During the summer and winter seasons, sometimes temperatures can be unbearable, so most people choose to use home appliances such as air conditioners. Dehumidifiers, on the other hand, help to keep your home cooler. So, can you use a dehumidifier and air conditioner simultaneously? The answer to this question is a resounding yes.
However, using both of these appliances at the same time will depend on the season. Air conditioning units can remove up to 18 gallons of water in a room, while you can use a dehumidifier after the air conditioning season to reduce humidity levels.
How a Dehumidifier Works
The main objective of a dehumidifier is to draw warm air currents into its coil via a fan. Therefore, a dehumidifier works by taking moisture out of the air in your house. The warm air contracts as it’s fed through the refrigerated coils of the machine, leaving condensation inside the dehumidifier.
As the condensation collects, one droplet of water at a time falls into a storage tank attached to the dehumidifier. The cooler and dried air is then released back into your home through the other side of the dehumidifier. A good dehumidifier should be able to reduce moisture levels by up to 30 or 50 percent.
The good news is that most dehumidifiers come with a meter that helps you measure the relative humidity you place in your home. What’s more, you can set the humidity to the percentage you want depending on the current season.
If you happen to have a child or family member with asthma or allergies, you can use a dehumidifier to help them relieve symptoms and make it easier for them to breathe.
How an Air Conditioner Works
An air conditioner works by drawing heat energy out of the house and transferring it to the outside air. The benefit of an air conditioner is that it helps to change the temperature, humidity, or general quality of the air.
The AC in the central heating and cooling system offers cool air through ductwork inside your home by providing a process that draws out the warm air inside and removes its heat. Split systems use a compressor to condense and circulate the refrigerant through the outdoor unit, and this changes it from gas to liquid.
When to Use Dehumidifier with Air Conditioner
There are a lot of misconceptions about how using both an air conditioner and a dehumidifier at the same time can affect each other. The truth of the matter is that humidity brings discomfort. When you use an air conditioner, it can help to lower the humidity because it cycles air through its evaporator coil and condenser.
On the other hand, dehumidification lowers the relative humidity in your home and reduces the need for cooling since it will offer you more comfort.
When it comes to using both a dehumidifier and air conditioner, it’s highly recommended to set the AC to 78 degrees and combine it with the dehumidifier, as well as fans to stay cool while it’s off. When the temperature rises above that level, the AC will turn on and supplement your dehumidifier.
The benefit of using both of these appliances at the same time is that the dehumidifier will help to reduce the burden placed on the air conditioner to pull humidity from the air. This is mainly because humid air takes more energy to cool than dry air. Although dehumidifiers will often raise the air temperature by 1 or 2 degrees, they still save energy and offer you comfort.
Does a Dehumidifier Help with Cooling?
As the name suggests, a dehumidifier is designed to control humidity or reduce high humidity levels. Since high humidity levels in your home can bring discomfort, using a dehumidifier helps solve that issue. But, can a dehumidifier help you cool a room? The answer is yes, a dehumidifier can significantly help you to cool a room.
When the humidity level is high, the air in the room will feel warmer than the real temperature. Therefore, when you use a dehumidifier, it reduces humidity levels and makes the air feel cooler.
To use a dehumidifier to cool your room, all you have to do is buy one with a size suitable depending on your room’s size. You then need to set it up in the middle of the room and allow it to work. You will feel warm air coming out of the dehumidifier, but that will not increase the temperature inside your room.
Do Air Conditioners Dehumidify?
The answer to this question is yes. An air conditioner can dehumidify your home properly. This happens through condensation forming on a coil within the indoor unit as the AC system runs, and moisture from the air condenses and drips to a drainage system beneath it. Unfortunately, using an air conditioner to dehumidify is not always the most recommended method.
This is because it’s not cost-effective, as you’ll spend a lot of money to cool your home and reduce the moisture to an acceptable level. Although the temperature will remain in good condition, you’ll still have to lower it to feel comfortable constantly, and this will end up raising your electricity bill.
However, if you still prefer to use this method, the advantage is that it can remove up to 91 percent of moisture from the air flowing through the system. This is a report according to the Department of Energy.
Dehumidifier vs. Air Conditioner Energy Consumption – Is It Cheaper to Run AC or Dehumidifier
There has been a long debate regarding dehumidifiers and air conditioners. Dehumidifiers are known for reducing high humidity levels, while air conditioners help regulate your home temperature. If you live in a hot and humid environment, you should consider using an air conditioner since it’s cheaper and helps achieve both cooling and humidity reduction.
However, if you live near the sea or in an area with a moderate climate, then you should consider using a dehumidifier since it’s most suitable for such areas. There isn’t any massive difference between these two appliances in terms of functionality because they use the same principle and have a lot in common.
However, when it comes to energy consumption, a dehumidifier uses a lot of electricity than an air conditioner. That means it’s cheaper to run an air conditioner than a dehumidifier.
An air conditioner costs more to purchase and has additional installation costs. A dehumidifier is cheap, doesn’t have any installation costs since it is portable and considered a play unit.
The decision to use either of these two appliances will depend on your location, budget, and personal preferences. Therefore, you have to analyze both the pros and cons of these appliances before deciding to buy and use any of them.
What Is Dehumidifier Mode in AC?
The dehumidifier mode in an air conditioner is the function that is used during the rainy season since, during rainy days, moisture levels are usually high. Therefore, using this dehumidifier mode in your air conditioner helps keep the room’s atmosphere cool and dry by making the air dry.
When the air conditioner is set to dry mode, it tends to act as a dehumidifier and removes moisture from the indoor air. The good thing about this mode is that it refreshes the air in a humid climate.
Importance of Dehumidifier/Dry Mode
Here are some of the benefits of dehumidifier/dry mode:
- It reduces humidity levels, making your home less hospitable to allergens such as mold, mildew, and dust mites.
- It doesn’t disrupt your daily life because it runs quietly and efficiently in the background without even noticing.
- The dehumidifier/dry mode also helps to reduce odors that accompany mildew and mold in your home. Therefore, it gets rid of the “rotting” or “musty” smell.
- It reduces irritation to your skin and respiratory system and allows you to breathe easier and comfortably in your home.
When to Use Dehumidifier/Dry Mode
Here is when you need to use dehumidifier/dry mode:
- When you notice sticky, swampy, or stuffy rooms in your home, consider using a dehumidifier or the dry mode in your air conditioner.
- In case you notice window condensation, it’s probably a good time to use a dehumidifier.
- Musty odors in your home are signs of high humidity levels.
- Suppose you notice an increase in mold or mildew in your home. Use a dehumidifier right away to eliminate such issues.
- When you notice watermarks on walls or ceilings or an increase in pest problems.
- If you notice rotting or warping wood or an exacerbation of allergy symptoms, a dehumidifier can come in handy.
It’s always recommended to use a dehumidifier before the humidity begins to affect your home.
Conclusion
Running a dehumidifier and air conditioner at the same time is not such a bad idea. You need to ensure that you do it when it’s called for and not when unnecessary. This can be a powerful method to provide a comfortable environment in your home, but only if you do it right.
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