Will a Dehumidifier Make a Room Cooler?

A dehumidifier does not technically cool the air, but it can make a room feel cooler and more comfortable. Here's a detailed explanation of how it works and why the temperature perception changes.

1. Does a Dehumidifier Lower the Actual Temperature?

In most cases, the answer is no.
A dehumidifier removes moisture using a refrigeration or desiccant process, and during this process, the unit releases a small amount of warm air back into the room. As a result, the actual air temperature may rise slightly—usually by 1–3°F (0.5–1.5°C).

2. Why Does a Room Feel Cooler With a Dehumidifier Running?

Even though the temperature might increase a bit, the room can still feel cooler because:

Less humidity = better evaporation

When the air is humid, sweat doesn't evaporate easily, making your body feel hot and sticky.
When humidity is lowered, sweat evaporates faster, so your body cools itself more effectively.

Reduced "heavy" or "stuffy" feeling

High humidity makes the air feel dense and heavy.
Removing moisture makes the air feel lighter and fresher, creating a sensation similar to cooler air.

Eliminates clamminess

Moist surfaces (fabrics, bedding, carpet) no longer feel damp, which reduces the sensation of warmth and stickiness.

3. When a Dehumidifier Can Make a Room Feel Significantly Cooler

You may notice a dramatic improvement in comfort when:

Indoor humidity is above 60%

The room is a basement, crawl space, or bathroom

The weather is hot and muggy

There is poor ventilation

Mold or musty odors are present

Once humidity drops to the ideal 40–50%, the room feels noticeably cooler even without changing the temperature.

4. How a Dehumidifier Interacts With Air Conditioners

Dehumidifiers and AC units share similar moisture-removal functions, but they behave differently:

Air conditioners cool first, then dehumidify

Dehumidifiers dehumidify only

However, using a whole house dehumidifier with an AC can help the AC run more efficiently because the air is easier to cool when it's dry.

5. When You Should Consider Using a Dehumidifier

A home dehumidifier helps most when the room has:

Musty odors

Mold or mildew spots

Condensation on windows

Damp walls or floors

Sticky feeling in the air

High humidity after rain or summer heat

In these situations, even a slight reduction in humidity can dramatically improve comfort.

Summary

A dehumidifier does not lower the actual temperature.

It may slightly increase the temperature due to warm exhaust air.

But it reduces humidity, which makes the room feel cooler, drier, and more comfortable.

Ideal humidity (40–50%) creates a more pleasant living environment and helps cooling systems work more effectively.