Because they’re such similar terms, it’s easy to confuse humidifiers and dehumidifiers. However, the two devices perform different, vital tasks that benefit homeowners who are dealing with moisture issues. Many HVAC companies recommend them to improve the quality of your indoor air, which ties directly into your comfort and the quality of your heating and cooling system. Here’s what you should know about both products.

Humidifiers

Wisconsin winters are notoriously cold and snowy. It’s not unusual for homeowners to feel the effects inside their homes, when the air suddenly grows drier and a variety of health issues develop. You may notice, for example, that your hair feels frizzy, your lips dry out, and your skin is rough. Individuals with already sensitive immune systems might experience nosebleeds or headaches or notice that their allergy symptoms worsen. Low humidity levels can even cause damage to wooden structures around the home, especially when the heating system is running at the same time.

Using a furnace humidifier is an easy way to reverse some of these seasonal worries. The device is designed to add moisture back into the air and restore the home to a more livable space—where you can enjoy the heating system without discomfort. Homeowners can select from cool and warm mist options, which release either breezy vapors or steam into the air. Because they provide the perfect environment for mold, however, you need to clean them regularly, so you don’t add contaminants to your indoor air.

Dehumidifiers

While Wisconsin summers are not traditionally long and torturous, there are certainly days filled with extreme heat and humidity throughout the season. You can combat its indoor effects by using a dehumidifier. This machine is designed to extract excess moisture from the air to prevent issues, such as mold and mildew, from contaminating your living space. High humidity levels foster an unhealthy environment that can be particularly bothersome for people with allergies. It’s not unusual for indoor symptoms to ramp up when humidity levels skyrocket.

There are several models available. The most common option for residential settings is the mechanical, which pulls air directly into the unit and goes through a dehumidifying process, where it extracts water from the air via the interior coil. The resulting dry air is then pushed back into the space.

Whether you’re concerned about your heating and cooling system, require HVAC maintenance, or want to find out about installing a high-quality humidifier or dehumidifier, you can trust the professionals at Steve’s Heating & Plumbing. Serving customers throughout Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Marshfield, and Wausau, WI, they offer reliable services at any hour of the day. You can visit them online to find out more about how they can help, or give them a call at (715) 421-1800 to schedule an appointment.