Is AC Dry Mode the Same as a Dehumidifier?

No, AC dry mode is not same as a dehumidifier. In dry mode the AC runs its compressor and fan at low speed and removes some moisture while still cooling the room a little. A dehumidifier removes moisture without cooling, so it works in monsoon and winter when you do not want the room colder.

TL;DR

• AC dry mode: removes moisture as part of cooling, room still becomes cooler. White Westinghouse 1.5 ton AC is rated 1.5 litres per hour moisture removal at 1,470 W power input in cooling.
• Dehumidifier: removes moisture without cooling. Aavta London models are rated 12 to 50 litres per day at 205 W to 690 W.
• Use dry mode on warm and sticky days, and a dehumidifier on cool and damp days, in winter, and for wardrobes and closed rooms.

What Does Dry Mode Do in an AC?

Dry mode is a setting which focus on reducing humidity more than temperature. When dry mode is on, the compressor and fan runs at low and slow speed, so the air pass slowly over the cold coil of indoor unit. Moisture in the air turns to water on that coil and drains out through the AC pipe, without a big drop in room temperature.

• White Westinghouse 1.5 ton 4 star inverter AC (the one we sell): Cool, Dry, Fan and Auto modes, independent dehumidification function, rated moisture removal 1.5 litres per hour, cooling capacity 18,000 BTU per hour, power input 1,470 W, indoor noise 47, 42 and 38 dB on high, medium and low.
• White Westinghouse 1.5 ton 3 star AC: Cool, Dry, Fan and Auto modes, independent dehumidification function, rated moisture removal 1.5 litres per hour.

Dry Mode vs Cool Mode: What Is the Difference?

• Cool mode: compressor runs more continuously and fan runs at higher speed, for bringing the room down to set temperature quickly. Best for a hot day.
• Dry mode: fan runs at lower speed and compressor turns on and off from time to time, so the AC removes more moisture and lowers temperature less. Best for a humid day which is not very hot.

Dry mode also use less power than full cooling in most cases, as the compressor runs at lower level. But dry mode can not keep the room cool on a very hot summer afternoon, and on such days you will need cool mode only.

How Is a Dehumidifier Different From AC Dry Mode?

A dehumidifier and an AC both uses a cold coil for removing moisture. But an AC throws the heat outside through its outdoor unit, so the room become cooler. A dehumidifier keeps everything inside one machine, so the dry air comes back in the room at almost same temperature, or even slightly warmer.

That is why a dehumidifier can remove moisture without making room cold. As per IMD climate normals for Kolkata (Alipore), the average low temperature is 14.3 degrees in January and 15.5 degrees in December, while the average evening humidity is 82 to 83 percent from July to September. On such cool or rainy days an AC in dry mode would make the room too cold, or stop once room becomes cool. Aavta London dehumidifiers are rated to run between 5 and 32 degrees.

AC Dry Mode vs Dehumidifier: Quick Comparison

• Moisture removal: AC dry mode removes moisture while cooling (White Westinghouse 1.5 ton AC rated 1.5 litres per hour). Dehumidifier removes moisture without cooling (Aavta London rated 12 to 50 litres per day).
• Cooling effect: AC dry mode cools the room a little. Dehumidifier does not cool the room.
• Best season: AC dry mode for warm and humid days in summer and early monsoon. Dehumidifier for monsoon, winter and any cool and damp day.
• Running cost: White Westinghouse 1.5 ton 4 star inverter AC power input 1,470 W in cooling. Aavta London dehumidifiers 205 W to 690 W.
• Portability: AC is fixed on wall or window of one room. Dehumidifier has wheels and moves from room to room.

When Should You Use Dry Mode, and When a Dehumidifier?

Use AC dry mode on warm and sticky days, mostly April to June and early monsoon, when the room feels humid but a little cooling is also fine. Dry mode is also useful at summer night, when full cool mode makes the room too cold.

Use a dehumidifier in the main monsoon months of July, August and September, when it rains for days and temperature is not very high. Also in winter, when you do not want any cooling but walls and clothes still stays damp. For wardrobes, store rooms, basements, ground floor rooms, libraries and rooms with musical instruments or electronics, dehumidifier is better as it can run long hours without cooling.

Can You Use Both Together?

Yes, you can use AC and dehumidifier together in same room, and it helps on very hot and very humid days. AC takes care of temperature and dehumidifier takes care of extra moisture, so the AC do not have to work so hard and room feels comfortable at a higher temperature setting. Keep doors and windows closed when both are running. You can read our blog on how air conditioners remove humidity for more on this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AC dry mode save electricity?

In most cases yes, dry mode uses less electricity than full cool mode, as the compressor and fan runs at lower level. Exact saving depends on the AC model and the weather.

Can I use AC dry mode all night?

Yes on warm and humid nights. But on cool monsoon nights or in winter, dry mode can make the room too cold, and a dehumidifier is better then.

Do the White Westinghouse ACs have dry mode?

Yes. The White Westinghouse 1.5 ton ACs we sell have Cool, Dry, Fan and Auto modes, with rated moisture removal of 1.5 litres per hour.

Is a dehumidifier cheaper to run than an AC?

Usually yes. Aavta London dehumidifiers are rated 205 W to 690 W, while White Westinghouse 1.5 ton 4 star inverter AC has rated power input of 1,470 W in cooling.

Do I need a dehumidifier if I have an AC?

In a humid city like Kolkata, yes it helps, as you will not run AC on cool monsoon days and in winter, but the damp will still be there.

Not sure whether you need an AC, a dehumidifier or both? Then, call or WhatsApp us at +91 8981224400 and tell us about your room, and we will guide you. All our products come with a 12 month warranty, and our Kridovia Care team gives service and support within 48 hours.