Can You Run a Humidifier & Dehumidifier at the Same Time?

When you think of humidity, you typically think of somewhere on the beach where it’s nice, warm, and sunny. However, did you know that there is indoor humidity right in your own home? High humidity and low humidity within your home can cause health and comfort issues, such as cracked floorboards, an increase in static electricity, and even higher monthly utility bills.  

At Fire & Ice, we like to live by the motto, “He (or she) who controls the humidity controls comfort.” That said, this article will explain what humidity is, common terminology regarding humidity, issues that arise when too much (or too little) humidity is present, examples of when you would use a humidifier or dehumidifier, and if you can run them simultaneously.

What Is Humidity?

Before we get into the technical terms surrounding humidity, it’s important to know what it is. Simply put, humidity is the amount of water vapor within the air of a given space and controls how you feel in your home. However, don't confuse this with “ambient temperature,” which is the temperature inside your home minus any humidity.

The ideal humidity for any home is between 30% to 50%. Nevertheless, at Fire & Ice, we strive for somewhere between 40%-60% total humidity.

What Is a Humidifier?

It’s an accessory directly inserted into your ductwork. It uses your water line (typically from your hot water heater) to drip water onto a panel, which is then vaporized and sent through your ductwork and into your living space to be evaporated.

Types of Whole Home Humidifiers

1. Bypass Humidifier: this is the most common of the three and works by using the airflow created by your furnace- more specifically, it uses the blower fan to evaporate air.
   When the warm air from the furnace blows over the panel, creating moisture, which then is evaporated and moved throughout your ducted system.
   
2. Power Humidifier: this is similar to the bypass humidifier, but instead of relying on the fan from the furnace (or air handler), it has its fan inside it.
   This allows the humidifier to facilitate air evaporation without passing through the furnace first.
   
3. Steam Humidifier: is the least common of the three, and it's typically less effective than the models above.
   Nevertheless, it works by boiling water to create steam. Then, that steam is distributed throughout your home, which can be less energy efficient. Not to mention, it can also cause your monthly energy bills to spike.

Also Read: What’s the Best Way to Control Humidity in Your Home?

What is a Dehumidifier?

It is an HVAC accessory that is commonly described as a “mini air conditioner,” mainly because it has a compressor that intakes regular/ humid air, conditions it, and expels dehumidified air.

Typically a dehumidifier is unducted and is constantly running to pull air from the room you're trying to “dehumidify” and release it back into your HVAC systems airflow.

Aprilaire E100 Whole Home Dehumidifier

At Fire & Ice, we recommend the Aprilaire Whole Home Dehumidifier. We have partnered with Aprilaire for years, and they have become one of our most trusted partners.

It’s one of the best dehumidifiers in the HVAC market. We partner with them because they’re industry leaders in IAQ products and regularly update and create new technology with added benefits.

Keep in mind a humidifier affects your whole home, while a dehumidifier still affects your entire house; it’s best used in an unducted, open space, like a basement. That said, any homeowner, regardless of their relative humidity, can benefit from investing in a humidifier, dehumidifier, or both.

What Does Temperature Have to Do With My Home’s Humidity?

Certain types of temperatures are important when determining the state of your humid air. Below are the three types of temperatures for humid air; Dry Bulb, Wet Bulb, and Dew Point Temperatures.

Dry Bulb Temperature

This is the most commonly used temperature on your thermostat. It relates to the ambient air (the air not affected by moisture in the air).

Wet Bulb Temperature

Is the adiabatic saturation (the temperature begins to evaporate into the air, which occurs without a heat loss or gain), which then makes the air saturated (turning liquid into a gas). This can also relate to how the temperature feels.

Dew Point Temperature

It is measured by the temperature where water vapor begins to condensate out of the air; in other words, the temperature at which air becomes completely saturated.

For example: if the dew-point temperature is close to the dry air temperature, your humidity levels are high. On the other hand, if your dew point is below the dry air temperature, then you have low humidity levels.

Did you know that if you know of at least two of these factors, you can determine the state of moist air? This also includes the content of water vapor and the type of energy in the air.

What Happens if I Have Too Much or Too Little Humidity in My Home?

Like anything else in our world, there are concerns with high/low humidity levels; below are some of the most common problems with high/low humidity levels in a residential home.

Problems Caused By High Humidity Levels

●     Dust Mites- love cold, dark, and wet spaces. If dust mites are present, you can also guarantee there are other insects present as well (ex: spiders).

●     Mold & Mildew- these types of fungi need a cold, wet, and dark place to grow, making a basement with excess humidity the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow.

●     Nasal & Allergy Irritants- If mold spores or high humidity are in your home, you won't breathe as easily.

●     Hot Spots- keep in mind that heat rises. So, while your downstairs is cool, your upstairs temperature may vary depending on your home's relative humidity.

