Humidifiers vs. Air Purifiers

Humidifiers

• Humidifiers increase humidity by converting water into water vapor. Although humidifiers often sell as small units designed for use in a single room, whole-house humidifiers are available, as well. According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, (UAB Medicine), there are alternatives to humidifiers for increasing indoor humidity levels. Maintaining a cooler indoor temperature of 68 degrees during winter provides enough warmth for comfort while maintaining humidity levels. In addition, houseplants increase humidity. Optimal indoor humidity levels range from 30 percent to 50 percent. Indoor humidity should not exceed 60 percent. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer, an instrument sold in home supply stores.

Considerations

• When not cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis, humidifiers can be a breeding ground for micro-organisms and can cause serious infections. Humidifiers require daily emptying. Remove any mineral deposits and dry all surfaces with a soft towel. Additionally, the humidifier must be sanitized each week. A weak bleach solution, of 1 tsp. of bleach in 1 gallon of water, should soak in the humidifier for 20 minutes. Swishing the solution around allows the bleach to reach all sides of the humidifier. Rinse the humidifier until there is no remaining scent of bleach. Always unplug the humidifier before cleaning or handling.

Air Purifiers

• Air purifiers reduce the airborne contaminants from indoor air. Similar to humidifiers, air purifiers also sell as portable or whole-house units. There are several methods of removing contaminants, including mechanical filtration, ultraviolet light filtration, electrical attraction, negative ionization and ozone generation. Some of these methods, such as electrical attraction, lure particulates to the air purifier where a filter traps them. Others, like negative ionization, help to neutralize particulates.

Drawbacks

• Ozone-generating air purifiers, which produce ozone to destroy mold, gases and micro-organisms, can be harmful to health. Ozone is a toxic gas that can decrease lung function, increases risk of lung infection and irritates respiratory passages and asthma conditions.

  Although air purifiers remove many harmful contaminants, they do not remove all odors. In addition, portable purifiers may not remove insect allergens, mold spores, dust and pollen. Ion generators, which cause particles to deposit on surfaces, also stain walls and upholstery. Some air purifiers require regular cleaning or replacement of filters. Air purifiers with fans generate noise while operating.