An air purifier is a life-saving unit against the global pandemic, their HEPA filters worked effectively against infection SARS-CoV-2, according to research. While the humidifier maintains the right amount of moisture in the air. However, some of these units are not good or efficient as they serve a single operation only so considering which is better air humidifier or purifier is tough. Both of these units are significant in their own ways. How? Here is a guide, so let’s begin from the scratch.
A Quick Introduction to both devices
Air humidifiers and air purifiers are both devices that look similar but they are designed to improve the air quality in a room or a building where they are placed, they work in different ways.
Air Humidifier
Air humidifiers are devices that add moisture to the air in order to raise humidity levels. They do this by releasing water vapor or mist into the air, which can help alleviate symptoms of dry skin, chapped lips, and respiratory problems.
Humidifiers are particularly useful in dry environments or during the winter when indoor heating can cause the air to dry and be uncomfortable.
Whereas, an air purifier
Air purifiers are the devices that remove pollutants and allergens from the air. They work by using filters or other technologies such as UV light or ionization to capture and remove particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. Air purifiers can help alleviate symptoms of allergies or respiratory problems and can improve the overall air quality in a room or a building.
Which is better air humidifier or purifier?
Whether an air humidifier or air purifier is better depends on the specific needs of the user.
An air purifier is better for those who want to remove pollutants and contaminants from the air. If you live in an area with high levels of pollution, have allergies or respiratory problems, or want to improve the overall air quality in your home, then an air purifier may be the better option for you.
However, an air humidifier is better for those who want to add moisture to the air. If you live in a dry climate or during the winter season when the air is naturally drier, then an air humidifier can help alleviate dry skin, dry eyes, and respiratory problems.
Additionally, if you have plants that require humid air or musical instruments that need to be kept in a humid environment, then an air humidifier would be a better option for you.
In some cases, both air purifiers and humidifiers may be necessary, especially if you live in an area with high levels of pollution and dry air. In these cases, it may be beneficial to invest in a combination air purifier and humidifier, which can provide both air purification and humidification benefits.
Ultimately, the choice between an air humidifier or purifier depends on your specific needs and the environment in which you live.
Similar to their significance, their working style is different as well.
How does an air purifier work?
An air purifier works by using various techniques to remove pollutants and other harmful particles from the air. The exact mechanism of action may vary depending on the type of air purifier, but the general principle is to circulate air through a filter or other purification method.
Here are some common types of air purifiers and how they work:
- HEPA Filters
HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are one of the most common types of air purifiers. They use a dense filter material to capture small particles such as dust, pollen, and pet dander. HEPA filters can capture particles as small as 0.3 microns with an efficiency of up to 99.97%.
Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters use activated carbon to remove pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and smoke from the air. The carbon is treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms, which absorb and trap the pollutants.
- UV-C Lights
UV-C lights use ultraviolet radiation to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the air. The radiation damages the DNA or RNA of the microorganisms, preventing them from reproducing and causing harm.
3. Ionic Air Purifiers
Ionic air purifiers use an electric charge to generate negative ions, which attract and bind to positively charged particles such as dust and pollen. Once the particles are bound together, they become too heavy to remain in the air and fall to the ground.
In general, air purifiers work by drawing air into the device and passing it through a filter or other purification method. The purified air is then released back into the room, creating a cleaner and healthier environment. Air purifiers can be particularly useful for people with allergies or respiratory issues, as they can help to remove allergens and irritants from the air.
The majority of the best air purifiers work with multiple filter types by using HEPA filters as a constant in pre-filters.
How does an air humidifier work?
An air humidifier works by adding moisture to the air, increasing the humidity level in a room. Here’s a brief overview of how an air humidifier works:
Water Reservoir
An air humidifier has a water reservoir that holds the water used to add moisture to the air. The size of the water reservoir can vary depending on the model of the humidifier.
Wicking Filter
Most humidifiers use a wicking filter made of a porous material, such as paper or foam, to absorb water from the reservoir. The filter is usually located at the base of the humidifier and has a fan blowing air through it.
