
Using a dehumidifier in conjunction with your air conditioner can make a huge difference in your home's comfort and energy efficiency. In fact, studies have shown that a dehumidifier can reduce the cooling load on your AC by up to 30%.
Dehumidifiers work by removing excess moisture from the air, which means your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard to cool your home. This can lead to significant energy savings and a longer lifespan for your AC unit.
By running a dehumidifier in tandem with your air conditioner, you can also improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.
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Summer and Dehumidification
Using a dehumidifier can actually help save money on cooling bills by allowing you to set the air conditioner to a higher temperature.
The drier air feels cooler, so you'll be more comfortable at a higher temperature, which means you'll use your air conditioner less often.
The EPA recommends using a combination of air conditioning and dehumidifiers to reduce humidity, which can improve air quality and limit exposure to harmful toxins like formaldehyde.
In hot summer months, the heat outside causes the air to feel gross and humid, making it a good time to run a dehumidifier.
By removing humidity efficiently, you can offset the higher HVAC energy costs associated with increased ventilation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HVAC and Moisture
Your air conditioner can help with humidity, but it's not its primary function. It's more of a byproduct of its other functions.
Extreme humidity can be a real problem, especially if your HVAC system isn't built to handle it. If your system is too large for the space, it may actually make the humidity worse.
Whole-home dehumidifiers work with air conditioners to control humidity throughout entire homes. They remove excess moisture from the air before circulating it through the air ducts.
If you live in a humid climate, a whole-house dehumidifier can be a lifesaver. It can prevent damage to your home's foundation, walls, and ceilings, and even protect your furniture and floors from warping and swelling.
High-capacity dehumidifiers like the Guardian SN55 120 can handle large areas and high moisture levels. It's capable of removing up to 120 pints of water per day from spaces of 1300 sq. ft.
By integrating with your existing HVAC system, a whole-house dehumidifier can provide a seamless and efficient way to manage indoor humidity. You'll experience less damp spots and a more comfortable home.
Whole-house dehumidifiers are designed to operate cost-effectively and are Energy Star-rated, meaning they use less energy compared to standard models. This can help you save on utility bills and reduce your environmental impact.
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Effects of High Humidity
High humidity can cause a range of problems in your home. Excessive humidity brings a multitude of issues, including mold, mildew, and allergens that can exacerbate respiratory issues.
Sneezing, difficulty breathing, itchy eyes, and skin irritations are just a few symptoms that can occur when humidity is high. Dust mites, mold, and mildew are the most common allergens found in humid homes.
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are prime spots for moisture to accumulate, making them ideal breeding grounds for these allergens. These areas often have poor ventilation, allowing moisture to build up and create an environment where allergens can thrive.
High humidity levels can compromise your indoor air quality and increase the risk of illness in your home. A moist environment is a prime breeding ground for microscopic organisms like mold to grow and thrive.
Here are some common signs that you may need a dehumidifier with your central AC:
- Frequent musty or damp smells are present even when the AC is running
- Visible condensation or water droplets on interior windows and surfaces
- Mold or mildew growth appearing on walls, furniture, or other items
- The basement/crawl space feels damp or has musty odors
- High relative humidity levels reading over 50% on a hygrometer/humidistat
- Clothes or towels take longer than expected to dry
- Wood floors, furniture or trim show signs of swelling or warping
- AC system runs frequently without really lowering humidity
- Locations like bathrooms remain humid even after shower/bath use
- Outside humidity is consistently high (over 60-70%) during the summer
- Home is located in an area with tropical, marine or gulf climate
Benefits of Dehumidification
A whole-home dehumidifier can be a game-changer for your home's comfort and efficiency. It allows your air conditioning system to work less often because the lower humidity levels make the air feel cooler.
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Using a dehumidifier with your central AC helps ensure indoor humidity levels remain in the ideal 30-50% relative humidity range recommended for health, material preservation, and mold prevention. This targeted humidity control is more effective than intermittent use of the central AC alone.
High humidity can make temperatures feel hotter than they are, leaving you feeling sticky and uncomfortable. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 65% to minimize mold growth and promote comfort.
Removing moisture from your home can also reduce the risk of musty odors, mold/mildew growth, and moisture-related damage to wood, paper, and furnishings. This is especially important in areas like basements and crawl spaces that often suffer from high humidity levels.
By maintaining the ideal humidity levels, you can prevent costly home repairs and create a healthier living environment.
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Dehumidifier vs Humidifier
Air conditioners can function as dehumidifiers, but they're not optimized for maximum moisture removal. Their primary goal is temperature regulation.
Central air alone often struggles to reduce indoor relative humidity below 50-60% on hot and humid days or in climates with high rainfall.
A dedicated dehumidifier used in conjunction with AC can provide superior comfort and moisture control.
