It depends on your specific indoor air quality needs. If you have excess moisture in your home, a dehumidifier may be necessary to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. If you have allergies or want to remove airborne pollutants, an air purifier may be more appropriate.
But while dehumidifiers may be slightly better for dealing with mould by getting rid of the humidity it needs to grow, air purifiers are also useful for preventing allergic reactions to mould spores. Overall, if you have a mould problem at home, both of these two machines in tandem will make the most difference.
Both systems help reduce ailments like chest congestion, allergies, and asthma. For example, a dehumidifier can help treat asthma that is triggered by humid air. Or, if you are suffering from a cold that has caused nasal passage blockage or sinus congestion, using a humidifier will help break that up.
The added moisture also thins and breaks up the mucus clogging your nasal cavity making it easier to cough up. However, if your stuffy nose is caused by allergies due to mold or dust mites, a dehumidifier is better for you.
Air purifiers help capture mold spores from the air, preventing them from reproducing and spreading throughout your home. While air purifiers won't help treat active mold that's already present on surfaces, they are a great way to control the spread of airborne mold particles.
Will They Purify Air? According to Allergy Consumer Review, dehumidifiers do not really clean the air in your home. By removing moisture, dehumidifiers can make the air less friendly to mold and mildew growth, but they do not purify.
Mold may be able to grow inside other air purifiers with standard HEPA filters, but our advanced and specialized technology prevents this from happening.
By placing the unit on a nightstand near your bed, away from any obstructions, you give it the best chance to remove airborne pollutants efficiently and deliver clean air directly to you while you sleep.
An air purifier removes pollutants and allergens from the air, while a humidifier adds moisture to the air. Depending on where you live and the air quality in your home or office, you may need one or both of these devices to help improve your indoor air quality.
In most air purifiers, air is passed through the unit, unwanted particles are trapped or removed on a filter and clean air is emitted back into the room. Air purifiers do not add any moisture to the air.
Specifically, air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters work great at removing mold spores. HEPA filters are considered to be rated MERV 17 or above, which means that the filters can trap more than 99.7% of air particles as small as 0.3-1.0 microns in size.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
A high-quality HEPA filter is essential when removing mold spores from the air. HEPA filters capture and removes microscopic particles such as mold spores from indoor air, so make sure that you purchase a unit that uses this type of technology to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Dehumidifier can lower humidity
Exposure to any mold and mildew in your home can cause health related issues. When you install a whole home dehumidifier, you can help get rid of the mold and mildew potential. You can also help reduce a musty odor in your home when you have a dehumidifier.
Reduced cleaning – Like air filters, dehumidifiers not only reduce the home's humidity levels but dust as well. This means that you don't need to dust as often. Odor control – If your home smells musty, there's a big possibility that there's mold or mildew present.
Dehumidifier Placement Guide
Place the unit in a central and open area in the room or home to provide maximum coverage. They should also place it on a flat surface that supports its weight and has proper airflow around it.
We recommend elevating it no higher than 5 feet off the ground, and this can be done by placing the air purifier on a piece of furniture, such as a dresser. To save space while increasing the floor-to-ceiling cleaning efficiency, look into getting a wall mountable air purifier, like the MinusA2 or the A3.
Specific effects may include throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections. Some ozone air purifiers are made with an ion generator, sometimes called an ionizer, in the same unit.
To get the most out of a HEPA filter for mold spore removal, it should be allowed to run 24/7. This means you should check to see if the air purifier you buy is Energy Star certified, so it does not use too much electricity. Noise is another concern, especially if it will be running in an area where you sleep or work.
However, it's important to know when to turn the unit off. Once temperatures drop to around 65 degrees, it's best to turn the dehumidifier off.
Leaving your dehumidifier on all the time can result in dehumidifying too much, leading to a dry indoor environment. It can cause dry air, leading to respiratory issues, dehydrated skin, and static electricity.
Testing the humidity level in your home will give you an idea of whether there is too much moisture present. If the humidity level is over 60%, you should probably use a dehumidifier to lower it. This is important, as moisture buildup due to high humidity could damage property or result in mold or mildew growth.
The short answer? Yes. 'Ventilation is key to preventing mould growth,' says Jordan Chance, product manager at PlumbNation. 'Make sure to leave bathroom windows open for at least 10 minutes after showering and bathing in order to clear excess moisture from the atmosphere.