As we spend more time indoors during winter, homeowners are noticing a significant increase in allergy symptoms. Not only are bringing bacteria and viruses indoors, we are also exposing ourselves to dust, dander, mold spores, and more. With these particles contaminating a home’s indoor air quality, allergies can easily be triggered. So what is better for allergies: humidifier or air purifier? Humidifiers and air purifiers both help with allergies by affecting the air we breathe. However, it’s important to know that they don’t do it in the same way, they have different functions.
The Difference between Air Purifier and Humidifier
Simply put, air purifiers remove harmful particles from the air and humidifiers release water vapor to increase humidity levels. Both of these methods are beneficial to your health and soothes allergies in different ways.
Air Purifier
While some air purifiers use ionization or UV-C light to trap and remove pollutants, most simply use a changeable filter. Using air purifiers can remove airborne particles from your home such as:
- Bacteria
- Bad Odors
- Cockroach body sheds and feces
- Dander
- Dust / Dust mites
- Pollen
- Mold Spores
Are Air Purifiers Good for Allergies?
Air purifiers are excellent for handling allergies. People who are sensitive to allergens find relief as air purifiers remove pollutants that trigger reactions. In addition, they also help those who experience serious lung issues, such as asthma. Airborne pollutants often can make lung issues worse. So if you notice allergy symptoms or find your condition is worse while at home, consider getting an air purifier.
Regardless of the season of allergies, harmful allergens are a continuous threat to our health. As each season brings its own challenges, you can count on your air purifier helping to keep you healthy. However in order for it to work properly, you need to keep a regular cleaning/replacement schedule for the filter. Depending on your model, you can wash the filters with soap and water or simply replace it with a new one.
Humidifier
Often the dry winter air can wreak havoc on our health. Humidifiers release water vapor to bring the moisture content back to a comfortable level. What’s more, humidifiers use several different technologies, ranging from boiling water to blowing fans, to create water vapor. Unlike air purifiers, humidifiers are seasonal units. Indoor humidity levels are usually at or above normal during the summer months. On the other hand, late fall and winter seasons often bring about dry cold air conditions which need a humidifier.
Do Humidifiers Help with Allergies?
A lot of people believe that humidifiers work to clean the air. This is actually false, humidifiers only add moisture without removing pollutants from the air. Nonetheless, they can still help ease the symptoms of various irritations like
- Chest, nose, head, and ear congestion
- Irritated sinus passages
- Chapped lips
- Dry skin
Allergy sufferers and even those who have caught a cold can use a humidifier to increase their home’s indoor moisture levels. The additional moisture that is breathed in can break up congestion to allow the sinus passages to drain. However, a humidifier can also cause health issues if it’s not run properly. Humidifiers should be cleaned everyday to prevent bacteria and mold growth from the water. It is recommended that the water itself should be from distilled and not tap or chlorinated water. This is to prevent the possibility of inhaling potential microorganisms or harmful chemicals within the water. Furthermore, monitoring indoor humidity levels is critical as fungi, mold, and even dust mites flourish in warm and humid environments. So all homeowners should be aware if their indoor humidity level is near or above 50%.
Can You use an Air Purifier and Humidifier Together?
So what is better for allergies: humidifier or air purifier? It depends on what you are trying to achieve. Are you searching for ways to remove the pollutants and improve air quality to reduce allergy symptoms? Then air purifiers are the perfect choice. Even so, you can benefit from using a humidifier alongside an air purifier. As they perform two different functions, you are able to get the health benefits of both. If you have any questions about what would work best for your home, reach out to us at Satterlee! With product recommendations based on your needs, let us help you breathe easier this winter with cleaner, healthier air.
