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  3. Can air conditioners reduce humidity?

Can air conditioners reduce humidity?

Sometimes it’s just so humid outside. We all have been victims of humid weather, it can make you sweat profusely and make sleeping so difficult. Even if there’s a cool breeze, humidity can cause serious discomfort.

Luckily, air conditioners and dehumidifiers can help reduce indoor humidity. Some air conditioning units come with a dehumidification function to remove humidity inside your home. You can simply activate the dehumidification feature of your aircon with a single click.

Indoor Humidity

The tolerable range of indoor humidity is between 30 to 50%. High humidity levels can be uncomfortable and also cause health risks.

Some problems associated with high indoor humidity include:

  • High humidity promotes the growth of dust mites, mould and mildew. They are likely to grow in moist areas like bathrooms so if you see black spots on your bathroom walls, that is mould.
  • The dust mites and mould spores created due to high indoor humidity can trigger asthma and allergies. The common symptoms of mould exposure are:
    • Headache
    • Watery eyes
    • Runny nose
    • Fatigue
    • Coughing
    • Sneezing
    • Asthma attack
  • Humidity doesn’t allow sweat to evaporate quickly which can make you feel hotter
  • Mould can grow on your clothes and furniture
  • Musty or mildew smell
  • Rust on computers, electrical equipment and tools
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Benefits of Dehumidification

Dehumidification means you will be much more comfortable when you are indoors, ensuring you will feel less muggy and cranky.

Dehumidification can help you breathe easier plus there will be less risk of inhaling microbes, dust mites, and mould spores which is beneficial for people suffering from asthma and allergies. A less humid enivornment will mean your clothes, fabrics, and furniture remains mould free.

Dehumidification v/s Air Conditioning

Dehumidifiers and air conditioners work in a similar way. Dehumidifiers work by sucking the moisture from the indoor air and releasing the dryer air back into the room. The resulting air can be warmer then when using an aircon. While air conditioners cool the air and at the same time reduce the indoor humidity. Dehumidifiers are perfect to minimise mould growth and prevent structural damage, especially in damp spaces, however, air conditioners are definitely better if you compare the two appliances - they can purify the indoor air, maintain a comfortable temperature, reduce humidity, and remove bad odours.

Can air conditioners reduce indoor humidity?

Air conditioners are power-packed machines with multiple features. They can not only cool your home but also act as a Dehumidifier, Air Purifier, and Heater.

Some air conditioners come with a dehumidification function which can be used to reduce indoor humidity. This feature eliminates the need to have multiple appliances. Aircon with dehumidification settings help you to stay comfortable indoors without excessive electricity bills. If you are looking for a new air conditioner, we recommend selecting a unit that comes with a dehumidification function especially if you live in a tropical or sub-topical region like Queensland.

At All Purpose Air Conditioning, we provide installation, repairs and service for all types of air conditioners. If your air conditioner is not cooling your home properly or you're suffering through high humidity, give us a call on 1300 405 295 or complete our online aircon service request form.