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Humidifier vs. Air Purifier: What's The Difference?

Humidifier vs. Air Purifier: What's The Difference? | Clair America

Humidifiers vs. Air Purifiers are often used interchangeably, however, each has their own unique functions and purpose. Learn more about the differences.

You'll often hear people talking about air humidifiers and air purifiers and using the terms interchangeably. This isn't strictly correct. Humidifiers and purifiers do very different jobs. Not sure what the difference is? Well, don't worry as today we will explain the key features of each and which might be the best choice for you. Let's take a nice deep breath and begin.

Humidifier vs. Air Purifier: What's The Difference?

It's good that you are here. There is a distinct difference between a humidifier and an air purifier.

In short, humidifiers add to the ambient air, whereas air purifiers take things out of the air.

Think that isn't an important distinction? It's time to think again. A good-quality air purifier will ensure that the air you breathe is top quality. Humidifiers can sometimes be damaging to your health if misused.

To understand why let's take a look at both humidifiers and purifiers separately. 

Air Humidifiers

Depending on where you are located, you may feel that you need an air humidifier. They are often used in tandem with other systems such as air conditioning.

Why are humidifiers used? 

They add moisture to dry air. Areas of low humidity can cause all sorts of problems. Warm non-humid air can dry out mucous membranes in your nose and throat, meaning an increased risk of colds and viruses. It can also increase static electricity in your home.

Humidifiers add water to the ambient air, making it (in theory) much better for you. They use wicks to draw up moisture and then evaporate it over a large surface area. 

There are downsides, however.

Excessive moisture can lead to bacterial growth. Things such as Legionnaires disease are often found in air conditioning systems, and a humidifier could be adding harmful agents into the air in your home. The wicks used to draw up the water can become moldy too.

Air Purifiers

Unlike humidifiers, air purifiers remove elements from the ambient air. They work by forcing air through various membranes. As the air passes each membrane, it becomes purer. 

There is also some clever chemistry involved. A good air purifier will also have a layer of activated carbon, and this is a critical stage in removing molecular air contaminants like smoke and gases. Excellent models will also pass the air under UV light, killing harmful mold and bacteria spores. 

Air purifiers don't add moisture; however, they significantly increase the air quality you breathe as you can be well assured that it contains no impurities.

Humidifier vs. Air Purifier: Which is Better?

The truth is that all air humidifiers do is add moisture. While this might increase dry air quality, overall, it doesn't make the air fresher or purer.

If there is pollen, pollutants, or contaminants in the air, such as pet dander, a humidifier will do nothing to remove them. You'll still have those same elements in the air, and it's just that the air carrying them will be less dry and more humid.  

Humidifiers can help to reduce the effects of things like pollen. As the pollen molecules get more saturated, they are less likely to float around, and however, they will still exist on surfaces as allergens. 

When you consider that air passed through a humidifier may be having extra contaminants, such as mold spores or bacteria added to it, it isn't the best choice if you are looking to fill a room with high-quality air.

Also, it is worth bearing in mind that, even when combined with an air conditioning unit, humidifiers pull in air from outside, bringing whatever happens to be present into your home. 

Purifiers don't add moisture to the ambient air, and their purpose is to ensure that the air outputted is of the best quality. There certainly won't be any bacteria or spores present.

Whether the air comes from outside your home or inside, air purifiers do the same job. 'Regular' air enters through the inlet of the purifier, is pulled through numerous layers of filtration, and then is outputted as much better-quality air. 

They are so efficient that they even filter out bacteria and viruses.

It should be noted that, unlike humidifiers attached to an air conditioning unit, air purifiers don't change the temperature inside your home. 

In summary, while air-conditioned, humidified air may feel purer due to the more comfortable temperatures and slightly higher moisture content, if you are looking for cleaner and purer air, then a good quality air purifier is the way to go.

What Are the Best Air Purifiers to Use?

There are lots of options when it comes to choosing a good air purification unit. However, they are not all created equal. 

It all depends on the level of filtration and how good the quality of the filters is. 

Some air purifiers only offer a 'standard' amount of filtration. While many contain a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, and they do little to trap smaller particles and things like germs and viruses.

You will need a filter with an active carbon layer that kills germs before outputting the air for completely pure air.

The range of Clair air purifiers features both of these layers alongside a highly efficient embossed HEPA filter. This means that the air being output is literally as pure as it gets! It is so effective that it can eliminate odors from smoke and kitchen smells and even works effectively to eliminate pet odors completely.

When it comes to humidifiers vs. air purifiers, there is a clear winner for better air quality. Air purifiers are the way forward. If you would like to see an example of what the Clair air purifiers are capable of, along with genuine customer testimonials, why not visit our site? You'll be able to see the models available, how they work, and all the benefits that are having purer air in your home can bring.


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