●     Wet Woodwork- too much moisture in the air can harm your wood flooring or furniture. Wet woodwork can absorb water, which makes it expand, and too much expansion can warp your floors.

Problems Caused By Low Humidity Levels

●     Cold Spots- if there are cold spots in your home, it can be due to your home's relative humidity; however, it can also be caused by an over/undersized HVAC system, your ductwork, or drafty windows.
If this is an issue in your home and you can’t determine the cause, call your trusted heating and cooling professional to diagnose the problem at its source.

●     Increased Risk of Illnesses- a low-humidity environment is the perfect breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, which becomes a big problem, especially during flu season.

●     Skin & Throat Irritation- If you are experiencing cracked/dry skin, a sore throat, or nose bleeds, it could be caused by low humidity.

●     Dry Wood- as stated earlier, too much moisture can cause your floorboards to warp and expand; however, on the other hand, too little humidity can dry out your wood and cause it to shrink.

Can I Run a Humidifier and Dehumidifier at the Same Time?

Now that we've gone over what to look for concerning your humidity and its technical terms, we can get the question we’re all asking: “Can I Run a Humidifier and Dehumidifier at the Same Time?”

In fact, contrary to popular belief, you CAN run a humidifier and dehumidifier simultaneously.

Won’t They Cancel Each Other Out?

Yes, they can “cancel” each other out; however, this is to a specific point. Remember that a dehumidifier concentrates on the basement, while a humidifier focuses on the liveable space. That said, both relate to your home's humidity and how your HVAC add-ons are installed is more important than the equipment you purchase.

Since they both target different aspects, they can work together to provide your home with cleaner and more conditioned air.

What Are Examples of When A Homeowner Would Want To Run a Humidifier and Dehumidifier Together?

Example #1: During the winter season is when most homeowners will opt to use both indoor air quality products together.

Picture this: It’s the winter, and your home is struggling with a muggy basement. Keep in mind that basements are typically dark and damp places, which is the perfect environment for insects, bacteria, mold, and mildew to thrive.

In this instance, a homeowner would want to run a humidifier and dehumidifier simultaneously to keep all of the impurities and insects at bay. Yes, your utility bill may increase in winter, but that’s better than you and your loved ones breathing in dangerous (and sometimes fatal) mold.

That said, because the humidifier will not get any help from the humid basement, it will have an indirect effect on the humidifier. In contrast, the humidifier will not have an indirect effect on the dehumidifier.

Example #2: I live in an older home, so my house tends to be more humid.

“As part of the residential sales team, I see the benefits of investing in a whole-home humidifier, dehumidifier, or both, especially since I live in an old home close to a creek. So naturally, my basement is extremely humid.

However, we have a gas HVAC system; therefore, since the cold air outside is dry and because of my gas furnace, the air inside the home will be dry, especially upstairs, since heat rises.

Not to mention, my kids have terrible allergies, so when the air in the living space is dry, it can affect their allergy symptoms, which isn’t fun for any of us. Because I recognized that this was a problem in my house, I wanted to ensure I had a plan for when it was hot, cold, or anywhere in between.

Remember, what may be best for MY home and MY family will differ between households. It’s all about finding a balance between different zones and temperature settings for you and your loved ones. I also invested in the Reme Halo. I can keep my home at my optimal comfort by utilizing these three HVAC accessories in my home.”

Will My Energy Bills Increase By Running Both Simultaneously?

To be completely transparent, yes, it will increase your energy bills since each HVAC accessory uses water, electricity, or both. Nevertheless, a humidifier and dehumidifier directly affect the comfort of your home.

By a general rule of thumb, the more humid the house, the warmer it will feel; thus, you may not have to use your furnace at the same capacity since your home “feels” warmer, increasing your furnace's energy efficiency and decreasing its energy usage overall.

Can I Have Too Many HVAC Accessories/ Purifiers?

In our expert opinion, you can never have too many indoor air quality/ HVAC accessories. However, if someone in your home has a comparable immune disease or suffers from terrible allergies, one or a combination of our indoor humidity air quality products may be right for you, your home, and your loved ones.

While on the other hand, someone who is only trying to get moisture in their air to cut down on dry air, nose bleeds, or their home's static electricity, they would only need a humidifier. Nevertheless, it comes down to your temperature, overall comfort, and your indoor air quality preferences.

Next Steps

Are you a homeowner in Columbus, Ohio (or any of the other surrounding areas) who is having issues with their home's humidity level?

If so, you can click below to schedule an in-home estimate to determine the price point for installing an HVAC accessory for your home.

At Fire & Ice, we know you work hard to keep your home at your optimal comfort level, and we understand how important it is for you and your loved ones to have a comfortable and happy home.

Schedule an in-home estimate today and experience the Fire & Ice difference!