Did you know that besides keeping the house cool, your air conditioner can help regulate humidity by reducing the moisture levels in the air? Australia is well known for its humid climate, which greatly impacts the time we spend indoors. Thankfully, some air conditioners have an inbuilt feature to deal with this particular issue, and it’s called the “Dry Mode”.
What is the dry mode?
Dry mode, is a setting available on some air conditioners that is designed to remove excess humidity from the air without significantly reducing the temperature.
In this mode, the air conditioner’s compressor and fan run at a low speed, and the unit extracts moisture from the air using its evaporator coils. This process reduces the amount of moisture in the air, making it feel less humid and more comfortable.
Dry mode can be useful in areas with high humidity levels, where the air may feel damp and sticky even if the temperature is not particularly high.
Why use dry mode?
Dry mode in air conditioners is used primarily to reduce the humidity level in a room or indoor space. High humidity can make the air feel damp and uncomfortable, and can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to health.
Saves on energy
Dry mode can help to save on electricity bills, as the air conditioner does not have to work as hard to cool the air. By reducing the workload on the compressor and fan, dry mode can help to extend the life of the air conditioning unit and reduce maintenance costs.
Comfort
When the air in a room is thick with moisture, it can quickly become uncomfortable and oppressive, regardless of how cool it may be. The reason for this is that excessive humidity hinders the body’s natural cooling mechanism, that is, sweat evaporation. This can give rise to a perception of warmth that goes beyond the actual temperature, leading to a feeling of stuffiness and unease.
Dry mode helps dehumidify your home, making it more comfortable and reducing the exhaustion and perspiration that come with high humidity levels. By drawing out excess moisture, this feature creates a cosy living space that’s easy on the body. Say goodbye to the discomfort of a humid environment.
Healthy environment
When there’s too much moisture, air quality takes a hit. Mould and mildew love this kind of environment, and that’s no good. Luckily, we can use dry mode to get rid of some of that humidity and keep things healthy.
Mould and other tiny organisms love to grow in places where there is plenty of moisture. However, the dry mode can effectively help to combat their growth. Reducing humidity levels is the key to decreasing the likelihood of health concerns arising as a result of exposure to mould or other microorganisms. These health problems may include allergies, respiratory issues, and other illnesses.
When is the best time to use dry mode?
When you need to get rid of excess moisture in a room while keeping the temperature stable, the dry mode function comes in handy. Figuring out the best time to use this function is determined by a mix of factors such as the climate, the amount of moisture in the room, and personal comfort levels. It’s meant to decrease humidity without significantly decreasing the temperature of the room.
In hot and humid weather, the dry mode is usually the best option to combat discomfort caused by excessive moisture levels in the air. When the humidity is high, a room can feel unpleasantly hot and muggy, regardless of the actual temperature. By reducing the humidity levels, the dry mode can make the air more pleasant and relieve that stuffy, oppressive feeling.
It’s vital to acknowledge that activating the dry mode may not always yield desired results. When the humidity in the environment is already low, implementing the dry mode won’t have a significant impact. Moreover, if the air conditioning unit isn’t suitable for dry mode, utilising it for a prolonged period may lead to harm. It’s super important to keep an eye on how much moisture is in the air & make sure the AC can go into dry mode before turning it on.
Where is the dry mode button?
The dry mode button is located on your air conditioner’s remote labelled mode or dry mode. Most times, it will require you to press the mode button several times until you reach the dry mode. This will activate the setting on the air conditioner.
With the ActronAir Series Series 2, the steps can be found here under 05.01 Mode Operation.
If you’re looking to decrease the moisture in the air without significantly cooling the room, then it’s best to use the dry mode on your air conditioning unit when humidity levels are high. This approach should be used as an additional mode to supplement primary cooling and not as the main cooling mode. Excessive use of dry mode can put extra pressure on the air conditioning system, resulting in increased energy consumption.
Therefore, it’s recommended to use this mode judiciously and in conjunction with other cooling modes as necessary. It’s essential to refer to the user manual or consult a professional HVAC technician for proper use and maintenance of your air conditioning unit, similar to any air conditioning function.