Can You Use an Air Purifier and Humidifier Together?
Many people wonder if using an air purifier and humidifier together is okay. In general, the answer is yes – you can use them together with no problem. When using them together, the biggest thing you’ll want to keep in mind is that you should try not to put the humidifier in the same part of the house as your air purifier.
However, there are a few things you should be aware of before doing so. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how air purifiers and humidifiers work and what you need to keep in mind when using them together. We’ll also provide tips on getting the most out of both devices. Read on to learn more!
What is an Air Purifier?
An air purifier is a device that cleans the air in your home by removing pollutants and allergens. There are many common types of pollutants you might find in your home.
Some of the most common include Pet dander, dust, pollen, and other allergens that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Cigarette smoke is also a common pollutant that can make asthma symptoms worse. Air pollutants can even trigger an asthma attack.
When using an air purifier, choosing the right one for you is essential. Make sure it’s designed for your specific needs, including allergies, asthma, or something else.
When choosing an air purifier, keep these four factors in mind: Airflow rate – the amount of clean air the device puts out per minute. CADR – a rating system used to measure a device’s efficiency against allergens and other common pollutants.
Filter replacement schedule – how often do filters need to be replaced. Noise level – some air purifiers are loud, while others are quieter.
Types of Air Purifiers
There are many different types of air purifiers you can buy. Different styles have their own benefits and downsides, so choosing the right one for you is important. Some common types include:
1. HEPA Air Purifiers
One of the most common types of air purifiers uses a High-Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA filter. These filters are specially designed to trap tiny particles that are 0.3 microns or larger in size. These filters are so effective because millions of holes in the HEPA filter trap even the smallest of particles.
HEPA filters can be used alone or with a fan to help air move through the filter more easily. HEPA filters are often used in residential homes for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
2. UV Air Purifiers
UV light is often used to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and even certain pollen particles. As air passes through a UV purifier, the particles become trapped on a surface that is exposed to UV light.
Air then passes through the surface and eventually gets released into your home. Some of these filters contain special anti-bacterial materials such as titanium dioxide, silver, or zinc oxide.
UV air purifiers can be found in commercial settings such as hospitals where harmful viruses and bacteria are more likely to be present.
3. Plasma Air Purifiers
Another type of air purifier that is gaining in popularity uses plasma technology. An electric current ionizes the air as it passes through a small opening in the device, creating what’s known as a corona discharge or glow similar to lightning in the clouds.
This discharge causes harmful particles in your home to oxidize into safe compounds that are released back into the room or filtered out of the air.
One of the significant benefits of a plasma air purifier is that it can kill harmful chemicals and odors as well as allergens and bacteria. However, the technology is relatively new and air ionizers can be expensive to replace and maintain compared to other styles on this list.
What is a Humidifier?
A humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home during dry seasons or chilly winters. This can be helpful for individuals suffering from allergies and asthma because it creates an optimal environment for breathing without triggering symptoms.
The ideal humidity level varies based on the season. You probably want your home to have around 30-50% humidity during winter. Remember that it’s best not to let indoor humidity levels drop below 18%.
During warmer seasons, you may find that a humidifier is unnecessary. Be aware that it can actually worsen allergies and asthma symptoms if humidity gets too high in the summertime.
Types of Humidifiers
There are three main types of humidifiers you can buy:
1. Warm-mist humidifiers
A heating element boils water to create steam. Warm-mist humidifiers are some of the most common on the market and can be found everywhere, from small hotel rooms to large multi-room homes.
The biggest downside to a warm humidifier is the risk of burns. If a child or pet falls into a bucket of water that has been sitting for a long time, they can be scalded by the steam.
In addition to burns, warm-mist humidifiers pose a significant risk of mineral buildup and bacteria growth. Warm water is an inviting place for minerals to settle, so if the storage capacity isn’t cleaned well after each use, harmful bacteria will begin to grow in the humidifier.
2. Cool mist Humidifiers
Typically use a fan to push room temperature air through an evaporative wick. The wick is made with porous materials that are specially designed to trap water and allow it to evaporate into the air.
Cool mist humidifiers are less likely to pose burn or mineral buildup risks than warm-mist humidifiers. However, the wicks do need to be rinsed with clean water occasionally. Otherwise, they can form mold or bacteria.
Cool-mist humidifiers are the most popular among allergy sufferers for several reasons. First, cool mist humidifiers don’t actually add humidity to the air – they simply increase the moisture level. Second, cool mist humidifiers don’t release fine steam that can irritate dust mites or trigger asthma symptoms.
3. Ultrasonic humidifiers
These are the quietest of all humidification devices because they use ultrasonic technology to create vapor. An electric current vibrates a metal diaphragm at an ultrasonic frequency, creating rapid micro-droplets of water that provide moisture to your home.
One of the most significant benefits of an ultrasonic humidifier is that it adds absolutely no minerals or chemicals to the air. They are also less likely to develop bacterial or mold problems.
Many ultrasonic humidifiers are designed to use demineralization cartridges, which are extremely helpful for allergy sufferers.
How Do Air Purifiers and Humidifiers Work?
An air purifier can remove allergens from your home by using a fan to suck in air, then pass that air through a filter system before releasing it back into your room. This removes pollutants from the air before they’re released.
The humidifier adds moisture to the air in your home by releasing water vapor into the room. Most devices have a small reservoir that needs to be filled daily with clean, purified water. In general, all you need is a gallon of distilled water for daily use.
Can You Use an Air Purifier and Humidifier Together?
It’s generally safe to use a humidifier and air purifier in the same room. So, in short, yes, you can use a humidifier and air purifier together! However, we recommend taking the following precautions:
Don’t let humidity levels get too high – high humidity can worsen asthma and allergy symptoms. If you notice your symptoms worsening, turn down the humidity on your device and increase airflow in your home (open windows, turn on fans).
Ensure your filters are clean – if the filter in an air purifier isn’t kept clean, it can release pollutants back into the home. Humidifiers should be emptied and wiped down before every use to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
Be aware of any electrical issues – both humidifiers and air purifiers should be plugged into a GFCI outlet. If you notice any unusual behavior from your devices – such as leaking, malfunctioning, or lack of power – unplug them immediately and contact the manufacturer for further instructions.
Manufacturers typically recommend that you replace filters on an air purifier and humidifier at separate times of the year. You may need to replace your air purifier filter every three months, while you only have to replace a humidifier’s filter once or twice a year.
Don’t place air purifiers directly on your humidifier – this can damage both devices. Also, avoid placing humidifiers near powerful air vents since this can disturb the humidity levels in your home.
It’s important to clean and maintain your devices so you can use them optimally. For more information on how to clean your humidifier, check out our humidifier care article.
FAQs
Can you place a humidifier next to an air purifier?
You can use a humidifier and air purifier in the same room, but it’s not recommended to place an air purifier and humidifier right next to each other. To avoid damaging either device, humidifiers should be at least three feet away from air purifiers.
Can you use humidifier and air purifier at the same time?
It’s generally safe to use a humidifier and air purifier simultaneously, but we recommend taking the precautions mentioned in this article.
Do air purifiers take moisture out of the air?
An air purifier does not actually remove moisture from the air, but it will raise the room’s humidity. Then, as water vapor naturally moves from areas of high pressure to low pressure, the humidity will return to normal.