Good clean air is essential for your health. If your indoor air quality is less than ideal, you know it needs improvement. Still, you’re left wondering, “Air cleaner vs humidifier? Which one is better, and which one do I need?”
Well, the truth is that both appliances can be excellent. While they have in common the goal of improving indoor air quality and your family’s health, however, each works in somewhat different ways.
So it’s important to compare their functions carefully and choose the one that makes the most sense for your home.
Air Cleaner vs Humidifier: They Both Help Your Indoor Air
When your indoor air quality is less than ideal, chances are you’ll feel it – particularly in winter, when Calgary families naturally spend more time in the house.
Stale, stuffy air can produce unpleasant reactions quite quickly, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. These often are in the form of symptoms similar to colds, flus, and viruses, such as:
- Irritation of your eyes, nose, or throat
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Vertigo
Other potential effects of poor indoor air quality include:
- Chronic colds and sore throats
- Itchy, irritated eyes
- Nosebleeds
- Dryness of the skin and hair
- Allergy attacks
Phew! That’s quite a list – but there is relief in sight.
Fortunately, both air cleaners and humidifiers can help get rid of the irritants behind these conditions. This will give you cleaner air, a healthier home, and (most important) peace of mind.
How Does An Air Cleaner Help?
A home air cleaner – which could also go by the name “air purifier” or “air filter” – works to remove airborne contaminants. It tackles dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, and pollen – all known allergens. Depending on the model, air cleaners may also knock out bacteria and viruses.
The result? You’ll probably notice quite quickly that your allergies don’t flare up as they used to and you won’t get sick as often.
Signs You Need An Air Cleaner
Do any of the following statements apply to your household?
- Your indoor air is stale, stuffy, and maybe even a little stinky.
- Your home contains products that give off VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), such as synthetic carpeting or certain paints.
- You have those tell-tale allergy symptoms – sneezing, sniffling, and/or irritated eyes.
- Someone in your house suffers from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or emphysema. Certain types of air cleaner can be helpful with these conditions.
- You or your family are sick a lot, with no obvious explanation.
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, an air cleaner could help. Because there are many kinds of air cleaners and air purifiers, though, talk with us to find the best one for your requirements.
Signs You Need A Humidifier
Maybe the situation in your home is more like this:
- The air is dry, dry, dry in wintertime!
- Your wood floors are suddenly squeaky and noisy.
- You have heavy static electricity buildup in your house.
- Your skin, your hair, and even your eyes are equally dry and dull.
- The interior of your nose is dry and irritated, leading to frequent nosebleeds and snoring.
- You often experience flare-ups of allergies or asthma.
- You suffer from other ailments of the nose or throat, like the “sniffles” or sore throats.
The verdict? Your home is overly dry indoors – most likely due to the dry winter air and your heating system. When the relative humidity is too low (Health Canada recommends 30 % minimum in winter, higher in summer), it can literally make you sick.
The good news is that a humidifier is the tool you need to take care of that unhealthy dryness.
Find The Right Indoor Air Quality Solution
Still unsure whether you need an air cleaner or a humidifier? Or maybe your home is too damp and you’re looking to fix a humidity problem?
Let’s talk. We’ll find the right solution to improve your indoor air quality, your home comfort, and your health.
