The word “diffuser” can apply to a wide variety of products that all perform one specific function: distribute material evenly across a given area. A reed diffuser and an industrial diffuser don’t look or operate the same, and the elements they work with are different, but the direct results are proportionately the same.

The main types of diffusers used in residences and businesses are:

1. Reed diffusers – currently extremely popular items used to add mild, appealing aromas to indoor areas.

2. Optoelectrical diffusers – distribute light to aid vision and perspective in a variety of products and industries.

3. Industrial diffusers – control airflow in a number of products, including hair dryers and indoor-aeration systems.

4. Gas diffusers – remove gaseous chemicals from wastewater in treatment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use reed diffusers to add pleasant aroma to all parts of your home or office

Air fresheners linger in one spot and have that too-familiar 'air freshener smell.' You won't want to leave candles unattended. Plug-ins evaporate quickly making it expensive to maintain. Reed diffusers solve these issues by using alcohol, which naturally disperses into the atmosphere through evaporation.

I recommend: Purchase reed diffusers and supplies from The Diffusery. For more information on how reed diffusers work, visit the popular candle/aroma manufacturers Yankee Candle, which also carries a wide selection of reed diffusers.

Research optoelectrical diffusers and equipment manufacturers for the best products and services

Optoelectrical diffusers use light defractors and lasers to accurately view things that cannot be seen correctly with the naked eye, due to obstacles like atmosphere, angle or size. Optical diffusion needs to be exact to work properly; you'll want to look at companies with excellent customer service records.

I recommend: Lightwave Enterprises takes custom orders for specific defractive visual needs inside machinery. Register at Global Spec’s engineering to use its search engine of diffuser manufacturers.

Decide if industrial diffusers will improve your home or work environment

Do you have a heating/cooling system for the air inside you area? Maybe the space is too big or too heavily populated for the processed air to flow equally to all parts, like a mall, warehouse or high-ceilinged lobby? Air diffusers will distribute that air for everyone's comfort. Industrial diffusers are available for extremely large areas.

I recommend: Ruskin offers two types of air diffusers that you can set up blade-by-blade to get the exact air diffusion you want. Trox Technik's USA branch offers electrical diffusers for the largest industrial-size areas.

Invest in top-model gas diffusers for best results in wastewater treatment

These diffusers remove hazardous gaseous chemicals from water during the treatment process. If your company uses and recycles a lot of water, reliable diffusers and equipment will be very important.

I recommend: Review a variety of gas diffusers sold by diffuser suppliers like Diffused Gas Technologies in Lebanon, Ohio. Saf-T-Flo works directly with its customers and offers technical consults before selling its products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The key to diffusion is equal distribution regardless of type, purpose or product. If your diffuser fails to do this, it means that your product isn't working.