---
title: "Air conditioner vs dehumidifier — size, weight and speed compa"
description: "Air conditioner is 1.8× dehumidifier on weight. Compared on 5 measured properties, with the full range and a source for each."
url: https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dehumidifier/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Air conditioner vs Dehumidifier

**Air conditioner vs dehumidifier: Air conditioner is larger on weight**

Air conditioner is 1.8× dehumidifier on weight.

An air conditioner and a dehumidifier can be compared on 5 measures. The figures below are typical adult or full-size values, with the larger of the two in bold.

## Side by side

*Larger value in bold. Ranges reflect genuine variation, not uncertainty.*

|  | Air conditioner | Dehumidifier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weight | 15–60 kg | 8–26 kg |
| Typical lifespan | 8–20 yr | 5–12 yr |
| Typical cost | 180–1,200 $ | 130–600 $ |
| Loudness | 50–70 dB | 42–58 dB |
| Power draw | 400–1,800 W | 200–800 W |

## What the numbers say

- Air conditioner is 1.8× dehumidifier on weight.
- Air conditioner is 1.5× dehumidifier on typical lifespan.
- Air conditioner is 1.8× dehumidifier on typical cost.
- Air conditioner is somewhat greater than dehumidifier on loudness — about 1.2×.
- Air conditioner is 2× dehumidifier on power draw.

*Weight compared.*

- Air conditioner: 15–60 kg
- Dehumidifier: 8–26 kg

## Air conditioner

A refrigeration circuit that moves heat out of a room, in a window box, a split system or ducted central plant.

## Dehumidifier

A refrigerated coil that condenses water out of room air into a tank or a drain hose.

> This is a comparison of published measurements, nothing more. It describes how two things differ on measures that have been recorded; it does not predict how they would fare against each other in any situation.

## Common questions

### Which is bigger, air conditioner or dehumidifier?

Air conditioner is 1.8× dehumidifier on weight. Both figures are typical values; the full range for each is in the table above.

### How do air conditioners and dehumidifiers compare on typical lifespan?

Air conditioner: 8–20 yr. Dehumidifier: 5–12 yr. Air conditioner is 1.5× dehumidifier on typical lifespan.

### How do air conditioners and dehumidifiers compare on typical cost?

Air conditioner: 180–1,200 $. Dehumidifier: 130–600 $. Air conditioner is 1.8× dehumidifier on typical cost.

## Related pages

- [Air conditioner vs dishwasher](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dishwasher/)
- [Air conditioner vs washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-washing-machine/)
- [Air conditioner vs oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-oven/)
- [Air conditioner vs refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-refrigerator/)
- [Dehumidifier vs microwave oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dehumidifier-vs-microwave/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)
- What Noises Cause Hearing Loss? — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html) [Public domain (US Government)]
- ENERGY STAR Product Specifications — US Environmental Protection Agency (https://www.energystar.gov/) [Public domain (US Government)]