Should a dehumidifier and an air purifier be placed in the same room?

In the name of cleaner air, you won't get much cleaner than running both a dehumidifier and air purifier in the same room. Harmful pollutants, allergens, and high humidity levels will be removed from your space, giving you the purest air to breathe at home.

When comparing dehumidifiers vs air purifiers, we appreciate that they're doing very different things to our air. The best dehumidifiers remove moisture and lower humidity levels, while the best air purifiers capture particles like pollen, pet dander and smoke.

So is it ok to have both of them running in the same room? Below we analyse all the things to consider if doing so, with help from the air quality experts.

Should a dehumidifier and an air purifier be placed in the same room?

There's no real concern with doing so, it'll just mean the room will have really good air quality. Many homes with HVACs run simultaneous air purifying and dehumidifying functions anyway, so it's nothing new.

But there are some things to consider. Firstly, ask yourself whether this is the best place to put the two machines, as one or both of them might be better suited somewhere else in the house.

'The air purifier should be placed where you spend most of your time. Commonly this is a bedroom or living area. A dehumidifier should be placed where the humidity is higher. Often this is a basement,' explains Peter Mann, CEO of Oransi.

If you would benefit from having them both on in the same room, then consider how they work individually. As Asif Bux, service manager at Comfort Union, says: 'Ensure there is enough space between the two devices to allow for proper air circulation.'

The best place to put an air purifier might not be the best place for a dehumidifier. Both appliances collect air from the around the room, and they have their own fans to create an airflow depending on the room size. Making sure there's enough space between them will prevent interference with each other's air flow. It's one of the things I wish I knew before buying a dehumidifier.

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Then, consider energy consumption and noise. Keeping a dehumidifier and air purifier running from the same outlet might put a strain on your fuse box, especially if you're running them at high speeds.

And while many brands make claims of whisper-quiet noise levels, both machines famously aren't that quiet. They both use fans to operate while also undergoing processes within the unit - whether it's filtering out particles or condensing moisture into a water tank. So, bare in mind that keeping them both running simultaneously could be a bit distracting.

It's also worth mentioning that dehumidifiers can create the feeling of cooling down a room, and air purifiers feel like they're blowing cold air. Put the two together and it might create a colder environment in the room.

Before improving your breathing at home, remind yourself of how to choose the right air purifier for your home and lifestyle, to bring the best air purifier into your space.