Differences Between Using an Air Conditioner and a Dehumidifier for Dehumidification

In summer, it is rainy and humid in some region. At this time, dehumidification is very necessary.
The air conditioner has a dehumidification mode. Many dehumidifiers will appear when searching for dehumidification on the e-commerce platform. Is there any difference between using an air conditioner or a dehumidifier for dehumidification? Need to buy a special dehumidifier?

Air conditioner and dehumidifier are different in principle, function and effect. Their specific differences are as follows:

1. Different dehumidification principles between an air conditioner and a dehumidifier

We know that water vapor will condense into small water droplets when it gets cold. For example, the “white gas” seen when you open the refrigerator, and the water droplets on the window when you open the air conditioner indoors in summer are all water vapor liquefaction.
This principle is used for dehumidification of air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Although the principle is the same, the dehumidification effect of the two is different.
Most household dehumidifiers are compressor type, mainly composed of compressor, evaporator and condenser.
The moist air passes through the evaporator first, and the water vapor in the air will be liquefied when it is cold, and the small water droplets will collect into a water tank. As a result, the moist air becomes drier, but the temperature also decreases.
In order to make the temperature of the blown air more comfortable, the dry cold air also needs to be heated by the condenser. Finally, the dehumidifier blows out dry air with appropriate temperature.
Unlike dehumidifiers, the evaporator and condenser of air conditioners are separated. When the air conditioner is cooling, the indoor unit is equivalent to the evaporator, and the outdoor unit is equivalent to the condenser.
In the dehumidification mode, the moist air enters the air conditioner and condenses into water through the evaporator. At the same time, the air conditioner blows out cold air.
That is to say, dehumidification of air conditioning must be accompanied by refrigeration. However, the decrease of temperature will lead to the increase of the relative humidity of the air, which leads to the less significant dehumidification effect.

2. Different functions between an air conditioner and a dehumidifier

The air conditioner not only has dehumidification function, but also has other functions. It is more practical, but the dehumidification effect is not as good as the dehumidifier. The dehumidifier is a machine specially used for dehumidification, so its function is relatively simple.

3. Different dehumidification effects between an air conditioner and a dehumidifier

Because the working principle of air conditioning dehumidification is to use refrigeration dehumidification, the dehumidification effect is not significant in a short time, and it consumes more electric energy. The dehumidifier is a special and with good dehumidification effect, which can balance the humidity in the air, and the air will not become dry and will not have a bad impact on the human body. Preair is a responsible dehumdifier manufacturer that provides OEM/ODM dehumidifiers for sale. Contact us if you are in need of  humidity remover products.

Which dehumidification method should be selected

In addition to the difference in effect, air conditioner costs more electricity and cannot be placed freely like dehumidifiers. If your home is on a low floor and easy to get wet, it is recommended to choose a dehumidifier to dehumidification. If dehumidification is only needed occasionally, use the dehumidification mode of air conditioner.