Does your house need an air purifier or a dehumidifier? We asked the experts

In Australia, we face a few air quality hazards, from ageing buildings to the lingering effects of smoke and pollen. Even if it’s invisible to the eye, our houses may not be as clean or dry as we’d hope.

But when you try to resolve the problem, you’re met with a tricky question – does your home need air purification or dehumidification?

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To find out what'll actually solve your home woes, we asked two experts: Taylah-Idle Miller, a product specialist at Shark, and Dr Peter Irga, a world-leading air treatment researcher at the University of Technology, Sydney.

What are air purifiers best for, and how do they work?

If you're someone who struggles with sneezing, itchy eyes, or a general feeling that the air around your house is dirty and dusty, then you're likely after an air purifier.

Here's how they work: think of an air purifier as a high-tech sifter for your air. It won't change the temperature or the moisture, but it will clear the air of floating debris and compounds, leaving you with a 'cleaner' quality.

Air purifiers have filters dedicated to this job, and Miller explains that the international standard in this space is HEPA filtration. "HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air," she says, "and to be classified as HEPA, it must remove at least 99.97 per cent of particles that are unseen."

What are the benefits of using an air purifier?

Miller suggests an air purifier helps create a more comfortable indoor space by continuously filtering out finer particles that may otherwise be inhaled, even helping in environments affected by smoke or pollution.

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The effects may not be immediate or even visible, but over time, you may notice fewer allergy symptoms, fewer lingering odours, and less dust settling.

However, the biggest trouble with air purifiers is that they can become a breeding ground for mould if you don't change the filters when necessary. Another trouble is that air purifiers are not going to pull out gaseous air pollutants.

So the simplest suggestion is to open up your windows and doors to flush the air out and ventilate your space. And if you can’t, that’s where air purifiers can become handy.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Browse air purifiers to shop:

Levoit Air Purifier for Bedroom Home

Was $219, now $128.99

Shark NeverChange5 Air Purifier

Was $349, now $284

Breville Smart Air Viral Protect Max Purifier

Shop for $599

LG PuriCare AeroFurniture Air Purifier

Order for $629.10

Dyson Purifier Cool Purifying Fan

Was $949, now $644

What are dehumidifiers best for, and how do they work?

Miller explains dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air, which helps reduce the dampness, condensation and mould commonly found in humid climates, coastal homes or wet areas around the house.

So if the air in your house is feeling sticky, your windows are forming lots of condensation, clothes are taking forever to dry, and the house has mould, you'll likely need a dehumidifier.

If you've just had a big downpour as well, and you suddenly feel like your wardrobes are damp, Dr Irga also suggests using desiccants in order to prevent mould growing on your clothes.

What are the benefits of using a dehumidifier?

A primary benefit of using a dehumidifier is the ability to control the humidity and prevent mould growth in your house. You'll see benefits if your house feels sticky, clothes take too long to dry, and if you have musty odours or visible mould.

Dr Irga also explains that some mould spores are allergenic, so in preventing these from growing, you'll likely experience fewer allergies in your house.

Browse dehumidifiers to shop:

Breville the Re-Fresha Mini Dehumidifier Kit

Was $99.95, now $89

Arovec Smart Dehumidifier & Air Purifier

Now $255.42

Ausclimate Cool Seasons Premium 10L Desiccant Dehumidifier

Was $499, now $379

LG 24L Smart Inverter Dehumidifier with Smart+ Mode

Was $799, now $711.91

Philips 3000 Series Air Dehumidifier

Now $604

READ MORE: We round up dehumidifiers that'll suit your needs