How to Choose Between a Humidifier and a Dehumidifier in Durham, NC

A humidifier increases moisture in the air, while a dehumidifier eliminates excess moisture from the air. If you live in Durham, NC, deciding between a humidifier and a dehumidifier can be critical in providing excellent indoor air quality in your home. Here are four factors to help you decide which indoor air quality product will be better for your home.

The Maintenance Required

Both humidifiers and dehumidifiers need regular maintenance. You need to clean either device once in a while, and you may need to call your heating and cooling service provider to conduct some tune-ups. However, because of the way they work, humidifiers need more maintenance than dehumidifiers.

Whether You Have Allergies

If you are constantly dealing with seasonal or chronic allergies, choosing between a humidifier and dehumidifier can affect your symptoms. When there is too much moisture in your home, it can cause a buildup of allergens in your indoor environment. In this case, you need a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture.

Capacity Rating

To choose the proper system for the amount of space you need to treat, you need to check the unit’s capacity rating. Pints of water measure the output capacity in dehumidifiers, while gallons measure the capacity of humidifiers. Dehumidifiers generally consume more energy than humidifiers.

The Type of Humidifier or Dehumidifier

Before settling on either a dehumidifier or a humidifier, inquire about the types available for each. For instance, humidifiers come in two types: cool mist and warm mist versions. Dehumidifiers also come in various types, including mechanical, electronic, makeshift, ionic membrane and absorbent models.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers both improve indoor air quality. If you have questions about which device would better meet your needs, contact Mitchell Heating & Cooling, and our indoor air quality professionals will assist you.

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