Dry Setting on AC: What It Is & When to Use It

When setting your air conditioning unit to a certain setting, most people forget the dry setting. The dry setting for your air conditioning unit is a helpful tool that you may have overlooked—but luckily, we’re here to explain what it is. So, what is the dry setting, and when should you use it? Keep reading to find out.

What is Dry Mode on an Air Conditioner Unit?

If your air conditioner comes with a dry mode, you can reduce the humidity levels in your home at the touch of a button. Not only is humidity a pain to deal with outside of your home but dealing with humidity inside your home is extremely uncomfortable.

When dry mode is activated, your air conditioner will run at a lower speed to let air slowly move over the evaporator coil, thus causing the moisture in the air to condense. This removes moisture and keeps it on the coil, and when the air reenters rooms throughout your home, it’ll be drier. 

5 Benefits of Using Dry Setting on Your AC

The main purpose of an air conditioner’s dry setting is to reduce humidity levels, but there are other benefits that homeowners can enjoy when they use this mode. 

Humidity Control

Humidity is sticky, uncomfortable, and can leave you feeling clammy. When your air conditioner is in dry mode, humidity levels in your home will decrease while your comfort improves.

Energy Efficiency

Because the dry setting on an air conditioner is solely focused on dehumidification, it forces it to operate slower. The slower operating speed focused on one task leads to better energy efficiency and can lead to lower energy bills. What homeowner doesn’t like the sound of that?

Prevents Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew growth is nothing to casually glance over. Excessive humidity in your home can create an environment that invites mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew pose health risks for those in your household and can even cause structural damage over time. Using the dry setting will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew in your home and maintain safety across the board.

Improved Air Quality

The dry setting on your air conditioner will also help improve your home’s air quality. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, lower humidity levels create a space with fewer airborne allergens, such as mold spores and dust mites. For those with allergies and a sensitive respiratory system, the improved air quality could go a long way.

Quieter Operation

The dry setting’s lower operating level means a quieter air conditioning system. This can be especially beneficial for those who prioritize noise reduction over other things. 

Best Temperature For Dry Mode

The best time to use dry mode includes: 

• After rain or in humid climates. After a rain shower, humidity levels can spike. This is the perfect time to curve that humidity in your home and turn on the dry setting. And for those who live in humid climates, this setting could prove useful for your home. If you live in a humid climate and want to install a new air conditioning unit, prioritize a unit that comes with this setting. 
• Transitional seasons, like spring and fall, can bring unpredictable and constantly fluctuating weather. The dry mode can help whenever high humidity arises. 
• During mild weather. Mild weather tends to be comfortable but also carries high humidity. The use of the dry setting allows you to lower the humidity and temperature to create a more relaxing and comfortable environment inside your home. 

Read More: What is a Furnace Heat Exchanger?

How Long to Use Dry Mode

While the dry mode is extremely beneficial and creates almost instant results, you don’t want to keep it on for too long. It is recommended to keep the dry mode on for no more than two hours at a time. Once the dry mode has been longer than the recommended time interval, it can cause dry skin, cracking in the drywall, lackluster indoor plant health, and other problems. 

The Difference Between Dry & Cooling Mode

The cooling mode for your air conditioning system will reduce the actual temperature in your home. It is also much more powerful and faster than the dry mode’s slower operation. The dry mode is there to strictly remove humidity in the air and might not even lower the temperature. But once the dry mode kicks in, you’ll feel cooler and more comfortable because of the removed humidity. 

Local Air Conditioning Services in Macomb & Metro Detroit

Looking for local air conditioning services in the Macomb and metro Detroit areas? Look no further than Randazzo Heating, Cooling, and Electrical. Randazzo offers a multitude of air conditioning services like installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance for homeowners in the southeast Michigan region. 

Whether you’re looking for a new air conditioning system with a dry mode setting or for maintenance or repairs, schedule online today with Randazzo. We believe in delivering the best heating and cooling services to our customers. Get in-home comfort now.

Note: The dry mode is not available on every Lennox system Randazzo carries. Consult with a comfort advisor to determine if your system has this capability.