Humidity, all that muggy air. It can make you swelter even more on those warm summer days and nights. It’s uncomfortable and not much fun. In many regions, sweaty humid weather is a common experience. Even in an air-conditioned home, there can be a rise in humidity levels. This isn’t good, for so many reasons. Aside from the lack of comfort, a rise in excess air moisture can actually lead to building and property damage, can have dramatic and ongoing health repercussions for your family, and can have an impact on your hip pocket too, as energy bills increase due to running your air conditioning at a higher temperature more often to counter the effects. The recommended humidity for indoor environments is between 30% to 50% relative humidity (this simply means the amount of water vapour the air contains compared to the maximum amount it could hold at any given temperature). Levels any higher than this are unhealthy and inefficient.
- 1 How Air Conditioners Dehumidify
- 2 Why Dehumidification Matters for Comfort
- 3 Challenges of Relying Solely on Air Conditioners for Dehumidification
- 4 Advanced Dehumidification Solutions
- 5 Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
- 6 Comparing Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
- 7 Best Product Recommendations
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 Additional Resources
How Air Conditioners Dehumidify
Your air conditioner cools your home by pulling in warm air, passing it over cold evaporator coils, and then blowing the cooled air back into your living spaces. As the warm air hits the cold coils, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets, which then drain away through the system. This process reduces the moisture in the air, effectively dehumidifying it. The amount of dehumidification that occurs depends on several factors, including the size of your AC unit, the outdoor humidity levels, and how long the system runs. However, even with an optimal AC setting, several factors can hinder the ability of your system to dehumidify. For example, an oversized unit cools the room quickly but cycles off before it can effectively dehumidify the air, leading to a clammy feeling despite the lower temperature. Conversely, an undersized unit may struggle to cool and dehumidify effectively, running continuously and inefficiently.
Why Dehumidification Matters for Comfort
Dehumidification is a vital aspect of any HVAC system, and its importance cannot be overstated. By prioritizing humidity control, you can create a better living space, protect your health, and reduce your energy consumption. High humidity can make temperatures feel warmer than they actually are, leading to increased use of air conditioning and higher electricity bills. It seems obvious to say, but dehumidification reduces humidity levels, which means levels of comfort are immediately increased. Dehumidification will help you feel more comfortable without dramatically lowering the thermostat settings on your air conditioner (which means it’s more energy efficient too).
Health Benefits of Proper Humidity Control
A moist home becomes a welcome breeding ground for allergens such as dust mites, mould, and mildew. You could therefore be susceptible to a range of symptoms of allergies or asthma. Your body can’t cool down effectively because the humidity doesn’t allow your sweat to evaporate quickly. High humidity levels encourage the growth of mold and other allergens in your home, which can negatively impact your health. By controlling the humidity level, dehumidifiers help prevent mould and mildew growth, which can pose health risks. Humid air is especially hard on asthma sufferers. If your filters are clean and your AC is the right size, but you’re still having humidity problems that are triggering asthma, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier.
Protecting Your Home
Excessive moisture in your home can cause mold growth, musty odors, and even structural damage. You can get a lot of benefits from adding a dehumidifier during the hot summer months because proper humidity levels not only keep you comfortable, but your home stays safer. Your furnishings remain protected without a musty odor on your upholstery, and there is no paint peeling from the added moisture. Mold is every homeowner’s nightmare, occurring when moisture and a surface to grow on are present. A dehumidifier is an important factor in the fight against mold invading parts of your home. Even a cold climate controlled by central air can still result in the right environment for mold to grow, so by reducing moisture with a dehumidifier, you significantly reduce the possibility of mold taking hold.
Challenges of Relying Solely on Air Conditioners for Dehumidification
Modern air conditioners dehumidify as they cool; you can see that by the water that drains away, but this dehumidification is incidental to their main job of controlling temperature. They cannot independently control both temperature and humidity. Conventional systems may not be able to sufficiently control the problem and can cause comfort or mold problems in certain situations. Some current high-end systems have enhanced dehumidification, but when the existing system cannot sufficiently dehumidify, it may be necessary to buy a stand-alone dehumidifier.
Factors Affecting AC Dehumidification
- Unit Size: If your air conditioning unit is too small, it won’t be able to adequately dehumidify a home. Conversely, if the unit is too large, it may cool off the room or home too quickly and turn off, not removing all of the moisture out of the air, leaving humid, sticky air.
- Air Filters: The air filter in your air conditioner may also play a role in terms of dehumidifying the air. If it’s old and dirty, it may restrict the air flowing into the unit. This will also limit the amount of moisture removed from the air.
- Energy-Efficient Homes: As strange as it may sound, having a well-insulated, energy-efficient home can also be a problem for keeping moisture at bay. The better insulated your home is, the less your air conditioner will need to be on, which ostensibly sounds like a good thing. In terms of pulling moisture out of the air, however, it’s anything but. If your home is not actively cooling, there’s nothing running to pull the moisture out of the air, leading to humid air in the home.