Evaporation
As the air passes over the wet filter, the water evaporates into the air, increasing the humidity level. The humidifier may have different settings for the level of humidity desired.
Humidistat
Some humidifiers have a built-in humidistat that measures the humidity level in the room and adjusts the humidifier’s output accordingly.
Maintenance
It’s important to regularly clean the humidifier to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Some humidifiers have a self-cleaning feature, while others require manual cleaning.
Best air purifier, editor’s recommendation
There are many high-quality air purifiers on the market, and the best air purifier for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. That’s what we personally recommend
Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier
This air purifier has a four-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter, odor filter, true HEPA filter, and Vital Ion technology. It is designed for rooms up to 361 square feet and has a sleek, modern design.
Why Coway AP-1512HH?
The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier is a popular and highly rated air purifier that is designed for rooms up to 361 square feet. Here are some of its features
- Four-stage filtration system
The Coway AP-1512HH uses a four-stage filtration system that includes a pre-filter, odor filter, true HEPA filter, and Vital Ion technology. This system can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles, including allergens, dust, and pollutants.
- Air quality indicator
The air purifier has an indicator that displays the current air quality level, which is based on particle concentration in the air. This helps you monitor the air quality in real time and adjust the settings accordingly.
- Energy-efficient
The Coway AP-1512HH is Energy Star certified, meaning that it is energy-efficient and can help you save on your electricity bills.
- Quiet operation
The air purifier operates at a low noise level of 24.4 dB, which is quieter than a whisper. This makes it ideal for use in bedrooms, offices, and other quiet spaces.
- Sleek design
The Coway AP-1512HH has a sleek and modern design that looks great in any room. It is available in two colors: white and black.
In a nutshell,
Overall, the Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier is a high-quality air purifier that is effective at removing airborne particles and improving indoor air quality. Its air quality indicator, energy efficiency, and quiet operation make it a popular choice among users.
Best air humidifier, editor’s recommendations
There are many high-quality air humidifiers available on the market, and the best air humidifier for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here is what I suggest
Levoit LV600HH
Here are some of the features of the Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier, which is a top-rated air humidifier.
- Large capacity
The Levoit LV600HH has a large tank capacity of 6 liters, which allows it to run continuously for up to 36 hours on a single fill. This makes it ideal for use in larger rooms.
- Dual mist settings
The humidifier offers both warm and cool mist settings, which allows you to choose the one that is best for your needs. The warm mist setting can help to soothe cold and flu symptoms, while the cool mist setting is ideal for use during hot and dry weather.
- Whisper-quiet operation
The Levoit LV600HH operates at a low noise level of less than 36 dB, which makes it almost silent during operation. This makes it ideal for use in bedrooms and other quiet spaces.
- Smart features
The humidifier comes with a built-in humidity sensor that automatically adjusts the mist output to maintain a comfortable humidity level in the room. It also has a timer and a sleep mode that can be programmed for up to 12 hours.
- Easy to clean
The Levoit LV600HH has a large opening on the top that makes it easy to clean and refill the tank. It also comes with a cleaning brush and a detachable mist nozzle that can be easily removed and cleaned.
In a nutshell,
Overall, the Levoit LV600HH Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier is a high-quality air humidifier that is effective at providing relief from dry air and other respiratory problems. Its large capacity, dual mist settings, whisper-quiet operation, smart features, and easy-to-clean design make it a popular choice among users.
Conclusively, an Air humidifier or Air Purifier
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether an air purifier or air humidifier is better, as it depends on individual needs and circumstances.
If you want to remove pollutants and contaminants from the air, then an air purifier is the better option. On the other hand, if you want to add moisture to the air to alleviate dry skin, eyes, and respiratory problems, then an air humidifier is the better option.
In some cases, both an air purifier and humidifier may be necessary, especially in areas with high levels of pollution and dry air. In these cases, it may be beneficial to invest in a combination air purifier and humidifier. Therefore, it is important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which you live before deciding which is better for you.
Hope you find it informative. In case you have any suggestions or queries, feel free to get to us.