Perhaps you might be wondering if dehumidifiers can save you money in cooling a room. Would this be an option to cut down utility expenses, or will it be an add-on?
Too much moisture in the air can make you feel stuffy and almost choking. You can notice condensations on the walls, bathroom mirrors, and windows.
This is where you need a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers can help cool a room but is not an air cooler device. They suck in excess moisture from the air and help eliminate foul odor and also prevent the growth of molds by removing water from the air. In return, it helps the room feel cooler.
The most economical option that supports air cooling is by using a dehumidifier. You see, when there is high humidity, you cannot exactly feel the coolness of the fan or the air conditioning.
So Can A Dehumidifier Really Cool A Room?
Dehumidifiers are practically not air coolers because they cannot cool the room as a stand-alone appliance. However, dehumidifiers can extract excess air moisture and release dry air so the A/C unit or ceiling fans can cool the room efficiently.
Like how we are sweating, our skin releases the heat through the sweat glands in order to cool down.
Without the help of dehumidifiers, your air conditioning system will have to work double-time with all the dampness and mugginess. Later on, you might be surprised at how high your utility bills will be.
So to balance out the cooling system, dehumidifiers suck in the excess moisture and replace it with dry warm (room temperature) air. This will allow the fan or air conditioning system to perform well and at a stable temperature.
In fact, dehumidifiers can be used in both winter and summer. With the exceptions of extremely dry, arid climate where air conditioning is more preferred.
And, if you are wondering if a dehumidifier is a wise investment, read more about it below.
How a Dehumidifier Works
We have been discussing humidifiers and its benefits for most parts of this blog. Today, let’s get to know more about dehumidifiers.
Unlike humidifiers, dehumidifiers, on the other hand, work opposite by removing too much moisture in the air.
The science behind this excellent device uses a fan and both warm and cold coils to remove humidity. These fans pull in the air from the room and then crosses over cold and warm coils.
This process allows the humid air to go through the warm and cool coils simultaneously, thus, creating a reaction called condensation.
The water collected is similar to the droplets you see on your favorite can of soda dripping on a hot summer day. Now when the water is held onto the tray, the air moves towards a warm coil where it is processed back to its original temperature.
The dry air is then released to your HVAC system. Your air conditioner can work on its optimum level when the air is dry. This is why if you notice, almost all HVAC systems installed at houses, include dehumidifiers.
Dehumidifiers vs Air Conditioners
An air conditioner is quite comparable to a dehumidifier but with major differences. A dehumidifier passes across a series of cooling coils and quickly across a set of heating coils and then emit drier air into the room.
These cooling and heating processes are called evaporators (cold coils) and condensers (warm coils). Basically, the logic behind dehumidifiers is that less humid air feels cooler than the more humid air.
Air conditioners, on the other hand, only passes over cold coils and then released into the room. The freon goes into the heating coil where the outside air passes through it and exits.
So we cannot simply say that dehumidifiers can replace air conditioners. Both work differently but can be excellent partners in cooling our homes.
When Should I Use a Dehumidifier?
You can use a dehumidifier on both summer and winter seasons. If you live in a place where the humidity is high, running a dehumidifier will definitely help you keep your home cool.
But, if you live in an extremely hot and arid climate, a dehumidifier will not be a good option for you. This is because dehumidifiers release dry air to operate and you could not afford to add another heat on hot weather.
You can opt to use the air conditioning alone to cool the house. During the winter season, most dehumidifiers are actually not needed since the air is dry.
Ideally, any room must maintain above 60 degrees Fahrenheit for your dehumidifier to perform well. Although there are some models that are designed for 40 or 50-degree temperatures.
Having a wall humidistat or hygrometer to measure a room’s relative humidity (RH) is essential so you can determine what device to use to balance air moisture. When the humidity level drops low, turn off your dehumidifier.
What Areas have Higher Humidity Levels?
Maybe you are wondering if your place may or may not need a dehumidifier. You can be certain by checking the relative humidity level at home.
The relative humidity is the rate of the current absolute humidity to the highest possible absolute humidity. So the average humidity level is somewhere between 30% - 50%.
More than that, mold and bacteria will grow over time and release a musty smell. Each state differs in relative humidity percentage so using dehumidifiers on every season depends on where you reside.
Perhaps you don’t need a dehumidifier in Arizona, but you may need one in San Francisco.
Houston, Texas, Orlando and Tampa, Florida, and San Francisco, California are the cities that have highest humidity levels in the US.
Even though you live in a hot climate doesn’t inevitably mean you will need a dehumidifier. Again, it all depends on the relatively high humidity levels to warrant it.
As a universal practice, it’s a great idea to use a dehumidifier in winter if the humidity levels stay above 50% most of the time.
Things To Note
Hey, if you live in dry and scorching areas such as Arizona and Las Vegas, do check out our articles about using humidifiers instead!
