It’s a little-known fact that air conditioning systems have a bit of a dehumidifying effect, which is great for the humid climate of Florida. As part of the cooling function, air conditioners drop the temperature of the air around the evaporator coil below the dew point. This causes the moisture in the air to condense on the coil before being drained out of the system. So, some homeowners think that they don’t need a separate dehumidifier in order to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. This is not the case. Read on to find out why a dehumidifier is still a good idea, even if you have an air conditioner already.
Air Conditioners and Design
The first thing you need to know about air conditioners and dehumidification is that they aren’t designed to remove moisture from the air; it’s simply a side effect of cooling the home. For that reason, an air conditioner is never going to be as effective at removing moisture from the air as a dedicated dehumidifier. Running the air conditioner for multiple hours will dry out your home’s air a little bit, but with the level of humidity we get in Florida you shouldn’t expect it to completely balance the moisture levels.
Dehumidifiers
A dehumidifier is a device that is specifically designed to remove excess humidity from your home’s air. There are a number of different methods that dehumidifiers use to accomplish this. Some use desiccants to absorb the moisture from the air as it flows through them. Others take a more active role, cooling the air far below the dew point and then warming it back up to room temperature so climate control isn’t compromised. Consult with a professional before choosing a dehumidifier, so you can find the best one for your needs.
Climate Masters offers a full range of dehumidifier services throughout St. Johns, FL.
