Do I Need a Humidifier or a Dehumidifier?

Leonel S.

Maintaining the right level of humidity in your home can be a challenge, especially in the middle of a Houston summer.

Throughout the year, depending on how dry or humid the air is, you may need the help of a humidifier or dehumidifier.

How do you decide which one you need?
A humidifier adds moisture to air when it’s too dry (below 35% humidity) and a dehumidifier takes moisture out of air when it’s too humid (above 50% humidity).

A good humidity level for the average home is between 35 and 45 percent. Keeping your home humidity level within this range ensures the most comfortable and healthy environment, while also protecting your home from damage caused by excessive dryness or humidity.

In order to find out what your home needs, you can check the humidity level of your air with a digital humidity reader, called a hygrometer.
 

Humidifier vs. Dehumidifier: Explaining the Difference

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are used during certain times of the year in order to help prevent mold or even nasal congestion. Here’s are some facts about the different uses of these vital indoor comfort systems and how they work:

Types of Humidifiers

There are only two main types of humidifiers: warm mist and cool mist. Each type works a little differently. Warm mist (or steam) humidifiers work by boiling water, which releases steam into the air. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, use a fan or rotating disc to evaporate the water and bring it out into the air.

Humidifiers have to be cleaned very regularly to avoid any mold or mildew growth. It’s important to use distilled water and dump any extra water out of the reservoir when you’re done using it.

Types of Dehumidifiers

There are four main types of dehumidifiers:

Refrigerative (also called mechanical), the most common type of dehumidifier, uses a fan to pull the moisture out of the air and over a refrigerated coil.

Ask a Humidity Control Expert

 

To better assess your home humidity needs, we invite you to contact an expert at 247 Local HVAC. We can help you figure out the best air quality solutions for your home, including whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers.

 

Talk to a Houston HVAC expert at 247 Local HVAC today about your indoor comfort needs.

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