Alternative Air Conditioners for Humid Climates

Central Air Conditioner

• Central air conditioning systems are effective at keeping your home cool and comfortable. If you are purchasing a new unit, consider a two-stage versus a single-stage system. A two-stage systems will essentially run at all times, but efficiently uses energy because the motor speed fluctuates between high and low. This will enable the system to keep the humidity level in check. A single-stage systems shuts on and off, allowing humidity to build and will consequently make the system work harder at balancing the humidity level.

Portable Air Conditioners

• Consider a portable unit to supplement a central air conditioning system or to dehumidify a room that's prone to be more humid, such as a basement. Look for a unit with a built-in dehumidifier to handle the build-up. Keep an eye on the drain pan and empty it often. This will help the system continue to dehumidify and keep the room comfortable. Another advantage is that portable units have wheels, so you can roll the unit from room to room or store it away when it's not in use.

Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC)

• Some PTAC units also have built-in dehumidifiers, but be sure to read the packaging and labeling information to confirm the model you're considering has dehumidifier capabilities. PTAC air conditioners are installed in walls or ceilings and are commonly used in hotels. Unlike window units, PTAC air conditioners are much more powerful, and there are models that cool up to 500 square feet of space. They pull warm air out of the room.

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioner

• If you need more of a "whole home" solution but don't want to or can't install ductwork, consider a ductless mini-split air conditioner. These systems can cool as comprehensively as central air but don't require a ductwork for ventilation. They have an indoor unit that looks like a room air conditioner but is actually the evaporator. Ductless systems also have outdoor cabinets (like central air systems) that house the condenser, compressor and electrical components. You can install multiple evaporators in different rooms, such as bedrooms, and create cooling zones. Each room that has an evaporator will also have its own thermostat so the person in the room can set the cooling temperature to her liking. This is also an energy saver because you can turn the other evaporators off when no one is in the room.

Independent Dehumidifier

• Another option is to use a separate dehumidifier unit to handle tough and ongoing humidity issues. You can choose from a whole house unit that ties into your overall HVAC system and extracts humidity from each room, channels it through the ductwork and vents it outdoors. Or, you can go with a simpler and less expensive portable unit to handle one room at a time. The advantage of a separate unit is that it can either tie-in to your system, or you can run it independently as needed. And, with a portable unit, you can roll it from room-to-room for targeted use.