Physics of Dry Air: Is a Space Heater Drying the Air?

[hmmmm]

I am using a space heater (fan plus heater type thing) to heat a room and was wondering if this drys the air, because it sure seems to. As I understand it, dehumidifiers use a cold element to condense water out of the air, which is obviously different from the fan and heating element that makes up my space heater. Does anyone know what happens to water molecules when they pass through a space heater? Am I drying the air by using it?

 

[russ_watters]

In absolute terms, heating air does not dry it - it does not actually remove any water vapor from the air. But the relative humidity goes down as temperature goes up because air has a greater capacity to hold water the warmer it is. What really makes the air inside dry in the winter is that it is cold outside.

 

[sir-pinski]

Yes, using a space heater can dry the air in a room. This is because the heating element in a space heater heats up the air, causing it to expand and decrease in relative humidity. This decrease in humidity can lead to a feeling of dryness in the air.

When water molecules pass through a space heater, they are heated up and can potentially evaporate into the air. This further decreases the humidity in the room, as the water molecules are now in a gaseous state rather than a liquid state.

It is important to note that while a space heater can dry the air, it is not as effective as a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers use a cold element to condense water out of the air, whereas a space heater simply heats up the air. This means that a dehumidifier is better equipped to remove excess moisture from the air.

In conclusion, using a space heater can dry the air in a room, but it is not as effective as a dehumidifier. If you are experiencing dryness in the air, it may be beneficial to invest in a dehumidifier instead of relying solely on a space heater.