You could not imagine not having the air conditioner on and running during the hot months of the year, especially when temperatures seem to climb rapidly. Today’s systems are more efficient than ever, which can be good for managing your home’s cooling costs. You may be wondering what the dry mode setting on your AC means and whether you should dry it out or not. Our air conditioning repair company in Henderson, NV, at Ambient Edge can help.
What the Dry Mode Setting Means
Many of today’s modern air conditioners have a dry mode or dry operation setting on them. This feature works to reduce the amount of indoor humidity within a space without actually reducing the temperature in the room. That is very much the opposite of what some older units do and there is real value in using it at certain times.
A traditional air conditioner works to pull moisture out of the air on hot days by cooling the air. The moisture condenses and is drained away. However, there are days when it may seem like it is sticky and humid in your home but not necessarily hot. Dry mode is a way to reduce the moisture content – otherwise known as lowering the humidity level – without causing a drastic drop in the temperature to achieve this.
Excessive moisture in your home is never advisable as it can speed up the onset of problems, including mold and mildew growth. In other situations, it can lead to harder-to-breathe areas, especially for those who have asthma or allergies. Dry mode offers a way to reduce it in a safe way without lowering the temperature at the same time, and our FAQs can help you learn more about this topic.
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How Dry Mode on an AC Unit Works
Not all AC systems have this mode, but some of the most modern air conditioners do. When you turn it on, the compressor and fan operate at a lower and slower speed than they normally would. This works to dehumidify the home as it goes without creating a significant drop in the overall temperature.
To work, the cold air passes over the air conditioner’s evaporator coil. The coil helps to pull out the moisture from the air as it moves by, turning it into water droplets. The droplets are collected and moved to the drainage system attached to the AC unit, so there is no concern about water leaks.
While this will cause a slight cooling of the air as it passes over the system, it is not nearly as noticeable as when you have the air conditioner on and working normally. The dry mode, then, can help to bring down the uncomfortable feeling of humid air without actually making your home too cold to manage. Doing this can help create a more enjoyable space in your home and can be used throughout the year.
The Benefits of Using Dry Mode on Your Air Conditioner
There are multiple benefits to flipping on the dry mode setting on your AC when your home’s overall humidity level is high. In this area, that can happen at any time of the year. Consider some of the specific results you will see by using dry mode at the right time:
- Reduction in humidity. Lowering the humidity level in your home helps to minimize the risk of sticky, uncomfortable air, making your home feel a bit more comfortable overall.
- Comfort without cooling. You may want to enjoy the warmth of the day, or your home is already rather cool, and you do not want to turn the air conditioner on at a lower setting. With this mode, you get to keep the main cooling elements off.
- It is more energy efficient. For some people, higher temperatures are not a problem, but what is a problem is the humidity. You may enjoy more of the dry heat, and in doing so, that means less energy and better efficiency.
- Reduction of mold and mildew risks. By using this system routinely, it may be possible to reduce mold and mildew growth that can occur quickly in homes where humidity levels are high. Dry mold may help to slow the spread of that mold throughout the area as well.
- Air quality improvement. For people with asthma or allergies, the stifling humidity can make breathing difficult. This method could help to reduce some of that and make it a bit easier to breathe.
- It operates at a much lower noise level. You are less likely to actually hear the air conditioner working with the big condenser is not working at full speed, and that keeps the noise environment healthier, too.
In addition to these benefits of using the dry mode setting on your AC, you may notice other benefits, including better preservation of your collectibles with more humidity control and an ability to enjoy a warmer day without having to worry about intensely uncomfortable humidity. For some, this is the ideal eco-friendly balance between having and using an AC and not doing so.
When to Turn on Dry Mode on Your Air Conditioner
There is not always a reason to run dry mode on your air conditioner—there are plenty of times in this area when you definitely want the cool air from your air conditioner to be on instead. However, if it is between seasons or the winter is mild, turning on this setting can help to make the air a bit more comfortable and easier to manage. In situations where you know your humidity levels are rising, it is a good idea to consider the benefits of using this tool and find out how our we care program can help.
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At Ambient Edge, our highly trained technicians would love to provide you with insight into how to improve the function of your air conditioner, including when and how to use dry mode. Give us a call to set up a consultation or an estimate for a repair and maintenance call. Our trusted team is always here to help you get the support you need.
