Is A Dehumidifier Like An Air Conditioner?

When it comes to the scorching summer heat, poor air conditions are the hardest thing to bear. Whether it is extreme heat and dryness or extreme heat and moisture, no one likes hot dry air or sweaty humid summers. Both are difficult to deal with and come with many health risks like dehydration, hyperthermia, and heatstroke. Fortunately, thanks to modern technology, we have many useful electronics to provide comfort and manage indoor air quality. 

Depending upon the climate you live in, you probably have an air conditioner in your home or workspace, or you might have a dehumidifier. Or, maybe you have both! But do you need both? Or you might be using an AC when you should be using a dehumidifier?…

Confusing isn’t it? Well, allow us to help you as we answer one of the most puzzling questions about HVAC: is a dehumidifier like an air conditioner?

What Is A Dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers remove moist air and increase air quality to help prevent muggy and soggy conditions. Dehumidifiers are also great for efficient water damage restoration as they reduce high moisture levels. Thus, they prevent mold, mildew, or rot.  

A dehumidifier draws in moist air and passes it over cold coils to cool down its temperature. The moisture is condensed and separated from the cool air. This water from the air drips into a tray or bucket. You can manually empty the bucket when it is full. On the way out, the air passes over hot coils resulting in warmer air to release – to restore the air to room temperature. Dehumidifiers do not have any external vent to expel the heat created by their condenser. This also warms the space indirectly, reducing the humidity levels even more. 

What Is an Air Conditioner?

The purpose of air conditioners is to reduce the level of heat in a room. Air Conditioners cool down the hot air and make the indoor environment more comfortable during summers. 

Air conditioners have a condenser, compressor, evaporator, and expansion valve. Warm air is pulled in and passed over the evaporator and then to the condenser. The condenser cools down the warm air and releases the warmth outside of the room while the cool air is released in the room. Unlike dehumidifiers, Air Conditioners have an external vent to release the heat of the condenser.

Dehumidifier or Air Conditioner – Which is Better?

Now that you know what an air conditioner and humidifier are, it is time to address the million-dollar question; is a dehumidifier like an air conditioner? While both are similar, the primary difference that separates air conditioners and dehumidifiers is the purpose. Air conditioners cool the air in a room, whereas dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air. 

Here’s the kicker: as air conditioners release cold air in a space, they also remove – some amount of – moisture from the air. Yet, air conditioners do not eliminate humidity levels as efficiently and effectively as dehumidifiers. 

Dehumidifiers are usually less expensive than air conditioners. However, they will never cool the temperature of a room like an AC. It will surely keep humidity low and prevent dampness, mildew, mold, and condensation. 

On the other hand, air conditioners are expensive and use a lot of electricity to run. However, they will keep you cool during the hot season better than any humidifier ever will.

Nowadays, there are air conditioners that also work as a dehumidifier in the winter season. They do a decent job of keeping the room dry and warm, but they are not suitable for high humidity levels. For example, if you live by the ocean, you will need a humidifier because the moisture level is high. 

Conclusion 

The choice between an air conditioner and dehumidifier depends upon different factors like the location of the home, budget, and personal preference.