Air Purifiers vs Dehumidifiers - Which One Do You Need (Detailed Overview & Comparison)

Dehumidifiers and air purifiers are different devices with different uses. An air purifier helps to clean the air while a dehumidifier is for reducing humidity levels.

Although a dehumidifier and an air purifier both relieve allergic reactions to some extent, each affects the air differently.

Therefore, it is important to know the differences and functions of each so that you can pick the right one for your needs.

In this post, you will learn how they work, their pros and cons, their differences, and answers to frequently asked questions so you can decide which is better for your home.

Quick Jump To:

Part 1. What Does an Air Purifier Do

Part 2. What Does a Dehumidifier Do

Part 3. Differences: Air Dehumidifier vs Air Purifier

Part 4. Pros & Cons: Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier

Part 5. How to Choose: Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier

Part 6. The Hottest Questions: Air Purifier vs Dehumidifier

Part 1. What Does an Air Purifier Do

The air purifier circulates air through its filters, trapping air pollutants and returning clean air to your home.

The most commonly used filter in the market is the HEPA filter, which can eliminate almost 99.99% of particles down to 0.3 microns. With its high-efficient in trapping allergens, it is the best type of air cleaners for allergies.

Some smart air filters, like V3, feature activated carbon and cold catalyst filters, which can effectively remove odors and chemical smells.

Here are the airborne contaminants that a multi-layer air purifier like V3 can trap:

• Allergenssuch as pollen, dust, mildew, pet dander
• Chemical fumes like volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Smokes like cigarette smoke, wildfire smoke
• Odors such as pet odors, kitchen smells, and mold smells
• Other allergens and air pollutants

Air purifiers are very simple to maintain. You only need to change the filters every 3-6 months, depending on the type of filter.

Part 2. What Does a Dehumidifier Do

The dehumidifier removes moisture from the air and regulates the level of humidity in your home. The humidity in your home will remain at the ideal level of under 50% when the dehumidifier is running.

It works by drawing moist air to a cold coil, where it condenses into a liquid that drips into a bucket. After that, reintroduce the dry air into the room.

A dehumidifier cannot clean the air, but it will maintain a healthy humidity level for your room, reducing the growth of mildew, mold, bacteria, dust mites, and viruses.

Running a dehumidifier can:

• Reduce the musty odors
• Minimize the possibility of mold growth
• Lessen allergies caused by mold and dust mites

A dehumidifier is also useful for drying laundry indoors because it speeds up the drying process by removing moisture from the air.

After using the dehumidifier, you should empty the bucket and clean it to prevent mold growth.

Part 3. Differences: Air Purifier vs Air Dehumidifier vs Humidifier

These 3 models are designed for different needs. Here is the comparison chart of humidifier vs dehumidifier vs air purifier.

Part 4. Pros & Cons: Air Purifier & Dehumidifier

Big Hint: If you wanna know more about air purifier pros, click this post for more details.

Part 5. How to Choose: An Air Purifier or Dehumidifier

Which product you should buy depends on the type of air problems you have at home. 

Here is a quick check of what air problems each device solves:

#1. You May Need an Air Purifier If:

• You live in an industrial area or in a city where there is a lot of pollution outside.
• You always suffer from asthma or other respiratory diseases.
• You are allergic to pet dander, and pet hair, like cats, dogs, and birds.
• You are plagued by cigarette smoke, cooking, paint, detergent, and other chemicalsmells.
• You want to keep your home free of dust, pollen, and other allergens.
• You just moved into a newly decorated home that fills with chemical smells.
• You live in a place lack of ventilation.

#2. You May Need a Dehumidifier If:

• You live near the coast or in a damp environment.
• The humidity level in your home is over 50%.
• You often smell musty odors in your home.
• You see the condensation on the windows or pipes.
• You live in a hot and humid area.
• You want to reduce the moisture in your bathroom.

Part 6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What's the Difference Between Air Purifiers and Dehumidifiers?

An air purifier filters the air and removes air pollutants, while a dehumidifier reduces moisture and decreases humidity levels.

Q2. Which Is Better Dehumidifier or Air Purifier?

An air purifier is the better choice. Air purifiers can remove air pollutants such as pollen, dust, mold, dust mites, pet dander, smoke, odors and other air pollutants. Dehumidifiers are only effective against dust mites and mold.

Q3. Can You Use an Air Purifier and Dehumidifier Together?

Yes, of course! Air purifiers and dehumidifiers can be used in the same room. For optimal performance, keep your dehumidifier and air purifier at a distance of about 5 feet apart.

Q4. Air Purifier or Dehumidifier for Asthma?

An air purifier is usually the best choice because it removes almost all allergens that cause asthma while a dehumidifier can only reduce dust mites and mold.

Q5. Air Purifier or Dehumidifier for Basement?

Both are worthwhile investments for your basement.

Because basements lack ventilation and are prone to dampness and moisture, you can use a dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Basements are also a good place for the growth of other allergens, such as dust and toxic odors, due to the abundance of books, clothes, and old furniture. Thus, it is necessary to invest in a basement air purifier.

Q6. Air Purifier or Dehumidifier for Mold?

A dehumidifier is a better option because it can remove excess moisture from the air while also inhibiting mold growth.

Q7. Air Purifier or Dehumidifier for Allergies?

An air purifier is absolutely the best choice. An air purifier for allergies can remove almost all allergens, such as dust, mold, pet dander, and smoke. A dehumidifier can only defend against mold and dust mites.