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The air around us keeps on changing throughout the day. There are a number of factors involved that make the air either friendly or hostile to breathe in, these include but are not limited to temperature, humidity, pressure, PM10, PM2.5, wind speed, etc.
A change in any of these can directly impact the effort you have to put in to breathe. If you’re finding it difficult to breathe at night even if everything else seems the same, then humidity might be the culprit.
Does Humidity Increase at Night?
Yes, cold air has a lower saturation point and as temperatures drop when the sun sets, the air is unable to hold the moisture it was previously holding, making the humidity levels rise.
In simple words, the hotter the air, the more moisture it can hold. The colder it is, the less efficient it is at retaining moisture. It is common knowledge that temperatures drop at night and that can lead to the above-stated phenomenon.
There are various scientific studies from authentic sources that explain why humid air is difficult to breathe in. If you have a respiratory condition, like asthma, the effects can be even stronger as humid air is known to aggravate certain conditions.
Do Air Purifiers Help Against the Rise in Humidity Levels?
No, contrary to popular belief, air purifiers do not help with humidity. This article from Air Purifier Mag perfectly explains why humid air goes unaffected through an air purifier.
The article also explains why humid air ‘feels’ drier after an hour of use of an air purifier. Air purifiers merely cycle the air multiple times through filters and blow it back into the indoor space, usually at a particular angle. This helps distribute the air (and hence the moisture) evenly throughout the indoor space.
This can make it feel drier when actually the ambient humidity levels remain the same.
Is There a Remedy for the Night Humid Air?
If you’re looking towards an air purifier to provide help, that is not going to work. A dedicated air quality device called a dehumidifier passes the air through a condenser that causes the water droplets to be liquified and collected in a reservoir (that can later be emptied).
Air conditioners and HVAC systems can also help achieve the same results as the internal condenser in these devices help liquefy the airborne water vapours.
Can Multiple Air Quality Products be Used Together?
Yes, you can use an air purifier with a dehumidifier. If you have any respiratory condition it is recommended to use an air purifier regardless of the humidity levels.
If humidity is also a problem, you can use a dehumidifier alongside a purifier in the same room. This can help improve the efficiency and life of the air filters inside an air purifier, helping with the quality of indoor air while also keeping the maintenance costs in check.
Verdict
It is suggested to keep the indoor space well ventilated during the night, but if that is not possible using an air purifier alongside a dehumidifier is your best bet against the rising night time humidity levels.
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