Key points:
- Both air purifiers and dehumidifiers purify the air.
- Air purifiers use a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to trap dust, pollutants, mould and pathogens.
- Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air via a fan which helps prevent the build up of mould, dust and other allergens.
If you’re someone who is susceptible to changes in the season or you want a cleaner environment in your home, choosing to purchase an air treatment appliance could be a great solution. Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are two types of appliances that help your home’s air quality remain clean and safe, but what’s the difference between the two? Read on to find out more about the two appliances with this Canstar Blue guide.
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What’s the difference between a dehumidifier and air purifier?
Air purifiers and dehumidifiers are extremely similar but serve slightly different purposes. While an air purifier circulates air to trap air-borne pollutants, such as dust and smoke, a dehumidifier reduces the humidity in the air while also killing mold and microbes. The appliances can both purify the air, but also have their own individual functions.
What is an air purifier?
An air purifier circulates air through HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, to remove up to 99.97% of common pollutants like dust, mould, pollen, odours and smoke. While common filters only remove large airborne particles, purifiers can eliminate smaller ones, too. Air purifiers do nothing to reduce humidity in the air.
Air purifiers cost from about $200 to $2,500 depending on the brand, size of the model and function. Entry level air purifiers will offer a basic filter while the more expensive models will offer more advanced features such as carbon filters and more.
Types of air purifiers
Air purifiers are classified based on the filters they use to clean the air. There are four main types.
- Standard HEPA air purifiers use a mechanical air filter to trap microscopic contaminants (larger than 0.3 microns), while filtering back clean oxygen into the room. This is the cheapest and most popular option.
- Ionic air purifiers use an electric field to emit negatively charged ions that attract airborne particles, including allergens, dust and bacteria, which then get trapped on a charged collector plate inside the unit. The negatively charged ions can generate ozone, so this option isn’t ideal for those who suffer from severe asthma.
- Activated carbon air purifiers use carbon that has been treated with oxygen, which effectively absorbs harmful organic molecules and fumes in the air. This is typically the preferred option for pet owners as it helps to dispel odours.
- Ultraviolet (UV) air purifiers use a short-wave UV light to ‘blast’ certain micro-organisms and eliminate the potential harm of airborne bacteria and viruses.
What is a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier removes excess humidity, or moisture, in the air. It uses a fan to draw air over cooled coils, which condenses the moisture in the air, before passing it over warm coils and blowing back ‘dry air’ into your living space. This helps reduce the build-up of airborne mould, dust mites and other allergenic organisms, however, it doesn’t kill germs.
Types of dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers are categorised based on the technology they use to extract moisture from the air. There are three main types:
- Compressor dehumidifiers (also called refrigerants) use refrigerated coils to remove excess moisture in the air by way of condensation, before warming it back up and releasing ‘dry air’ into the room. This is considered the preferred option if the temperature in your home typically exceeds 20°C.
- Desiccant dehumidifiers use a desiccant material to adsorb moisture from the air in a similar way to silica gel. A fan draws the air through a rotating wheel to dry it, before releasing it. These are generally quieter and more compact in design.
- Thermo-electric dehumidifiers use a thermo-electric effect that uses an electric field to remove moisture from the air and release dry air . These units suit smaller spaces and work best in warmer climates.
Do I need both of these appliances?
Which type of air treatment appliance you choose will ultimately depend on your living conditions, where you live in Australia, whether you have pets and if you have any allergies or asthma. If you’re looking for a dehumidifier, compare different brands below.
Or if you’d prefer an air purifier, check out our best-rated options below.
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