Energy-saving trick for dehumidifiers may be inadvertently increasing homeowners' utility costs
In the quest for a comfortable home environment, especially during the warm summer months, understanding the differences between dehumidifiers and air conditioners is crucial. Both appliances serve unique purposes and knowing when to use each can lead to energy savings and a more comfortable living space.
Deane Ashcroft, an energy expert at Grant Store, started his career as an apprentice and later established his own plumbing and heating venture. He shares insights on the role of dehumidifiers in home cooling. Primarily designed to reduce moisture, not lower room temperature, dehumidifiers are a more energy-efficient option that can help save on energy costs.
On the other hand, an air conditioner both cools the air and reduces humidity. Chris Michael, an industry expert in dehumidifiers and the Chair at Meaco, has been advocating for humidity solutions since 1991. Air conditioners consume more electricity due to their simultaneous cooling and dehumidification process, which involves compressing refrigerant and complex mechanisms that demand more power.
If your main issue is humidity rather than temperature, a dehumidifier is a more energy-efficient option that reduces energy costs. A 250W dehumidifier running for 10 hours a day during summer could add over £20 to your monthly energy bill. However, dehumidifiers do not actively cool a room; instead, by reducing humidity, they make the air feel less sticky and more comfortable. This can allow you to set your air conditioner at a higher temperature, potentially saving energy and costs indirectly.
In more detail:
- Effect on room temperature:
- An air conditioner cools the air by removing heat and moisture, lowering the air temperature noticeably.
- A dehumidifier removes moisture but does not cool the room. In fact, it may cause a slight rise in temperature due to the heat generated by the appliance’s compressor and fan, but this is usually minimal.
- Energy consumption and costs:
- Dehumidifiers are generally more energy-efficient, especially when cooling is not required, because their operation is limited to moisture removal rather than full cooling cycles.
- Air conditioners consume more electricity because they cool and dehumidify simultaneously, which involves compressing refrigerant and complex mechanisms that demand more power.
- Using a dehumidifier alongside an air conditioner can improve HVAC efficiency by reducing the moisture load, so the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard or run as long, which reduces energy consumption and wear on the system.
- Comfort impact:
- Lower humidity from a dehumidifier makes a room feel less sticky and more comfortable without necessarily changing the temperature.
- Air conditioners create a cooler environment by reducing temperature and humidity together but at a higher energy cost.
In summary, if your main issue is humidity rather than temperature, a dehumidifier is a more energy-efficient option that reduces energy costs. If cooling is also desired, an air conditioner is necessary, but combining it with a dehumidifier can enhance overall efficiency and comfort.
Katie Lilywhite, an air treatment expert at AO.com, emphasizes the importance of using dehumidifiers sparingly in summer and always combining them with ventilation. Using a dehumidifier in conjunction with other cooling appliances like fans or air conditioners might help save money on energy bills. Since the dehumidifier tackles humidity, other cooling appliances don’t need to work as hard or for as long.
[1] Energy Saving Trust: Dehumidifiers vs Air Conditioners [2] Which?: Best Dehumidifiers for 2022 [3] Consumer Reports: Best Dehumidifiers of 2022 [4] Good Housekeeping: How Dehumidifiers Work and Which One to Buy [5] BBC: The Truth About Dehumidifiers
- In the realm of home interior design, home office or home-and-garden setup, understanding the differences between dehumidifiers and air conditioners can contribute to a more energy-efficient lifestyle, as dehumidifiers, primarily designed for moisture removal, are often more cost-effective for managing humidity issues.
- When considering home-and-garden appliances, it's worth noting that technology plays a significant role in energy savings. For instance, dehumidifiers, armed with modern technology, can help reduce energy costs, making them a smart choice for home offices where humidity is a primary concern.
