Save Space And Energy With Humidifier and Air Purifier Combos
Are you thinking of purchasing both a humidifier and an air purifier? If getting both these appliances separately is on your list, you’d be happy to know that there are humidifier and air purifier combos out there for a two in one purchase. While humidifiers will help to keep the air’s moisture at a comfortable level, an air purifier will help in removing the dirt, dust, and bacteria out of the air. By purchasing a humidifier and air purifier combo, you’ll be able to tackle both of these issues at the same time, save space, and reduce energy bills.
When choosing your humidifier and air purifier combo, there are a couple of features that you’d want to look at to ensure that it’s meeting your needs. The first thing you’d need to take a look at is the type of filter it comes with, and how many there are. With air purifiers, it usually either has a washable or permanent filter. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, but you’d want to make sure that it removes a good amount of impurities from the air.
The next thing you’ll need to consider is the maximum room size that the machine will work in. If you’ve got a larger room, you’ll need one that’s able to efficiently humidify and clean the air within that space. Finally, you’ll also have to think about the dimensions of the machine. The last thing you’d want is a bulky machine that takes up too much space in your home.
Types of Humidifiers
Humidifiers are a great solution against dry air which, let’s face it, is a problem found in many homes during the winter. But before you actually buy a humidifier, you need to know about the main types of such items that are currently found on the market:
- Warm mist humidifiers have a heating mechanism inside them that converts the water in the tank into warm mist vapors. Due to this technology, the mist they produce is cleaner, and they are often preferred for their quiet operation and for treating seasonal colds. Despite these advantages, warm mist humidifiers are more difficult to clean and can’t cover the same ground that a similarly-sized cool mist humidifier can. It’s also important to note that because of the hot steam, they should be kept away from pets and children.
- Cool mist humidifiers use an internal filter that catches impurities and prevent them from being released together with the mist. Compared to warm mist humidifiers, these are easier to clean and can cover more ground with a single unit even if it has the same capacity as a warm mist humidifier. One of the biggest setbacks is the fact that cool mist humidifiers are noisy, which makes them rather unsuitable for nighttime use in the bedroom. They also require more frequent maintenance because of the mineral build-ups inside.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers use the power of waves to function. Inside such a humidifier, you can find a vibrating metal diaphragm that creates drops of water which are later released into the room in the form of a cool fog. They are easy to care for but white dust tends to set on the furniture when you use them. This is a problem that’s also common to cool air humidifiers and it can be avoided by using distilled water instead of tap water.
- Whole house humidifiers are a category used to debride products that can cover large areas. Contrary to popular belief, these units do not require attaching to your HVAC system. However, being very large and quite heavy, they are quite difficult to move from one room to another, so they might work better in more open spaces, such as a large office or a store. They are equipped with large tanks that can hold water for days before going empty, but these tanks are more difficult to clean. They have filters that should be replaced one every three months.
Types of Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are divided into several categories depending on the method they use to actually purify the air. You have:
- HEPA: This type of technology refers to the use of HEPA filters as a method to purify air. Also known as the High Efficiency Particulate Air technology, HEPA filters are capable of trapping 99.97 percent of the known airborne contaminants. HEPA filters are considered to be some of the most efficient products of their kind and they are often found in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. These filters have an accordion-like surface and randomly-arranged fibers that will prevent airborne particles from getting through. Even if they are good at trapping particles larger than 0.3 microns, they still allow air to pass through the surface, which means that they need to be replaced once the surface of the filter is too dirty.
- Activated carbon: Purifiers with activated carbon technology have filters that are made from processed carbon in order to create a porous surface that can easily absorb air contaminants. The pores of these filters are of molecular size and use processes like chemical bonding to trap pollutants of all kinds, including odors or chemical emissions. Purifiers with activated carbon technology are great for people who are sensitive to odors and chemicals such as perfumes or formaldehyde. They are great for both home and commercial use.
- UVs: UV technology is rarely used as a standalone purifying method because it can’t really trap airborne particles inside the unit. That’s why most purifiers that use this type of technology also have some sort of filter inside. What UV technology actually does is kill bacteria, germs, and viruses, thanks to the UV light radiated from the internal lamp. If you want to get into more technical details, know that these air purifiers have the capacity of turning water and oxygen molecules into hydroxyl and ozone.
- Negative ion: This particular category of purifiers rely on the power of chemical injection. The process used by these types of air purifiers is based on the science behind ions. These are particles that have either a negative or a positive charge. When ions are negative, they are actually oxygen atoms with an additional electron. As this occurs, these ions are capable of attracting airborne particles and charging them to a point where they are too heavy to float and end up attaching themselves to other objects. However, there is a lot of controversy regarding the efficiency of negative ion air purifiers, as their method of operation is considered to be less effective compared to other types. The airborne contaminants aren’t actually eliminated, they structure changes and they just end up falling on random objects in the room.
- Ozone: The last category of air purifiers are the ones that make gaz ozone. Much like negative ion purifiers, there is also a lot of debate on whether these units are actually safe to use, as no health professionals endorse them and federal government agencies haven’t approved them yet. It is believed that ozone exposure can trigger asthma symptoms up to a point where it can scar the lungs.
Purifier vs. Humidifiers: What’s the Right Choice for You?
While both of these are devices that can improve the air quality in the room, they both do very different things, so it really depends on what air-related problem you are trying to solve in order to identify which of these two products is right for you. To put it in the simplest way possible: humidifiers solve dry air problems by adding moisture to the room while purifiers actively clean the air inside the room by trapping airborne particles and contaminants inside the unit.
That being said, let’s examine some common problems and situations. If you find yourself experiencing any of them, you can further tell which of these two devices is more suitable for you:
Asthma and allergies
If you suffer from asthma and allergies, it’s best if the air you breathe is free of any contaminants or odors that can trigger an allergic reaction. These contaminants can be anything from mold spores to dust mites. If that’s the case, an air purifier is what you need. However, these allergic reactions can also cause problems with irritated nasal passages that feel dry. If that’s the case, a humidifier can also come into play and be useful. Those of you having to deal with both these problems are better off buying a humidifier and air purifier combo.
Right choice
If the air inside your home is dry, a humidifier is the right choice. It will help by adding moisture into the air and prevent any sort of nose or throat irritations that are caused by the quality of the air.
Easing the symptoms
For those of you experiencing respiratory irritation or for moments when you have the cold or flu, you also want a mixture of both these products. An air purifier can help by easing the symptoms of your illness as it removes potentially irritating particles from the air you breathe. On the other hand, a humidifier can help with a stuffy nose and it can prevent a dry and irritated throat from further annoying you.
Top 6 Humidifier and Air Purifier Combos
1. BONECO – Air Washer W200 Humidifier & Purifier
This Boneco Air Washer is the perfect machine that’ll both humidify and clean the air in your home. It’s got an evaporator that’ll rotate through the water and enrich the air with moisture along with a natural filter that’ll help get rid of impurities such as pollen and dust in the air. If you’re not a fan of appliances that make loud noises throughout the night, you’ll be happy to know that this air washer comes in two modes – day mode for maximum output, and night mode for quiet operation. There’s also a smart automatic shut off when the tank’s empty.
Best of all, this humidifier and air purifier combo uses minimal electricity and has an understated and modern design that’ll seamlessly fit into any space. With its exceptional performance and high-quality construction, you’ll be able to utilize it for a good number of years. If you’d like to add some fragrance to your overall space, the humidifier also comes with an integrated fragrance container for essential oils.
Cleaning your machine is also a breeze as most of the parts can just be placed in the dishwasher or washing machine. This air washer can be used all year round and is especially suited for those suffering from allergies.
Pros:
- Has two modes – day mode and night mode
- Uses minimal electricity
- Has an integrated fragrance container
- Parts can be placed in the dishwasher or washing machine
Cons:
- Isn’t able to hold much water
2. Venta LW15 Airwasher 2-in-1 Humidifier and Air Purifier
This minimalist black Airwasher can humidifier dry rooms while simultaneously purifying and removing dust, pet dander, pollen, and any other airborne pollutants. It’s able to tackle rooms from up to 200 square feet and comes with both a filter-free evaporative humidifier and a filter-free air purifier – all in one handy unit.
What’s unique about this Airwasher is the fact that it also doesn’t produce white dust that’s common with other Airwashers due to its Cold Evaporation technology. Since it humidifies and purifies the air in the room without filters, the Airwasher is simple to use and easy to clean. It’s energy-efficient, and also produces no ions or ozone. With its high-end German engineering and consistent performance, you can be assured that it’ll provide you with clean and humidified air for many years to come. If you run into any issues, you’ll also be happy to know that this Airwasher comes with a 10-year warranty.
From providing you relief from allergies to eliminate dry skin, this Airwasher is a great addition to your home and will provide you with perfect indoor air quality.
Pros:
- Has Cold Evaporation Technology and doesn’t produce white dust
- High-end German engineering
- Comes with a 10-year warranty
- Energy-efficient
Cons:
- It’s not exactly the quietest
3. OPOLAR EV01 Digital Evaporative Humidifier
Next on the list is this Opolar Digital Evaporative Humidifier that’s great for any bedroom or space in your home. If you’re worried about water leakage and excessive humidity on the floor, electronics, and furniture, this appliance evenly dispels invisible mist into the air and won’t cause any of those issues. It’s also got a honeycomb construction along with an embedded filter to effectively eliminate dust, mineral deposits, and any other impurities.
If you want to turn on your appliance at night, that’s perfectly okay as this machine comes with a built-in fan that’s powerful yet low-pitched. You’ll be able to sleep comfortably in the bedroom without noticing that this evaporative humidifier is switched on. Refilling and cleaning your machine is easy as there’s a removable grill that allows you to open the top grill and pour in the water, and you can also check the inner filter anytime.
