Can a dehumidifier cool down your room?

If you’re dealing with excess humidity or moisture, investing in one of the best dehumidifiers can help to quickly tackle your damp problems. Not only can such appliances reduce moisture levels, but a good way to prevent mold in your home .

But, if you’re experiencing a heatwave or don’t have access to a fan, can a dehumidifier cool down a room too? Although such appliances are not known for creating cold air like an AC, we find out whether a dehumidifier can help to reduce stifling heat in your home. And if so, how does it work?

Can a dehumidifier cool your room?

Unfortunately, a dehumidifier will not technically cool down a room, since it doesn’t blow cold air. However, experts say that it can lower the overall temperature, thus making a space feel cooler.

According to experts at Honeywell, this is mainly due to the fact that dehumidifiers take in excess moisture to lower humidity levels of your room. This in turn, will make a room feel cooler than before, and more comfortable. “Running your dehumidifier can help you feel cooler," Helen Rolph, energy price comparison expert at Quotezone.co.uk , said. "However, this is because it lowers your room’s relative humidity level, not because it changes the room temperature.”

“The lower the humidity in a room, the cooler and more bearable it will feel. Dehumidifiers work by sucking water out of the air because moist heat is the most uncomfortable. Plenty of options are available on the market; some will turn off when the humidity drops below a specific temperature to help save on electricity costs.”

Additionally, even if you have one of the best smart air conditioners , systems will operate more efficiently when humidity is reduced. This is because it doesn't have to work as hard to cool down a humid space. Plus, this will also reduce your energy consumption, and overall bills. So it’s a win-win!

So, while a dehumidifier may not necessarily cool down a room, it’s still a great option to use alongside traditional cooling options such as fans or AC — to create a more comfortable environment.

Before buying, it’s important that you know where's the best place to put a dehumidifier , to get the most out of it. Just as long as you avoid making these common dehumidifier mistakes .

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How do dehumidifiers work?

These handy, portable appliances are designed to reduce the humidity of a room by filtering out moisture in the air. Essentially, these draw in air over a coil cooled to a low temperature by a refrigeration system. The water vapor/moisture condenses on the cold surface, resulting in drips of liquid that are collected into the water reservoir underneath.

Depending on whether you have a pump system, excess water can either be pumped away, or be tipped down the drain once the reservoir is full.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 reasons your home needs a dehumidifier this summer
• 9 clever ways to reduce humidity in your home without a dehumidifier
• Plus, 9 ways to get rid of condensation inside your windows