Will Air Conditioning Remove Humidity?

MO humidityA common question asked by homeowners is whether their air conditioners remove the humidity from the air. The short answer to this question is yes, but there is more involved than just removing humidity. In fact, the main function of your air conditioner is not to remove humidity, it happens as a byproduct of the way the unit works.

Air Conditioners and Humidity—What You Need to Know

The removal of humidity occurs when your air conditioner operates due to how the air conditioner cools the air in your home. For an air conditioner to work, it needs to remove the heat from the air before it pushes that air into your home. To accomplish this task, the air conditioner uses coolant, an evaporator coil, and a condenser.

The Evaporator Coil and Collection Tray

When the air moves over the evaporator coil, the expanding coolant inside that coil pulls the heat out of the air that passes over it. The process of pulling out heat also pulls out moisture, which is why there needs to be a collection tray underneath the evaporator coil to collect all the water that results from the cooling process. Periodically, the unit will dispose of the collected water outside of your home.

You have obviously noticed how dry the air is that comes out of the air conditioner, even when the air is humid outside and inside the home. The obvious conclusion is that the air conditioner is working as a dehumidifier, which is certainly true. But the action of dehumidifying is actually only a secondary purpose, not the primary purpose of the air conditioner.

Dehumidifiers Work Best for Removing Humidity

If you really want to remove humidity it is a good idea to look into a dehumidifier. These units are made to remove humidity exclusively, which means they can often remove more humidity, more quickly, than just relying on your air conditioner. In situations where you need to get rid of humidity quickly and efficiently, a dehumidifier makes more sense.

A dehumidifier can work alongside an air conditioner when you have serious concerns about moisture but also want to stay cool. You can certainly have both in your home without any problems.

Help With Your Air Conditioning Needs

At Hoff Heating and A/C, you will find knowledgeable guidance about all your heating and air conditioning needs. We can take a closer look at your specific circumstances and listen to your concerns to produce an effective climate solution for your home or business. Contact us today to learn more about our services in St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, and St. Louis.