Humidifier versus Dehumidifier

[Lilmix03]

I'm Severe Asthmatic and I also suffer from Frequent sinus infections, allergies and ear problems. I've heard good things about Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers for Asthma but I'm not sure which one would be better for me, my house also has issues with mould and damp. Could someone advise me on this?

[Mandevilla]

What makes your asthma worse - dry conditions or damp ones? If you are more likely to get flareups when it's raining or misty or very humid, then you probably need a dehumidifier. If you are the kind of person who hops in the shower to ease your breathing, then you probably need a humidifier!

The only way to know is to try them out. Do you know anyone who has either who could lend you one? Otherwise, you can find dehumidifiers quite cheap on Ebay/Gumtree etc (I'm assuming the same for humidifiers, but as I'm definitely in the 'worse when damp' camp, I've never looked for them!)

If you get one that is also an air purifier, you may find that also helps with the allergies if your allergens are airborn.

[Lilmix03 in reply to Mandevilla]

I'm a mix of both! 😂 Sometimes I can get a bit chesty and tight in the Summer when it's humid which is probably allergy related but then I'm also worse when it's cold and damp, showers/ steam are my best friend where my asthma/ allergies/ sinus issues are concerned.

[Mandevilla in reply to Lilmix03]

Maybe try a second-hand dehumidifier/air purifier to see how you get on with it? Just thinking that you can create a humid atmosphere in your bathroom if you need more humidity, but less is probably harder to achieve!

We have four now!!! The first one, I think we paid £30 for second-hand. The second one we got, which is the best, was £40 and we just picked up another two last month for £20 each. We have a horrendously damp house (tied house which goes with the job, so moving not an option without changing jobs!) and having four means I'm not holed up in one room but can move around the house almost normally in damp weather.

[Poobah]

Ideal home humidity lies between 30 & 50%, but there will be times when certain rooms will exceed that, showering/bathing, laundry and drying clothes indoors, cooking. At those times, if there's no mechanical ventilation, open windows to release the excess humidity.

Before you splash out on a humidifier or dehumidifier, I would monitor humidity levels for at least a couple of weeks, maybe a month. You can buy a hygrometer for around £5 on Amazon. You may discover that the humidity is too high or too low in certain rooms and then you can decide if you do need mechanical help and in which areas. And taking measurements before you start using central heating and then after you start the CH season will give you an idea of what's happening over time.

But maintaining these humidifier & dehumidifier machines is very important as you don't want them to become the source of the problem. Cleaning and changing filters is necessary to achieve optimum results. So the expense goes beyond just the purchase.

Rising damp may need other solutions and a reputable builder can give you advice.

[peege]

If your home is damp with mould you definitely don't need a humidifier, it's highly likely to make it worse. I got a small dehumidifier via amazon as an experiment for £35, it only holds a litre & doesn't have emergency cut off (if the reservoir overflows). Its amazing how much moisture it collects over 24 hours in a basement room that's musty rather than damp.

Have you thought of an air purifier? If money's no object then Dyson are highly recommended.

[SuziElley]

Of you have mold and damp in the house then I imagine you’d benefit from a dehumidifier

[strongmouse]

Could be that you have an allergy to mould, dustmite or fungus?

Getting rid of mould is important as far as possible. Perhaps check carpets for dustmite or as a resorvoir for moulds? If possible replace carpet with wood or lino (check you don't react to chemicals given off). It can b very difficult to sort out what is effecting you. You can ask GP for allergy testing or to refer you to local allergy specialist. Grass pollen is higher in the summer. It really does help if you know what you are allergic to.

Hepa filters can help, and vaccuum cleaners with hepa filters.