Unless this is the first thing you’ve read about the subject,
You probably have already realized that a humidifier dehumidifier combo is not really a thing that you can easily find on the internet.
Yes, you might find an experimental one somewhere…
But then again there’s probably a reason why they don’t exactly fill the shelves.
A humidifier and a dehumidifier, though they may sound like the same thing or very similar;
Are actually two very different machines with two entirely different functions.
A humidifier is used to add moisture to the air while a dehumidifier is used to extract moisture from the air.
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are not two appliances that are ran at the same time.
That’s probably the biggest reason why you don’t find too many combination humidifier and dehumidifier machines available.
Though you might be able to make the case that these two devices could be combined and work well together.
Why not? they both have a basin for water.
And you could easily see that basin being used to capture water when the humidity is too high.
And when the humidity is too low, adding water to the basin to humidify a room….
But the truth is, a dehumidifier is a pretty hefty device on its own that has a full compressor to condense the humidity out of the air.
And even the smaller dehumidifiers are quite a bit larger than a room humidifier.
And considering the usefulness you get out of a dehumidifier compared to a humidifier,
it doesn’t make it all that appealing to have a humidifier that is the size of a dehumidifier.
Another issue that I see is that a region that has a climate with excessive humidity is not likely to have a excessively dry season or vice versa.
And Dehumidifiers are more likely to be used less than a humidifier over the span of a year.
So having a device that is likely to be much bigger out of necessity,
during the time of year you don’t need it, doesn’t make combining a humidifier and a dehumidifier all that appealing either.
The bottom line is that these two devices are just not that useful when combined together. And the expense of doing so would not be worth it.
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Dehumidifier Humidifier Combo alternatives
For a lot of people who live in climates that are primary dry, a full blown dehumidifier with pump and hose is just too much.
Desiccants placed around the house can be a good solution and a reasonable combination to go with your humidifier. And they are a fraction of the cost of a full size portable dehumidifier.
The easiest way to describe a desiccant is to remind you of the tiny bags that manufacturers include in packaging to help keep their products fresh.
Those are desiccant bags. And you can find them in everything from cookies to shoes.
But desiccants also come in much bigger sizes and can reduce the humidity in a pretty good sized space.
Here’s a few examples of desiccant dehumidifiers that you can purchase.
Damprid
Damprid is a desiccant container that is available in different sizes. It can also be bought in bags with a hanger similar to what you hang a shirt on.
One kind of Damprid includes activated charcoal that is excellent at getting rid of musty smells.
Damprid is an excellent solution to absorb excess moisture in a small area. It can also be put away from view very quickly.
Eva-dry E-500 Mini Dehumidifier
Eva Dry Dehumidifiers run totally silent, have a 10-year life span, and do not require any refills.
These are dehumidifiers with small desiccant absorber beads which are specifically designed for smaller areas such as safes and closets. You may need more than one.
These units can take in up to 8oz of moisture, without the maintenance and emptying irritations associated with the compressor-based dehumidifiers.
Dehumidifiers do not have to be the size of a portable air conditioner either. There are several models that can be used in much smaller spaces.
Levoair Dehumidifier
A small dehumidifier, with the drain hose.
The tiny dehumidifier is able to reduce humidity up to 333 square feet.
It’s very quiet because it doesn’t have a compressor. Which is the reason that most dehumidifiers sound so loud.
It has a handle that it can be carried around with, and it is water-proof. Easily transportable with fewer chances of spilling.
A drain hose, already built-in, allows you to operate it without having to purchase it separately.
Room ventilation
So far we’ve only talked about combining a humidifier and a dehumidifier in a small portable package.
Many people find themselves with extra dry air in the winter and overly humid air in the summer.
So as we start to go down the rabbit hole of what to do to solve the problem, many times it seems obvious that we need a dehumidifier for the humidity and a humidifier for the dry weather.
But that is not necessarily the the answer.
With modern building practices, houses and homes are usually sealed up exceptionally well.
Though that is something you want, it can also be a problem when you’re talking about keeping the indoor humidity at the optimal level.
Sometimes just opening the window and letting some fresh air in will help with a dry or humid room.
But what about when opening a window is not an option? Like in the Winter.
That’s where adding a fresh air ventilation system to your existing HVAC can provide the fresh air into your home that can reduce humidity.
