What’s better for a basement air purifier or dehumidifier? This is indeed a dilemma. Which product would be more beneficial and convenient as this is something related to health.
Remember that, both devices are ideal in their own ways but serve the same purpose i.e. purifying the air. But, for which product you should go? This is the article that will help you.
Air purifiers, smoke eaters, dehumidifiers, etc. all belong to the same product family serving the same thing which is clearing the air.
The air purifiers are good to clean the air from allergens, a dehumidifier removes the access moisture and smoke eater as you can get a hint from the name sucks smoke.
As we said, it would not be easy to pick one out of an air purifier vs a dehumidifier as both are beneficial for people suffering from asthma or other respiratory issues. They remove or minimize the allergens that are present in the air.
Further, for a better understanding, here is the difference between an air purifier and a dehumidifier.
Air purifier vs. Dehumidifier
| Specification | Air Purifier | Dehumidifier |
| Working | Removes air pollutants through air filters | Sucks moisture from the air and minimizes the humidity |
| Benefits | Helps people suffering from asthma | Minimizes damp odor, benefits to allergy sufferers |
| Effectiveness | Dust, allergens, mold, pet dander, bacteria | Mold, dust mites, and mildew |
| Humidity Removal | No | More than 50% |
It is a misconception that both of these devices are interchangeable but actually, that is not true because of the following.
Functionalities
Air purifier
Air purifiers’ working involves removing the contaminated toxins from the air along with the airborne germs and bacteria. These contaminants include dust, allergens, bacteria, smoke, mold spore, and pet dander.
Usually, an air purifier uses HEPA filters to remove 99.97% of microns from the air. For removing smoke, an activated carbon filter air purifier and UV light for killing the germs are used.
Dehumidifier
The main purpose of a dehumidifier is to reduce the moisture from the air, usually below 50% is collected in its internal bucket. Unlikely the air purifier, it does not have filters. Also, it minimizes the damp odor of the air when the level of moisture decreases.
Types of Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers
Air purifiers are classified as HEPA filtration, activated carbon, negative ionization, and finally ultraviolet light.
The HEPA filter removes 99.97% of microns from the air, including dust allergens, smoke, and mold spores. An activated carbon filter is a high absorbent filter that captures pungent smells, chemicals, VOCs, etc.
Negative ionization emits negatively charged ions in the air that attracts pollutants towards them. Making them heavier than air and removing even ultra-fine particles from the air. While the UV light (ultraviolet) filter helps to kill the airborne germs and bacteria.
Else, there are air purifiers that are the whole house and hospital grade are also available.
The dehumidifier on the other hand is categorized into three kinds.
This includes
The refrigerant is a metal plate where moisture from the air condenses and is cooled using a refrigeration technique in this sort of dehumidifier. The moisture drips into a water collecting tank while air is drawn through the dehumidifier by a fan.
The desiccant dehumidifier employs a unique substance that can absorb water. It resembles the silica gel that is often bundled with electronics. A desiccant wheel within the dehumidifier gently rotates through the stream of the incoming air and collects moisture.
The electronic kind of dehumidifier creates a cold surface for condensing the water vapor from the air using a Peltier heat pump. The water that has condensed is drained outdoors.
What should I choose, an Air purifier or a dehumidifier
| You need an air purifier when | You need a dehumidifier when |
| Helpful for respiratory issues | Removes the musty smell |
| Minimizes dust from the air | Prevents and kills dust mites |
| Removes pet dander, smoke, mold, etc. | Living in a humid area and want to lower home temperature |
| Provides clean air | Minimize the mold growth |
So, what’s better for a basement air purifier or dehumidifier?
Both of them can be used in the basement because this is the place that is most likely to be humid. However, a dehumidifier is most recommended because usually laundry is installed there that can flourish molds. It will help to reduce not only the dampness but also prevents mold growth.
In case you need to get clean air down there as well so, you can always go for an air purifier as well but it lacks the ability to suck the moisture, and putting two different devices make no sense. So, you can get the best air purifier and dehumidifier combo to fix it all with a single unit.
Frequent Asked Questions | Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier
Will a dehumidifier cool down a room?
Dehumidifiers may indeed chill a space as they lower relative humidity. A room may feel hotter when the humidity is high because of the excess moisture in the air. By eliminating water vapor, dehumidifiers may dry out the air and make it seem colder.
Do dehumidifiers clean the air?
The air is not cleaned by dehumidifiers. By eliminating extra moisture, these appliances assist in maintaining the humidity levels in your area. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand, may indirectly clean the air by stopping the growth of mould, germs, and other pollutants, all of which could result in a number of health problems.
Which is best for asthma air purifier or dehumidifier?
Because airborne pollutants that trigger asthma attacks and breathing difficulties are eliminated by an air purifier, they are healthier for asthmatics.
You can lessen the indoor triggers that aggravate your respiratory system by using an air purifier.
Air purifier or dehumidifier which one is effective for allergies?
While both tools can benefit those with allergies, an air purifier is the best option. Air purifiers remove germs, mould spores, dust, allergies, and pet dander from the air.