Lately, there has been a little craze regarding diffusers. These devices are mainly for emitting essential oil into the air. By doing so, they make the room smell pleasant. But many believe that it is possible to use these as humidifiers. So, here is what you need to know about using a diffuser as a humidifier –
Diffusers do not have the capacity to add enough water to the air. That means they can not effectively increase the humidity level. They are mainly for adding fragrance to the air, not for moisture.
But what are the main differences in terms of humidifiers vs. diffusers?
Can they make any contribution to the humidity level of the rooms? Keep on reading to find more regarding humidifiers and diffusers.
What Are Diffusers and Humidifiers?
To know whether you can use a diffuser as a humidifier, you need to know the core mechanics of both devices. So, let us get started on that.
Humidifiers
At its core, humidifiers are electronic appliances that add moisture to the air.
These devices can play an essential role in ensuring the right level of comfort in dry seasons. In such weather, the humidity of the air remains exceptionally low.
That eventually makes you face dry skin, dry throat, and chappy lip issues. With the humidifier, you can increase the moisture of the air.
So, humidifiers are basically for offering relief from the issues that you face in the dry seasons.
Wondering how these devices work?
Well, there are two types of humidifiers. One is cool-mist, which utilizes ultrasonic technology to create mist.
The other is a warm mist that relies on electricity to heat up water and creates steam.
Both devices need water to work. And the level of steam that they can produce will depend on the power and technology.
Read More: Where To Put Humidifier?
Read More: Do Humidifiers Help With Dust?
Diffusers
Like humidifiers, there are multiple types of diffusers. But regardless of the type, the primary purpose of these devices is to break up a mixture of water and essential oils.
After that, they produce a fine mist that makes the air of the room smell pleasant.
However, it is not just about adding a pleasant smell to the air. Different essential oils have different benefits. For example, lavender oil is mainly for supporting sleep.
In simple words, diffusers fill up the air with tiny breathable particles of essential oil. That results in the room getting a calmer and more pleasant-smelling ambiance.
But how do they work?
Most of the diffusers are ultrasonic. In other words, they have vibrating plates in them.
These platers create vibration, which breaks down the essential oil into small particles.
And these small particles exit the diffuser as mist, which mixes with the air and gives the room a calm and pleasant-smelling trait.
Diffusers Vs. Humidifiers – The Main Differences
There are some core differences between humidifiers and diffusers. And you need to learn about them to know whether you can use one instead of the other.
The Main Purpose
The primary purpose of the humidifier is to add moisture to the air. It does nothing less or nothing more than that.
On the other hand, diffusers are for making the room get the particles of essential oil.
Benefits that the Devices Can Offer
By adding humidity to the air, humidifiers aim to offer relief from dry air discomforts. That includes dry skin, dry throat, itchy skin, nasal congestion, and others.
On the contrary, the primary purpose of a diffuser is to provide aromatherapy. And it does that without increasing the heat and humidity of the air.
The Method that the Devices Utilize
Humidifiers take nothing but water inside. It heats up the water or utilizes ultrasonic plates to create a mist. The devices then disperse this mist into the air of the room.
In comparison, the diffusers will primarily rely on essential oil. Though different models will utilize various techniques, most will have ultrasonic plates.
This plate vibrates the essential oil and breaks it into fine particles. The fine particles are then dispersed in the air.
Size and Capacity of the Devices
The diffusers are small devices. They have, at most, the capacity to hold a cup of water.
Humidifiers are pretty large in comparison. They can hold at least half a gallon of water.
Does a Diffuser Add Moisture to the Air?
The diffusers will be able to add some moisture to the air. However, to notice even the slightest change of humidity, you need to keep the diffuser on for a prolonged amount.
For example, if the humidity of the room is 23 percent, you can make it reach 24 percent after running the diffuser for 30 minutes.
Note that the temperature of the room needs to be the same to get that slight change in the humidity level.
On the other hand, humidifiers will require 10 to 15 minutes to start up. And after that, they can increase the humidity level significantly.
Can You Use a Diffuser as a Humidifier?
Although it is possible to use diffusers as a humidifier, you will not get effective results out of them.
The diffusers are mainly for adding fragrance or essential oil into the air. Although, if you add just plain water to the device, it will output mist.
That might make you feel like diffusers can work as a humidifier.
However, you need to consider the fact that the mist produced by diffusers is extremely low. And the level of steam can not simply compare with what humidifiers output.
So, even if you can use diffusers as a humidifier, you should not. You will not get the benefits of a humidifier, and the diffuser will do much work in offering you relief from dry air issues.
Can You Use a Diffuser as a Humidifier for Plants?
Although diffusers are not as great as a humidifier, they can come in handy for plants.
By keeping the device very close to the plant, you can provide the plants with the right amount of moisture-filled air.
But you will not feel the need to use a diffuser for plants if you have a humidifier.
The humidifier will not only increase the humidity level of the air, but it will also provide the right amount of moisture-filled air to the plants.
Read More: Differences Between Air Purifiers Vs Humidifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a diffuser work as a humidifier?
Diffusers can work like a humidifier. But they are not as effective as a full-fledged humidifier. The amount of steam that the diffusers can offer is considerably lower than the humidifiers. So, it is better to rely on a humidifier instead of a diffuser to control the air’s humidity level.
2. Do diffusers add humidity to the air?
The diffusers can add humidity to the air. But the increase in moisture will not be that noticeable. For example, by running the device for 30 minutes, you can increase the humidity by 1 percent.
3. Can I use my diffuser as a humidifier?
You can use the diffuser as a humidifier as it can produce water mist. But remember that diffusers can not effectively increase the room’s humidity level. So, for better results, you should stick with a humidifier.
Final Words
In short, what you need to know about using a diffuser as a humidifier is that diffusers are not good at increasing the room’s humidity level.
They are mainly for dispersing essential oil. So, if you want to add moisture to the air, you will be better off with a humidifier.
Last Updated on June 23, 2023
