iQ Drive® Humidity Control:
Too Much of a Good Thing?
One of the favorite features of the iQ Drive air conditioner and heat pump is the system’s ability to manage humidity in the home. The homeowner can select a humidity level between 35% and 70%, and the system will work to maintain humidity within 5% of this set point. It can do this because of how the iQ Drive system operates – almost constantly running at low levels. While many systems remove moisture from the evaporator coil by slowing down the blower, the iQ Drive also monitors evaporator temperature so that the coil will never freeze. After dehumidifying for a set time, the blower periodically speeds up again so that air remains uniformly distributed and well-mixed.
While this is a wonderful feature for many homeowners, it’s important to note that the iQ Drive is not a dehumidifier. It can work to maintain this ideal humidity level, but it won’t always be able to meet that level when conditions are less than ideal – like high humidity on a cool day, or extreme humidity in some parts of the country or in some homes (indoor hot tub, anyone?).
So when you’re selling the iQ Drive system to homeowners, please keep in mind that there is a limit to how much dehumidification an air conditioner or heat pump can do. If the homeowner truly has humidity concerns, he or she should consider an additional dehumidifier to make sure the needs are met. For more info on the iQ Drive system, visit www.iqdrive.net/frigidaire.html.
