Do Air Conditioners Dehumidify?
Most people know that air conditioners help cool a room by removing heat from the air. But did you know that air conditioners can also dehumidify a room? Air conditioners work by removing heat from the air in your space. The cooled air is then blown back into the room. In addition to cooling the air, air conditioners also have the ability to dehumidify the air.
Dehumidification occurs when the air conditioner removes moisture from the air. This is an important feature for some people, especially during the summer months when humidity levels are high and asthma symptoms can be triggered. Robert B. Payne provides the best AC brands and models that are known to provide better dehumidification. Our website is a great resource for finding the perfect AC unit for your home.
Air Conditioners Can Dehumidify Rooms
Air conditioners work by removing heat from the air. This is done with the aid of a refrigerant. Cold refrigerant goes through the evaporator coil that is inside the air conditioner. The fan blows the warm air from your home over the coil. The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and it turns into gas. The compressor pump then sends the refrigerant to the condenser coil. This coil is outside the air conditioner. The hot refrigerant turns back into a liquid and pushes out the heat. This leaves the refrigerant cool and in a liquid state. The liquid is then drawn back into the evaporator and the process starts over again.
Since the air surrounding the indoor evaporator is very cold, condensation takes place. The excess moisture in the air is turned into water droplets and these are collected in the condensate pan. From there, the water either drains out through a hose or it’s dumped manually. Some air conditioners have a feature that allows you to connect them to a drainage system.
Is it More Energy Efficient to Use an AC For Dehumidification?
The short answer is no. An air conditioner uses about the same energy to remove moisture from the air as a dehumidifier does. As a result, if you run an air conditioner for the same duration as a dehumidifier, there wouldn’t be much difference in your energy bills.
How Does an Air Conditioner Influence Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality?
An air conditioner not only cools and dehumidifies indoor air but also filters out dust and other particles. This is done with the help of a filter. The filter catches all the dust and other particles in the air and prevents them from entering your home. This is especially beneficial if you have allergies or asthma.
It is necessary to clean or replace your air conditioner’s air filter regularly to ensure that your unit is working at its best. A dirty filter can cause your air conditioner to work harder and could lead to higher energy bills.
It also helps to clean your air ducts on a regular basis. Professional duct cleaning every few years can remove dust, dirt, and other particles from your ducts. This will help keep your air conditioner running efficiently and will improve the air quality in your home.
By removing moisture from the air, an AC also prevents mold and mildew from growing. This is because mold and mildew need moisture to grow. If the air is dry, then it’s much more difficult for mold and mildew to form.
Importance of AC Thermostat in Dehumidification
While all air conditioners dehumidify to some degree, some models are better at it than others. The best air conditioners for dehumidifying a room are those with an electronic thermostat. These models can sense the humidity level in the room and will adjust the amount of cooling needed to remove moisture from the air.
You May Need an Additional Dehumidifier
If you’re having allergy issues despite using your AC for dehumidification, you may need to use an additional dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that will suit your needs down to the tiniest of details. Some dehumidifiers are small enough to fit on a desk or nightstand. Others are larger and can be placed in a closet or even in the basement.
It’s important to note that dehumidifiers should not be used in place of an air conditioner. Dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air, while air conditioners are meant to cool and dehumidify the air.
Pros of Air Conditioners
Helps to Reduce The Amount of Heat in a Room
Your air conditioner is able to reduce the temperature of a room quickly and efficiently. This can help you to stay comfortable in hot weather, without having to resort to drastic measures such as opening windows or turning off lights.
Moderately Dehumidifies Indoor Air
As mentioned earlier, your air conditioner also helps remove moisture from the air in your home. This can help keep mold and mildew from growing, as well as reduce humidity levels in the room. It also improves comfort.
Can Also Work as a Fan
Yes, most air conditioners come with a fan setting. This is great if you want to circulate the cool air in your room without having to pay for a separate fan.
Cons of Air Conditioners
Can Be Expensive to Run
However, air conditioners can be expensive to run. They require a lot of energy to operate and if you’re not careful, your utility bills could skyrocket during the summer months.
High Initial Cost
The initial cost of an air conditioner can be expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, it may not be feasible to purchase one.
Installation And Maintenance Cost
In addition to the cost of the unit, there is also a cost associated with installation and maintenance. Depending on the size of your air conditioner, you may need to pay for professional installation or repair services.
Pros of Dehumidifiers
Cuts Down Humidity
The main benefit of a dehumidifier is its ability to reduce humidity. High levels of humidity can cause mold and mildew, as well as make it difficult to keep your home cool in the summer.
Cost-Efficient
Dehumidifiers are more affordable than air conditioners and they use less energy. Although they won’t cool a room like an air conditioner, they will still help reduce the humidity in your home.
Can be Placed Anywhere in Your Home
Dehumidifiers come as portable units that can be placed in any room of your home or any part of your room. This is great if you want to focus on dehumidifying a certain area without having to buy an air conditioner.
Reduces Fungi And Mold Growth
Dehumidifiers also help reduce the growth of fungi and mold in your home. This can be beneficial if you have allergies or asthma, as it can make breathing easier.
Cons of Dehumidifiers
Will Not Cool Your Home
Unlike an air conditioner, a dehumidifier will not cool your home. It can only reduce the amount of moisture in the air.
Can be Noisy
Dehumidifiers can be noisy, so it’s important to check the noise level before making a purchase. Some models may also produce a slight vibration that could disrupt sleep or study.
Extra Energy Spending
While dehumidifiers use less energy than air conditioners, they still require extra energy. The amount of electricity used will depend on the size and model you choose, so it’s best to talk to your HVAC contractor or research the options before making a purchase.
Air conditioners are an effective way to cool and dehumidify your home during the summer months. They can also help with allergies by filtering out dust and other particles from the air. However, they can be expensive to operate and have a high initial cost.
Dehumidifiers are more affordable than air conditioners and use less energy. They also help reduce the humidity in your home, which can prevent mold and fungi growth. The major downside is that they won’t cool your home like an air conditioner.
For air conditioners that provide dehumidifying features, contact Robert B. Payne. We have the best AC brands and models that are known to provide better dehumidification.
Get Dehumidifying Air Conditioners For Your Property
When purchasing an air conditioner, it is important to consider whether or not the unit dehumidifies. If you are looking for an AC that will also dehumidify your room, be sure to check out the units at Robert B. Payne. We offer a wide variety of AC brands and models that are known for their excellent dehumidification capabilities. Contact us today at 540-373-5876 to learn more about our dehumidifying air conditioners!