Air conditioners provide more than just comfort. They are a necessity for hot and humid countries. We need air conditioners not only for hot weather, we need them to control humidity and make the indoor comfortable. In a high humidity situation, the dry mode on your aircon can be a great help. Let’s know about aircon dry mode, how it works, when you should be using it, and compare it with other modes.
What is Aircon Dry Mode?
Dry mode is an aircon function that helps remove excess moisture from the air. While it may seem like dry mode cools the room, cooling is not the purpose of this function. It does not work like cool mode.
If you switch on the aircon dry mode, the system will function as a dehumidifier. The unit sucks in hot air from the room, takes out moisture from the air, and sends drier air back. This helps alleviate the humid and sticky feeling especially in the rainy season and stormy weather.
How Dry Mode Works
In dry mode, the indoor blower fan and compressor run at a lower speed. The compressor switches on and off in short cycles. As air passes over the cooling (evaporator) coils, water vapour from the air condenses on the coils. This water then drains out of the unit.
Due to the lower speeds of the fan, the air has more contact with the cold evaporator coil. It increases the amount of moisture removed during this mode. However, since the compressor runs less, the room temperature doesn’t drop much.
In short:
- Moisture is no longer as high
- The temperature is roughly the same
- The air is less humid
When Should You Use Dry Mode in Singapore?
Dry mode should be used in high humidity conditions. For example, humidity in Singapore often stays above 80%. But using this mode is not always the right choice. Here’s when the dry mode is helpful:
1. During Rainy Weather
The air feels heavy and damp when it rains. If your home feels stuffy or sticky but not too hot, use dry mode. It will make the room more comfortable without lowering the temperature too much.
2. At Night
If the temperature is bearable but humidity is making you sweat, dry mode is a good choice. It keeps the room dry without overcooling. You will not catch a cold and have a comfortable sleep as well.
3. In High-Humidity Spaces
Closed off rooms such as bathrooms, small store rooms or bedrooms tend to have little ventilation making the air damp. Dry mode helps remove dampness, which can stop mold and bad smells from forming.
When Not to Use Dry Mode
Below are a few situations where you should not use the dry mode:
1. On Very Hot Days
When it’s both hot and humid, dry mode won’t be enough. Use cool mode instead, as it can lower both temperature and humidity.
2. If You Need Strong Cooling
Dry mode doesn’t provide quick cooling. If you just returned from outside and want to feel cool immediately, then select the cool mode.
3. For Big Rooms
Dry mode is not very powerful. It works best in small to medium-sized spaces. If you use it in a large space, you may not notice much difference in temperature.
Differences Between Dry Mode and Cool Mode
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Dry Mode | Cool Mode |
| Main Purpose | Reduce humidity | Lower temperature |
| Fan Speed | Low | Medium to High |
| Compressor | Runs off and on | Runs longer |
| Energy Use | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Humid but not hot days | Hot and humid days |
| Effect on Comfort | Less sticky, mild temperature | Cool air, full comfort |
Benefits of Using Dry Mode
1. Saves Electricity
Aircon consumes less electricity in dry mode because the compressor runs in short cycles. This means that your electricity bill will be lower.
2. Reduces Humidity
Lower humidity makes you feel cooler and less sweaty. It also protects your furniture and electronics from moisture damage.
3. Improves Air Quality
Removing moisture can stop mold and mildew from growing. This is helpful for people with asthma or allergies.
How to Use Dry Mode
Most aircon remote controls have a button labeled “Dry” or a water droplet icon. Press it to switch to dry mode. The temperature and fan speed may adjust on their own.
Things to keep in mind:
- Close windows and doors to prevent humid air from entering.
- Let the unit run for 20–30 minutes to feel the difference.
- Avoid excessive use of the dry mode. Two to three hours is usually sufficient.
Does Aircon Dry Mode Use Less Electricity?
Yes, dry mode usually consumes less electricity than cool mode. Below are the reasons:
- Compressor runs less often: In dry mode, the compressor turns on and off in short cycles. It does not run continuously. This reduces aircon power consumption.
- Fan runs at low speed: The indoor blower fan runs slower, which also draws less power.
- No target temperature: Dry mode doesn’t have any target temperature. It just removes moisture. The system doesn’t work as hard.
Is Dry Mode Good for Sleeping?
Yes, dry mode can be good for sleeping in humid weather. It makes the room feel fresher without getting too cold. This helps avoid feeling sticky and damp. But since it removes moisture, using it for too long might dry out your skin or throat.
Does Dry Mode Work Like a Dehumidifier?
Not exactly, while dry mode removes moisture, it has nowhere near the capabilities of a full dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can remove more water from the air and is better for long-term use.
However, dry mode is a good short-term option for removing humidity from indoor air. It’s built into your aircon, so you don’t need to buy another appliance.
Should I Use Dry Mode Every Day?
It depends on your comfort level and the weather. You don’t need to use it daily, but it’s helpful when humidity is high and you don’t need full cooling. Watch how your body feels—if you’re sweating even with the fan on, try dry mode for a while.
FAQ
What temperature should I set in dry mode?
You can set it between 24°C and 26°C. Most aircons adjust the fan speed and temperature automatically in dry mode.
How long should I run dry mode?
Usually 1 to 3 hours is enough. If the room still feels damp after that, you can switch to cool mode or use a dehumidifier.
Can dry mode remove smells?
It helps reduce bad smell in aircon by lowering humidity, but it won’t remove strong odors. Clean the filters and use fresheners for removing strong bad smells.
Is dry mode better for health?
Yes, dry mode can help reduce allergens like mold and dust mites. It also makes breathing easier for people with sinus problems or asthma.
Can I use dry mode with windows open?
No. Keep windows and doors closed so the unit can work properly.
Will dry mode damage my aircon?
No. Dry mode is safe to use and helps reduce strain on the compressor.
Final Thoughts
In Singapore’s humid climate, aircon dry mode can be a great option to keep you comfortable without using too much power. It’s simple to use, good for your health, and helps protect your home from excess moisture.
Use it wisely based on weather and your comfort. Do not overuse it. If you’re unsure, test it for a few days and see how it feels.
