When it comes to ensuring clean air in your home, what comes to mind is air purifier vs dehumidifier.
Both devices have a different purpose. But they may sometimes be used to achieve a common goal.
Either directly or indirectly.
They are very beneficial if you want your home to meet perfect air quality.
This can, to a great extent, reduce your asthma or allergy flares.
However…
To make the right choice, you need to understand their purpose, how they work, and when to use them.
And that you’re about to find out…
At the end of this article, you’ll be better informed to make the best decision for your needs.
So stick around and find out who wins in this showdown; air purifier or dehumidifier.
Differences Between Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers
Function
An air purifier and dehumidifier serve different functions. The main goal of an air purifier is to clean the air by removing air pollutants.
This includes pollen, pet dander, dust, and other irritants that trigger allergies or respiratory problems. It can also remove unpleasant odors.
A dehumidifier works by absorbing excess moisture from the air, which helps reduce your room’s humidity levels.
It can help deter mold and mildew growth, as they can cause health issues and damage to your home.
How They Work
Air purifiers work to filter the air and remove harmful particles such as dust, pollen, and mold spores.
To do this…
They use internal filters to trap these particles and release pure air into the room.
Another common but vital element in air purifiers is an activated carbon filter. It helps remove odors and chemical fumes in the air.
Some air purifiers also have UV-C light or/and ionizer components to help kill bacteria and viruses.
But dehumidifiers function by extracting excess moisture from the air indoors.
They suck in the humid air, cool it down to condense the moisture into a tank, and then release dry air into the room.
Usage
The usage of air purifiers and dehumidifiers varies depending on your needs.
For instance…
You can use an air purifier if all you want is to improve your indoor air quality.
Also, an air purifier can help with your symptoms if you have allergies or breathing difficulty.
But…
A dehumidifier is the best gadget to use if you live in a humid climate or have a damp basement. It can help prevent mold growth and protect your home from damage.
Air purifiers are often used in bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and areas where people spend a lot of time.
Dehumidifiers are typically used in basements, laundry rooms, and other areas where moisture is a problem.
Cost
The cost of air purifiers and dehumidifiers varies and depends on the brand, features, and size of your room.
So you can get air purifiers can range from $50 to $500, while dehumidifiers can cost you from $100 to $1,000.
You may need to replace filters at some point, so this can add to the cost over time.
Dehumidifiers also need periodic cleaning and maintenance, adding to the cost.
Similarities Between Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers
Both air purifiers and dehumidifiers can be beneficial. Here are some similarities between the two devices:
1. Both devices can improve respiratory health.
Air purifiers and dehumidifiers can help curb the allergens and pollutants in your home.
This can be quite valuable for respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies.
Impurities such as mold and mildew can result from excess moisture.
A dehumidifier can subdue the growth of these irritants, and a purifier can also filter these allergens.
2. Both devices can help prevent mold growth.
It is a known fact that molds thrive in environments with high humidity levels.
So by using a dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air, you can help prevent mold growth.
Similarly…
Air purifiers can help trap mold spores and prevent them from spreading throughout your home.
When you use both devices together, you can further reduce the risk of mold growth…
This will go a long way in enhancing your indoor air quality.
3. Both devices can be used in a variety of settings.
You can use both gadgets in various settings, from homes and apartments to offices and classrooms.
In fact…
Both appliances can come in handy to get rid of high humidity and pollutants.
They are relatively easy to use and quick to set up. Thus, they are a convenient solution for purifying indoor air.
Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier – Comparison Table
Here’s a comparison table to help you understand the differences between these two devices.
| Air Purifier | Dehumidifier |
|---|---|
| Filters airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander | Removes excess moisture from the air |
| Reduces allergens in the air | Helps prevent mold and mildew growth |
| Can help reduce odors in the air | Can help reduce musty smells |
| Does not affect humidity levels | Lowers humidity levels |
| Can be used in any room | Best used in rooms with high humidity levels |
There are instances where you might need to humidify your home to eliminate dry air.
In such a situation, you might need a humidifier, as it is the right device for the job.
On rare occasions, you might be forced to make a pick between an air purifier and a humidifier.
But if you can’t decide and want more light on the topic, here is my post on humidifiers vs air purifiers.
You’ll find it really helpful.
When to Use an Air Purifier and Dehumidifier?
Use an air purifier if you:
- Have allergies or asthma, or any breathing condition.
- Live in an area with high pollution.
- Have pets.
Here are some situations where you might want to use a dehumidifier.
You might want to use a dehumidifier if you:
- Live in a humid area.
- Have water damage in your home.
- You have respiratory issues like asthma and allergies.
Who would benefit from having an air purifier or dehumidifier?
Who would benefit from having an air purifier:
- An asthmatic, allergy sufferer, or someone with breathing problems.
- An elderly individual.
- A newly born would benefit a lot from an air purifier.
- Someone with an immuno-suppressed disease or a weakened immune system.
- A pet owner.
- And if you live in a highly polluted location.
Who would benefit from having a dehumidifier:
- An allergy sufferer or if your home is experiencing mold or mildew infestation.
- A pet owner – A dehumidifier can help reduce the moistness in the air that can lead to musty odors.
- Someone with water leakage in his or her home.
Verdict| Which is better, air purifier or dehumidifier?
You must understand that air purifiers and dehumidifiers are not interchangeable.
Now that we have seen the differences between both devices, you should be able to make the right choice.
The truth is…
Yes, they have some overlapping benefits, but they serve different objectives.
But…
If you haven’t yet decided on the right one for your home, you need to think carefully about your specific needs.
For example…
Do you have pets, breathing challenges, or allergies? Or do you just need a device to improve the air quality in your home?
An air purifier is the better option…
But a dehumidifier may be the better choice if you live in a humid environment and need to handle moisture.
They are specifically helpful in basements and other home areas prone to dampness.
But if you have severe allergies or breathing issues, you may have to use an air purifier and a dehumidifier.
You want to limit exposure to your triggers by any means possible.
Air Purifier Versus Dehumidifier FAQs
Are air purifiers and dehumidifiers the same thing?
No, air purifiers and dehumidifiers are not the same thing.
Air purifiers are engineered to clean the air by trapping pollutants and allergens…
But dehumidifiers function to remove moisture from the air to reduce humidity levels.
Do air purifiers also dehumidify?
No, air purifiers do not dehumidify. They are designed to clean the air by trapping pollutants and allergens.
However…
Some may have a small dehumidifying effect as they circulate air through their filters.
But this is not their primary function. However, it can be pretty valuable when dehumidifying your room.
Is it OK to use an air purifier and a dehumidifier in the same room?
Yes, using an air purifier and a dehumidifier in the same room is OK.
Using the two together can be helpful for allergies, asthma, and other breathing conditions.
You may also need an air purifier if you are a pet owner. Air purifiers will help you tackle dander and other allergens and chemical fumes.
A dehumidifier will help inhibit the growth of specific allergens by getting rid of dampness in your home.
So yes, you can use both machines at the same time.
What is better than a dehumidifier?
Although a dehumidifier can reduce moisture levels, you must realize that they do not clean the air as an air purifier does.
A better alternative would be an air purifier with a built-in dehumidifier.
This can be necessary if you are concerned about the humidity levels and air quality of your space.
These devices can clean the air and remove excess moisture at the same time. But they can be more expensive than standalone air purifiers or dehumidifiers.