If you are trying to understand the difference between humidifiers and dehumidifiers and are somewhat confused, you are not alone. Read on to clear up the confusion and ensure your home’s humidity is at optimal levels. Since cooler temperatures and drier air will be here for many areas soon, let’s begin with humidifiers. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, so they are typically used when the air is drier. They are most useful when heaters or air
conditioners are running and drying out the air in your home. Good air quality and appropriate humidity levels are beneficial for dry skin, chapped lips, and irritated nasal passages, making breathing easier when you have a cold or flu, and help prevent snoring by moistening your throat and nasal passages.

On the flip side, dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air and are often used during the summer, in more humid months or in naturally damp places, like basements. Dehumidifiers are beneficial to remove moisture and defend against damp or musty smells, mould, mildew, window condensation, dust mites, and allergens. Dehumidifiers improve your air quality and help protect your home from moisture damage.

By maintaining healthy humidity levels in your home (between 30 and 50 percent), you reduce the strain on your HVAC system, lowering energy consumption. You can purchase a hygrometer to monitor your home’s humidity level. Low humidity means you need a humidifier, and high humidity means you need a dehumidifier.