Dehumidifiers and air conditioners are the most effective and widespread solutions to combat the summer heat, but we often confuse two devices, making unclear how they work. Both are born to relieve the high temperatures but solve the problem differently.
Before buying one or the other, it is good to know exactly what they do and how they operate, what benefits they bring, and their respective pros and cons to make a considered and correct choice. This guide will find all the information you need to identify the type of appliance that best suits your needs.
Table of Contents
The dehumidifier
The dehumidifier’s primary advantage is alleviating the sensation of heat but without the annoying air jet typical of the air conditioner.
The feeling of warmth depends not only on the high temperatures but also on the humidity level. An acceptable level for our body is between 40 and 60%. This is why our body is so struggling to maintain a thermal balance.
The dehumidifier eliminates water vapor and ” dry ” air, restoring a favorable dry environment. It does not cool the room where it is located and does not emit fresh air, but by lowering the humidity. In addition, it helps to make the air less stifling.
Moreover, this appliance is handy even in the colder seasons to counteract the onset of mold and bacteria. Finally, basements and taverns are excellent solutions for less oppressive air. Generally, dehumidifiers are fairly compact devices.
The most purchased portable dehumidifiers are lighter and easier to move from one room to another as needed.
The air conditioner
Unlike the dehumidifier, the air conditioner generates a cold (or hot) airflow, immediately relieving the heat. The main benefit is that waiting times for a more pleasant temperature are reduced significantly.
There are models of air conditioners also equipped with dehumidification functions on the market, both fixed and portable air conditioners, and are a practical alternative to exploit the advantages of both options.
The emission of cold air leads to higher energy consumption, and higher costs must be accounted for. Also, prolonged exposure to cold air blows can cause health problems: colds and joint problems are always there for those who do not use the moderation device.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Let’s summarize the main pros and cons of the two devices.
The dehumidifier :
- Consumes less.
- It does not lower the temperature, but it removes the humidity.
- It is not harmful to health.
- It takes more time to generate beneficial effects.
The air conditioner :
- It consumes more.
- It emits cold air with immediate effect.
- Lower the temperature even by different degrees.
- Long exposure can cause colds and joint problems.
A dehumidifier or air conditioner: which one to choose?
After this overview, it should be clear that they have different operating principles while having the same purpose. There is no one better than the other: the choice depends on your needs and uses that will go to do.
If the main problem is the humidity of your environment, then a dehumidifier is the ideal solution: it consumes less. Moreover, you can use it throughout the year without the risk of illness and colds.
If you are looking for a device that can quickly refresh the room where it is placed, it is better to opt for an air conditioner. Some models are also equipped with heating functions and, if necessary, can be used in winter.