There is some uncertainty regarding whether you should run a dehumidifier and air conditioner at the same time, including whether it makes sense and whether you should even do it. The answer here is not all that obvious at all. To best clarify whether a dehumidifier and air conditioner combination is a smart move, let’s first set the record straight:
The main purposes of an air conditioner are to lower the temperature and lower the relative humidity levels inside.
As we can see, a dehumidifier’s and an air conditioner’s functions are cross-sectional. Namely, they both have the ability to reduce moisture levels.
Why should a dehumidifier be used if an air conditioner already lowers humidity levels?
Running a dehumidifier and air conditioner makes sense in two distinct circumstances. In the summer, when humidity levels are significantly higher than in the winter, we experience both of these conditions. Namely, we use the dehumidifier and AC combo when:
As you can see, running a dehumidifier and air conditioner simultaneously makes a lot of sense, especially in areas with high humidity. Let’s examine these two scenarios to see how an air conditioner can more effectively reduce temperature with the help of a dehumidifier and how a dehumidifier can reduce humidity levels:
What’s the Difference Between an Air Conditioner & Dehumidifier?
The main purposes of air conditioners are to remove hot air from a space and introduce cold air into it. While a dehumidifier doesn’t introduce cold air into a room, its primary purpose is to remove a lot of humidity from a space.
Yes, in a nutshell, but not enough to have a significant impact. Humid air is drawn in by a dehumidifier and passed through an evaporator. The humid air containing the moisture is then cooled. The condenser heats the cold, dry air before returning it to the space where it can pick up any additional humidity or moisture. This cycle continues until ideal conditions are met.
Air conditioning uses many of the same parts as a dehumidifier. Both devices use an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and metering device. An air conditioner, also known as a spot cooler, can be used in place of a dehumidifier to control humidity, and the same is true for HVAC systems. Evaporator coils are used in modern HVAC systems, which cause moisture to condense and leave the air. The process that causes a cold can of soda to start sweating on a hot day occurs as the moist, hot air contacts the cold coil. The cooled air is forced into the room as the water that has accumulated on the cooling coils slides outside.
Dont forget that the percentage humidity is RELATIVE. Cold air cannot contain as much moisture as warm air. As the temperature drops, the relative humidity will rise for a given amount of water in the air. I can see from a psychrometric (humidity) chart that during your overnight run, 19 grains of water were removed for every pound of dry air. If you rewarmed the morning air back to 81 deg F, the relative humidity would be about 52% Or, if you cooled the initial air to 72 deg F without removing any moisture, you would get a relative humidity of around 88% So despite the higher relative humidity reading, moisture was removed.
In a well-insulated and Sheetrocked 750 square foot workshop/garage, I installed a GE 1000 square foot window air conditioner with heater (230 volt; 17600 BTU) last month. The structure will house my model cars, power equipment, and other things. , so my goal was to have 40% to 50% relative humidity to prevent atmospheric corrosion
Try the lowest fan speed setting. As others have noted, moisture can only be removed when it comes into contact with the AC unit’s cold coil fins. Slowing down the fan speed increases the amount of time that air is in contact with the coils while decreasing the effect of the high-velocity air carrying moisture straight past the coils and back into the room air. This is an old HVAC trick.
I was disappointed the unit keeps the space in the low 70 degrees F and about 70% humidity even when the outside humidity is 50% Measuring temperature and humidity as close as possible to the condensing coil, I found about 45 degrees and 100% humidity At first I was surprised that the humidity was 100% but then realized that all condensing coils that are dripping wet from making condensation are blowing 100% relative humidity air The relative humidity drops as the air disperses and cools the space by absorbing heat. But only to 70% in this case and not to 40-50%
I complained to GE, and they sent out a serviceman. He reported that the device was functioning normally and had no issues after a short while. He continued by mentioning that he has a dehumidifier in his workshop as well because an air conditioner by itself cannot produce low humidity.
How Does an Air Conditioner Work?
After learning the distinction between an air conditioner and a dehumidifier, let’s examine the operation of air conditioners.
By cooling the air and removing moisture, air conditioners function.
A refrigerant-based dehumidifier works by removing moisture from the air.
Information: The less popular desiccant dehumidifier absorbs moisture using a different technology.