Humidifier or Dehumidifier: Which Is Right for You?

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers help keep a home more comfortable, energy-efficient, and healthy. The amount of humidity in indoor air is often directly related to the outdoor humidity level. While you can’t do anything to change natural conditions outside, humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be helpful add-ons to benefit your indoor environment.

Too Little vs. Too Much

Most experts agree that the ideal indoor relative humidity for homes is somewhere between 35% and 45%.

• When humidity’s below that range, the home feels arid and is difficult to heat (dry air holds heat energy less efficiently). Physical symptoms such as dry skin and sore throats are more common. Even the common cold virus survives longer in low-humidity conditions.
• Indoor humidity that chronically exceeds the recommended range, conversely, makes a home feel uncomfortably warm and muggy. Air conditioners run longer cycles, and the monthly costs of staying comfortable escalate accordingly. High indoor humidity also triggers mold growth inside the house and degrades indoor air quality.

Benefits of Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are more effective than ever at controlling indoor humidity and enhancing daily life. The units may be utilized as portable models in single rooms or as whole-house units that install in HVAC ductwork to control humidity throughout the entire house. Here’s what’s available from two common types of humidifiers and dehumidifiers.

• A warm-mist humidifier incorporates an electric heating element to rapidly convert water to steam. An internal fan then disperses warm, steamy moisture into the air to boost humidity. A cool-mist humidifier, conversely, utilizes a water reservoir or a rotating absorbent pad. Airflow from a fan passes over these sources, absorbing moisture which is then discharged into the room.
• Effective home dehumidifers are typically refrigerative units. These models utilize a coil that circulates compressed refrigerant at a very low temperature. Moisture condenses as indoor air and is drawn through the coil, and dried air is returned into the indoor environment.

For more about the health and comfort benefits of humidifiers and dehumidifiers, contact the professionals at NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating.