Air Purifier vs Humidifier: Which One Does Your Home Need?

Air Quality, Health & Safety, Home Comfort, Humidifiers, Indoor Air Quality

Both air purifiers and humidifiers offer unique health and comfort benefits, but how do you know which one is the right choice? The indoor air quality experts at Action Furnace will break down the differences and benefits of each option, and how they work with your HVAC system, helping you improve air quality and breathe a little easier.

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Posted by Ryan | August 16, 2024

Not sure what to invest in to improve indoor air quality? You’re not alone. Both air purifiers and humidifiers offer unique health and comfort benefits, but how do you know which one is the right choice?

In today’s blog the Alberta indoor air quality experts at Action Furnace will break down the differences and benefits of each option, and how they work with and enhance your HVAC system, helping you make the most informed choice tailored to your needs.

Whether you’re battling allergies, dry skin or simply want to breathe a little bit easier, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive equipment options. Take a deep breath and let’s begin!

A panel of three images. The first image is an illustration of the air filtration process. The second image depicts the concept of creating good air quality. The third image shows a couple comfortably enjoying fresh air at home.

What Is An Air Purifier?

At Action Furnace we’re proud to offer air purification systems for every budget, size and type of home.

Able to be completely integrated with your home’s HVAC system, our air purification systems make sure every room in your home gets the best quality air!

As your HVAC system draws air from various areas in your home, it passes through a pre-filter which captures larger contaminants such as dust or pet hair. Next, a high-quality HEPA or a carbon filter traps smaller particles such as pollen or smoke, while also removing odors. Then the filtered air passes under a UV light to kill bacteria and airborne viruses. Once the air is treated it’s pushed back through your hVAC system and distributed throughout every room in your home.

A panel of three examples of air purification systems designed for different budgets, sizes, and types of homes. The systems are able to be completely integrated with your home’s HVAC system, ensuring that every room in your home receives the best quality air.

Benefits

Total Coverage - Purifiers provide clean air to every corner of your home, unlike portable units which are limited to a single area.
Convenience - Integrated systems require little to no maintenance once installed, and troubleshooting is included during your regular furnace or AC tune-up, so they’re a worry free option.
Efficiency - Purifiers are extremely energy efficient as they don’t require additional equipment to move the treated air throughout your home.
Improve Indoor Air Quality - Purifiers significantly reduce allergens and viruses that can cause serious respiratory and other health issues.

What Is A Humidifier?

A whole-home humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air before it’s distributed throughout your home. Just like air purifiers, humidifiers can be integrated into your existing HVAC system and ductwork to improve indoor air quality.

There are three main types of humidifiers on the market today. Evaporative humidifiers use a water pad that absorbs water. As air from the HVAC system passes through the pad, water evaporates into the air increasing its moisture.

Steam humidifiers heat water to create steam which is then dispersed into the air as it travels through your ductwork. Steam models are particularly useful for larger homes, and use less water than their padded counterparts.

And finally bypass humidifiers divert a portion of the warm air from the furnace over a water panel, where it picks up moisture before being returned to the air stream.

A panel of three examples of whole-home humidifier devices adding moisture to the air before it is distributed throughout the home. Just like air purifiers, these humidifiers can be integrated into your existing HVAC system and ductwork to greatly improve indoor air quality.

Benefits

Improved Comfort - Whole-home humidity control maintains comfortable moisture levels preventing dry skin, eyes and alleviating respiratory issues.
Protects Your Belongings - Prevents wood flooring and furniture from drying out, cracking and becoming damaged.
Energy Efficiency - just like whole-home air purifiers, humidifiers save you money on your utility bills by reducing the need to run separate appliances to increase comfort throughout your home. Humid air is also warmer air, which means you could turn down your thermostat, saving a couple more pennies on your monthly bills.
Static Reduction - Higher humidity levels help reduce static in your home which can be an annoying byproduct of our dry Alberta winters.

So What’s The Difference?

Essentially humidifiers add moisture to the air while purifiers remove contaminants. Both significantly improve indoor air quality, but it really comes down to your household's unique needs.

If you’re struggling with allergies or recurring illness, ask about our purifier options. If brittle hair, dry skin and constant shocks are ruining your day, check out our humidifiers.

Or, if you’re not sure which one to pick, give our experienced Home Comfort Advisors a call today. We’ll conduct comprehensive air quality testing and give you the best equipment options for your home and budget.

And once your chosen equipment is installed, consider joining our maintenance membership program, The Total Comfort Club, where you’ll enjoy priority service, savings on service and diagnostic fees, 10% off any future repairs and the most comprehensive HVAC system maintenance in Alberta!

We hope this blog helps you understand the functions and benefits of both purifiers and humidifiers and that you’re better equipped to make a decision to improve your indoor air quality. And hey, if incorporating both systems is of interest to you, don’t hesitate to give us a call, everyone deserves to breathe a little easier, and we’re here to help!

FAQs to Improve Indoor Air Quality

How Can I Get An Air Purification System That Fits My HVAC System?

The best way to ensure a flawless fit is with professional installation from Action Furnace. We’re familiar with all the major makes and models of furnaces, and our experienced technicians will be happy to recommend products and equipment options that will incorporate seamlessly, while also fitting your budget.

Can I Install A Humidifier Or Purifier Myself?

Installing equipment into your existing HVAC system is complicated and detailed work best left to our professional technicians. We’re continuously trained to provide safe and efficient installation services, ensuring that your equipment stays under warranty and preventing damage.

How Much Do Humidifiers And Purifiers Cost?

Equipment cost varies depending on the type of equipment, the size of the system and the features it has. Contact one of our Home Comfort advisors today for your free, no obligation quote.