Can an A/C Dryer Be Heated?

Dryers

• Refrigeration dryers condense moisture from dryer air in long-running cycles that eventually can dry factory materials, clothes and other objects, depending on the application. These dryers may not automatically produce heat but some can. Some dryers work in combination with heating systems, turning refrigeration on and off to dry clothes efficiently. Heat can be part of the process and often is.

Reclaiming Heat

• For a conventional refrigeration dryer, heat is reclaimed every time a cycle is completed. The air is cooled via heat exchangers and moved with the refrigerant, but the heat has to go somewhere. Manufacturers find it more efficient to reclaim the heat by channeling it back into the dryer for the next cycle, rather than just letting it escape. More heat means more moisture can be collected by the air. These reclamation and heating units are built in as part of the dryer system and cannot be added with a later project.

Portable Dryers

• Portable air-conditioner dryers are used for at-home building or remodeling projects. These dryers help dry out carpets, drywall, adhesives and insulation that are either being installed or have gotten wet and need to be dried as soon as possible. In this case, using fans and dehumidifier systems can speed the drying process, but adding heat can be even more efficient. Some processes use heaters and dryers in combination to remove moisture as quickly as possible. In this case, heat can be a very positive addition.

Auto AC Dryers

• In cars, "AC dryer" has an entirely different meaning. These dryers are components that help remove moisture, not from the air, but from the air-conditioner refrigerant itself, to restore refrigerant efficiency. They are a type of advanced filter and should not be confused with other air-conditioner systems where heat may be a component.