Dehumidifier vs. Air Conditioner: Which is Best for You?

Are you looking for ways to improve comfort in your home?

Many homeowners wonder: should I buy a dehumidifier or an air conditioner?

The choice between these two devices depends on your specific situation.

Consider factors such as:

humidity,
temperature,
space usage,
budget.

In recent years, we have seen more and more people opting for products that are specifically tailored to their living environment. For example, a dehumidifier tackles moisture problems in basements, while air conditioners remain popular during hot summer days. To help you make a well-considered decision, we will look at which solution best suits your situation.

In short:
What is dehumidification and why is it important?
How do dehumidifiers and air conditioners work?
What is a dehumidifier?
What is an air conditioner?
Pros and cons of dehumidifiers and air conditioners
Prices of dehumidifiers and air conditioners
Consequences of humid air
Air conditioning or dehumidifier? When which solution:
Conclusion
Frequently asked questions about dehumidifier or air conditioner

In short:

Choose a dehumidifier if you want to combat moisture problems such as mould, condensation and musty odours. Ideal for areas such as basements and bathrooms.
Choose an air conditioner if you want a cool, comfortable temperature in your home, especially in the summer. Perfect for living rooms and bedrooms.

Are you dealing with heat and high humidity? A dehumidifier could be the solution you are looking for. With a dehumidifier you create a more comfortable and healthy indoor climate. Consider this practical solution if you suffer from a stuffy or clammy feeling in your home.

What is dehumidification and why is it important?

Dehumidification is the process of removing excess moisture from the air. This is important because moist air can lead to all sorts of problems in the home, such as mold, wood rot, and other nasties.

Good humidity is important for a healthy and comfortable indoor climate. When the humidity is too high, it can lead to a feeling of stuffiness and health problems, such as allergies and respiratory problems. By dehumidifying the air, you ensure a pleasant living environment and prevent damage to your home and furniture.

How do dehumidifiers and air conditioners work?

Dehumidifiers and air conditioners both aim to improve the indoor climate, but they do this in different ways. A dehumidifier works by sucking in moist air and cooling it. This causes the moisture to condense and be collected in a water tank or drained away through a hose. The dry air is then blown back into the room, which ensures lower humidity.

Air conditioners, on the other hand, have a dual function. They cool the air and dehumidify it at the same time. A fixed air conditioner consists of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit extracts heat and moisture from the air, after which the outdoor unit discharges this heat outside. This not only lowers the temperature, but also reduces the humidity somewhat. Portable air conditioners work in a similar way, but are generally less efficient than fixed air conditioners.

What is a dehumidifier?

Dehumidify air with a dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is a handy device that helps to reduce the humidity in your home. By removing excess moisture from the air, you can prevent problems such as:

Mold formation on walls and ceilings
Condensation on windows
Musty smells in rooms

Are you suffering from excessive humidity? A dehumidifier can provide a practical solution. It not only improves air quality, but also helps to make your home more comfortable and healthy.

Operation:

Draws in moist air.
Cools the air, causing it to condense.
Dry air is blown back into the room.
The collected water is stored or drained away via a hose.

Typical usage situations:

Cellars, bathrooms or poorly ventilated rooms.
Protection of furniture and walls against moisture damage.

What is an air conditioner?

Cooling with an air conditioning unit

An air conditioner, or air conditioning, is specifically designed to lower the temperature in a room. Did you know that it also helps to reduce humidity? However, this is a side benefit and not the main task of the air conditioner.

Operation:

Extracts heat from the air using a coolant.
Dissipates heat outside via an outdoor unit. The outdoor unit also discharges excess moisture, which is important for the dehumidification function of the air conditioner.
Blows cooled air back into the room. This cool air helps to reduce humidity, because cool air retains less moisture.
Some models have a separate dehumidification function.

Typical usage situations:

Bedrooms, offices and living rooms during hot summer days.
Ideal for temperature control and comfort.

Pros and cons of dehumidifiers and air conditioners

Feature	Air conditioning	Dehumidifier	Bloomfold Dehumidifier
Function	Temperature control, with slight dehumidification as a side effect.	Specifically designed to prevent moisture problems.	Specifically designed to prevent moisture problems.
Energy consumption	❌ Higher consumption due to the cooling process and the regulation of sensible heat.	✅ Energy efficient, because no heat is dissipated.	✅ Energy efficient, because no heat is dissipated.
Temperature effect	❄️ Actively lowers temperature and regulates humidity.	🌡 No significant temperature drop, just drier air.	🌡 No significant temperature drop, just drier air.
Costs	💎 More expensive to purchase and use (especially fixed systems such as single split air conditioning and multi split air conditioning).	💰 Affordable to purchase and energy efficient.	💰 Affordable to purchase and energy efficient.
Mobility	❌ Installation required; mobile air conditioners are movable.	✅ Compact and easy to move.	✅ Compact and easy to move.
Best for	🌞 Warm spaces where temperature control is important.	🛠 Damp areas such as basements and bathrooms.	🛠 Damp areas such as basements and bathrooms. ️ Wind Emojis 💨Optimizing indoor climate.
Other	-	-	🔒⌛Sleep, timer, wash-dry function, child lock & stylish design 🤫Whisper quiet compared to air conditioners and other dehumidifiers

