Dehumidifier vs air conditioner: Which is better

Are you confused between a dehumidifier and an air conditioner? This is one of the debates that tends to resurface time and time again, especially during the summer. When it comes to dehumidifier vs air conditioner, the choice often boils down to your cooling preferences, but you can definitely make an informed choice.

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One of the things to keep in mind while choosing between these two home appliances is having an ideal home humidity level. While humidity levels can become a challenge during the winter season and thus demand for a dehumidifier, the demand for an air conditioner will be higher if you live in a hot and humid environment.

In order to choose between a dehumidifier and an air conditioner, you first need to understand the difference between the two. Once you know the difference, the next step is to understand when to opt for a dehumidifier and when to choose an air conditioner. Here’s a look at dehumidifier vs ac, its differences, and which is better.

Dehumidifier vs air conditioner: Key differences

Both a dehumidifier as well as an air conditioner work on the same principle and thus also share some common parts between them. However, they differ mainly in terms of their purpose.

An air conditioner is used to throw cool air into the room whereas a dehumidifier is used to pull out moisture from the air. With an air conditioner, you are not only removing hot air and introducing cool air into the room but also removing humidity from the air.

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However, the volume of moisture removed by an air conditioner is not a great quantity and does not lead to a noticeable effect on the room’s atmosphere. A dehumidifier, on the other hand, is capable of removing a large amount of moisture from the room, resulting in a noticeable change in the room

Dehumidifier vs AC: How to choose between them

If you thought choosing between a dehumidifier and an AC is a dilemma then you are not wrong. An air conditioner is a clear choice if you are looking to cool your room while a dehumidifier is ideal to remove excess moisture from your room and is also best suited for those who live near the sea or in a moderate climate.

The choice between a dehumidifier vs AC unit largely boils down to whether you need cooling or want to reduce the humidity in your room. However, there are other factors you should consider to make the right decision. Here are three factors that will help you choose between an air conditioner and a dehumidifier.

1. Personal preference

One of the first things you need to understand is how you like your room to be. Do you prefer your room with a regulated temperature, or do you like to have less humidity? If you like your room with a strictly regulated temperature, then an air conditioner will be a good option. However, you must know that humidity can be a cause of discomfort and if you want lower humidity then a dehumidifier is the way to go.

2. Budget

A factor that weighs more heavily than personal preference is budget. A dehumidifier will be cheaper than an air conditioner since it is mostly a plug-and-play device that does not involve any post-purchase costs. An air conditioner, on the other hand, will involve additional installation costs and might even require some changes in your room. However, a dehumidifier won’t provide the same cooling functionality that an air conditioner offers.

ALSO READ: All you need to know about ACs and their role in maintaining indoor air quality

3. Location

Another factor that will make it easier to choose between a dehumidifier and an air conditioner is your location. If your home has proximity to large bodies of water, then the humidity level will be high. In such an environment, your air conditioner will be able to only provide cooling but not effectively lower the humidity level. A dehumidifier’s impact will be profound in such an environment.fc

In the dehumidifier vs AC unit debate, some users might see an air conditioner as a natural choice if you are mainly looking to cool your room and lower humidity to a moderate amount. You should also keep in mind that an AC can be used as a fan and an all weather AC can also be used to regulate temperature during the winter season. However, if you live in an environment with high humidity then a dehumidifier might seem not only an essential appliance but also a no-brainer. If you also need to cool your room, then you might have to get both the appliances to get the best result.