Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers Improve Comfort
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers improve home comfort in different ways. We’ll compare air conditioners and dehumidifiers and help you decide when you need each, and when a room might need them both.
Air Conditioners
- Cooling is the primary function of an air conditioner.
- An air conditioner removes some moisture from the air as part of the cooling process.
- Room air conditioners are available as portable air conditioners as well as wall air conditioners and window air conditioners and ductless mini splits.
- Our window air conditioner guide and portable air conditioner guide tell you more about choosing and using a room air conditioner.
While central air conditioners are available, for this guide, we’re primarily discussing room air conditioners.
Some room air conditioners have a dehumidifier function.
Dehumidifiers
- The primary function of a dehumidifier is removing moisture from the air.
- A dehumidifier may slightly increase air temperature, but lower humidity can make a room feel more pleasant.
- In addition to making a space more comfortable, a dehumidifier can help reduce conditions that lead to mold growth.
- Room dehumidifiers are typically portable models.
- Our dehumidifier guide gives you details on functions and features.
Energy Efficiency for Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers
There are ways to make sure air conditioners and dehumidifiers are as energy efficient as possible:
- Size the Device Correctly: Choose an air conditioner that’s designed for the size of your space. Air conditioners in particular can waste energy if they’re oversized.
- Look for ENERGY STAR® Certified Devices: ENERGY STAR® Certified Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are certified by an independent third party to meet specific energy efficiency standards.
- Compare Energy Efficiency Ratings: Air conditioners use a Combined Energy Efficiency Rating (CEER) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating 2 (SEER2), while dehumidifiers use an Integrated Energy Factor (IEF). Higher ratings indicate greater efficiency.
When You Need an Air Conditioner and a Dehumidifier
While an air conditioner removes some humidity, once the room air reaches the desired temperature, the device turns off even if the humidity level stays high. A dehumidifier might be necessary to keep the space in the right humidity range. Consider adding a dehumidifier if:
- A space feels damp, sticky or stuffy.
- A space smells musty.
- You regularly notice condensation on walls or the inside surfaces of windows.
- The relative humidity of a space is consistently higher than 50 percent.
Dehumidifiers are most common in moisture-prone areas such as basements, crawlspaces, bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Keep in mind, there might be underlying moisture problems creating high humidity levels in a home. See our tips on fixing leaking pipes and preventing water damage.
Relative humidity is the level of moisture in the air compared to the maximum it can hold at the current temperature. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping indoor relative humidity below 60 percent and ideally in the range of 30 to 50 percent.
Air Conditioners and Dehumidifiers Have Complementary Functions and Features
The different capabilities of air conditioners and dehumidifiers let them work together to improve your home comfort.
| Room Air Conditioner | Dehumidifier | |
| Primary Function | Cooling | Lowering humidity |
| Effect on Temperature and Humidity |
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| Where You Need It | Uncomfortably warm spaces | Spaces with comfortable temperatures but high humidity |
| Common Secondary Functions |
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| Setup |
| Minimal setup |
| Portability | Portable units available | Typically portable |
| Typical Maintenance |
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* Select units
Keep Your Home Comfortable With Help From Lowe’s
Shop Lowes.com and keep your home comfortable with a room air conditioner and dehumidifier designed to fit your space and with convenient features that make comfort almost effortless. Not sure which model is best for you? Visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate. They can make sure you find everything you need for a cool, comfortable home.