Benefits Of a Dehumidifier In An Air- Conditioned Room
Apart from being a great partner to your air conditioner, dehumidifiers have significant benefits too. Owning one can be a wise investment and can add value to your overall home comfort.
Dehumidifiers do not just remove excess moisture, but also filters out the air which can cause a lot of serious health problems.
Kills Asthma and Allergy-causing Elements
If you or your kids are suffering from allergies and asthma, too much air moisture is dangerous. You may find it more difficult to breathe when there is high humidity.
This condition is also the most favorite state of dust mites, fungus, and molds to breed and spread out.
Small house spaces such as baby room corners or tiny offices with limited ventilation, are obvious areas where condensation can build up, even in arid weathers.
Dehumidifiers help you breathe easier and lets you feel more comfortable at home.
You may experience any of the following:
Remember that dust mites breed and thrive at humidity levels above 50%. These are a significant source of allergies and are a much common issue as they feed off of human & pet skin cells.
Basically, dehumidifiers are not just for comfort but also for promoting a healthy environment.
Eliminates Odors
Mommies, I know you will agree with me, that going home to a “musty” or “rotten” smelling home is the last thing we would like to experience. And as we always conclude, bad smells can be caused by bacteria.
There was a time when I got home and the house was stuffy, smelly, and I had difficulty breathing. Being an OC, I checked on my humidity level and found that it was way beyond the normal range.This is where I realised that my A/C unit was broken due to spoilt compresser.
What I have learned is that, having too much air moisture also causes these bad odors at home. This situation usually happens in condo units or apartments where there is limited ventilation.
The molds or mildew caused by getting too much air moisture are the main culprits for the bad smell.
Dehumidifiers help eliminate smelly odor caused by bacteria by absorbing the excess moisture. Installing it in air-conditioned rooms can help your family feel comfortable.
Shields your Furniture and Fixtures
Dehumidifiers do not just protect us from harmful bacteria, they also shield walls, furniture (especially your bed!), and other appliances at home. Well-balanced moisture helps prolong the appliance’s lifespans.
Less humidity causes wood furnishings to dry and become flaky while too much moisture can shrink woods. You will also notice damp spots on walls, streaming mirrors and windows, and peeling off wallpapers.
Dehumidifiers do not just protect you and your family but also your home and pieces of furniture.
As long you hit around 30-50% humidity level, you are more or less fine regardless!
Energy Efficiency
If you think adding another appliance will cost you more, dehumidifiers, in fact, saves you more money from paying more electricity bills!
By means of removing excess moisture in the air, dehumidifiers support air conditioners to run more efficiently. When the air at home is more humid, your A/C must work hard to cool the air. Later on, it will wear out and needs repair or replacement which can cost you more.
Convenience
There are portable dehumidifiers available today with several new features. You can easily carry and transfer to another room when needed.
Most dehumidifiers come with casters and handles for easy transporting. This portability saves you money by buying only one device and use it strategically in your home, instead of purchasing multiple units.
How Long Does a Dehumidifier Last?
A humidifier in good condition can last from 5 to 10 years. Just like other home appliances, proper maintenance should be observed to prolong its lifespan.
Maintenance includes:
Pack and store dehumidifier inside a box for safekeeping and place it in a cabinet, free from dust and dirt.
Can I Naturally Get Rid of Humidity In An Air Conditioned Room?
Air moisture only seems to be a problem when there is no output. Dehumidifiers are machines that suck in all the excesses.
However, you can remove air moisture without dehumidifiers too. But then, you need to change bad habits at home and practice the following:
Apart from these, you can naturally get rid of excess air moisture by taking quick steam showers or not using it at all. You can also install a vented bathroom fan if necessary.
Things To Note
Want to learn more about how to reduce humidity naturally?
Check out this article that explains multiple DIY ways that you can actually remove the humidity without using a dehumidifier!
Conclusion
Finally, we have learned everything there is to know about dehumidifiers. So does it cool a room? Yes.
It does help in cooling the air but is not a stand-alone air cooler. Dehumidifiers are a great partner to any cooling equipment such as fans and air conditioners.
It undergoes a process by means of removing excess air moisture in a room and release warm, dry air. Essentially, when the dehumidifier releases warm air, it helps your cooling unit perform well by cooling the room.
Apart from learning how dehumidifiers work, we also tackled about its major difference with an A/c unit plus its overwhelming benefits.
Surprisingly, dehumidifiers can run all seasons depending on the relative humidity level you have at home. It pays to keep a hygrometer or humidistat handy so you’ll know when to mix and match humidity.
We also covered natural ways to dehumidify your home in case you might be interested. Well, I’m not only stressing the value of dehumidifiers in this post but more importantly, I’m emphasizing the various health reasons why you should consider investing in such devices.