Dehumidifiers vs. Air Conditioners: What’s Best for Controlling Summer Humidity?
2 minute read
Why Dehumidifiers Are the Unsung Heroes of Home Comfort and Wellness
When summer hits, most people instinctively crank up the air conditioning to beat the heat. But what if the real discomfort isn’t just from temperature—it’s from humidity? High humidity doesn’t just make your home feel warmer than it is; it can also impact your health by promoting mold growth, dust mites, and other allergens.
That’s where dehumidifiers step in. While air conditioners do some of the work, dehumidifiers are the real MVPs—quietly creating a healthier indoor environment that supports better breathing, reduces allergy triggers, and makes your home feel cooler and more comfortable overall.
Air Conditioners: A Cooling Tool with Limits
While air conditioners can remove some moisture from the air, humidity control is not their primary function. They’re designed to cool your home, and any dehumidification is just a byproduct of that process. This means they only reduce humidity when they’re actively running—and often not enough to keep moisture levels in check, especially during milder days. Relying on your AC to manage humidity can lead to inconsistent comfort, higher energy bills, and increased wear and tear on your system.
Whole-Home Dehumidifiers: Designed for Humidity Control
Unlike air conditioners, AprilAire Whole-Home Dehumidifiers are designed specifically to remove moisture from the air. That means:
- Consistent humidity control regardless of temperature
- Reduced risk of mold, mildew, and allergens
- Improved Indoor Air Quality and comfort
- Lower overall energy use when paired with your AC
They’re especially effective in high-moisture areas like basements and crawl spaces, where air conditioners often fall short.
Why Dehumidifiers Make Air Conditioners Better
Here’s where it gets even better: using a whole-home dehumidifier can actually help your AC run more efficiently. By removing excess moisture, the air feels cooler—even at a higher thermostat setting. That means:
- Your AC runs less often
- You use less energy
- You extend the life of your HVAC system
The Bottom Line: Choose the Right Tool for the Job
A dehumidifier plays a key role in a complete home cooling strategy. By reducing excess humidity, it eases the workload on your air conditioner, helping the system cool more efficiently and maintain a more comfortable indoor environment. Together, they create a balanced approach to cooling and energy use.
Ready to install an AprilAire Whole-Home Dehumidifier but not sure where to start? Contact a local AprilAire Healthy Air Professional today.