Ductless Mini-Splits and Dehumidifying: Are They Effective?

Ductless mini splits are an eco-friendly, energy-efficient way to heat and cool single rooms and small spaces.

But can they work as dehumidifiers? Or do you need another solution?

Do Ductless Mini-Splits Dehumidify Effectively?

Ductless mini-splits cool the air, which reduces moisture. Like traditional air conditioners, they are not dehumidifiers, but they do dehumidify to an extent.

Whether they dehumidify effectively depends on your location. In moderately humid climates, they will likely remove enough moisture to keep your home comfortable. In extremely humid climates, they may struggle to keep up.

How Much Does a Mini-Split Dehumidify?

A ductless mini-split can dehumidify by up to 30% more compared to traditional air conditioners. Most mini split models have a “dry mode” that will help to dehumidify.

That being said, if you live in an extremely humid climate, you should opt for a dehumidifier to take the strain off your mini split.

Mini-split heat pumps can manage normal humidity levels, but they won’t get rid of enough moisture if you experience continuous humid weather.

Installing a home dehumidifier will help make your mini split’s job a little easier, as well as increase its longevity.

Can a Mini-Split System Act as a Dehumidifier?

A ductless mini-split will reduce humidity to an extent. The cooling process naturally removes moisture from the air.

In most climates, this will be enough to keep you comfortable. If your system is functioning properly and still can’t keep levels below 60%, a dehumidifier should be added. Even if you get a small, portable unit, it will help immensely.

Here’s what you should know when using a mini-split system to dehumidify a room:

• Lowering the temperature will quickly reduce the ambient humidity – cold air holds less moisture than warm air. Simply running the system on cooling mode will reduce some of the indoor humidity.
• Most ductless systems have drying modes – Using this mode will quickly reduce the humidity by 20% or more if you live in a humid climate.
• The ductless mini-split’s size affects how well it removes moisture from the air – your mini split needs to be properly sized for the space it is meant to regulate. In some DIY installs, you could run into issues with functionality if the unit is over or undersized.

• Most mini-split heat pumps won’t lower the humidity to uncomfortably dry levels because they only take a portion of moisture from the air. Low humidity levels can be a problem too; causing sky dryness, eye irritation, throat discomfort, and more. Luckily, this shouldn’t be an issue with your mini split.
• Ductless systems typically only reduce the humidity in a specific room – it’s important to remember that mini splits are only meant to service small spaces. They need to be properly sized and zoned to use in place of central air. Each head unit is individually controlled and they only affect the space they are in.

Final Thoughts

Ductless mini-splits and dehumidifying work hand-in-hand. In moderate and dry summer climates, your mini split should be able to remove enough moisture from your indoor air. In very humid environments, you will likely need to add a dehumidifier to your home.

Not only will a dehumidifier reduce your utility bills, but it will prolong the life of your mini split. These systems will work together to keep you comfortable all summer long.