- Leaky Ductwork: Did you know that approximately 20-30% of conditioned air is lost due to leaky ductwork? When ducts leak, indoor humidity levels increase. Your air conditioner cannot account for the extra water vapor.
- Dirty Evaporator Coils: Dirty evaporator coils are responsible for various HVAC issues, including poor dehumidification. An evaporator coil cools the refrigerant so that it can absorb heat from the air. The coil also removes moisture from the air. However, when the coil is covered in dirt and debris, it cannot absorb water vapor.
Advanced Dehumidification Solutions
Some clever ducted and split system air conditioning units offer the latest in cutting-edge technology, which means they not only provide efficient cooling and heating for your home but can humidify, dehumidify, ventilate, and purify the air! With some systems, you can activate the dehumidification of your home environment with the single touch of a button on a user-friendly remote control. For homeowners looking to achieve the perfect balance of cooling and humidity control, there are several advanced options:
- Integrated HVAC Systems: Some modern air conditioning units come with built-in humidity control functions, allowing them to maintain a comfortable humidity level without overcooling the room.
- Whole-House Dehumidifiers: Adding a whole-house dehumidifier to your HVAC system can provide more robust moisture control. With a whole-house dehumidifier, there’s no need to empty anything. The system drains directly into your sewer system or outside.
- Smart Thermostats: These allow for more accurate control of both temperature and humidity, adjusting the operation of the air conditioning unit to maintain the desired comfort level. Many smart thermostats offer the capability to control both temperature and humidity, providing a more comfortable and customizable indoor environment.
- Variable-Speed Compressors: Enhance dehumidification by running at lower speeds for longer periods, allowing more time for moisture removal.
- Desiccant-Based Dehumidification: Using materials like silica gel, this method absorbs moisture from the air. The desiccant is then regenerated by heating, expelling the moisture outdoors. This approach is particularly effective in low-temperature environments.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
The more moisture in the air, the more humid your house will be. As a result, your HVAC system has to work harder to cool the air and maintain the optimal temperature. With a dehumidifier working alongside your HVAC system, it removes the extra humidity, leaving your unit with less work to do. This, in turn, results in energy savings, lower utility bills, and a more comfortable home. For energy-efficient summer comfort, pair a whole-home dehumidifier with your AC. By pulling moisture out of the air, you can run your AC less.
Long-Term Benefits
Combining your HVAC system with a dehumidifier is a cost-effective, practical investment for homeowners. It ultimately leads to a comfortable, healthier, and safer living environment for you and your family. By improving indoor air quality, reducing energy costs, and extending HVAC system life, a dehumidifier is an addition that brings more benefits than harm. Investing in a maintenance plan that includes periodic checks specifically tailored to address issues related to humidity can save you money in the long run. Such preventative care not only extends the lifespan of your HVAC system but also ensures it operates at peak efficiency.
Comparing Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
| Feature | Air Conditioner | Dehumidifier |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Cools the air by removing heat | Removes excess moisture from the air |
| Dehumidification | Incidental, varies by unit size and settings | Primary function, highly effective |
| Energy Consumption | Higher, especially when used for dehumidification | Lower, especially for standalone units |
| Cost | Higher purchase and installation costs | Generally more affordable, portable options available |
| Best Use Case | Hot and humid environments needing cooling | High humidity areas, basements, or when cooling isn’t needed |
Best Product Recommendations
To enhance your home’s comfort through effective dehumidification, consider these top products available on Amazon:
- Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier: Ideal for medium to large spaces, this unit efficiently removes moisture and integrates well with HVAC systems. Shop on Amazon
- Honeywell Whole-House Dehumidifier: Perfect for seamless integration with your existing HVAC system, offering energy-efficient humidity control. Shop on Amazon
- Daikin Split System Air Conditioner: Features advanced dehumidification settings for precise humidity control alongside cooling. Shop on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an air conditioner replace a dehumidifier?
While air conditioners do dehumidify as a byproduct of cooling, they are not as effective as dedicated dehumidifiers. In high-humidity areas or when cooling isn’t needed, a dehumidifier is more efficient at maintaining optimal humidity levels.
How does high humidity affect my HVAC system?
High humidity forces your HVAC system to work harder to cool the air, increasing energy consumption and wear on components. It can also lead to mold growth and reduced indoor air quality.
What is the ideal indoor humidity level?
The ideal indoor humidity level is between 30% and 50% relative humidity, as this range promotes comfort, prevents mold growth, and supports energy efficiency.
Should I run a dehumidifier and air conditioner together?
Yes, running both can optimize comfort and efficiency. The dehumidifier removes excess moisture, allowing the air conditioner to cool more effectively, reducing energy costs.
How often should I maintain my dehumidifier?
Clean the air filter monthly and check the reservoir regularly to prevent mold buildup. Annual professional maintenance ensures optimal performance.
Additional Resources
For more information on maintaining optimal indoor air quality and humidity control, explore these authoritative resources:
- ASHRAE – Standards and guidelines for HVAC systems and indoor air quality.
- U.S. Department of Energy – Tips on energy-efficient dehumidification.
- EPA Indoor Air Quality – Resources on managing humidity and preventing mold.