What are the differences between air conditioners and dehumidifiers?

About to call your commercial HVAC service company because of your uncomfortable, sticky work environment, but unsure whether you need an AC upgrade or a dehumidifier? We’ve got you covered, explaining the difference between both popular and helpful pieces of equipment so you can choose the best solution for your business.

When to Choose an Air Conditioner

Commercial HVAC mechanical contractors know if you primarily want a cooler, more comfortable environment, an air conditioner is for you. The main goal of AC systems is to remove hot air and bring cold air into a room. A small amount of humidity is removed as part of the operation, but not a noticeable quantity.

AC technology is quite sophisticated compared to a dehumidifier, containing a variety of parts. Refrigerant pumped through the system, expanding or contracting and changing from liquid to gas to exchange heat or cool refrigerant. The system’s expansion valve, fans, compressor, and evaporator coil facilitate the exchange, which runs on a cycle until the desired temperature is achieved. The expansion valve converts the liquid to gas, cooling the refrigerant, going through the evaporator coil. Fans distribute the cooled air through your business. During this process, the refrigerant begins absorbing heat once again, running through the compressor where it is turned back to a high-pressure gas, and the cycle continues.

When to Choose a Dehumidifier

Choose a dehumidifier such as Dectron dehumidification units when you want to remove a significant amount of moisture from the air. While dry air does feel cooler than moist air, a dehumidifier will not provide the same level of cooling as an air conditioner. Dehumidifiers are a great way to manage mugginess and prevent condensation, mold, and mildew growth, but they will not cool the air in the room. They cost less than AC and use less electricity. Units may be placed inside with no need for access to internal vents or installed as part of your commercial HVAC system. Dehumidifiers use both hot and cold coils. Moist air is pulled into the system from the surrounding area, where it is condensed at a cooler temperature until moisture is separated from the air. In standalone models, fluid is collected in a bucket or tray, requiring emptying from time to time. However, with whole-house residential or commercial systems installed as part of central HVAC, installing or connecting with existing drainage lines ensures automatic emptying.

When to Install Both AC and a Dehumidifier

If you need both cooling action and moisture reduction, you may want to purchase a combination unit or retrofit your existing AC system. Today’s dehumidifiers install easily as part of central systems, working in conjunction with your existing air conditioner and ductwork to deliver the ultimate in comfort.

Create a more comfortable environment with help from H & H Commercial Services. Learn the differences between air conditioners and dehumidifiers, uncovering the best solution for your business with help from our commercial heating, cooling, and dehumidification experts today.

This blog was originally posted at https://hhcommercialonline.com/what-are-the-differences-between-air-conditioners-and-dehumidifiers/