High indoor humidity can be a concern here in Oklahoma, as it contributes to the house feeling hotter and much less comfortable. Running your air conditioning helps to combat this problem. When the system runs, it works to remove moisture from the air in addition to cooling it. The problem is that there are many times during the spring when heavy rains contribute to excess humidity, but the temperature inside the house isn’t high enough for the AC system to run long enough to tackle the issue. One way to overcome this is to just turn your thermostat down so that your AC runs longer, but this can quickly lead to your house becoming too chilly. This is why many newer AC systems have two different modes: standard cooling mode and dehumidification or “dry” mode. You also want to have the system in cooling mode on hot summer days, but dry mode allows you to optimize your AC to keep your house more comfortable on humid spring days.
How Dry Mode Works
Air conditioning helps reduce indoor humidity because moisture in the incoming air condenses on the cold evaporator coil. When you run your AC in dry mode, it primarily works to dehumidify the incoming air instead of cooling it. The air the system puts out is still slightly cooler but not nearly as much as it is when the system is running in standard cooling mode.
In dry mode, the system slows down the fan speed so that it puts out much less air. It also cycles the compressor on and off. The compressor is what circulates refrigerant through the system. In cooling mode, it runs continuously throughout each cooling cycle so that cold refrigerant is constantly flowing through the evaporator coil. This allows the system to remove large amounts of heat from the air to quickly cool the house. By cycling the compressor on and off when running in dry mode, the system ensures that the evaporator coil is cold enough for moisture to condense on it but not so cold that the air gets fully cooled.
Benefits of Running Your AC in Dry Mode
The main benefit of dry mode is that it allows you to quickly tackle issues with high indoor humidity without your house becoming too cold. In most cases, you only need to run the system in dry mode for the air to no longer feel sticky and overly humid. By dehumidifying the air, you also don’t need to worry as much about potential mold issues in your house.
There are numerous other benefits of using dry mode during the spring or any time it’s not overly hot. One of the biggest ones is that it allows the system to work much more efficiently and use less electricity. Many systems use at least 50% less energy in dry mode compared to cooling mode. The fact that the fan and compressor run at a lower speed and that the compressor only runs in short bursts also means that the system is under less strain and experiences less wear and tear. Another benefit is that the system is far quieter, as you’ll barely be able to even hear the fan running.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance for Proper AC Function and Maximizing Dehumidification
Whether you have a central AC, a heat pump or a ductless mini-split system, one thing you never want to do is neglect the importance of regular inspections and maintenance. Every cooling system should be serviced by a certified technician at the start of the season. Systems that get a lot of daily use can also benefit from being serviced again in the mid to late summer.
Without regular maintenance, your air conditioning will eventually develop issues that limit its ability to perform effectively and cause it to use more electricity. That means you’ll have more difficulty keeping your house cool and comfortable, especially on hot summer days. The system also won’t dehumidify your house as effectively, creating the potential for high humidity to lead to indoor mold growth.
Since 1983, TS Heat & Air has been providing leading cooling services to homeowners in Bethany and the surrounding communities. We work with air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits, and our experienced technicians can service and repair any brand and model.
Whether it’s handling your preventive maintenance needs or helping you find the best replacement system for your Bethany home, you can count on us to provide a hassle-free experience and first-class customer service. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact TS Heat & Air today.
