What's The Difference Between Humidifiers And Dehumidifiers?

Moisture content is a big deal when it comes to the air in your home, though most people have little knowledge regarding exactly how much is in their air. Perhaps you have a very dry home, which would mean the air has a low moisture content. According to Healthline, arid spaces are likely to cause skin dryness or chapped lips. On the other hand, too much moisture can lead to everyone around the house sweating or just feeling damp. This can be uncomfortable even if the temperature isn't high. 

Proper management of your home's air is critical to ensuring the best overall level of protection for your health, but also to protect your home and valuables. In many cases, simple appliances can help with the process. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers do the exact opposite of each other, but both can be quite valuable when it comes to maintaining a comfortable environment. Here's how to know which one you need.

When your air is too dry, you need to add moisture to it; that's what a humidifier does for the home. For those with dry or cracked skin, this is an ideal option. There are several types of humidifiers on the market, according to Hey Dewy, including warm mist, cool mist, evaporative, and ultrasonic. One of them is bound to work best depending on your unique needs.

Using a humidifier can offer many benefits to your home, including helping to keep your hair and skin hydrated, and providing some pain relief for those who have a dry cough or are struggling to breathe due to a cold. A humidifier will also add a bit of warmth to the air in your home, which is great for those living in cold climates. Humidifiers are an excellent tool for helping to protect your home and furnishings too. When there isn't enough moisture in the air, wood furniture and floors can dry out, causing them to crack and become brittle. Adding that moisture back into the air helps the wood absorb it naturally.

If too much moisture is in the air and your home's humidity levels are high and uncomfortable, turn to a dehumidifier. This appliance works to pull moisture out of the air, turning it into water that you can dump down the drain. According to Christian Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, a dehumidifier offers a range of benefits for a home, including reducing musty smells caused by mold or mildew, both of which thrive in a humid environment. Sometimes, furniture and drapery in the home can pick up mold and mildew spores too, but a dehumidifier will help to work to minimize that risk.

Dehumidifiers have other benefits, including helping to ensure your home's HVAC system works efficiently, which could mean a reduction in energy bills in the long run, and can help to make your space feel cooler on hot days. Dehumidifiers may also provide some relief from allergy sufferers by cutting down the amount of dust found in a space.