Can a Humidifier or Dehumidifier Improve Indoor Air Quality?

A variety of factors affect indoor air quality, including humidity. Therefore, installing a whole-house humidifier or dehumidifier can address air quality concerns at home. 

Pollution is often more concentrated indoors than outside, whether caused by pollen, dust mites, dander, smoke, or mold spores. An air purifier is capable of removing most of them. However, even high-end air filtration systems can be ineffective when humidity problems persist.

We’ll explore whether a humidification or dehumidification system can help boost indoor air quality and have other potential benefits.

Why Isn’t an Air Purifier Enough?

A purifier is an air filtration system that removes impurities via multiple filters. These filters trap dust, dander, allergens, smoke, and other particles that can cause irritation and allergy symptoms. They can also remove mold spores and sources of bad odors. A diffuser differs in that it releases oils that act as fragrances to mask unwanted smells.

While an air purifier decontaminates the air flowing through it and circulates filtered air back into your HVAC system, it does not control moisture. Too humid or too dry conditions in your home can lead to various problems. Therefore, you need a different solution to tackle humidity issues.

How Does a Whole-House Humidifier Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Rather than removing pollutants directly, humidifiers add moisture to the air. A whole-house humidifier helps regulate moisture levels in every room. Adjusting the humidistat lets you set the desired humidity level. The ideal indoor relative humidity is between 30% and 50%.

Dry air can create various issues. It’s more common in the winter and can lead to dry skin and irritated nasal passages (which makes you more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses). However, a humidifier releases moisture to provide the following benefits:

• Reduced risk of contracting airborne illnesses
• Relief from dry skin and hair
• Avoid nosebleeds, chapped lips, and itchiness
• Less static electricity in your home
• Avoid damage to paint, wood, textiles, and other materials 

Humidifiers do not clean the air. Contaminants, such as particulates, chemicals, and microorganisms, can be carried by water droplets and inhaled. Not cleaning a humidifier properly can lead to mold and increase the risk of illness. Emptying the water tank often and cleaning the unit weekly can prevent these issues.

However, water vapor can weigh down dust particles so they fall out of the air, making them easier to sweep or vacuum from surfaces. Other perks of a whole-home humidifier include:

• Automatic control of indoor humidity
• No risk of water or moisture damage
• The humidifier doesn’t need to be refilled
• A whole-home system operates quietly
• Ducted humidifiers need only once-a-year filter changes
• Upgrading to a whole-home humidifier can increase property value

How Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Improve Indoor Air Quality?

Too much moisture can make your home feel warm and sticky. It can also allow mold to grow and dust mites to thrive. A whole-house dehumidifier works by removing excess moisture from the air. To do so, it draws air over a series of coils, where water condenses and drains into a tank. Depending on the model, it may need to be drained manually; other units drain condensate via a hose and into your plumbing system.

A dehumidifier helps improve air quality by preventing mold and mildew. It’s especially beneficial for damp areas such as bathrooms, basements, attics, and laundry rooms. The unit works in conjunction with your HVAC system, continuously drawing water from the air and allowing dry air into your air conditioner or furnace.

Installing a dehumidification system can prevent:

• Respiratory and other moisture-related health issues
• Growth of bacteria and other microorganisms
• Damage to carpets, upholstery, and wood floors/furniture
• Rust and corrosion on metal appliances and surfaces
• Infestations of dust mites, cockroaches, termites, and other pests

If you have mold, a dehumidifier cannot kill it. Reduced humidity simply helps prevent it. The system also doesn’t make you less susceptible to allergies; instead, it can help relieve throat and nasal congestion. It also helps make the air feel cooler (humid air feels warmer), so you don’t have to turn the thermostat as high.

Can Using a Humidifier and Dehumidifier Together Help?

Depending on your home and the climate where you live, balancing humidity levels in winter can be challenging. Cold air holds less moisture, so it tends to become dry. Warmer air holds more. This causes issues when outdoor temperatures fluctuate or your heating system contributes to more humid conditions.

A humidifier helps increase moisture levels when the air becomes too dry. It can provide relief from discomfort at these times. Meanwhile, a dehumidifier reduces moisture, preventing dampness, mold, and the growth of germs. 

Combining a humidifier and dehumidifier may sound like overkill and expensive. However, it can have many benefits. One element reduces excessive moisture and one increases it when necessary. Therefore, indoor humidity remains balanced, which can prevent:

• Peeling paint
• Musty odors
• Static electricity
• Structural damage
• Increased energy consumption

Achieving optimal humidity levels can help your HVAC system run more efficiently. Even though your thermostat may be set lower, the air will feel warmer. The reduced demand conserves energy, which can lower your utility bills.

Other Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality

In addition to an air filtration system, installing a humidifier, dehumidifier, or a combination of both can improve comfort, efficiency, and air quality. However, installing HVAC upgrades isn’t the only way to maintain good indoor air quality. You should always remember the following ways to keep the air in your home clean:

• Change Your HVAC Filters Often: Air filters should be changed every one to three months, or as the manufacturer recommends. Clogged filters restrict air circulation, making the air dustier and straining your heating and cooling system.

• Vacuum Carpets and Rugs: Carpets and rugs trap dust, dander, pet hair, and other things very effectively. That’s a good reason to clean them often. Or, consider removing the carpet and installing wood flooring to save time on cleaning.

• Keep Linens Clean: Dust, dander, and other allergens can accumulate on drapes, shades, and bedding (including blankets, sheets, and pillowcases). These should be cleaned weekly to avoid issues. 

• Maintain Good Air Circulation: Opening windows and running fans can improve circulation and indoor air quality. By letting fresh air in, you can lower pollution and disperse contaminants.

• Discard Old Furniture: Old fabric furniture can be filled with dust and dander and be hard to clean. Wood furniture may contain toxic glues and volatile organic compounds that can’t be removed. Your best bet is to buy new furniture.

• Seal Your Home: An air filtration system is ineffective if your home isn’t well-sealed. Check for cracks or gaps around windows and doors. Adding caulking and weatherstripping can prevent air leakage, improve air quality, and help control humidity. Also, keep a storage rack by the front door for shoes and outerwear, so pollutants from outside aren’t tracked indoors.

Contact Kliemann Brothers Today

As leading HVAC experts in the Tacoma area, we take indoor air quality seriously. Our licensed contractors can install whole-house humidifiers and dehumidifiers as well as air filtration systems. They also provide professional repairs and maintenance. We’re committed to ensuring your family’s comfort, safety, and well-being. If you’re unsure what kind of solution you need, our team will evaluate your home and assist. Book an appointment online or call (253) 201-8498 now to get started.