It is considered that the purifier and humidifier are the same but they are not actually. While both of these have the same purpose and are good to clean air and remove harmful particles from the air, still both are extremely different and have their own unique and specific purposes.
Air purifiers are mainly used in order to remove pollutants from the air. They create safe and clean air by removing all harmful particles. Purifiers don’t use water nor do they produce moisture. It just captures the dirt from indoor air and produces fresh air.
On the other hand, a humidifier intends to create humidity in the indoor air. Humidifiers use water either by evaporating or by ultrasonic ways it will create water vapors and develop moist air.
Read this full article for a detailed comparison of Air Purifiers VS Humidifiers and which is better.
📋 Air Purifier VS Humidifier- Key Differences
| Characteristics | Purifier | Humidifier |
| Main Function | Remove airborne particles and allergic chemicals | It adds humidity to the air and makes it clean |
| Price | It is expensive | Less expensive as compared to the purifier |
| What it removes | Allergenic chemicals, dust, mold, bacteria, viruses, and smoke | It removes dryness in the air |
| Humidity | No | 30% to 50% |
| Time to use | All around the year | Use only when it’s air outside |
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🤔 What is the Difference Between Humidifier and Purifier- A Detailed View
Here is a detailed discussion of an air humidifier and purifier and their differences. It will help you to choose what you require.
Working of Purifier
As mentioned above, air purifiers are installed to ensure germ-free air. Its filters help to capture small dirt particles, smoke, and animal dander. In this way, all of these particles remain in the filter. The air will be cleaned by the purifier. Purifiers using HEPA technology can catch a particle as small as 0.3 microns.
Working of Humidifier
A humidifier can make the temperature cool or warm. As tap water can trigger allergies, it is essential to use distilled water in a humidifier.
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The humidifier only needs to be filled with water and switched on after a little while. This will develop moisture and finish the dry air.
Allergy removal
Poor air quality always triggers a number of allergies. The research shows that indoor air is also a source of infections and allergies. Purifiers can be a huge help in controlling allergies. By using negative ionization it will capture the pollutant particles down to 0.01 microns.
It also removes bacteria, chemicals, and airborne diseases. Air purifiers can remove up to 99% of airborne pollutants. If the contaminated air has been filtered it reduces allergy chances right away.
Withal humidifier is not made for the prevention of allergies since it cannot give purified air. Furthermore, if the humidifier is not properly cleaned, it will increase allergies and bacteria. If you want to get rid of allergies, we would not recommend buying a humidifier.
Moist and cool air
Purifiers only remove germs and have no link to the cool air. Purifiers do not use water to combat the heat in indoor air. They can’t make the indoor air moist nor can they produce low temperatures.
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With an evaporation humidifier, water vapor is emitted, which helps in the reduction of heat and high temperatures. Humidifiers can make the air fresh and cool by producing up to 60% humidity. Humidifiers can be used overnight.
Ideal for the newborn babies
Newborn babies are easy prey to viruses and germs. Hence it is necessary to take care of them. Otherwise, they will fall ill, and if they are in a severe condition, they may develop asthma or a chest infection.
A purifier is the best recommendation for newborn babies since it will give them fresh air. Fresh air is very important for babies. If the parents smoke, a purifier will also remove the smoke, which is highly beneficial for the lungs of the baby. Further purification reduces the bacteria and germs reducing more than 81% of infections and diseases.
Humidifiers do not remove germs but if you want cool air for a child, go for it. If the room temperature becomes colder, the humidifier is dangerous for a baby and can bring hazardous effects.
Prevention from the viruses
Different viruses are spinning these days. Here we have to be very careful of our health and take all the essential measures to remain safe and secure. A number of people have started using purifiers and humidifiers for virus prevention. If you want to defend yourself from viruses, using a humidifier could be more profitable.
Purifies are best suitable for allergies like nose etching and flu but for harmful viruses, they are not much beneficial. They can’t stop major problems like asthma.
The humidifier with the help of cool air develops a smooth breathing passage and fresh air. Cool air helps to ease the sinuses and is a beneficial atmosphere for an asthma patient. It is analyzed that by the use of humidifiers, breathing problems (asthma) have decreased.
So, use a humidifier if you have an allergy problem.
See this video for more information about the difference between purifiers and humidifiers.
🧾 Air Purifiers vs. Humidifiers – Which is Useful for Individuals?
Although there are lengthy debates among people that whether it’s air purifiers or humidifiers which is helpful to clean the air and make the environment clean.
Here are some situations and the relevant product which is compatible with the problem and for different individuals:
For Asthmatic Patients
For asthmatic individuals, both of these are compatible to use. But when it comes to knowing about breathing issues and chemical issues, using an air purifier is better than a humidifier.
For Allergic People
An air purifier is more compatible with those with allergenic and other infection issues as it removes airborne chemicals and allergic substances.
For Babies
Both air purifiers and humidifiers can be used to clean the air for newborn babies. However, you can even use both at the same time.
A purifier cleans the air, and a humidifier removes the dryness level of the air.
Read to know more about the Best Air Purifer Review for Whole House.
📝 Air Purifier VS Humidifier – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main factors which are necessary to consider for buying a purifier?
A cleaner should be chosen wisely as it cleans the air and gets rid of harmful chemicals and microorganisms.
However, the main factors are warranty time, portability, noise level, and filtration efficiency. Filtration efficiency is how many particles are removed by-products from the air.
What are the main factors to consider for buying a humidifier?
The main factors include the type of humidifier, i.e., electronic or gas-based, size, filtration efficiency, and durability.
Can you use an air purifier and humidifier together?
The straightforward answer to these questions is yes. You can use both of these together, but if you are new to using these, then take advice from an expert or professional. And if you are experienced enough to use both, then you can move towards using both.
Furthermore, using both of these simultaneously is beneficial because both are the reasons to clean the air and dryness of the air. Humidifier adds the humidity required in a specific environment, and a purifier is used to remove impure particles from the air.
Do humidifiers clean the air?
No, a humidifier does not clean the air but it adds humidity to the atmosphere, which helps to remove harmful or impure humidity levels.
Does a humidifier help with dust?
Yes, a humidifier adds humidity to the air, which automatically removes dust from the air.
Air purifier or humidifier for allergies?
Air purifiers remove allergic substances and other harmful chemicals from the air. So, these are the actual products to help with allergies. On the other hand, humidifiers have the primary function of adding humidity to dry air.
Is an air purifier the same as a humidifier?
No, air purifier and humidifier are not same. An air purifier removes chemicals and cleans the air. While a humidifier only adds humidity to the atmosphere.
✔️ Conclusion- So Air Purifier or Air Humidifier?
We hope that now you have enough information about Air Purifier VS Humidifier and you can decide which one is useful depending upon your need and requirements.
In conclusion, we would like to inform you that both purifiers and humidifiers can also be used together in the same room. But, do not place both of the devices much closer since water vapor can interfere with the humidifier filtration process.
However, do note that these two devices complement each other in the best ways and are therefore highly recommended for use.
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