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Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Do I Need to Run a Dehumidifier When the RV AC Is Running?
This largely depends on the climate and personal comfort preferences. While an AC unit does have some dehumidifying capability, it may not be sufficient in highly humid environments or for individuals sensitive to humidity.
- RV AC cools air and removes moisture, enhancing comfort.
- AC’s dehumidifying effect may not be sufficient in humidity.
- Dehumidifier aids in humid climates, especially during rainy weather.
- Running a dehumidifier boosts AC efficiency and extends lifespan.
- Increased comfort level as a dehumidifier reduces perceived warmth.
- Are you camping near damp areas? AC+dehumidifier combo may be beneficial.
- Continuous dehumidifier use with AC consumes significant power.
High humidity can be highly uncomfortable, even in the open or at home. Imagine the exact humidity level in an RV, and you’ll shudder at the thought.
Maintaining humidity in the trailer isn’t only a requirement for your health and your campers’ longevity. Thus, you must know how and when to use the AC and dehumidifier.
So, do you need to run a dehumidifier when the RV AC is running? It’s not always necessary, but a lot depends on the outside and inside climate. A calm exterior and warm interior can quickly lead to condensation, which is undesirable; in these circumstances, a dehumidifier is beneficial.
Let’s discuss using humidifiers and air conditioners for RVing in peace.
What Causes Humidity in the RV?
In simple words, humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity means more water content in the air around you, while low humidity indicates lesser moisture.
Thus, anything that adds moisture to the surrounding air increases your motorhome’s humidity.
First and foremost, cooking makes the air in the RV humid. A great way to counter this is by opening the windows during and after cooking. Also, try cooking as little as possible or barbecue outside if you have a travel trailer<span style=”font-weight: 400;”> with a wide enough awning.
Secondly, it’s that fancy shower in your Class B RV that is causing humidity. Most often, the bathrooms are close to the RV exit, so you can open the door after you shower to let the humid air out.
Not that you can help it, but breathing also causes humidity.
The more people there are in the RV, the higher the humidity. Also, a larger party means more sweating, increasing the air’s moisture content.
Weather Conditions
One of the most significant contributors to humidity is the location. If you’re traveling in a place like Florida, the weather is bound to be humid. However, if you’re further up North, the air will be drier and, thus, less sticky.
Why Do You Need to Control Humidity?
When you’re in an RV, high humidity can be a much more significant concern to your health than outdoors. For instance, microorganisms and dust mites love a humid environment.
The humidity can quickly make your trailer a breeding ground for allergy-causing bacteria and mold. If you already have allergies, this could be pretty concerning.
Likewise, if mold grows in the camper, you’ll risk contracting respiratory infections.
Even when humidity doesn’t cause serious health issues, it can cause discomfort. When the air around you is humid, your body produces excessive sweat, leading to water loss.
The optimum humidity range is 40% to 60%. When the moisture in the air gets above or below this limit, it can take a toll on your immune system’s functioning, making you an easy victim of infectious agents and diseases.
Moreover, humidity causes issues with skin health. In humid air, your skin tends to flake off, providing an entryway to harmful bacteria that can cause infection.
I’ll save the extensive details of infections for the medical journals, but my biggest concern with humidity is the sweat. Not only is it gross, but it also creates a stink in the RV air that can ruin any trip in minutes.
Should You Use the AC and Dehumidifier Together?
As mentioned earlier, it’s mainly the environment that determines the humidity level. Therefore, you may need both the AC and the dehumidifier in some areas, while the AC will suffice in others.
First, you should get an RV humidity monitor showing the air’s water levels.
Along with indicating if the RV humidity is above the ideal levels, it will also alert if there’s a leak in the RV pipes.
If you’re camping in a humid environment, turn on the AC and the humidifier. They will work together to keep the humidity below 50%.
However, if you’re in a drier area, use your AC to manage the humidity. Your AC lowers humidity by condensing air and cooling it. On the contrary, a dehumidifier is suitable in an environment that isn’t very hot but is quite humid.
Remember that running an AC costs much more than using a dehumidifier, so use them according to your location’s climate.
Using a Dehumidifier Alone
You should only use a dehumidifier alone if the fan is also on. Keep the AC on 78 degrees and turn on the dehumidifier and fan.
If the temperature increases, the AC will turn on and help the dehumidifier lower humidity. It’s beneficial to keep the dehumidifier on as it dries the air around you.
For your AC, it’s harder to cool humid air than dry air, so it uses more energy for the former. Using a dehumidifier can lower energy consumption by keeping the air dry in the RV.
How to Reduce Humidity in the RV?
You can’t do much about the external environment, but you can significantly reduce its impact on the internal air.
Wash Clothes Outside
Having a washing machine onboard is quite convenient, but the excessive humidity may be the culprit. If possible, try to use Laundromats on your way rather than washing clothes in the RV.
Along with multiple washers and dryer options in the Laundromat, you’ll also lower the water vapor formation in your motorhome.
Also, check if your camping ground allows hanging clothes on a line outside. If so, you can dry your clothes out.
Fix Leaks
Fixing leaks in the RV isn’t just crucial for lowering humidity and increasing your trailer’s lifespan. There will probably be standing water if there’s a leak in the bathroom or kitchen sink.
As this water evaporates, it adds to the environmental humidity, causing subsequent problems.
If you spot a leak in the motorhome, no matter how small, fix it as soon as possible to prevent more extensive damage.
Use Alternative Cooking Methods
Another efficient way to reduce humidity in the RV is by cooking outside or using alternate cooking methods. I don’t remember ever boiling water for my tea in the RV. Instead, I make iced tea from concentrate, eliminating the need for boiling water while having the same taste.
Also, try using Instant pots for cooking, as they take less time than traditional pots to heat up. While cooking, open the RV windows to let the hot air out.
Most RVs also have microwaves, so you can take some microwave meals to reduce the need for stovetop cooking.
Use AC/Dehumidifier
Lastly, the best way to reduce humidity is to turn on the AC and the dehumidifier. Although it will increase energy consumption, extra spending can help make the RV’s internal environment comfortable for extended travel periods.
Does a Dehumidifier Use a Lot of Electricity?
Yes, a dehumidifier does use electricity, but the amount depends on its size and wattage. Larger dehumidifiers typically have a higher wattage and can consume up to 500 watts.
In contrast, smaller models are more energy-efficient, often around 22 watts. Thus, while a dehumidifier requires electricity to operate effectively, its energy consumption can vary significantly.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider these factors when purchasing a dehumidifier to ensure it aligns with your energy usage preferences and requirements.
Final Words
The RV AC system does more than just cool air; it also removes moisture, enhancing comfort levels. However, this dehumidifying effect may not always be efficient, especially in areas with high humidity.
This is where a dehumidifier becomes an essential addition. It aids in maintaining comfort in humid climates, especially during rainy weather. Not only does the dehumidifier help manage humidity, but it also boosts the efficiency of the RV AC unit and extends its lifespan.
Furthermore, running a dehumidifier reduces perceived warmth, leading to an increased comfort level. Combining an AC and a dehumidifier may be particularly advantageous for those who enjoy camping near damp areas.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to remember that the continuous use of a dehumidifier with an AC may consume significant power. It’s crucial to balance the benefits of comfort and longevity against the power consumption.
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