Can I Use Humidifier With Air Conditioner?

If you live in a place that gets warm at some point during the year, you probably use an air conditioner to try and stay cool. Many people also enjoy using a humidifier during the winter when the air gets incredibly dry and you find your lips and skin cracking within the first few brutal weeks of the cold.

Many are unaware that an air conditioner can do just as much damage as the dry winter air. When the air conditioner is running for lengthy periods, the water that’s in the air will accumulate into drops that are discharged out of the room. This reduces the indoor humidity by a lot because air conditioners accelerate the rate of water evaporation. 

Can you use an AC unit and humidifier at the same time?

So you may be asking yourself, “Can I use humidifier with air conditioner?” Actually, yes — a humidifier can be very beneficial and effective if you’re living somewhere that requires constant air conditioning for some time. If you’re experiencing allergy-like symptoms inside your home such as a dry and itchy throat or dry skin, this means that the air is too dry, likely as a result of the air conditioner. 

Reasons to use a humidifier in summer

Humidifiers have many benefits during the summertime, such as alleviating allergy symptoms that you may be struggling with from pollen in the air. This is because it hydrates your body, which is useful in fighting the symptoms. If your body has cool mist to absorb, it will be energized and will be able to clear up congestion easier. Humidifiers can also kill germs and other contaminants so you stay healthy. 

Additionally, in the summer the hot sun might be drying out your skin — which humidifiers can combat. It will keep your body at a stable temperature while also clearing out your pores and preventing wrinkles. The skincare benefits from a humidifier during the summer will keep your skin looking hydrated and happy.

Even better, running both a humidifier and an air conditioner at the same time can save you money. This is because when the humidifier puts moisture back into the air, your air conditioner is now cooling wet air. This creates cooler air inside your home, which in turn allows you to turn up the temperature for your air conditioning and save money. 

What to keep in mind about using a humidifier

There are a few things to watch out for when using a humidifier. Make sure that you’re placing the humidifier in an optimal spot away from children and outlets. You should also be wary of what you place it on since it’s creating condensation and can ruin certain wood surfaces. The spot needs to be safe and waterproof to prevent any damage or danger. 

You also want to only fill it with cool or room temperature water because hot water has more minerals in it which will cause a build-up inside the humidifier. Not only is it gross to have a buildup of bacteria in the humidifier, but it will also deteriorate the condition of the vapor going into the air.

It’s also super important to clean the humidifier often, especially if you find yourself using it almost every day. You should be sure to empty and wash out the humidifier before every use because adding more water to previously stagnant water will just increase the number of bacteria. 

Finally, pay attention to the humidity levels in your house. If you’re running it too often without needing to, it can cause a buildup of mold and mildew inside your house. The ideal humidity level in your home is around 40%, and anything more than that will start to cause condensation on the walls, so pay attention to that.

Conclusion

Running a humidifier and air conditioner at the same time can be very beneficial to your skin, body, and AC bill. Just make sure you are doing it correctly so that you don’t run into the common mistakes many make when it comes to utilizing a humidifier and AC unit at the same time.