Many of these fresh air ventilation systems come with humidity sensors so that they do not allow excessive outdoor humidity into the home.
And they also come with built-in dehumidifiers to help reduce the humidity if it becomes a problem also.
Panasonic WhisperComfort Spot Energy Recovery Ventilator
Panasonic WhisperComfort Spot Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) is a unique way to offer an even airflow with an integrated ceiling ERV.
It is ideal for one room. The Panasonic FV-04VE1 WhisperComfort Spot ERV Ceiling Insert Ventilator has the lowest rate for continuous air exchange. This ventilator provides fresh air to replenish exhausted air, balancing the air pressure in the home.
WhisperComfort Spot ERV Ceiling Ventilator that has Balanced Ventilation and Patent-Pending Capillary core is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for 3 years beginning from the date of purchase. The item is sold only one unit per package.
Quiet, balanced ventilation: WhisperComfort cleanses the air and exchanges heat between outgoing and incoming exhaust air at a quiet pace that you may not even know it’s there.
LONG LIFE GUARANTEED:
- Panasonic ventilation fans use lesser energy to transport more significant quantities of air. The less energy used results in less motor failure and overheating and lowers repair expenses.
- The warranty is for three years.
- Clean air and save energy: Capillary Core cleans air by exchanging heat between outgoing and incoming exhaust air.
- Filters are simple to clean and remove.
- Easy-to-install: Designed for four” pipes, WhisperComfort has the mounting equipment needed, and it is very easy to install.
- Code Compliant: The item is ENERGY Energy Star certified and in accordance with ASHRAE 62.2 LEED as well as Washington VIAQ Codes and Standards.
Extractor fans
Extractor fans are very useful for bathrooms because they pull the moisture out of the room via a fan that expels into the attic.
Removing unwanted humidity by extracting it with a fan can be a much better solution than collecting it with a dehumidifier.
Extractor fans are also a great way to reduce humidity in a damp basement that doesn’t really need or have a place to put a full sized window AC.
AC Infinity AIRTITAN T8 Basement Ventilator Fan
- A fan system that is designed to provide airflow and humidity control to basements and crawl spaces.
- Reduces humidity by generating exhaust airflow, which helps to eliminate foul scents and fresh air out of your home.
- Controller with programmable function and cord that can regulate airflow according to temperature and humidity.
- Frame made of stainless steel that is heavy-duty and has IP-44-rated fans that are extremely resistant to liquids as well as dust.
- Wall Adapter included | Design: Exhaust | Dimensions. 18 x 9 x 1.6 in. | Airflow: 240 CFM | Noise level: 32 Dba
Air conditioning
Refrigerated air conditioning, whether it be what’s coming into your home via the central heat and air or a window air conditioner automatically combine dehumidification as part of cooling your home.
Summertime heat can be compounded by high humidity in the air.
And it’s at those times that cooling down with a fan or even a evaporative cooler are not going to suffice.
Newer AC units most always come with a dehumidifier setting besides their natural humidifying capacity.
MIDEA MAW12R1BWT
PROS
- The LED display on the front of its panel
- Provides fast and efficient cooling in rooms that range from 500 square. Ft.
- Dehumidification can help maintain a comfortable atmosphere within
- Easy to install using all the mounting tools included in the package
- EcoSave Function aids the unit to shut off when a temperature is reached to help save energy and money.
CONS
Only one-year warranty available.
Refrigerant with flammable properties that could cause a fire or even an explosion
Recap
Doing a search for a dehumidifier and humidifier combo is mostly likely a dead end.
Even though they may sound like a great combination of products to pair together,
They are not two products that are ever used at the same time and the technologies that they use to do their thing are completely different.
They are not compatible in the same way that say, combing a dehumidifier with an air purifier would be. Since they both work to reduce airborne pollutants.
Some solutions that can help manage humidity in the home and be a good combo with a humidifier or dehumidifier are products like:
- Desiccants
- Fresh Air Ventilation systems
- Extractor fans
- Air conditioners
You can purchase a humidifier with all the bells and whistles you can think of. But none of them will dehumidify.
Same thing goes for dehumidifier. There are some amazing units out there that will dry your room out like a prune. But they won’t add a bit of humidity.
