Air Purifiers, Ventilators, and Humidifiers: What’s the Difference?

Modern devices can improve the air quality in your Dumfries, Virginia, home. Learn the differences between an air purifier, ventilator, and humidifier. When you know what these devices do and how they work, you can decide which one is best for your home.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers filter pollutants such as pet dander, pollen, spores, and smoke out of the air. Removing these nasties doesn’t just help those with allergies, it lets everyone inside your home breathe healthier. So, how does it work?

Mechanical air purifiers pull your home’s air through a filter, catching the pollutants in the filter’s tight fibers. Another style, electric air purifiers, generate a charge that attracts air pollutants like a magnet, removing them from your indoor air.

Ventilators

Ventilators keep the air inside your home fresh without wasting energy. Getting fresh air into your home prevents the buildup of indoor air pollutants that lower indoor air quality (IAQ). Now, how does a ventilator do this?

Energy recovery ventilators capture the temperature of the stale indoor air it pumps outside. The ventilator transfers the temperature to the fresh outdoor air it brings into your home. This exchange preconditions the fresh air to match the temperature inside your home, reducing energy waste.

Humidifiers

Humidifiers improve IAQ by adding moisture to the air in your home. Overly dry air can be an issue during heating season in the colder months. Dry air causes irritations such as sore throats, chapped lips, and itchy skin. How does a humidifier combat dry air?

A humidifier allows you to control the moisture level of your indoor air. In Virginia, use your humidifier to keep your indoor air at a moisture level around 45 percent. This level will keep your family comfortable without creating moisture buildup.

Brennan’s Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving Dumfries, Virginia, and the Northern Virginia area since 1979. We have the local knowledge, and products to help you improve your indoor air quality. Call us at 703-783-0145today to experience our award-winning customer service for yourself.

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