What is dehumidification and how does it work?

Dehumidification is the process of removing moisture or humidity from the air in your home. This process can be done two ways: wired dehumidification or overcooling. 

Note: Neither feature will trigger a cooling cycle on its own. A cooling cycle will only be extended based on whether the humidity percentage is above the desired humidity.

Overcooling (Optimal Dehumidification)

This feature allows anyone with a cooling system to achieve dehumidification. By setting this feature, you allow the thermostat to cool past your set point by up to 3 degrees during an active cooling cycle to achieve the dehumidification percent you desired.

To set this feature on the thermostat, refer to the Installation Guide of your thermostat model.

To set this feature with the Sensi app, follow these instructions:

• Open the Sensi app.
• Tap on your thermostat name.
• Tap on the settings gear.
• Tap on System settings.
• Tap on Dehumidification and toggle it On.
• Adjust the Humidity Percentage as desired.
• Go back to the main thermostat page to save changes.

Now that the feature is active, any time the thermostat triggers your cooling system to come on by the set temperature, you may notice that the cooling cycle lasts longer and cools below your set temperature. 
 

Wired dehumidification (Optimal Comfort)

If you want the thermostat to control humidity in your home, you’ll need a wired connection that a contractor should install. A technician can come in and wire your system to run at a low speed fan during a cooling cycle to achieve dehumidification. Then he will configure your thermostat appropriately, and test operation.

How do I know if I have two stages of heat or dehumidification?

Two stage heating systems are not commonly found in high humidity environments; however, it’s still important to verify whether your system is two-stage. The easiest way to determine if you have a two-stage unit is to consult the manufacturer’s manual for your system.

I have an ACC or DEHUM wire on my current thermostat.

If you do not have a two-stage system, trace the thermostat wires to the control panel located at your indoor system, and look for a terminal labeled “Dehum”.  If the ACC/DEHUM wire from the thermostat is connected to a “Dehum” terminal, then you have dehumidification capabilities.