Energy consumption: Do you want to use a device daily? Then choose an energy-efficient dehumidifier to save on your energy costs.
Temperature effect: On dry, hot summer days, air conditioning is the best choice for maximum comfort in the home. Keep in mind that air conditioning can also reduce humidity slightly.
Cost: Are you working with a smaller budget? A dehumidifier is an affordable and practical solution that offers many advantages.

Prices of dehumidifiers and air conditioners

The cost of dehumidifiers and air conditioners can vary greatly depending on the type and capacity of the device. In general, dehumidifiers are cheaper to buy and run than air conditioners. This is because dehumidifiers have a simpler mechanism and use less energy. Air conditioners, on the other hand, offer additional functions such as cooling and sometimes even heating, which can increase the price.

It is important to consider your specific needs when choosing a device. If you are primarily concerned with addressing moisture problems, a dehumidifier is a cost-effective choice.

Product	Mobile air conditioner	Air conditioner	Other dehumidifier	Bloomfold dehumidifier
Price	€300 ~ €800	€1,500 ~ €3,500 (incl. installation)	€299 to €349*	€239*

*based on 20L dehumidifier

Consequences of humid air

Damp air can cause a range of problems in your home. Excessive humidity can lead to mould, wood rot and general moisture damage to walls, ceilings and floors. This can not only damage your home, but also cause health problems such as allergies and respiratory problems. Good humidity is therefore important for a healthy and comfortable indoor climate. By regulating the humidity in your home with a dehumidifier or air conditioner, you can create a pleasant and healthy living environment.

Air conditioning or dehumidifier? When which solution:

Choose an air conditioner if...

You suffer from hot summer days.
Heat remains in the house for a long time.
Temperature control is the most important thing for your comfort and a good night's sleep.

In this case, air conditioning can help you to tolerate the heat better and make your living environment more pleasant.

Choose a dehumidifier if...

You are suffering from moisture problems, such as mold or musty odors.
Moisture remains in the air for a long time.
You are looking for a simple and affordable solution, without the hassle of installation.

Conclusion

Both devices have their unique benefits, but the choice depends on your specific needs.

Moisture problems? Go for a dehumidifier.
Warmth and comfort? Choose an air conditioner.

Browse our efficient dehumidifiers and discover how they can make your home comfortable and healthy. Looking for the perfect dehumidifier? Check out our Bloomfold 12L Halo Dehumidifier .

Frequently asked questions about dehumidifier or air conditioner

What are the benefits of a dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a practical solution for a healthier and more comfortable indoor climate. Why should you consider one?

Prevent mold growth : Reduce excess moisture in your home and keep walls and furniture free of mold.
Limit moisture damage : Protect your home against damage to walls, ceilings and floors.
Create a healthier living environment : Reduce allergens, such as dust mites, and breathe cleaner air.

With a dehumidifier you can easily tackle moisture problems and make your indoor climate more pleasant.

What is the difference between a dehumidifier and an air conditioner?

A dehumidifier reduces moisture in the air, making a room drier and more comfortable. Useful in high humidity to prevent mold and moisture problems.

An air conditioner regulates the temperature and actively cools the room. Ideal for creating a cool, pleasant environment on hot days.

Tip: Choose a dehumidifier if you want to tackle moisture problems, and an air conditioner if you want to control the temperature. Or combine them for the best of both worlds!

Which option is better for mold problems due to humid air?

A dehumidifier is a smart solution to prevent mold. Why? Because it is specially designed to tackle moisture problems. Do you have a damp room? Consider a dehumidifier to reduce humidity and prevent mold from growing.

Is a dehumidifier cheaper than an air conditioner?

Yes, dehumidifiers are generally a more cost-effective choice than air conditioners, both to purchase and to run.

Can an air conditioner also dehumidify?

Did you know that an air conditioner can also remove moisture from the air? This happens as a side effect of cooling, but it is less efficient than a dehumidifier. However, many fixed air conditioners have the ability to regulate humidity, which contributes to better air quality in the home. If you specifically suffer from moisture in the home, a dehumidifier is a more effective solution. So consider carefully what you need for your situation.

Can I use a dehumidifier in a bedroom?

Absolutely! Dehumidifiers are an excellent choice for bedrooms, thanks to their quiet operation and compact design. Want a restful night’s sleep and healthier air quality? A dehumidifier can be a practical solution. When choosing, consider the noise level and size to ensure the perfect fit for your bedroom.