Last Updated on May 28, 2023
Leaving an air purifier on can do wonders, but using a humidifier at the same time can give you the ultimate comfort in your room. As they both have very different purposes, a combined usage of these two will give you:
- Clean air for breathing
- Moisture and warmth from the surrounding air
- A perfectly balanced atmosphere indoors
Using these together sounds great – but is it safe to do so? Let’s look further into each device’s functionalities to decide!
What Is an Air Purifier?
An air purifier’s task is to get rid of all the contaminants floating around in a room. It is basically an electronic device that takes in the air from the room, traps the appropriate pollutants, and blows back fresh, purified air.
Air purifiers can filter out many different harmful airborne substances, such as dust, viruses, mold, allergens, and even unwanted odors.
Different technologies for filters are used in the various types of air purifiers. They include the following.
| Type | Functionality |
| Activated Carbon | Filter made from activated carbon. This material helps to attract dirt and other pollutants from the air. |
| HEPA | Made of dense plastic and glass fiber material. Heavy filter helps to stick harmful particles and release the clean air |
| UV Light | Uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses in the air. Released air is disinfected along with being dust free. |
| Ionizer | Releases negatively charged ions into the air. Charged ions stick to the unwanted particles and form a heavier compound together, causing the particles to drop on the ground. |
What Is a Humidifier?
Humidifiers are used to provide moisture to the dry air inside a room. This is typically used in countries where the climate is continually dry and is recommended for use in homes where people are prone to dry skin and allergies.
The device basically needs to be filled with clean water, and then based on the type of humidifier technology used; it will release water vapor into the air. Dry air is eliminated and makes the room’s atmosphere more suitable to stay in.
There are different types of humidifiers that use distinct methods for releasing mist into a room full of dry air. Here are the typical ones you will come across –
| Type | Functionality |
| Evaporative | – It has a damp filter inside. A fan is used to blow on the damp filter. -The evaporation process is quicker and emits cool vapor into the surroundings. |
| Warm mist | -The water inside the device is boiled. -The liquid is converted to gas very quickly. – Purifies and warms the air along the way. |
| Ultrasonic | -The device emits high-frequency vibrations. -Water droplets break down faster into vapor. -No filter required. |
Can You Use an Air Purifier and Humidifier Together?
The short answer is yes, you definitely can!
The main functions of both devices have nothing in common with each other, which makes them perfectly okay to be used together. There are advantages to using these two devices simultaneously, but they have a few drawbacks as well.
Let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages –
The Benefits of Using Both Together
1. Suitable for Asthma Patients
Asthma can occur due to different reasons, but the most common ones are dry air, dust, allergies, and a constantly cold environment.
An air purifier works to remove all harmful particles in the air that trigger asthma, and a humidifier helps keep the air moist and warm. Studies have shown that using them together improved symptoms in asthma patients.
2. Decreases Germ-Related Illnesses
While air purifiers remove germs including the types that cause influenza and coronavirus, humidifiers keep the air moist and clear that prevents a stuffy nose and sore throat.
So, when the cause and symptoms are both eliminated, there is a lesser chance of getting sick due to airborne bacteria and viruses.
3. Provides a Comfortable Sleeping Environment
What more do you need besides clean air and a cool enough environment to sleep in?
Combined usage of an air purifier and humidifier ensures a perfect balance between the air you breathe and the humidity in your room is provided for comfort.
Learn more about Air purifiers vs Humidifiers
The Potential Drawbacks of Using Both Together
1. Might Not Go with the Climate
Some countries have varying humidity and you might not be wise to keep changing the humidity levels on the device. This could result in the room getting too humid and uncomfortable and creating more scope for waterborne germs to get into the air.
2. Can Cause Fungal Growth
If your air purifier uses a HEPA filter, the moisture from the humidifier can accumulate onto the purifier filter and cause the growth of fungi.
When the filters are not changed frequently, the spores from the fungi can end up contaminating the air even more.
Tips for Using an Air Purifier and Humidifier Together
Here are some tips to make the best out of using an air purifier and humidifier simultaneously:
- Maintain Humidity Level – Keep note of the humidity level, especially during summer and if the climate is generally moist. Never set it above 60%.
- Positioning – Make sure to keep both devices as far away from each other as possible within the same room. That way the moisture from the humidifier won’t affect the filters (if any) in the air purifier.
- Seasons – Using these in combination makes the best sense during winter and dry seasons. Best not to use them together during summer or when the humidity is already high.
Conclusion
Clean air and comfort are needed for all, so it is perfectly fine to use an air purifier and humidifier together. Although there are a few limitations to such usage, the advantages exceed them overall.
You just must be aware of certain environmental factors and tweak the settings and timing accordingly.