Other features of this evaporative humidifier include providing effective coverage, cool moisture output, maintaining optimum humidity, using minimal electricity, and being compact and easy to install.
Pros:
- Evenly dispels invisible mist
- Comes with an effective embedded filter
- Quiet
- Easy to refill and clean
Cons:
- There’s a bright blue LED light that can be annoying at night
4. Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Air Purifier for Large Rooms
For a lightweight air purifier that’ll clean air fast, this purifier will have you covered. It’s able to purify 700 square feet of space every 30 minutes, and its sleek design will seamlessly fit into any space from small rooms to basements. It’s great at minimizing dust, dander, allergies, odors, bacteria, and even has an antimicrobial compound that’ll help in killing airborne germs, fungi, and viruses.
The air purifier comes with a HEPA layer that’s able to capture 99.97% of airborne particles, and it lasts at least three months longer than a regular standard filter. When it’s time to turn in for the night, press the power button once and the lights will automatically turn off. It’s also an energy-efficient appliance that’s portable and lightweight. With four fan speed options, you’ll also be able to select the option that best suits your needs.
By purchasing the Alen BreatheSmart FLEX Air Purifier, you’ll have a better night of sleep thanks to the WhisperMax Technology along with the appliance’s ability to reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
Pros:
- Purifies quickly
- Sleek design
- Comes with a HEPA layer
- Has WhisperMax technology
Cons:
- Does not come with an automatic mode
5. LEVOIT H13 True HEPA Filter Purifiers for Home Allergies and Pets
This gorgeous minimalist filter will easily fit into any home aesthetic. It also effectively purifies the air without using any harmful ozone that is especially detrimental to the health of children and asthma sufferers. The appliance comes with a three-stage filtration system that’ll effectively capture allergens, pet hair, dander, smoke, and more. With its ultra-silent operation, you’ll be able to get a restful night of sleep even with your air purifier running in the background.
It’s also incredibly efficient and will circulate air around your room over four times in an hour. It also has a contemporary size that makes it suited for both offices and homes. Worried that you won’t remember when to replace your filter? This air purifier comes with a built-in replacement indicator, so you’ll never forget.
Other features include two light settings that you can toggle between, an upgraded motor for greater stability and high-quality construction.
Pros:
- Purifies quickly
- Three-stage filtration system
- Ultra-silent operation
- Comes with a built-in replacement indicator
Cons:
- The noise of the fan can be a tad loud
6. Oreck WK15500B Air Refresh 2-in-1 Hepa Air Purifier & Ultrasonic Humidifier
Last on the list is this 2-in-1 air purifier and humidifier that’ll effectively humidify and purify the air. It comes with a two-stage filtration that captures 99% of particles while removing unwanted odors from the air. The adjustable ultrasonic humidifier gently releases al mist into the air to safely add moisture without using hot steam. The adjustable controls mean that you can easily tweak to your desired humidity level for optimal comfort.
It’s great for smaller rooms from bedrooms to nurseries, and since it runs quietly you won’t have to worry about it making too much noise. Other features include a filter indicator that showcases a snapshot of the filter’s life along with a water tank indicator that’ll automatically shut off when it runs low. There’s also sleep mode that you can easily switch on with the press of a button to dim the lights, switch the appliance to a lower setting for less disruption at night.
Pros:
- Two-stage filtration and ultrasonic humidifier
- Adjustable humidifier controls
- Comes with a filter indicator
- Has a sleep mode
Cons:
- Some said that the water tank is a tad small
Air Purifier & Humidifier Comgo FAQ
Q: Should I buy a humidifier or air purifier?
A: It is very important to understand that while both these products improve the quality of the air, they do very different things. If you’re trying to solve dry air problems, a humidifier is the right solution. If you want to remove contaminants from the air you breathe, you need a purifier. If you’re facing both these problems, you can buy a unit that does both these things.
Q: Do air purifiers make the air dry?
A: This is a common myth related to air purifiers and the answer is no. An air purifier does not change the humidity levels inside the room, so it can’t make it dry or humid in any way. What does dry out the air inside the room is an air conditioner.
Q: Is it OK to leave the air purifier and humidifier on all night?
A: Not only is it ok, but it’s also recommended. The moment you stop using your air purifier, there are chances of the quality of the air decreasing, especially if you live in an environment where air contaminants are generated on a regular basis. However, using these products around the clock means that you will have to replace the filters more often.
Conclusion
Since they are both designed to improve the air quality in your home, we can understand why people mistake an air purifier for a humidifier and vice versa. The truth of the matter is that these products accomplish different things and are designed to solve different problems.
Humidifiers will add moisture into the room and prevent dry air from lingering, whilst air purifiers trap airborne contaminants and particles into the unit and help cleanse the air you breathe. Thankfully, you no longer have to choose between these two products nor occupy room space by buying them separately, as a humidifier and air purifier combo will bring you the best of both worlds