Dehumidifier vs Air Purifier: A Detailed Comparison

If you’re considering purchasing a dehumidifier or an air purifier, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both devices to help you make the best decision for your home. We’ll start by looking at dehumidifiers, then move on to air purifiers, and finally compare the two products head-to-head. So, which one should you buy? Read on to find out!

What is A Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a device that helps to remove excess moisture from the air. In homes, this is often the result of high humidity. The most common type of humidifier pulls in dry air from outside and passes it through a saturated wick filter, which extracts water as it passes through.

This air is then pushed back into your house, now humidified. This process is similar to how an air purifier works, but the difference is that a dehumidifier also reduces the humidity level in your house to make it more comfortable for living.

A dehumidifier can be used year-round for optimal comfort, even when the air outside isn’t particularly humid. It can also help you save money on your energy bill.

In the summer, a dehumidifier will pull excess moisture from the air inside your home and cool it down; in the winter, this device works as an efficient heater replacement by pulling out warm humidity and making your home feel cooler.

Does a Dehumidifier Clean the Air?

Not exactly. Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air, but they don’t actually purify it of contaminants like smoke or chemicals. However, dehumidifier filters can help remove some major household allergens like pet dander, dust mite waste, and pollen.

It’s important to note that dehumidifiers, just like air purifiers, can be a bit pricey. If you’re going to buy an appliance that covers the same general function as another one, it’s best to go with the cheaper option if possible.

What is An Air Purifier?

An air purifier is a device that entirely or partially replaces the air inside a room with cleaner and fresher air. It does this by removing allergens, pollutants, dust, and other particles from the airflow in your home.

The most straightforward and common type of air purifier is an electronic one that has a filter that traps unwanted elements as it pulls air from the room.

But you can also buy a mechanical one, which has no filter but instead forces dirty air through a series of electric fan blades to separate out any garbage particles. While this might sound like a bad idea, it actually works quite well.

An electronic air purifier has three main components:

• An intake that pulls in air from the room;
• An outlet for filtered and cleaned air, and
• A filter that traps and separates out particles.

Most electronic air purifiers have sensors to detect pollutants in the air so it can adjust their settings accordingly. The most common sensor is a particulate matter (PM) sensor, which measures the concentration of particles in the air.

Another feature to look out for is an air quality sensor. This device uses light-scattering technology to detect pollutants in the room, such as pollen or carbon monoxide, so it can turn itself on when you need it most.

Have a look at this video to get an idea of how air purifiers work:

Is an Air Purifier the Same as a Dehumidifier?

An air purifier is, essentially, a dehumidifier without the dehumidifying function. So why do you need both of these devices in your home?

There are several reasons for this. First of all, while you can buy a dehumidifier with an air-purifying function, it’s actually designed for removing moisture from the air rather than tiny particles.

This is why it takes different technology to get that job done effectively. On top of that, buying one machine for both jobs will always be cheaper than buying two separate devices.

There are other benefits, too. Some air purifiers have features that dehumidifiers don’t have. For example, some might be able to heat the room or even cool it down with a built-in fan or air conditioning system. Others may cover larger rooms than standard dehumidifiers.

Of course, there are still reasons to get a dehumidifier rather than an air purifier, but your decision will depend on what you need most in your home.

Dehumidifiers vs Air Purifiers – A Comparison of Pros and Cons

Let’s take a look at the more important features of both devices to help you figure out which one is right for your home.

What are the Pros of a Dehumidifier?

As we’ve already mentioned, if you want the most effective way to remove moisture from your room with a single device, then a dehumidifier is what you need. It does this without any additional filter and is capable of dehumidifying your entire home.

You can also set it to remove only the moisture you need, such as from specific rooms or areas in a room. You can even use one for industrial purposes or on boats if needed.

Dehumidifiers are more energy-efficient than air purifiers, using less electricity to do the same job, and they’re generally cheaper as well. For this reason, they’re a practical buy for those who don’t want to spend too much money on a device that does two jobs at once.

If you need a machine with a strong motor capable of running 24/7 long after your air purifier has stopped working, then a dehumidifier maybe your best option.

They have some of the most powerful motors in comparison to other types of household appliances, so they can keep running without issue even when it’s very hot or cold outside.

What are the Cons of a Dehumidifier?

While dehumidifiers are more affordable than air purifiers overall, there is one type that costs slightly more.

This is the kind that uses desiccant filters rather than mechanical filters. Desiccant dehumidifiers are more expensive, but they’re also better at reducing humidity in your room so you get the job done faster.

Many models have some pretty annoying quirks compared to air purifiers, too. They tend to be much noisier when running and are generally bulkier as well, which makes them difficult to store away or transport if needed (such as for camping).

Dehumidifiers can be complicated machines with many options and settings, which may intimidate beginners who don’t quite know how they work yet.

Many machines come with automatic modes that detect humidity levels within a room and turn themselves on or off accordingly, but most require a bit of work from you to get the best results.

What are the Pros of an Air Purifier?

Air purifiers can often do a better job removing tiny particles from your room compared to dehumidifiers, which only remove moisture from the air. This makes them perfect for those who suffer allergies, asthma, or other conditions triggered by airborne contaminants.

Many people find that they’re much easier to use than a dehumidifier as well since there’s no need to keep emptying water tanks or buy replacement filters all the time. The main downside is that not every model deals with humidity effectively at all so you’ll have to check reviews before making a purchase.

In comparison to humidifiers, air purifiers are often much smaller and lighter so may be more convenient for you to use regularly. They also tend to be cheaper than dehumidifiers overall, but the cost depends on the size of your home.

If you want one that can clean large rooms or space, then it will likely work out at a similar price point to buying both products separately.

Air purifiers are also less noisy when working and generally look nicer too – however, their appearance is largely down to personal preference.

What are the Cons of Air Purifiers?

It’s important to remember that without any filters, air purifiers do nothing for your general cleanliness or comfort levels in your room (unlike dehumidifiers). Many people find that this means they’re not worth the investment and you’re better off buying a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture.

If your home is already relatively dry, then an air purifier might not help much at all. It will still work to get rid of any harmful particles such as dust or mold in your room, but it won’t lower the humidity levels as a dehumidifier does. The result is that you’ll need both types of machines to ensure your entire house is comfortable throughout the year.

Each type has benefits and drawbacks – what’s important is that you match one with your needs and don’t feel pressured into buying one product over another if they do different jobs.

For example, if you have pets who shed fur constantly, you might find that a dehumidifier is perfect for you because it reduces excess moisture in the air to keep your home clean all year round.

In conclusion, both types of machines have advantages depending on your specific requirements. It’s up to you to decide whether an air purifier or dehumidifier fits your lifestyle better.