
If you’ve ever noticed condensation running down your bedroom windows, a faint musty smell in a cupboard, or a sudden sneezing fit the moment you start dusting, you might have wondered: “Do I need an air purifier or a dehumidifier?”.
You’ve come to the right place to find out. I’ve been reviewing air purifiers and dehumidifiers for the best part of a decade, and during that time, I’ve tested scores of both in my damp-prone, pet-filled period home. I’ve counted more airborne particles than you can sneeze at and emptied enough dehumidifier tanks to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool, so I have a pretty good idea which appliance actually solves which problem. Don’t just take my word for it, though; I’ve also spoken to air treatment experts and industry specialists to get their take on what these machines actually do and, just as importantly, what they don’t.