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A mechanical engineer friend who designs air conditioning systems told me that ductless mini-split systems do not dehumidify well. Or in engineering speak: O/K for comfort cooling; not so good at latent removal. ​​

I have found the opposite to be true if they are operated correctly.  And regarding the whole building, they do not create pressure imbalances like many ducted systems nor are they plagued by duct leaks that tend to create a net humidity increase in Florida buildings.  

Regarding settings: There is a humidity control setting displayed on the remote as a raindrop  (see photo).  This setting slows the fan during cooling mode which allows the coil to get colder.  Colder coils condense more water vapor out of the air.  The fan must be set on “auto” to get the full effect.  Setting the fan to high instead of “auto” could have the opposite effect…poor humidity control as in the engineer friend’s example.  Leaving the fan in “auto” is key because these inverter systems have a variable speed compressor which should match the fan speed even if not set to “dehumidify”.

A major upgrade in humidity control and energy efficiency is the Hyperion system from Daikin.  Rather than battle condenser air with evaporator air like a Honeywell dehumidifier it subcools the liquid refrigerant in the process and is therefore more energy efficient.  Either of these systems really wrings moisture out of the air.  You can see it going out the drain.  Now I am guilty of “engineer speak”.

Jay Hoover, Integrity Air Conditionins, Inc.

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Tampa Electric’s HVAC Motor Replacement program was developed to improve your home’s heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system.  The program, available to residential customers, enables you to earn a $115 rebate when you have your existing heating and cooling system retrofitted with a high-efficiency electronically commutated motor (ECM).  The high-efficiency motor is designed to make your system operate more efficiently and help reduce your energy costs.

This is usually only done at a time when the blower is in need of repair.

These replacements are just another option.  We offer options for best energy savings and fastest repair and most reliability.  With Integrity Air Conditioning, Inc. you are in control.

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TECO has a rebate program that may help with the cost of replacing your heating & cooling equipment.  With Integrity Air we process the application for rebate and TECO pays us directly, so all of our estimates are AFTER ALL REBATES.  We take the hassle out of the equation.  Getting a new system can be stressful. We want to make it as easy as possible for you.

Ask us about the program. We will explain your options and make sure you are not leaving rebate money on the table.

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​​      According to an article in “Todays’s A/C & Refrigeration News”, Congress is being urged to act on HFCs (hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants). 32 members of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy are pushing for the United States to pass legislation to allow a structured and controlled exit from using hydroflucarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

United States companies that produce and use fluocarbons have been preparing for this exit for decades, investing billions in Research and Development to be the first to bring to market the next generation of fluocarbon products and equipment.

This BEGS the question of what is next?  One possible solution: Honeywell makes Solstice N41, ASHRAE designation, aka R466a as a replacement for 410a.  It has a 65% lower global warming potential than R410a.  15 equipment manufacturers are currently testing it in their new equipment.

This is part of why the manufacturers are concerned.  Engineers might test this new refrigerant and design for it to make reliable A/C systems only to find that congress or the EPA demand a zero global potential, not just 65% better. We will post more articles as decisions and policy are decided.