Conditioner Versus Humidifier
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are often confused with each other, but they serve different purposes.
Air conditioners can function as dehumidifiers to some degree, but their primary goal is temperature regulation. They can lower the temperature of the air and cause excess moisture to condense out, but they're not optimized for maximum dehumidification.
On hot and humid days or in climates with high rainfall, central air alone often struggles to reduce indoor relative humidity below 50-60%. This is why a dedicated dehumidifier is recommended to be used in conjunction with AC for superior comfort and moisture control.
A dehumidifier, on the other hand, uses a fan to pull in moist air and deliver dry air back out, which can offset the higher HVAC energy costs associated with increased ventilation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers work together to maintain optimum temperatures in your house when humidity levels are high, but using a dehumidifier can help create a healthy environment by controlling humidity levels.
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What's the Difference?
A dehumidifier and a humidifier may seem like polar opposites, but they both deal with moisture in the air. Both machines circulate refrigerant through a continuous loop, switching between liquid to gas repeatedly.
However, a dehumidifier pulls the water from the air, allowing it to accumulate in a water reservoir, whereas a humidifier adds moisture to the air. A dehumidifier has a hose attached to the reservoir for a dedicated drainage area.
The biggest difference between the two is their purpose. A dehumidifier is designed to remove excess moisture from the air, while a humidifier is meant to add moisture to the air.
In contrast, a dehumidifier doesn't move warm and cool air like an air conditioner does. Instead, it focuses on removing moisture from the air. By reducing moisture inside your air conditioner, your unit will operate smoothly and experience less wear and tear.
A dehumidifier also has an automatic shutoff to prevent spills, which is a feature that's not typically found in humidifiers. This is because dehumidifiers are designed to handle excess moisture, not add it to the air.
By pairing a dehumidifier with an air conditioner, you can increase the performance and efficiency of your cooling system, which will help you feel healthier and experience less allergy and asthma symptoms.
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Types of

When choosing a dehumidifier, you have several options to consider.
There are portable thermoelectric or desiccant bucket dehumidifiers that can carry a capacity of 20-75 pints removed per day.
These portable dehumidifiers are easy to move between rooms as needed, but they do require regular emptying of the collected water.
Portable venting dehumidifiers, on the other hand, discharge collected moisture through the exhaust hose and have a higher capacity of 40-150+ pints removed daily.
They don't require daily emptying like bucket models, making them a convenient option.
Whole-home central dehumidification systems are installed the same as the central AC/heating unit and automatically control humidity levels throughout the entire home.
These systems have the highest capacity of 75-200+ pints per day, making them ideal for larger spaces.
Dual-hose portable dehumidifiers draw air from outside for more efficient operation and have a higher capacity than single-hose models.
They come in a larger size than standard portable types, but still offer a convenient and portable solution.
Here are some key differences between the types of dehumidifiers:
Dehumidification and AC
Dehumidifiers work in tandem with air conditioners to maintain ideal humidity levels in your home. By reducing moisture in the air, a dehumidifier can lighten the load on your AC, allowing it to function more efficiently.
A dehumidifier helps your current air conditioner maintain ideal humidity levels in your home twenty-four hours a day. This is especially important during hot and humid days or in climates with naturally high rainfall.
Using a dehumidifier with your AC can increase its performance and efficiency throughout the summer. Moisture can accumulate inside air conditioners when the humidity is high, which can interfere with the inner components and force units to work harder to deliver controlled temperatures.
Reducing moisture inside your air conditioner will operate smoothly and experience less wear and tear when the heat is high outside. This means fewer repairs and longer intervals between maintenance checks.
Here are some signs you may need a dehumidifier with central AC:
- Frequent musty or damp smells are present even when the AC is running
- Visible condensation or water droplets on interior windows and surfaces
- Mold or mildew growth appearing on walls, furniture, or other items
- High relative humidity levels reading over 50% on a hygrometer/humidistat
A dehumidifier can help reduce allergens like mold and dust mites, contributing to healthier indoor air. Improved air quality can lead to better health and fewer allergy symptoms.
By reducing humidity, you minimize the risk of condensation buildup that can damage your AC system. This can prevent issues like rust and corrosion, which can shorten the lifespan of your unit.
Optimal humidity levels for comfort and preventing mold growth are between 30% and 50%. To maximize the efficiency of both your dehumidifier and AC, ensure that your home is well-insulated and free from air leaks.
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Choosing and Maintaining
If you live in a humid climate, a dehumidifier can be a game-changer for your air conditioning system.
A dehumidifier can remove up to 70 pints of moisture from the air per day, depending on its capacity and the humidity level.
For optimal performance, position your dehumidifier at least 3 feet away from walls and corners to ensure good air circulation.
