Air Purifier vs Humidifier: What are the differences?

With ever-rising air pollution levels, we are now prone to various respiratory illnesses. To mitigate the alarming levels of polluted air, we have adopted several devices and gadgets into our daily life. Two of the most popular solutions you may have heard about now and then would be an air purifier and a humidifier. You may have a cursory idea about these two devices, but if you’re not really sure what they do or how they are any different, let us acquaint you with them a little more.

What is an air purifier?

An air purifier is a portable device that removes contaminants and pollutants from its immediate surroundings to improve air quality. They are also known as air cleaners. They use a variety of technologies to tackle different pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, particulate matter, VOC, dander, etc. Most air purifiers are small devices made specifically for home use. Consequently, they are seen in individual rooms.

What is a humidifier?

A humidifier is a device used to add moisture or increase the humidity level of the air inside a room or a building. It releases water vapour or streams of tiny water droplets into the air to increase the humidity level. It is primarily used to avoid the unfavourable impacts of dry air, such as allergies, skin and eye irritation, dry throat, etc.

What are the differences?

Well, at this point, you know that these are two different devices designed for different purposes. However, they also perform distinct functions from one another.

1. Function: The primary function of an air purifier is to clean the air in its immediate surrounding by removing different pollutants, allergens, VOCs, Pathogens, etc. A humidifier adds water vapour/moisture content into the air in the form of tiny droplets.

2. Mechanism: An air purifier has a built-in fan to suck air and pass it through a variety of filters to remove all types of pollutants from the air. A humidifier uses a variety of mechanisms such as ultrasonic, evaporator, impeller, etc., all of which add tiny droplets or streams into the air.

3. Situation: An air purifier is often used when the air quality is not up to the mark and is saturated with various pollutants. A humidifier is used when the indoor air is dry and devoid of moisture.

4. Use: An air purifier, in most cases, is used throughout the year. In comparison, a humidifier is, generally, used seasonally. A humidifier is used in winter when the air is especially dry, whereas an air purifier can be used throughout the year.