Do Mini Splits Dehumidify?
Mini-splits have been quite popular in recent times because of their cost efficiency. But split ACs offer more than just energy-efficient operations. These ductless air conditioners also dehumidify during the hottest days.
While conventional central air conditioners also dehumidify the air, mini-splits do a better job.
But how exactly do mini split ACs dehumidify? In this article, we take a deep dive into this topic to help you understand how mini-splits are a great choice for your home’s comfort during the humid season.
What is Dry Mode for Mini Splits? Does It Remove Humidity?
Mini splits have a specialized dry mode which allows them to pull more moisture from the room than the regular mode.
The dry mode in a mini-split turns it into a dehumidifier and air-conditioner together. While the mini split’s cooling process does remove moisture from the air, the dry mode makes the process more efficient. It uses the same process as the regular mode but with varied speed. Meaning that it goes through the same cycle, but the air is pulled across the cooling coils at a lower speed.
So, the dry mode minimizes the humidity in the home, making the environment more comfortable. However, experts suggest that the dry mode on a mini-split should not be run continuously. The continuous use of this mode puts a strain on the system and even pulls more electricity, racking up your energy bills.
How Do Mini-Splits Remove Moisture?
Cooking, showering, dryer machines, laundry machines, and even breathing contribute to the moisture in your home. On humid days, the amount of water vapor exponentially increases.
Mini-splits use their cooling coils to remove moisture from the air. They work by pulling the air indoors into its system using a fan. This air is then cooled down when passed through the cooling coils inside the system. These cooling coils are designed to draw moisture from the air to make it cooler. A fan then pushes this air back into the room.
When set to dry mode, the mini-split runs similarly to cooling mode but with one key difference: the fan operates at a lower speed. The mini split slows down the process on the cooling coils. This allows the coils to draw more moisture from the air, dehumidifying it in the process. In its dry mode, mini splits can draw as much as 4 pints of water each hour.
Mini Splits Dry Mode vs. Dehumidifiers: Which is the Better Choice?
If you’re deciding between the two, a mini-split is undoubtedly the smarter investment.
While both can effectively remove moisture from the air, a mini-split system—particularly a multi-zone mini split—offers a far more efficient, versatile, and cost-effective solution.
Why is Mini-Split Dry Mode the Superior Option?
Dual Functionality: Dehumidification and Temperature Control
A dehumidifier serves only one purpose—removing moisture from the air. This means that if you also need cooling, you must invest in a separate air conditioning system.
In contrast, a mini split heat pump not only provides cooling and heating but also includes a dry mode to regulate humidity levels.
Larger Coverage with a Multi-Zone System
Portable dehumidifiers are typically designed for single rooms, meaning you may need multiple units to cover an entire home. This results in higher costs, increased maintenance, and greater energy consumption.
A multi-zone mini split, however, can regulate temperature and humidity across multiple rooms, eliminating the need for multiple dehumidifiers and providing seamless climate control throughout the home.
Greater Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings
At first glance, a standalone dehumidifier might seem like the more energy-efficient option. However, running multiple units for extended periods can significantly increase electricity usage.
A mini split heat pump, when used in dry mode, can efficiently remove excess humidity in just a few hours, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
Automatic Drainage for Hassle-Free Maintenance
One of the biggest drawbacks of portable dehumidifiers is manual drainage. The water tank must be emptied regularly to prevent overflow, which can be inconvenient.
A mini-split, on the other hand, automatically expels condensed moisture through its built-in drainage system, eliminating the need for manual emptying and making maintenance effortless.
More Tips to Keep Your House Dry in Spring
Spring is the time when you need to prepare your home for the summer season. To keep your summers comfortable, here are some tips that you can follow:
Utilize a Dehumidifier Effectively
If you live in an area where there’s high humidity, you might want to invest in both a portable dehumidifier and a mini-split. The dehumidifier allows you to extract moisture from the space, while the mini-split works to cool the air in your home. Together, both of them work on their dedicated functions which will allow both systems to work more efficiently.
Make sure you place the dehumidifier in the middle of the room, away from the furniture for the best results. Also, make sure you empty out its water container once a day so it doesn’t overflow.
Work on Ventilation
Ventilation can really help prevent moisture buildup. You can keep the doors open in the house (if you’ve not invested in a mini-split), to keep the air circulating throughout the house. Invest in ceiling fans to help circulate the air.
If you have a mini-split, the cooling is zone-specific, so you might have to keep the doors closed. However, when paired with a ceiling fan, mini-splits can work like a charm even on the most humid days.
Other Tips
Some other useful tips to keep your home dry include preventing excess water vapors in your home. For instance, dry your washed laundry outside rather than inside. Make sure the pots in your kitchen are covered with lids while cooking. Also, make sure that your home’s insulation is in top condition so there’s no excess moisture entering through the walls of your home.
Conclusion
Mini-splits are the best choice for keeping your home cool and dry, offering both cooling and dehumidification in one system. Unlike standalone dehumidifiers, multi-zone mini splits and mini split heat pumps provide greater efficiency, coverage, and convenience.
Looking for a great air conditioner sale? Check out Della’s mini-split systems for an energy-efficient, cost-effective solution to beat the heat and humidity!
Related Reading about Mini Split Heat Pump:
8 Steps to Install a Mini Split Air Conditioner Easily
What Size of Mini Split Air Conditioner Do I Need? 2025 Updated
Cost to Install Mini Split AC System in 2025
