Using Air Cond unit as dehumidifier

[Kennyjb]

Has anyone used the air cond unit as a dehumidifier? Instructions say to set remote on DRY and turn unit on. If you have tried it does it work?

[Dick & Pat]

Most definitely running the A/C helps reduce humidity levels; even when it's not that hot outside, humidity can still be very high. We just set the A/C at the proper comfort level for us and it keeps humidity in check. We don't have the DRY setting you refer to, just regular A/C settings.

[TXiceman]

That is a rather expensive way to dehumidify. We use a small unit from Home Depot to keep the trailer dry.

Any A/C unit is a dehumidifier when it operates. A unit designed as a dehumidifier pushes the air back over the condenser coil to reheat the air. On a typical A/C unit, it will shut down once the dry bulb temperature is met, regardless of the wet bulb temperature unless the unit has reheat capabilities.

Ken

[NALSO]

Kennyjb.

The first step in mechanical air conditioning is de-humidifying, if you have a "DRY" setting on your thermostat that would indicate that you have a heating element on your unit, which will cycle on and off as needed to control the humidity leaving the evaporator coil, further de-humidifying the air passing over the coil, hence "DRY".

Make sure that the drain on the roof mounted A/C unit is clear and draining freely, to prevent condensate standing and possibly over flowing the pan.

This water could leak inside your rig if the drain is plugged.

I hope this helps,

Henry,

[Danorske]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman We use a small unit from Home Depot to keep the trailer dry. Ken

What is the model info? I don't see any small units there,
Ron

[wa8yxm]

I have never needed a de-humidifier in my rig, quite the other way (I humidify when in the desert)

One of these days I will have to pull the shroud and telephone my wife and see how the thing works.... I might do that today but more likely later.

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danorske What is the model info? I don't see any small units there, Ron

It may have been from Lowe's. Any way it is for one or two rooms (cost less than $150.00 a couple of years ago). The problem is what to do with the water it collects. For me, I set the unit on the counter in the kitchen and I have it draining into the sink. We live on acreage, so I leave the gray tank valve open, connect a garden hose and run it back to the woods. If I use the internal tank on the dehumidifier, it will fill in two or three days.

Ken

[Dick & Pat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman That is a rather expensive way to dehumidify. We use a small unit from Home Depot to keep the trailer dry. Ken

You are so correct on the expense factor, Ken, and yes, a dehumidifier would be the best solution.

[expo]

The Carrier A/C units with the DRY mode on the remote control do not necessarily have a heater installed in them. When in the DRY mode the unit's compressor operates on and off for short periods activated by a non adjustable, built in timer rather than with the thermostat activating it.

I use the DRY mode when operating the A/C at night. What usually happens (in the COOL mode) is the outside temperature will drop below the thermostat's set temperature at night then the compressor won't kick on so it gets stuffy and humid even with the blower continuously on. The DRY mode reduces the stuffiness by removing the humidity while keeping a comfortable temperature.