Both air purifiers and humidifiers are useful in keeping healthy indoor air. Air purifiers remove airborne pollutants while humidifiers balance the moisture level inside your home. But the question is, can you use an air purifier and humidifier together?
The answer is yes! However, you have to mind where and how you use it. This way, you’ll reap the benefits of running the two devices at the same time.
Below, we discuss this topic together with advice to ensure that you’ll enjoy clean indoor air all the time. Read on before you purchase yours.
Can You Use An Air Purifier And Humidifier Together?
Air purifiers and humidifiers come hand in hand, which means you can use them together in the same room. This way, you can clean the air and restore humidity levels if it’s too dry.
However, there are several factors you need to consider before doing so. After all, not all occasions call for the simultaneous use of these appliances.
Here are some of the aspects you have to weigh:
1. Humidity level
Before using an air purifier and humidifier simultaneously, you have to consider the humidity level in your house. If it’s within or higher than 45% to 50%, you don’t need to run a humidifier.
In fact, if your indoor humidity is higher than 50%, you should pair your purifier with a dehumidifier instead. This will help remove excess moisture as the purifier traps dirt.
Once the humidity level in your room drops, that’s the time you need to utilize your humidifier.
Remember, humidifiers aren’t diffusers. While most are safe to use in diffusing fragrances, humidifiers will also release moisture into the air in larger amounts than a diffuser does.
2. Placement of the devices
When using these devices at the same time, it’s crucial to observe the proper placement inside your room.
You should never place the humidifier in front or near your purifier’s air inlet, or the one that sucks air into the device. It’s because the moisture from the humidifier will get drawn into the purifier as well, which can cause problems.
First, damp HEPA filters have shown reduced performance in trapping dirt. This is the same reason why HEPA filters aren’t usually washable.
Instead, you should place the humidifier at the air outlet or where the air is blown out of the purifier. This way, the water molecules will be dispersed into the air.
But for a foolproof placement, you should place your purifier and humidifier on the opposite side of your room.
3. Time of the year
Using air purifiers and humidifiers at the same time is helpful, but only if you do so at the proper timing.
The winter season is the best time to use these two devices at the same time. As the winter air gets dry, a humidifier will come in handy to restore healthy moisture levels.
Another season when air purifiers and humidifiers are best used together is allergy season. An air purifier will help trap pollen and dust, so it doesn’t cause irritations. Meanwhile, your humidifier will maintain healthy humidity levels. Still, you should use a hygrometer to watch out for excessive moisture levels.
You can also use these devices in other seasons when indoor pollution increases and the humidity decreases.
4. Features of the device
Lastly, you should check the features of your devices. Some air purifiers already have a built-in humidifier, so you don’t have to purchase the device separately.
If your purifier already has a humidifier, you shouldn’t use a separate unit. Doing so will only over-humidify your room, which will defeat its benefits.
Additional advice when air purifiers and humidifiers together
Humidifiers and air purifiers are beneficial in their own rights. If used simultaneously, these devices will enhance or aid the performance of each other. To ensure that you’ll reap the benefits, here are additional pieces of advice to keep in mind:
1. Get the right size
When getting air purifiers and humidifiers, you should always match them to the size of your room. Bigger floor areas require equally bigger units.
This way, your purifier can handle large amounts of pollutants at a time. On the same note, a large humidifier can restore the moisture in your place faster.
The good thing is that manufacturers of these devices provide size references. This way, you can choose an air purifier and humidifier based on the floor area of your room or the moisture removal rate that you like.
2. Use a separate hygrometer
Whenever you’re using a humidifier, it’s important that you also get a hygrometer. This tool measures humidity levels. That way, you can avoid over-humidifying your house.
You should do this even if your humidifier has a built-in humidistat. This way, you’ll know if the humidifier reading is accurate or not.
3. Use an air quality monitor device
Similar with using a hygrometer, you should also purchase n air quality monitor. This will let you compare the purifier readings and the ones you get from the separate device. It will let you know if your unit is actually working in cleaning your indoor air.
In case your purifier yields a different reading, you may need to have it recalibrated or repaired.
4. Clean the devices regularly
For the purifier and humidifier to work efficiently, you need to clean or replace their filters regularly. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions on the frequency of filter changes or replacements.
As with humidifiers, make sure that you clean and sanitize the tank every week. You should also replace the water daily to avoid mold and bacterial buildup.
Take note that dirty air purifiers and humidifiers can do more harm than help in your living area. The collected allergens may recirculate if the filter isn’t replaced or cleaned on time.
5. Don’t consider it the only solution
Lastly, you shouldn’t consider air purifiers and humidifiers as the only solution to your home’s problematic indoor air. You should also observe other preventive and reactive approaches. This includes removing the source of the pollution, keeping your home clean, maintaining your HVAC system, and more.
Overall, these devices are only complementary solutions. They will be more effective if paired with other steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it okay to leave an air purifier on overnight?
A: It’s totally fine to leave your purifier running overnight. This will help keep the air clean as you sleep. However, make sure that the purifier is placed on a stable surface and that the filters are clean. If you have pets, make sure that they won’t access the cable of the unit. The good thing is that there are air purifiers with timers, so they will shut down automatically once set.
Q: What is better for my allergies, an air purifier or a humidifier?
A: If your allergies are triggered by dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne matter, an air purifier would be an excellent choice. This will remove allergens from the air, so you can breathe easier and you won’t suffer from skin irritations. On the other hand, humidifiers can also help by stabilizing the indoor humidity levels of your home. This way, you won’t suffer from further irritations due to very dry air.
Q: How many hours in a day should you run an air purifier?
A: Air purifiers should be run at least 8 hours per day to maintain healthy air quality. If your place has a higher level of pollution, you can run it longer. You can also purchase an air purifier with sensors, which will automatically start purifying once it detects increased pollutant levels in your indoor air. Regardless of the duration, you should clean or replace the purifier filters regularly.
Q: Does using a humidifier affect an air purifier?
A: Humidifiers won’t negatively affect the functions of an air purifier as long as it’s placed in the right spot. These two devices can be used simultaneously and inside the same room. Make sure that you don’t place the humidifier near the airflow inlet of the purifier as this will cause the HEPA filter to get soaked. When that happens, the filter won’t trap dirt efficiently.
Q: Which should I use for asthma, a humidifier or air purifier?
A: Running your purifier and humidifier at the same time will greatly help those with asthma. This is by removing air particulates that could trigger the attack and by keeping healthy moisture levels. While using these two devices won’t cure asthma, it can greatly help in reducing attacks or the severity of it.
Final words
Can you use an air purifier and humidifier together? Yes, but make sure that there’s a need before you do so. The key here is keeping the balance and maintaining the two devices, so they will function optimally. Also, you should pair it with other steps to keep your indoor air healthy.
Do you have other tips to add here? Feel free to share your thoughts!
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
