Can You Use A Humidifier In An Air Conditioned Room?

Monitoring the temperature and air quality in your home is crucial to your comfort and health. Chances are your home has an air conditioner installed that you commonly use to maintain a comfortable household temperature, and you may even own a quality humidifier that prevents the air from getting too dry. Given the contrasting functions of these appliances, you may wonder if you'll experience any problems by activating them at the same time. 

If this has ever crossed your mind, you'll be glad to know that having both your air conditioner and humidifier on simultaneously won't cause any major problems. In fact, there are even some benefits to operating both at the same time in specific situations. If the area you're residing in is experiencing low humidity, for example, the air can quickly become dry and irritable, such as during the winter months. 

Using a humidifier and air conditioner in conjunction, especially if the latter is equipped with a humidifying function, can help balance out your home's air quality in such a situation while preventing further issues such as static electricity buildup and dry eye syndrome. Having only your air conditioner on may dry out the air further, while only running the humidifier can lead to moisture buildup that can lead to bigger problems like mold. 

While air conditioners and humidifiers can be used at the same time, that doesn't mean you should do so constantly. As we've mentioned, there are moments when these appliances compliment one another and become powerful allies. On the flip side of that coin, there are other times when, while neither will necessarily harm the other, they can prove to be counteractive at best. 

Keep in mind that your air conditioner's primary function is to rid the air of excess humidity and moisture. This isn't all that bad during times when the general climate is dry and only your humidifier is producing humidity. However, in instances where the climate is overwhelmingly humid while your humidifier is running, especially if you're not cleaning it regularly, your air conditioner will be working far harder. On top of causing strain to your air conditioner's components, this also wastes electricity and, as a result, will see your expenses rise as a result.

It's important to be selective about when you use these two appliances at the same time. As a general rule of thumb, your home should always maintain a humidity level of between 40% and 60%. If you're unsure if your house is falling within this range, it's worth investing in additional tools such as a hygrometer that can help detect the humidity percentage. Likewise, there is an array of more advanced air quality sensors available to further help you understand the condition of the air in your home.