During extremely cold weather, people may experience low humidity levels, which can lead to various health problems due to the dry air inside their homes. On the other hand, those living in hot, humid conditions may find it difficult to breathe inside their homes due to the high humidity levels. In both cases, it is essential to regulate the humidity levels inside the home to ensure a comfortable and healthy living environment. This can be achieved through the use of humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
Key Takeaways
- A humidifier adds moisture to the air, while a dehumidifier removes excess humidity.
- Humidifiers work by blowing water vapor into the room, either after boiling or using ultrasonic waves, while dehumidifiers force moisture to deposit as droplets on cold tubes.
- Both devices require regular cleaning to avoid health hazards posed by bacteria, molds, and algae.
Humidifiers are devices designed to increase the moisture content in the air inside a home, whereas dehumidifiers work to remove excess humidity and bring moisture levels back to normal. The humidity levels inside a home can be measured using a basic tool called a hygrometer. Doctors recommend that ideal humidity levels in the air inside a home should be between 30-50%. If the humidity levels are higher or lower than this range, it is necessary to install a humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on the conditions.
A humidifier introduces water vapors into the atmosphere by taking them from a water tank in the device. The machine is electrically powered and boils the water to create water vapors. These vapors increase the moisture content inside the room, making the dry air more humid.
In contrast, a dehumidifier works by taking in air from the room and passing it through cold tubes. These tubes make the air filled with moisture dry by forcing the moisture to collect on the cold tubes. The collected moisture is then passed on to a container.
Nowadays, there are humidifiers that do not require boiling water but instead use ultrasound waves to vibrate the water and create a misty spray.
Although both humidifiers and dehumidifiers offer health benefits, they require periodic cleaning due to the presence of water. Standing water can become a source of bacteria and molds that pose health hazards, which is why it is essential to clean these devices every month.