Regularly cleaning the dehumidifier's filter can improve its efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Dehumidifiers typically last between 5 to 10 years, depending on usage and maintenance.
It's essential to empty the dehumidifier's water tank regularly to prevent water damage and bacterial growth.
A well-maintained dehumidifier can help reduce energy bills and provide a more comfortable living space.
Central AC and Dehumidification
Central air conditioning systems are very effective at cooling indoor air temperatures during the summer months, but they may not be as efficient at dehumidifying ambient air levels down to the optimal range for health and preventing mold growth.
Central AC alone may not keep humidity below 50% on hot, humid or rainy days.
You can check if your home needs a dehumidifier by looking for signs like frequent musty or damp smells, visible condensation or water droplets on interior windows and surfaces, or mold or mildew growth appearing on walls, furniture, or other items.
Here are some common signs that indicate you may need a dehumidifier with your central AC:
- Frequent musty or damp smells
- Visible condensation or water droplets on interior windows and surfaces
- Mold or mildew growth appearing on walls, furniture, or other items
- The basement/crawl space feels damp or has musty odors
- High relative humidity levels reading over 50% on a hygrometer/humidistat
- Clothes or towels take longer than expected to dry
- Wood floors, furniture or trim show signs of swelling or warping
Using a dehumidifier with your central AC can help ensure indoor humidity levels remain in the ideal 30-50% relative humidity range recommended for health, material preservation, and mold prevention.
By removing moisture that accumulated when the AC wasn't running, a dehumidifier can take some workload off the central system, reducing the risk of musty odors, mold/mildew growth, and moisture-related damage to wood, paper, and furnishings.
A dehumidifier can also help your AC run more efficiently, potentially lowering your energy bills.
Energy Efficiency and Dehumidification
Using a dehumidifier can help your air conditioner work more efficiently day-after-day by removing excess moisture from the air. This saves energy and reduces wear and tear on your cooling system.
You can save energy by pairing a dehumidifier with your air conditioner. Installing a whole-home dehumidifier increases the performance and efficiency of your cooling system, especially during the summer.
Optimal humidity levels for comfort and mold prevention are between 30% and 50%. Setting your dehumidifier to this range can make a big difference in indoor comfort.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your dehumidifier and AC running smoothly. Clean filters, ensure proper drainage, and check coils for dust and debris to maximize efficiency.
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Using a dehumidifier to do some of the work can allow you to increase your thermostat setting and run central AC less during shoulder seasons. This dual-system approach can reduce overall utility bills while still effectively managing temperature and indoor air quality.
Running an air conditioner alone is more economical than relying on a standalone dehumidifier for humidity control. However, a dehumidifier can help offset higher HVAC energy costs when increasing ventilation for indoor air quality.
Indoor Air Quality and Dehumidification
Indoor air quality is a top priority, especially when you're trying to stay cool with your air conditioning. The ideal humidity level for indoor air is between 30-50% relative humidity.
High humidity can bring on a host of problems, including allergy symptoms. Sneezing, difficulty breathing, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and skin irritations are just a few of the issues that can arise when humidity is too high. Dust mites, mold, and mildew are the most common allergens in a humid home, and they thrive in moist environments.
To keep your indoor air quality in check, it's essential to monitor your home's humidity levels. If you notice that your humidity levels are consistently above 50%, it's time to consider a dehumidification system. This is especially important if you're increasing outside ventilation to reduce viral loads, as bringing in more warm, humid outside air can greatly increase energy use by cooling systems.
Here are some common areas where moisture can accumulate, leading to high humidity and allergy symptoms:
- Bathrooms
- Laundry rooms
- Small kitchens
- Basements
By controlling humidity and using a dehumidification system, you can offset the higher HVAC energy costs while still providing improved indoor air quality from increased ventilation.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Monitoring your home's humidity is essential to get the most out of your dehumidifier and AC. Use a hygrometer or humidity level reading on your thermostat to monitor indoor humidity.
Regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your AC unit. By reducing humidity, you minimize the risk of condensation buildup that can damage your AC system.
Dehumidifiers can help reduce the workload on your AC, allowing it to function more efficiently. This means fewer repairs and longer intervals between maintenance checks.
Lower humidity levels can make your home feel cooler even at higher temperatures, so you can raise your thermostat and save up to 5% on cooling costs per degree.
Regional Benefits
Whole-home dehumidifiers are a game-changer for homes in humid climates, allowing you to control moisture levels in every room without the hassle of moving a portable dehumidifier from room to room.
They work seamlessly with your current heating and cooling system's ductwork, making your air conditioner work less often because lower humidity levels make the air feel cooler.
In regions with high humidity, a whole-home dehumidifier can help your air conditioner run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bills.
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