Humidifiers and dehumidifiers perform the same function of maintaining a comfortable relative humidity level in their immediate vicinity. However, they approach that goal from opposite directions and for different reasons.

The best humidifier for baby is designed to increase the moisture content of air or humidity. The dehumidifier does the opposite by removing water vapor from the air, thus lowering its relative humidity level.

Differences between Humidifier and dehumidifier

In order to understand the difference between a humidifier and a dehumidifier, it is necessary to know some basic facts about relative humidity.  It turns out that human beings are very comfortable at a relative humidity level of 50%, which renders the air neither too dry nor too moist. However, there are many factors that can cause the actual moisture content of the air in any given space to vary from this ideal.  The key is that a dehumidifier works in an entirely different way than a humidifier and thus, they address different problems when used together in the same space.

Performance

A humidifier increases the relative humidity level in an area, adding moisture to dry air. This is a very different function than a dehumidifier which removes moisture from an area, thus lowering its relative humidity level.    The main reason that a homeowner may want to increase the moisture content of the air is to prevent his or her houseplants from drying out and dying. For people who suffer from dry skin in either the wintertime or all year round, increased relative humidity can soothe and soften skin.

Usage

A dehumidifier is primarily used to address humidity issues that cause discomforts, such as musty odors and fogged windows. Decreasing the relative humidity level in an area will also decrease one’s susceptibility to airborne viruses and bacteria. It can be especially useful for people who suffer from allergies because dry air often aggravates sinus passages and nasal passages.

A humidifier is primarily used to prevent the drying out of houseplants, especially those that thrive in high humidity environments. They can also be helpful on cold winter days when people want to warm up their homes by turning up the heat without drying out the air too much. Humidifiers are particularly popular during the winter months when colds and flu are prevalent.

Purpose

The main purpose of a humidifier is to increase the relative humidity level in an area. This can be done by adding moisture to dry air or by releasing steam into the room.  Humidifiers are ideal for people with allergies, especially those who live in cold climates because they will help keep sinuses moist, making them easier to breathe.

A dehumidifier is used to remove excess moisture from the air, thus decreasing its relative humidity level. Dehumidifiers are ideal for cooling a room because they will improve one’s comfort by reducing condensation on windows and floors. It can also help decrease the chance of mold growing in a frequently damp area, such as a basement.

Which is safe for the baby?

According to the Pro baby guide, both humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be dangerous to children if used incorrectly.

Humidifiers – Not only are humidifiers often warm, but they also become very hot when in operation. Thus, it is important that young children not touch them or allow their fingers to get caught between the tank and its base when putting a new water supply into the device or removing one that is empty.

Dehumidifiers – Dehumidifiers are especially dangerous to children because they work by lowering the temperature of their surroundings, which can result in noticeable condensation on windows and floors.

Conclusion

A humidifier is designed to increase the moisture content of air or humidity. A dehumidifier does the opposite by removing water vapor from the air, thus lowering its relative humidity level. When used together in the same space, they will exponentially affect one’s comfort level since they both work on completely different functions.

A dehumidifier is used to remove excess moisture from the air, thus decreasing its relative humidity level. Dehumidifiers are ideal for cooling a room because they will improve one’s comfort by reducing condensation on windows and floors. It can also help decrease the chance of mold growing in a frequently damp area, such as a basement.