Author Topic: Dehumidifier to run ac hotter?  (Read 3164 times)

FastStache

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Dehumidifier to run ac hotter?
« on: June 24, 2013, 08:12:55 PM »
Has anyone used a dehumidifier to allow them to run the ac at a higher temperature?

What type of setup did you use? I'm wanting to mainly keep the baby's room cooler without having to cool the whole house.

rugorak

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Re: Dehumidifier to run ac hotter?
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2013, 07:57:50 AM »
I live in a small ranch with a deep basement. I use a dehumidifier most of the summer primarily to prevent mildew and mold with the side benefit of it helping to keep the house cool. I have a small window unit that I use in my bedroom on the hottest most humid days and/or nights. But for the majority of the time I just run the dehumidifier in the basement. I keep the house closed up for the day to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. At night I reverse to bring in the cool night air. I have a ceiling fan in the living room I use to keep some circulation going.

Based on your wording I am guessing you have central A/C. I live in upstate NY so almost no one has central A/C. No reason for it. Not for the 2-4 weeks a year in July/August that it gets above 95 with 90%+ humidity. Granted there are plenty of unmustacians who have multiple window units that run all the time. And there are even a few who have put in central air in their homes. But most of us are just badass without even thinking about it. We call it normal. When I was in high school I remember we had a kid move up here from Mississippi who was complaining about the heat up here because no one has A/C but everyone does down south.

Ultimately though I think you'll just have to figure out what works with your home and location. Experiment and see what works best.

velocistar237

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Re: Dehumidifier to run ac hotter?
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2013, 08:13:46 AM »
Has anyone used a dehumidifier to allow them to run the ac at a higher temperature?

This would reduce the latent load on the A/C but increase the sensible load.

Here's a recent discussion on the topic.

Evaporation is a cooling process. Condensing/dehumidifying is a heating process. In the summer, you want to put that heat outside. The main difference between a dehumidifier and an A/C is just that--the condensing coils on an A/C are outside the thermal envelope. If you want to cool just one room, get a window A/C. If you're willing to pay to reduce noise, install a ductless mini-split.

FastStache

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Re: Dehumidifier to run ac hotter?
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2013, 09:57:05 AM »
I do live in Florida, so central A/C is needed.

I am consider a window unit for the baby's room. I worry about bugs getting in though.

rugorak

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Re: Dehumidifier to run ac hotter?
« Reply #4 on: June 26, 2013, 01:19:53 PM »
I am consider a window unit for the baby's room. I worry about bugs getting in though.

Nothing to worry about. As long as you put it in the window correctly no more a chance of bugs getting in than from a screen. Depending on how much you guys like the heat (and where you are in FL) you could just use window fans as well. My mom lives in FL but LOVES the heat. So they don't turn on their A/C at all until July and turn it off by September at the latest. (Of course she is a wuss on the other side and turns on the heat as soon as the temp drops below 70.)

But look at the costs overall for whatever solution you go with. It may be better to just use the central system and be a little more badass than your neighbors the rest of the time (so set it to 80 or something and use as little clothes on your kid as possible, etc). Full disclosure I am not a parent. And I am not suggesting putting your child in danger. But kids are tougher than some parents/adults give them credit for and 80 shouldn't be an issue assuming they are otherwise healthy and hydrated.

velocistar237

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Re: Dehumidifier to run ac hotter?
« Reply #5 on: June 26, 2013, 01:35:01 PM »
Rope caulk would keep the bugs out, and it's removable. It would help keep the heat out, too.

 

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