited
1. Humidifiers – If you live in an area with a severe and long winter season, you and your family will benefit from a humidifier. With the right setting, you will be able to enjoy the winter months without any side effects of dry air. A surprising difference would be the reduction of static charge in your clothes.
2. Dehumidifiers – Humidity is naturally high in the coastal areas. Add to the mix the hot summer season and the hurricane season, and you would feel as if there is no respite from the humidity. In such areas, those homes, buildings, and offices with a dehumidifier will be more comfortable than those that don’t. In short, installing a dehumidifier in those locations that have perpetually high humidity makes more sense as they will be able to get the most of their investment.
When Are They Most Suited
1. Humidifiers – When you or your family members or people in the building complain about problems that are directly related to the dry air condition indoors, it’s time to invest in a humidifier. As mentioned earlier, dry air can lead to skin ailments and irritation of the respiratory tract. These conditions, though, may not be serious but can, over time, result in severe or chronic problems.
2. Dehumidifiers – High humidity is the perfect recipe for germs and pathogens to strive. It also acts as thriving ground for mold and other fungal growth. In homes where individuals fall ill more often or there are recurring episodes of mold growth, controlling humidity is very important. These homes will benefit the most by investing in a whole-home dehumidifier.
Humidifier Vs. Dehumidifier – What Is Really Needed
The actual humidity within your home determines what you really need, a humidifier, or a dehumidifier. Mathematically speaking, if the humidity inside your home is over 50%, you need a dehumidifier. On the other hand, if the humidity level is below 30%, you need a humidifier. So, to figure out the actual requirement, measure the humidity in your home over a period of time.
Who Wins The Battle?
There is no sole winner in the battle between Humidifiers Vs. Dehumidifiers. Both serve their own purpose, each distinctively different from the other. The main advantage of them is that they make for a more healthy and comfortable living environment. Before deciding on either type of equipment, you need a true assessment of the current and persistent humidity conditions within the home or building. Once you know where you stand in reality, you can make a wise and informed decision.
Wrapping-Up
Before jumping to any conclusions, make sure that you are strictly following your heating and cooling system’s maintenance schedule. This is because your HVAC system is built to provide some amount of relief from both too much and too little humidity. If the maintenance is not being carried out, the unit will not maintain the optimum humidity level in your abode.
Despite following the prescribed maintenance program, there is a problem if you still face issues related to humidity. You can now think of investing in an additional humidification or dehumidification system, as the case may be, to curb its ill-effects.
Aztil Air Conditioning is a family-owned HVAC business in West Palm Beach, Florida. We have been open since 1981 and handle all jobs related to the HVAC systems, including repairs, maintenance, installations, and replacements. We even offer air quality and humidity control solutions. Our technicians are capable and trained professionals who will always give you the right advice. To book an appointment or schedule maintenance or an inspection, give us a call at +1-888-729-8452. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, so any time is a good time to call.
