How do I manage humidity levels in my home?
Ever experienced dry air at home in winter when the heating is on full? Ever noticed mold on your walls, or have the feeling that your laundry isn’t drying properly? If yes, you need help managing the humidity level in your home!
Humidity is a tricky parameter to control, and when left untreated, can have negative effects on your health and wellbeing.
A humidifier or dehumidifier will help you to feel comfortable at home. Yet with all the options available out there, it can be difficult to know which to choose. Use our buying guide to help you find the best device for controlling humidity at home.
AQUA BOOST
When and why should I use a humidifier or dehumidifier?
Humidifier
For some, low humidity is a seasonal issue - but for others it’s a permanent threat to their health. A lack of humidity can “dry out” the respiratory system and cause a higher risk of infection, along with dry and itchy skin, nose and eyes. Humidifying the air makes it easier for your baby to breathe, as dry air can easily affect their breathing and skin.
Benefits:
Benefits:
- Humidifiers are a powerful tool for healthier air, and ultrasonic humidifiers are the safest and most powerful.
- Quick and quiet humidifying.
- The warm mist function prevents germs or bacteria. However, prefer cold mist if used in baby rooms.
Dehumidifier
Air humidifiers are designed to reduce the room’s humidity level.
Excessive humidity can negatively impact health and wellbeing by creating mold and other symptoms such as bad smells, excessive condensation and the inability to dry clothes.
At Rowenta, we opt for a compressor air dehumidifier. The benefits are that it’s highly efficient. However, they can be loud, consume a lot of energy and their efficiency depends on the temperature.
Excessive humidity can negatively impact health and wellbeing by creating mold and other symptoms such as bad smells, excessive condensation and the inability to dry clothes.
At Rowenta, we opt for a compressor air dehumidifier. The benefits are that it’s highly efficient. However, they can be loud, consume a lot of energy and their efficiency depends on the temperature.
How to choose your humidifier or dehumidifier
How do I choose the right air humidifier?
To find the right air humidifier for your home, you should consider the following:
- Who it’s for: If it’s for your baby, pay attention to safety features (no hot mist).
- Performance: The device and vapor density should be suited to the room’s surface area. For a large room, the vapor flow should be high, and is measured by the mist output (mL/h).
- Tank capacity: A humidifier with a large tank capacity will have more autonomy.
- The sound level: Choose a device with a low noise level so that you’re not disturbed. Some humidifiers have a night light function and a silent night mode. You can compare this information with the dB(A) level.
- The humidity level: Some humidifiers can be adjusted to set an optimum humidity level.
How do I choose the right dehumidifier?
To find the right dehumidifier for your home, you should consider the following:
- Surface area coverage: It is important that the appliance can dehumidify your room according to its size and surface area.
- Airflow: Arguably the most important, the airflow is the amount of humid air (in m3) that can be dehumidified over a certain time period (per hour or per minute). The higher it is, the more effective it is.
- Water tank capacity: The greater its capacity, the less frequently you will have to empty it. You can also attach an exhaust system for it to drain continuously.
- Hygrometer: You can use this to adjust your desired humidity level. As a reminder, the ideal indoor humidity level is between 45 and 60%. Electronic hygrostats automatically regulate the humidity rate, which then automatically switches on the dehumidifier.
- Dry linen function: Living in wet or humid areas can make drying clothes at home particularly difficult. A dehumidifier with a dry linen function is a quick and economical alternative to drying your clothes naturally.
- Comfort settings: There are a number of functions to improve comfort and usage such as automatic mode, auto switch off, a foldable handle, wheels and so on.
Features of dehumidifiers and humidifiers
Type | Humidifier | Dehumidifier |
Effective area | up to 50m2 | up to 100m3 |
Steam | Warm and cold | / |
Water tank capacity | 2,5 L | 2,4 L |
Sound Level | <40 dB(A) | 54 dB(A) |
Smart Modes | Auto, night and manual mode | Linen dry function, auto off, continuous draining |
Hygrometer | No | Yes |
Our customers can tell you better than we can
Top value for money. The appliance works really very well and we've already noticed the difference in air quality. We were at 80% humidity and now it's around 60% across the entire 55m2 apartment.
A very aesthetically pleasing product, even if that's not its primary purpose. It's also very easy to use. Very effective, and that's all we ask for. [...]