Can You Use an Air Purifier and Humidifier Together?
Air purifiers. HVAC. Humidifiers. You might have all sorts of devices and technologies impacting the air in your home. How do they work in unison? More specifically, can you use an air purifier and humidifier together? Is it even necessary?
First, let’s back up and talk about each device individually.
What Does an Air Purifier Do?
This one might sound kind of self-explanatory: An air purifier cleans the indoor air that you’re breathing in.
Is this really vital? In a nutshell, yes. Air pollution is everywhere. In fact, the indoors are more polluted than the outdoors, by as much as 100 times! Considering we spend 90% of our lives indoors, this is concerning, to say the least.
Air pollution might not seem all that threatening because you usually can’t see it, but it’s all around you. We’re talking dust and dust mites (read: bugs), mold, hair, fur, dander, smoke, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and so much more.
What does that mean for your health, though? These airborne particles can make you sick by triggering allergies, worsening asthma and bronchitis symptoms, and impairing your sleep. And we haven’t even talked about all the germs and bacteria your pets are bringing inside.
Air pollution can even cause problems during pregnancy and hamper cognitive function.
These are just some of the reasons why you need an air purifier at home and in the office.
What is a Humidifier?
A lot of people think that if you have a humidifier, then you don’t need an air purifier, but these two devices serve different purposes. So, let’s talk about air purifiers vs humidifiers.
Depending on certain factors, like the climate you live in. The air in your home might be very dry. That is, it lacks humidity. A humidifier adds humidity — i.e., moisture — into the air. Some devices accomplish this by boiling water to create water vapor, which is then released into the air as mist. Other devices blow a fan through a moistened wick filter. And others use ultrasonic technology to vibrate water and introduce droplets into the air.
The ideal humidity level falls between 30% and 50%.
If you live in the deserts of Las Vegas, you might have a humidifier. Many people also use them during the winter months, when the air gets noticeably dry. (And, on the other hand, people who live in very wet climates might use a dehumidifier.)
If you’re experiencing chapped lips, irritated sinuses, or dry skin, a humidifier can help. It can also offer support if you’re experiencing respiratory issues or infections that are further agitated by dry air.
So, you now know how air purifiers and humidifiers are completely different. The former removes things from the air to clean it, while the latter adds moisture to the air to improve humidity.
Related note: Some people think that air conditioners pull double-duty and also purify the air. This is false! Air conditioners don’t have much impact on air quality.
Combining an Air Purifier and Humidifier
Since they serve two separate purposes, is it acceptable to use a humidifier alongside an air purifier? Yes, absolutely! Air purifiers are typically designed to function within a wide range of humidity levels, so adding moisture to the air shouldn’t impact the purifier’s filters at all. And, importantly, an air purifier won’t remove the moisture that a humidifier provides.
They play quite well together. In fact, running both devices simultaneously could offer several health benefits, including better sleep (goodbye, snoring), cleared airways, and a cleaner home.
Let’s go over a few simple tips to help your air purifier work better for you! If you do these things, you’re going to get the best results:
- Use the right filtration: Ensure that your air purifier uses a medical-grade HEPA 13 filter, plus activated carbon filtration and UV-C light. This is currently the ideal in air purification technology.
- Contain your pets: Easier said than done, we know! One thing that helps is having a designated area to bathe and de-shed them. Vacuum immediately after. This will prevent the fur and dander from spreading through your house.
- Have outdoor shoes: We bring all kinds of gross germs in on us when we leave the home. Same with our pets. Remove your shoes before walking inside and, if possible, wipe your furry friends’ paws.
- Change the filters when alerted: Air purifiers like Sans will notify you when it’s time to change the filter. It’s important to stay on schedule so that the device can continue running optimally and remove undesirable particles from the air you breathe.
- Opt for replaceable filters: On a similar note, only use an air purifier that utilizes a replaceable filter, not a washable one. Washable filters are much harder to clean and end up exposing you to all of the nasty particles they collect.
- Keep outside air out: AirNow.gov is a great way to see what the air quality is like in your neighborhood right now. If it tells you that the quality is bad, perhaps because of lingering wildfire smoke, keep the doors and windows closed as much as you can so that your air purifier doesn’t have to work as hard (although it will remove smoke, to be clear!).
The Sans Difference
The Sans air purifier uses multiple layers of defense, including a medical-grade HEPA 13 filter, activated carbon, and UV-C light. It monitors the air quality in real time so you always know where you stand. When it’s time to change the filter, your air purifier will notify you. Plus, it’s whisper quiet — silent whether you’re trying to get your beauty rest or hard at work in your home office.
With how much time we spend indoors, crystal clear air is crucial for our overall health. Learn more about the Sans air purifier and Sans mini, and take control of your indoor air quality.