Installing an air purifier or dehumidifier in your home can be a great way to improve indoor air quality. Both of these solutions may also provide relief for individuals who suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory problems. Still, it is important to understand how each system works and the benefits they provide in order to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
How an Air Purifier Works
As the name suggests, air purifiers are designed to clean and purify the air inside a home or building. These units work by forcing air through a filter or series of filters. Although your HVAC system has its own filter, a whole-home air purifier adds an extra layer of protection that can filter out even more allergens, pollutants and other airborne contaminants. Typically, these air purifiers utilize a more efficient filter than your standard furnace filter. This helps to improve your indoor air quality by minimizing the amount of dust, pollen, mites, pet dander, mold spores and other allergens that are circulated throughout the house when the furnace or air conditioner is running.
How a Dehumidifier Works
Dehumidifiers can also provide some relief from allergy symptoms and respiratory issues, but they are much more limited in their use. The purpose of a dehumidifier is to dry out the air inside the home and prevent excess humidity. These units on their own don’t actually clean the air inside your home. However, they can still improve indoor air quality by eliminating any mold or mildew problems inside the building.
Mold thrives in warm, damp conditions, and the spores the mold releases can be a huge trigger for allergies and asthma attacks. This can be particularly problematic inside your home’s ductwork, walls and other areas where you can’t actually see the issue. A dehumidifier can help by ensuring the air inside your home is dry enough to prevent mold growth. It can also feel more difficult to breathe when the humidity is high, which is another issue that a dehumidifier can help overcome.
If you’re looking for an air purifier, dehumidifier or other indoor air quality solution, Gatewood Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is here to help. Our experienced HVAC technicians serving the Sonora, CA area can also handle any of your heating or cooling maintenance and repair needs. Need a new furnace, air conditioner or ductless system installed? We can help with that too. To learn more or schedule an appointment, give the professionals at Gatewood Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. a call.
