Mini Splits and Humidity:
Do Mini Splits Remove Humidity?
Mini splits are a wonderful way to save money on heating and cooling specific areas or rooms in your home. These ductless HVAC systems are energy-efficient and simple to install, making them appealing to a wide range of homeowners. But what if you also want to control the humidity levels in your home? Can mini splits dehumidify? Yes, but you may be interested in learning more. Continue reading to compare a dehumidifier vs. mini split to see which best meets the climate control and comfort needs of your home.
What Is Mini Split Dry Mode? Is it a Dehumidifier?
Dry mode on a mini split, also known as the mini split dehumidification mode, pulls in warm air and recirculates it back into the room without exposing it to the device’s cooling coil. Dry mode is intended to remove humidity while maintaining the room’s temperature.
1. Here’s how a mini split’s dry mode works:
2. A fan draws humid air into the device.
3. The air is then drawn across a cooling coil at a slower speed than in the normal cooling mode.
4. Air lingers over the coil long enough to cool it, causing moisture to form.
5. Moisture collects in a pan at the mini split’s base.
6. The dehumidified air is reintroduced into the room.
How Do Mini Split Dry Mode and Dehumidifier Differ?
In dry mode, a mini split reduces humidity in a room, but is it more effective and efficient than a dedicated dehumidifier? In many cases, a whole-house or portable dehumidifier is the more efficient and less expensive option.
However, there are a few disadvantages to using a dehumidifier unit instead of a mini split:
- Only one function. A dehumidifier performs a single function: it removes humidity from the air. A mini split, on the other hand, can heat or cool a specific area of your home. If you need to achieve both goals, the mini split may be the better investment.
- Portable, but with limitations. Portable dehumidifiers remove humidity from a specific area. That means you’ll need to buy multiple units or relocate the unit to different rooms to maintain ideal humidity levels throughout the house. Mini-Splits reduce humidity levels over larger areas more effectively than portable humidifiers.
- Energy consumption. If you live in a hotter climate or have high home humidity, you may need to run multiple portable dehumidifiers for longer periods. This will result in a greater increase in energy consumption. Portable dehumidifiers must also be cleaned, emptied, and repositioned regularly to function properly. A mini split, on the other hand, can likely achieve the same level of humidity regulation with fewer units and, thus, less overall energy use.
The most significant distinction between these systems is their purpose. A Mini-Split system is ideal for heating and cooling the entire house. This means if you already have a functional HVAC system, you don’t necessarily need a Mini-Split for climate control. Installing a whole-home dehumidifier to your existing system may be a better investment for humidity control in this case. However, if you want to replace your current HVAC system with a Mini-Split system or are concerned about heating, cooling, and humidity in one or two areas of your home, a Mini-Split unit can meet all of your requirements.
Contact Prime Genius Heating, Air & Appliances for expert advice on the best dehumidification option for your home, or if you’re ready to schedule an installation. To improve your home comfort, we can install a ductless split AC system or a dehumidifier.
Control the Humidity with Prime Genius Heating, Air & Appliances
Did you know that the humidity level in your home should be kept below 60% to decrease the risk of mold and mildew? If you’re concerned about moisture in your home, Mini-Splits are an excellent solution to minimize humidity while maintaining a pleasant temperature. Contact Prime Genius Heating, Air & Appliances technicians if you need assistance keeping your HVAC system functioning smoothly. Our skilled professionals can assist you with all of your indoor comfort needs, from enhancing your interior air quality to offering an HVAC maintenance plan that keeps your system running smoothly all year. Call (916) 800-4007 or schedule an appointment online to get started.
