February 18, 2022
Air Purifiers Versus Dehumidifiers in San Antonio, TX

The quality of your indoor air should be a top priority. Many of us spend 90% or more of our day indoors. Two products that can help improve the quality of air inside your home include dehumidifiers and air purifiers — each has its purpose and benefits. Here we will discuss how each one works, benefits, uses, and how they can be used together for maximum results.

How Dehumidifiers Work

Using a set of coils that contain a refrigerant, a dehumidifier pulls air in and cools it. As the air cools, the water precipitates out of the air and leaves through a drain line or is sent to a collection bin to be emptied out. The air leaving the dehumidifier is left much drier than the air going into it. Dehumidifiers come as standalone products or whole-home systems that are installed within your HVAC system.

Benefits and Uses for Dehumidifiers

For optimal indoor air quality and comfort, you want to keep the humidity in your home between 30% and 50%. Any higher than 50%, and it’s the perfect environment for mold, mildew, fungus, and dust mites to grow and spread. High humidity can make it more difficult to breathe and actually cause you to become dehydrated. Air that has a high amount of humidity in it also feels warmer and takes longer for your air conditioner to cool. You can actually save money on cooling costs in the summer by running a dehumidifier when the humidity levels are high. The dryer air will feel cooler on your skin, and you won’t have to set your thermostat as low.

The same is true in the winter. Dryer air will be easier to heat, and your system won’t have to work as hard. You just want to make sure your air doesn’t get too dry, as that can cause problems like dry nasal passages and itchy skin. You can take the effort out of monitoring your humidity levels by installing a whole-home dehumidifier that connects to a smart thermostat. It will do all the work for you and adjust when the humidifier runs as needed to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home.

The most humid month in San Antonio is May, when it averages just under 60% relative humidity. However, humidity levels tend to be pretty high in the early mornings most of the year at near 80% and dropping off to about 50% by mid-afternoon. The air inside your home will likely retain the humidity levels a lot more than the outdoor air that is exposed to the wind and sun. So, installing a whole-home dehumidifier that works with your HVAC system is a smart choice for homeowners in this Texas city.

The Different Types of Air Purifiers and How They Work

There are several different kinds of air purifiers that work in different ways. The most common is the filter-based type. In this type of air filter, the air is drawn through a filter where particles are trapped. This type works well for large things like dust, dirt, pet dander, and most pollen. They will not do much to rid your air of bacteria, viruses, and odors.

Ionizing air purifiers work by emitting negative ions into the air. Since most contaminants are positively charged, these negative ions attract to them. When the negative ions attach to the contaminants, it makes them heavy, which causes them to settle to the ground and on the surfaces of your home. While this type gets the pollutants out of the air, you will have to vacuum and dust regularly to remove them from your home completely. A downside of this type of system is that it can cause there to be ozone in the air, which has been shown to have some negative health effects.

Another type of air purifier is the UV light. This system is usually installed in the return vent of your HVAC system. As air is pulled through the vent, it passes through the UV light, which breaks down the pollutants. While this system will not do much for large particles like dust and pet dander, it will kill bacteria, mold spores, viruses, and other biological contaminants. This is due to the fact that UV light breaks down the DNA structure of these contaminants. Combining a UV light with a filter is an excellent way to achieve the best indoor air quality.

At Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating, we have experts that know everything about indoor air quality in San Antonio. They can walk you through the different options and help you choose the best system based on your needs and budget.

Why You Should Install an Air Purifier

Installing an air purifier system helps to physically remove contaminants and allergens from your indoor air. The air inside your home can actually be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. Since modern homes are built to be airtight and energy efficient, there isn’t much air exchange happening. This can cause allergens and other pollutants to build up inside your home. Installing an air purification system then becomes essential.

When your air is clean, you can breathe better, sleep better, and reduce the spread of illness around your home. Those with allergies and other respiratory ailments will find comfort in a home that has a good air purification system. Your household will be healthier overall.

The following are physical signs of poor indoor air quality and the need for an air purification system:

  • Labored breathing
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Sneezing
  • Congestion
  • Dizziness
  • Coughing

Using a Dehumidifier With an Air Purifier

Using a dehumidifier together with an air purification system can really make a difference in the quality of your indoor air and your overall comfort. The dehumidifier will work to keep the humidity levels at a percentage that does not encourage mold and mildew growth. Air that is at the right humidity level also takes less energy to heat and cool. This will reduce the workload on your HVAC system. The air purifier will remove particles and other contaminants before they are able to flow through your ductwork. By keeping debris from settling on the internal workings of your system, you also improve its efficiency and reduce the need for unexpected repairs.

Your Go-To Indoor Air Quality Experts

Dust and mold are a common issue in San Antonio due to the area’s humid climate year-round. At Beyer Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer a number of different air quality solutions, including:

  • REME HALO® Air Purifiers
  • UV Lights
  • Ventilators
  • Dehumidifiers

Before we suggest a system, we will inspect your system and ductwork. If your ductwork is dirty, even the best air purification systems will only do so much. That is why we also offer duct cleaning and repair services. We also offer comprehensive heating and cooling services that include maintenance, new installations, and repair. If you want to know more about indoor air quality and if a dehumidifier or air purifier is right for you, give us a call today.

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