Last Updated: February 27, 2024
Have you noticed weird odors, mold, and mildew starting to appear around the house? High humidity does that, and a lot more to your home. It is harmful to the walls of your home, your furniture, your books, art pieces, and your other possessions are also not safe when the moisture content in the air inside your home is more than ideal.
High humidity also affects your health. Not only does it make you feel sticky and uncomfortable, but it can also mean trouble for people with asthma, cause heat stress, dehydration, and more.
If that’s the case in your household, you might like to look for your options in this situation. Two of the most common answers to this question that you will come across are a dehumidifier and an air conditioner.
Now, if you’re wondering which one of these devices you should go for, we’ll make that decision a bit easier for you with this article.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Air Conditioner Vs. Dehumidifier
1. What is a Dehumidifier and an Air Conditioner (Benefits)?
A dehumidifier is a device, which works to lower and maintain the excess humidity levels in the air. There are different types of dehumidifiers available in the market, such as Refrigerator type dehumidifier, Desiccant Dehumidifier, Thermoelectric Dehumidifier etc.
A dehumidifier works specifically to lower the humidity levels, and that’s the main focus of this device. It can filter air, remove odors, even warm the air a little, but it does not compare to an AC when it comes to cooling.
Benefits of Dehumidifiers
- A dehumidifier removes excess moisture from your home and keeps it dry.
- It prevents the formation of mold and mildew in your home.
- Dehumidifiers also can remove unpleasant odors and filter the air to improve the overall air quality of the house.
- Dehumidifiers also help with wheezing, sneezing, chest pains, eye irritation, and itching.
An air conditioner is a device that improves the environment by removing moisture and heat from an area. These devices, like dehumidifiers, can be used in both domestic and commercial settings. There are different types of air conditioners that you can choose from as well, such as Window air conditioners, Ductless air conditioners, Movable air conditioners, and Central air conditioners.
Benefits of Air Conditioner
- The air conditioner cools the room temperature to increase user comfort.
- AC helps improve the air quality of the environment.
- During summertime, the access heat can cause excessive sweating, heatstroke, dehydration, and a lot more. AC helps you not fall prey to all these side effects of heat.
- Electronics such as computers, printers, and so on, can overheat, and with the AC on in the room remain safe.
Although there are a lot of similarities between the two devices, there are quite a few differences there as well.
2. Power Consumption
When it comes to power consumption, typically, dehumidifiers consume less energy than air conditioners. But that’s not the case always. With an air conditioner inverter, you can save a lot of energy using an air conditioner, while a more energy-efficient model can do the same in case of the dehumidifier.
So, ultimately, it all comes down to the device that you have with you. As dehumidifiers usually only work to lower the humidity levels, there’s not a lot of energy required. However, if you’re also looking to reduce heat in the room, an air- conditioner is more practical.
3. Functionality
The functionality of both of these devices has a few similarities, but the outcome in both differs a little. Different types may have a slight difference. For example, in a Refrigerant dehumidifier, the heated humid air passes through the dehumidifier, where the refrigerated coil traps the excess moisture, which goes in the bucket. In the case of a desiccant dehumidifier, the desiccant pulls dampness out of the air by absorbing it.
In the case of an air conditioner, the names that play the crucial part are the evaporator, condenser, compressor, the refrigerant, and the expansion valve. The refrigerant expands through the expansion valve and turns into a cold gas. It runs through the evaporator coils and absorbs the heat in the room. The fans behind the evaporator release the old air into the room. In the condenser coils, the refrigerant gets cooled by the fans, and the heat is released outdoors.
4. Cost
Usually, because of their functionality, air conditioners can cost you more. However, this is because air conditioners need a lot of energy to cool and dehumidify the air. Whereas dehumidifiers have a more simplistic task, and they usually cost less as well.
Running costs for an AC are also higher than what your dehumidifier will incur. The reason for this is simple. Whereas the dehumidifier removes the excess moistures and dries the air, the AC cools the air and also removes excess humidity(up to a point).
So, if you’re thinking of investing in one of these devices, first determine your needs. Ask yourself, do you want to lower the room temperature and also remove the moisture, or only want to remove the humidity.
The Verdict – Air Condition or Dehumidifier, Which one to buy?
Having an Air conditioner or a Dehumidifier can improve the inside environment of your home tremendously. Both of these devices have their function in your home, and to determine which one of these will be the right fit for your home, you can simply assess your own requirements.
Here’s what you can keep in mind
- What’s the problem that you’re facing? Is it too hot for you inside your home? If so, you can go for an Air Conditioner which will help reduce the heat inside your home. It also lowers the humidity a little bit. A dehumidifier is ideal if the humidity is high inside your house, but it does not lower the room temperature.
- In case you have a hot and humid environment, it’s best to get an AC- Dehumidifier combo, which effectively deals with both of your problems.
- If you already have an AC, a dehumidifier can save you a lot on your electric bill, if there’s a lot of moisture inside your room. You can consider getting an appropriate dehumidifier unit to help your AC, and increase efficiency.
We wish you the very best for improving your home environment!