2

My portable air conditioner can also be used as a dehumidifier. I can use it in the summer/spring both as air conditioner as well as dehumidifier, and it works really well as a dehumidifier under hot weather. The brand and model is as follows: De Longhi Pinguino PAC N82. In the summer it works perfectly well as a dehumidifier. However, I don't know whether it can be used in the winter at low temperatures -let's say 0-5 degrees Celsius. Can I use a portable air conditioner/dehumidifier as a dehumidifier in the winter at cold temperatures?

Let me also explain how the air conditioner/dehumidifier works. The humidity of the apartment (that is captured by the dehumidifier) is expelled outside the apartment through a plastic hose. Moreover, and in contrast with most dehumidifiers, my air conditioner/dehumidifier does not store the humidity in a bowl in the form of water; indeed, as explained above, the humidity is not condensed in the form of water and is expelled outside the apartment through a plastic hose.

Moreover, I also would like to ask another question: In the case that the air conditioner/dehumidifier should not be used with cold weather, which is the threshold of the temperature under which I should not use it as a dehumidifier?

Improve this question
15
  • I also want to add other information. This is reported in the guide of the product: "DEHUMIDIFYING MODE: Ideal for reducing the humidity in a room without lowering or raising the temperature (spring or autumn, damp rooms, rainy spells, etc)." That is, they mention that it is possible to use the product as a dehumidifier in spring and autumn, but winter is not even mentioned in the guide.
    – Franz
    Aug 28, 2021 at 14:57
  • 2
    You should be checking with the manufacturer or their technical support. That's all we'd be doing. Just try it and see if it works.
    – JACK
    Aug 28, 2021 at 14:59
  • So how does it store the moisture produced from the dehumidifying process, as you state it is not stored as water?
    – Solar Mike
    Aug 28, 2021 at 15:09
  • 4
    It used to be that in winter most heated enclosed spaces had a problem with excessively low humidity.
    – Jim Stewart
    Aug 28, 2021 at 15:27
  • 2
    Most people depending on location and weather want to add humidly with a humidifier in winter to offset dry air. A humidifier also costs less to run.
    – crip659
    Aug 28, 2021 at 15:33

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

A portable ac unit can dehumidify in the winter but the problem will be when the temps are below 62 F you risk icing the evaporator coil and possibly damage to the unit.

If the coil ices then it will not be effective because of the coil being blocked at the temps you list.

Many portable ac units are capillary tube controlled or no true active component to reduce the chance of icing (check your machine if 62 or even higher is the minimum temp you risk damage). I would say NO as it could damage the unit. I also agree with Jim that low humidity is usually the issue in cold temperatures.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.