The Difference Between Dry & Cool on Air Conditioners

Dry Mode

• Dry mode or the "Dry" button activates an internal dehumidifier, which draws air from the room and into the air conditioner, pulls the moisture from the air and redirects the dry air back into the room. The drying feature isn't meant to be used as a cooling method, though sometimes it will drop the temperature in the room.

Dry Activation

• The "Dry" button is located on the front panel of some air conditioner units. You might find the "Dry" button on an accompanying remote control. Some units feature a drying function within the mode settings, but not a dedicated button. Press the "Mode" button continuously, until you reach "Dry" mode. Once dry mode has been activated, the humid air is evaporated out of the back of the unit. If the unit is portable and doesn't include ducts that lead outdoors, the moisture from the air accumulates in a drip pan or drainpipe. The drainpipe must be emptied when full, or the air conditioner will stop working. Unplug the air conditioner and bring it to a drainage area. Unscrew the cap and remove the plunger from the back of the unit. Drain the unit completely, replace the plunger and cap and plug the device back in.

Cool Mode

• "Cool" mode on an air conditioner causes the air conditioner to emit cold air. If the "Cool" button is not pressed, then the fan can run without the cold air function and circulate the air within the room. "Cool" mode can produce very cold temperatures depending on the thermostat setting of the unit.

Cool Activation

• The "Cool" mode is featured as a dedicated button on some air conditioner unit controls and as one of the modes on others. If the "Cool" feature is accessible by the "Mode" button, then press the "Mode" button repeatedly until the "Cool" function is activated. The "Cool" button is featured as a dedicated button or as part of the "Mode" button options on remote controls as well. Adjust the temperature down to make the air in the room colder.