Singapore's relentless humidity means windless afternoons often feel like a sweltering 42°C even when the mercury only hits 36°C. Such stifling heat inevitably leads most of us to reach for the aircon remote.
You have likely noticed the water droplet symbol on your controller, but wondered if it is worth using. We often skip over the "Dry" button because it feels like a mystery—what does the dry mode actually achieve? Does this setting actually lower your bills, or is it just a less powerful version of "Cool" mode?
Our guide explains the science behind dry mode and how using it correctly helps reduce humidity and lower your monthly energy costs.
Standard "Cool" mode runs the compressor continuously to drop the room temperature while removing some moisture as a byproduct. In contrast, the dry mode focuses specifically on stripping water vapour from the air without over-chilling the space.
Think of the dehumidifier mode as a dedicated "anti-stickiness" setting. Your dehumidifier setting aims to make the air feel "crisp" rather than just freezing cold.
During this process, the compressor and fan run at slow, intermittent speeds. By slowing the airflow, the unit gives water vapour more time to condense on the cold coils, turning it into drainage water and helping to reduce humidity across your entire room without overworking the compressor.
And because it doesn't try to aggressively chill the room, it often uses significantly less electricity than standard settings.
Deciding when you should use the dehumidifier mode on your AC won’t be too hard, especially when our weather forecasts are either hot, humid, or wet. Look for those days where it isn't scorching, yet the room feels sticky, damp, or musty on your skin. This usually happens during the rainy months when the air is heavy with moisture.
In these moments, removing water from the air is more important than lowering the temperature.
Because comfort in our tropical climate largely depends on humidity levels, lowering the moisture content is more energy-efficient than over-cooling the space. Focusing on this helps to reduce humidity while keeping your thermostat at a higher, cost-saving setting.
Note: Be careful not to rely on the dry mode when you first come home to a hot house. This setting lacks the cooling power of "Cool" mode, so it will struggle to quickly bring down high temperatures if the room is heat-soaked.
Proper maintenance is critical for effective moisture removal. A dirty evaporator coil—the component responsible for condensation in the aircon—struggles to perform its dehumidifying function properly. When dust coats these coils, it acts as an insulator, negating the energy-saving benefits of the dry mode and forcing the system to work harder.
Taking the time to learn when to toggle between your various aircon modes is about more than just comfort; it is your first line of defence against tropical moisture. When you fail to manage high humidity, the excess water doesn't just vanish. If the air stays too damp because the wrong setting was used, the resulting moisture creates a breeding ground for a buildup of mould in your aircon.
This uncontrolled condensation in the aircon doesn't just affect the air quality; it can lead to water damage on your walls and expensive structural repairs.
Utilising the aircon dehumidifier mode is a powerful way to achieve comfortable, cost-effective cooling when the Singaporean humidity becomes unbearable. By managing moisture rather than just temperature, you can stay refreshed while keeping your electricity bills low. 81 Aircon brings years of expertise to every home, providing professional and cost-efficient services to keep your system running perfectly.
Contact our aircon specialist today to schedule your next aircon servicing. We are ready to help you determine which aircon modes are best for your home to ensure maximum efficiency and long-term savings.
