Have you decided what you truly need to keep the indoor air quality of your home at its best? If you are wondering if you either need a humidifier or dehumidifier or need both, remember that Steven Wright bought both and placed them in the same room and let them ‘fight it out.’ However, depending on what your house needs, you can run both together at the same time.

It is best to use a humidifier during the winter when heating systems can reduce the moisture in the air. The dryness from this can lead to respiratory concerns and dry skin. On the contrary, when there is excessive moisture, you will need to use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture and prevent the growth of mold. There are times that you will need both to balance and maintain comfort and well-being inside your own home. Remember to always avail yourself of AC services in Gainesville, FL, if you need help. 

Here is a deeper understanding of the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier:

Humidifiers

Humidifiers are used to add or increase the moisture in the air when it is too dry. As mentioned above, it is used during the winter. The humidity inside most homes can range from 30% to 50%. When the humidity levels hit below the 30% mark, you need a humidifier. 

There are ways you can determine if it is a humidifier you need. When you often experience dry, itchy eyes, chapped lips, and dry skin, you need to consider buying a humidifier. You can also notice cracks on the wooden beams and leather-made furniture in your home. However, there is more to that when you experience low humidity in your home. Without a humidifier, you can experience allergies, asthma, chest congestion, and other respiratory health issues. 

Moreover, there are two main types of humidifiers you should be aware of. These are the cool-mist and warm-mist humidifiers. While these two have the same purpose of adding or increasing the moisture levels of the air inside your home, they work differently but effectively. Either way, you can choose any of these two that you think best suits your personal preferences.

Cool-mist humidifiers use a rotating disc or fan to evaporate water, while the warm-mist type works by boiling water and releasing its steam into the air. If you need to improve your indoor air quality more, seek AC services in Gainesville, FL.

Dehumidifiers

If humidifiers increase moisture levels, dehumidifiers do the opposite. They decrease or remove the excess moisture levels inside your home and are suitable for use during the spring and summer. If the moisture levels inside your home hit 50% or more, you will commonly notice water droplets from excessive condensation, a heavy wet smell, home leaks after rain, the presence of pests, and prolonged drying time of your clothes.

The moisture can affect the structure of your interior home by accumulating mold and dust mites, which can in turn affect your health and well-being. Among the health issues caused by the prolonged effects of high humidity are chronic or seasonal allergies. 

If you are planning on buying a dehumidifier, note that there are four types of dehumidifiers. These are refrigerative, electronic, desiccant, and ionic. However, most homeowners commonly use refrigerants and desiccants. Refrigerants work in situations where the temperature reaches 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of dehumidifier converts moisture into water, while desiccants are used to absorb a large amount of moisture.

These are the main differences between a humidifier and a dehumidifier. Either helps to improve your well-being by providing you with the comfort you deserve. If you are thinking of buying any of the two but are unsure about the humidity level of your home, our team of experts here at Zephyr Heating and Cooling will be more than happy to provide you with the services you need, such as AC repair in Gainesville, FL. Call us at 904-420-6525.