During the humid rainy season or days with poor air quality, many households will consider using dehumidifiers, air conditioners for dehumidification or air purifiers to improve the indoor environment. However, these three devices have different functions and applicable scenarios, how to choose?

Comparison of Applicable Scenarios

(1) Dehumidifier: suitable for high humidity environments

Best use scenarios:

Plum rainy season, return to the South (walls, floor seepage).

Basement, bathroom and other humid areas.

Exclusions:

Heavy air pollution (unless model with HEPA filter).

Low temperature environment in winter (efficiency of condensing dehumidifier decreases).

(2) Air conditioner dehumidification: suitable for high temperature and high humidity in summer

Best use scenario:

When it is hot and humid in summer (e.g. “sauna day” in the south).

Temporary cooling + dehumidification (such as living room, bedroom).

Not applicable:

Winter (air conditioning dehumidification will blow cold air and reduce comfort).

When only dehumidification is needed without cooling (air conditioner dehumidification is less efficient).

(3) Air purifier: suitable for environments with poor air quality

Best use scenario:

Haze weather (filter PM2.5).

Pollen season, pet family (reduce allergens).

Newly renovated rooms (adsorb formaldehyde, TVOC).

Exclusions:

High humidity environment (unable to reduce humidity, may breed mold).

Final Purchase Advice

Choose a dehumidifier if:

✔ You live in a humid area (e.g. South).

✔ You need efficient dehumidification but don't want cooling.

✔ You have a mold-prone space such as a basement, bathroom, etc.

Use an air conditioner to dehumidify if:

✔ You need cooling + dehumidification primarily in the summer.

✔ You don't want to buy an additional dehumidifier (for short-term use).

Choose an air purifier if:

✔ You are more concerned about PM2.5, pollen, odors, etc.

✔ The air quality in your area is poor (e.g. northern haze).

Best combination solution (not bad version):

Dehumidifier (to cope with humidity) + Air purifier (to cope with pollution), suitable for families with high requirements on indoor environment.

Summarize

Dehumidifier, air conditioner dehumidification and air purifier have their own focus, there is no absolute “best”, only “the most suitable”. According to your main needs (humidity, temperature, air quality) and budget, choose the most suitable equipment to make your home environment more comfortable and healthy!