Humidity is the amount of water particles or moisture, in the air. Throughout the year, the humidity can fluctuate a lot. Factors such as changing seasons, geographical location, and urbanization are just a few factors that impact humidity. According to epa.gov, indoor humidity levels “should be kept below 60 percent — ideally between 30 percent and 50 percent, if possible.”
In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of humidity levels, what the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier is, and when to use either.
What is a Humidifier?
A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to to the air. The surrounding air becomes more humid as a result. Humidifiers are typically used during the winter time where the air is cooler and holds less moisture or whenever the air is dry.
There are various types of humidifiers. Here are the most common types:
- Evaporative humidifiers – blows air from a fan through a wick/filter to add humidity. The wick/filter is wet and so when the air passes through it, it picks up the water molecule and adds the moistened air to the surrounding air.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers – uses ultrasonic vibrations to break water into tiny droplets and releases this mist into the air. The process is efficient and quiet which makes ultrasonic humidifiers a great option for maintaining comfortable indoor environments.
- Steam mist humidifiers – uses heat to produce steam. The heating element boils water into water vapors. This steam is then released into the air. The warm mist makes it a great option for soothing respiratory problems.
When to use a Humidifier?
Humidity levels below 30% are considered low. This can happen during the winter where the humidity level is typically lower due to cold air not being able to hold on to as much moisture. A humidifier can help to combat this dryness. It can improve your respiratory system by making it easier to breathe, sooth dry skin and lips and reduce other respiratory symptoms.
What is a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier works by taking in moist air and passing it through the device to cool enough for the water to condense. It then collects this water and the dehumidified air is released back into the room.
There are various types of dehumidifiers. Here are the most common types:
- Refrigerative Dehumidifiers – They work by drawing in air through a fan and passing it through cold coils. The air cools down and the water condenses. It’s then collected in a water tank or drained out.
- Desiccant Dehumidifiers – These use a desiccant material (desiccant refers to a substance or material used to absorb moisture from the air) such as silica gel to absorb moisture. The air passes through the material and moisture is absorbed, releasing the dried air back into the room.
- Whole-House Dehumidifiers – These are integrated into your house’s HVAC system. It’s more expensive, but it does dehumidify your whole house and keep it at a comfortable level.
When to use a Dehumidifier?
Humidity levels over 60% are considered high. High humidity levels can cause discomfort as well as dehydration as your body is constantly sweating to try to cool off. A dehumidifier is recommended to bring humidity levels back down to about 30 – 50%. A dehumidifier may also lower the temperature in the room because it removes moisture. By removing moisture, a dehumidifier makes the room feel less sticky. Also, a dehumidifier can discourage bacteria and mold growth which reduces allergies and illnesses.
How to Check Humidity Levels
The most efficient way to check for humidity levels is to use a hygrometer. A hygrometer is like a thermometer but measures moisture instead of temperature. You can find them in hardware stores like The Home Depot or online like Amazon. However, if you don’t have a hygrometer, there are other ways to check humidity levels though it’s not as accurate.
Here are some indicators that your home has high humidity:
- Mold;
- Odor, caused by mold or volatile organic compounds which has a damp and stale smell;
- Mildew
- Peeling, cracking or blistering paint
Here are some indicators that your home has low humidity:
- Dry nose, throat, and/or skin
- Static electricity
- Damaged or warped wood.
How Can Low Humidity Affect Your Health?
Low humidity has a number of effects on your health. Dry air can cause parts of your respiratory system to dry up like the mucus that lines your respiratory tracts. This can cause harmful bacteria and viruses to infect you and cause illnesses. Here are some symptoms that can occur due to low humidity:
- Dry skin and lips;
- Nosebleeds;
- Sore throat;
- Allergy and asthma;
How Can Low Humidity Affect Your Home?
Low humidity can also affect your home. When the water content in the air is low, it can draw moisture from other sources like wood. Since wood contains a good amount of water, low humidity can dry out the wood which is not good for the home. Here are some ways low humidity can affect your home:
- Cracked wood and furniture;
- Houseplant damage;
- Static electricity;
- Paint and wallpaper peeling;
How Can High Humidity Affect Your Health?
Other than discomfort, excess humidity can affect your health in more subtle ways or over time. Damp environments encourage bacteria and mold to grow. This can cause more frequent allergic reactions or respiratory problems. Here are some common symptoms that can occur due to high humidity levels:
- Skin irritation such as rashes;
- Itching;
- Trouble sleeping. This is due to our bodies needing a cool environment and high humidity can disrupt it;
- Heat exhaustion. This can include dizziness or tiredness;
How Can High Humidity Affect Your Home?
High humidity can also affect your home such as furniture and smell. Here are some common signs of high humidity in your home:
- Mold;
- Condensation forming on windows or walls;
- Warped wood;
- Increased insect activity;
These are only general signs of high humidity and may not be indicative for every home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having both a humidifier and a dehumidifier can help create a healthy living experience. High humidity over 60% calls for a dehumidifier and low humidity under 30% calls for a humidifier. Some of these devices can even have a built in hygrometer which will turn off the device when the ideal humidity level is reached. Creating a healthy living environment doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be important.
References
Burkholder’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. (2021, January 5). Humidifiers vs. Dehumidifiers | What’s the Difference? Burkholder’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. https://burkholders-hvac.com/humidifiers-vs-dehumidifiers/
Do you have too much moisture in your home? (n.d.). UMN Extension. https://extension.umn.edu/moisture-and-mold-indoors/do-you-have-too-much-moisture-your-home
Gallagher, T. (2021, October 20). Humidifier vs. dehumidifier: Which one should you get? Gallagher’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. https://comfortpeople.com/humidifier-vs-dehumidifier-which-one-should-you-get/#:~:text=Humidifiers%20are%20basically%20used%20to,the%20 air%20is%20too%20humid.
Mold Course Chapter 2: | US EPA. (2024, January 2). US EPA. https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-2#:~:text=Indoor%20relative%20humidity%20(RH)%20should,as%20 cockroaches)%20and%20dust%20mites.
Moor, T. (2023, August 30). What’s the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier? HVAC.com. https://www.hvac.com/expert-advice/difference-between-a-humidifier-and-a-dehumidifier/
Poslusny, C. (2022, October 25). Humidifier versus dehumidifier: Which one do you need? Molekule. https://molekule.com/blogs/all/humidifier-versus-dehumidifier-which-one-do-you-need