Refrigeration and dehumidification are two common options in the operating mode of an air conditioner. There are some differences between the two modes in terms of energy savings. Below I will compare refrigeration and dehumidification from different angles to help you understand which mode is more power-efficient.
Energy efficiency ratio (EER). EER is a measure of the energy efficiency of an air conditioner, which indicates the ratio of cooling capacity per unit time to electricity consumed. Typically, the EER of the cooling mode is higher than that of the dehumidification mode, which means that the cooling mode can provide more cooling capacity for the same power consumption. Therefore, from this point of view, the refrigeration mode is more power-efficient.
Running time. The running time of the refrigeration and dehumidification modes also affects the power consumption. Using the refrigeration mode usually requires a longer run time to achieve the desired comfort level under the same temperature and humidity conditions, while the dehumidification mode can reduce the humidity more quickly. Therefore, if you only need to dehumidify and do not need to cool down, choosing the dehumidification mode may be more power-efficient.
Ambient humidity. When the indoor humidity is high, choosing the dehumidification mode can reduce the humidity and make the air more comfortable, thus reducing the need for temperature. This means that in some cases, using the dehumidification mode may reduce the need for the refrigeration mode, thereby saving energy.
Room temperature setting. When using refrigeration mode, it is often necessary to set the set temperature low to achieve a comfortable temperature. In contrast, the dehumidification mode can provide comfortable humidity control at relatively high temperatures. Therefore, with the same comfort requirements, the dehumidification mode can operate at higher temperatures, which may lead to power savings.
In summary, in terms of power saving, the EER value of the cooling mode is generally higher, but the use of the dehumidification mode may improve the indoor humidity more quickly, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning. There are many factors to consider when deciding which mode is more power-efficient, including ambient humidity, desired temperature, and run time. Therefore, in actual use, the appropriate mode is selected according to the actual needs and environment, combined with other energy-saving measures to minimize energy consumption.