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Air conditioning has become the norm in this modern age, especially in warmer climates where it is necessary to control the intense heat. Air conditioners help to maintain indoor temperatures at levels that occupants find comfortable, remove excess humidity, and improve the quality of air indoors.
As many people are now buying air conditioners, most don’t take the time to identify how to get the best from these appliances. It is necessary to acquaint yourself with how your air conditioner works because understanding the different settings on this appliance will help you optimise its performance and save energy.
This article is intended to guide you in the right direction to achieving this efficiently without fuss.
How Do Air Conditioners Work?
Depending on the exact type of air conditioner you have in your home or office, it would work to do a number of things. The appliance can work to remove heat and moisture from the indoor air, making the interior of your home or office more conducive for you and other occupants.
The process helps accomplish this by distributing the refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. Heat is absorbed this way and released to the outside of the space from where it has been absorbed.
The indoor unit has evaporator coils that absorb the heat in the air of your home or office as well as the moisture. The outdoor unit works through its condenser coils which release the absorbed heat to the outside.
Some Important Parts of the Air Conditioner
Whether people want to install ducted or split systems, it is vital to have adequate knowledge of the critical components of their air conditioner. This will help them to know how to maintain them properly and what they can expect from the appliance they have invested in.
You could have inner or outer units depending on the air-con you purchased. However, refrigerant is common to air conditioners as it is needed for cooling. The refrigerant in the air conditioning unit plays a crucial role in this process because it is the substance that allows for the absorption of heat from the indoor air and releases heat to the outside.
An air conditioner needs to maintain proper refrigerant levels. This is so because it is necessary for the air conditioner to function correctly and maintain optimal performance.
The Dry Mode Setting in Your Air Conditioner
There is a dry mode setting on an air conditioner, and it is primarily designed to help reduce indoor humidity levels. This can be done without excessively cooling the room. While in this mode, the air conditioner can operate at a lower fan speed, enabling moisture to be removed from the air.
When this happens, room occupants feel more comfortable and can rest well or work more efficiently if the appliance is in a workplace. The dry mode is quite different from the cooling mode. The fundamental difference is that the cooling mode produces less cool air.
Although you can switch your air conditioner to this mode anytime you choose, it is best used during humid weather conditions. This is because, at this period, the indoor air is likely to have become excessively damp and uncomfortable.
Benefits of using the dry mode
Each feature of an air conditioner has its uses and benefits. There are several benefits of the dry mode on your air conditioner, which you can begin to enjoy today if you have not started already, and these include:
Reduced humidity levels
The dry mode can remove excess moisture from the indoor air. Doing this can be pretty effective in preventing dampness and mould growth. In other words, the dry mode can improve indoor air quality.
Energy efficiency
When the dry mode is used, there is less burden on the air conditioner. The appliance does not work as hard as when it is required to cool the room. In this situation, it can help you save energy and lower your electricity bill.
Increased comfort
Since the dry mode can remove moisture in a room and improve indoor air quality, it can also help lower humidity levels. As a result of this, the room feels less stuffy and more comfortable for its occupants, especially during humid weather conditions.
When is it best to use dry mode
The dry mode can be used more effectively during humid weather conditions. Under such conditioners, the indoor air can become excessively damp and uncomfortable, and the dry mode can improve it. The use of dry mode can also be helpful when the air conditioner is not producing enough cool air because it can improve its performance.
Considerations When Using Dry Mode
While it is good for you to consider using dry mode on your air conditioner, there are a few considerations you need to keep in mind. Some of these considerations include the following;
Regular maintenance
If you would like to enjoy the dry mode on your air conditioner, it is necessary for you to be ready for its regular maintenance. The optimal performance of the appliance depends a lot on creating a maintenance schedule that needs to be adhered to regularly.
Potential for over-drying
The dry mode, which is also referred to as the fan mode by some people, indeed has its benefits, but just as it is with other things that have benefits, you have to use it in moderation.
One of the reasons is that the excessive use of dry mode, especially in low humidity conditions, can lead to the over-drying of indoor air. This can lead to some health issues and cause some significant discomfort. Occupants in the room where this condition prevails can have dry skin and even develop throat irritations which can be pretty painful.
Using in Conjunction With Other Methods
Although the dry mode can be used to reduce humidity levels effectively, it could be better when used in conjunction with other methods to reduce indoor humidity. An example is when a humidifier is used to improve ventilation.
Slower cooling
The dry mode does not cool the air as quickly as the cool mode. In this regard, it is not the ideal mode to use under scorching and humid conditions where fast cooling is required.
Limited effectiveness
As already mentioned, the dry mode can be pretty helpful in getting rid of excess humidity from indoor air, but it may not be as effective in larger spaces or very humid environments. Continued use under this kind of situation will not produce desired results and, at the same time, could mean a wasteful use of energy.
Inability to cool
When your air conditioner is switched to dry mode, you should understand that it does not cool the air. In this state, it can only remove excess moisture from the air. Therefore, where cooling and dehumidification are required, you will have to use the dry and cool modes at the same time.
Depending on your situation, you may also choose one and forgo the other, which could be better because less strain is placed on the air conditioner.
Consult a Licensed HVAC Expert
Some of the benefits of dry mode on air cons have been highlighted already, and it is evident that it is useful. However, it has its limitations despite being a helpful tool. When you understand the capabilities and limitations of your air conditioner, you can use it more effectively at home or in the office.
If, for any reason, you cannot identify how to set your air conditioner to give you the best in terms of delivery, that could be a good sign it is time to call on a professional. A licensed HVAC expert can help you with additional information and help set the appliance correctly to get the best value for your investment.
