Running an air conditioner during the monsoon is different from using it during peak summer. The outdoor temperature may be lower, but high humidity can make a room feel sticky, uncomfortable and warmer than the thermometer suggests.

This is why setting the AC at 18°C is not always the best solution during rainy weather. In many cases, the bigger problem is excess moisture rather than extreme heat.

Using the right AC mode, keeping filters clean and checking drainage can make a noticeable difference. Manufacturers such as Daikin specifically describe Dry Mode as a feature designed to reduce humidity while maintaining indoor temperature as much as possible.

Why Does the Room Feel Uncomfortable During the Monsoon?

Monsoon air usually contains more moisture. When humidity is high, sweat evaporates more slowly from the skin, making the body feel warmer and more uncomfortable even when the actual temperature is moderate.

An air conditioner does more than cool the room. During operation, moisture can condense on the indoor coil and drain outside.

Therefore, during humid weather, managing moisture can be just as important as lowering the temperature.

Some modern ACs even include dedicated monsoon or humidity-control technologies. LG, for example, says its Monsoon Comfort feature balances temperature and humidity to reduce dampness and stickiness without unnecessarily overcooling the room.

Try Dry Mode When Humidity Is the Main Problem

If your AC has a Dry Mode, it can be particularly useful on rainy days when the room feels damp but is not excessively hot.

Dry Mode is designed primarily to remove excess moisture from indoor air.

Instead of continuously trying to bring the room temperature down aggressively, the AC operates in a way intended to improve humidity levels.

Daikin describes its Dry Mode function as a way to eliminate humidity while maintaining indoor temperature as much as possible.

This mode may therefore be useful after rainfall or during muggy evenings when the room feels sticky.

However, Dry Mode is not a replacement for normal cooling in every situation. If the room is genuinely hot, regular Cool Mode may provide better comfort.

You Do Not Need to Keep the AC at 18°C

Many users believe that setting the AC to 18°C will cool a room much faster.

That is not necessarily how a standard thermostat works.

The AC generally continues cooling until the room approaches the selected temperature. Choosing an extremely low setting can therefore make the unit run for longer without necessarily providing proportionately faster initial cooling.

During monsoon conditions, a moderate setting of around 24°C to 26°C may feel comfortable for many people, particularly when indoor humidity is also being controlled.

The ideal temperature can still vary according to room size, occupancy, weather and individual comfort.

The key point is that very low thermostat settings are usually unnecessary when humidity, rather than heat, is the main source of discomfort.

Clean the AC Filter Regularly

If your air conditioner is not cooling as effectively as before, check the filter.

Dust, hair and other particles gradually collect on AC filters and can restrict airflow.

Reduced airflow can make the air conditioner work harder and may reduce cooling performance.

Humidity can also make dirt and moisture inside the unit more noticeable, sometimes contributing to unpleasant odours.

If your AC has washable filters, clean them according to the manufacturer's instructions and allow them to dry completely before reinstalling them.

Do not reinstall a wet filter unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so.

Do Not Ignore a Musty Smell

A damp or stale smell from the AC is common enough during humid weather, but it should not simply be masked with room freshener.

The smell may be linked to moisture, a dirty filter, debris around the evaporator coil or drainage-related problems.

Start by checking and cleaning the filters.

If the odour continues, professional cleaning of the indoor unit may be required.

Avoid spraying perfume, disinfectant or household chemicals directly into the AC because these substances may damage components or create indoor-air-quality problems.

Use Self-Cleaning or Coil-Drying Features if Available

Many newer air conditioners include self-cleaning, auto-clean or coil-drying features.

These functions are designed to reduce residual moisture inside the indoor unit after cooling stops.

If your AC has such a feature, follow the manufacturer's instructions for using it.

It may help reduce the amount of moisture that remains on internal components after operation.

Different brands use different names for these features, so refer to the owner's manual for the correct setting.

Water Dripping Indoors Needs Attention

Some water formation inside an air conditioner is normal because moisture condenses on the cold evaporator coil.

However, that water should flow outside through the drainage system.

If water begins dripping from the indoor unit into the room, something may be wrong.

Possible causes include a blocked drain pipe, dirty drain tray, incorrect drain-pipe positioning, restricted airflow or icing on the coil.

If leakage is significant, turn the AC off and have it checked by a qualified technician.

Ignoring the problem can damage walls, furniture and electrical components.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

The outdoor unit of a split AC needs unrestricted airflow to release heat.

Outdoor units are generally designed to tolerate normal weather conditions, including rain, but leaves, mud, plastic or other debris should not be allowed to block the airflow.

Inspect the area around the outdoor unit periodically.

Do not tightly cover an operating outdoor unit with plastic or another material, as this can restrict ventilation and interfere with normal operation.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed While the AC Is Running

Outside air can contain a large amount of moisture during the monsoon.

If doors or windows remain open while the AC is running, humid outdoor air continuously enters the room.

The AC then has to cool the incoming air while also removing additional moisture.

Keeping doors and windows closed can therefore help the room become comfortable more efficiently.

If the room requires fresh-air ventilation, switch the AC off periodically and ventilate it appropriately rather than leaving windows open continuously while cooling.

Avoid Drying Too Many Wet Clothes in the AC Room

Drying wet clothes indoors releases moisture into the surrounding air.

If several wet garments are placed in a closed, air-conditioned room, indoor humidity can rise noticeably.

The AC then has to remove this extra moisture as well.

Whenever possible, dry clothes in a well-ventilated area rather than continuously using a small closed AC room.

A Dehumidifier Can Help in Persistently Damp Rooms

Some homes remain humid even after the air conditioner has been running.

In such situations, a dedicated dehumidifier may be useful, particularly in rooms with poor ventilation or naturally high moisture levels.

However, a dehumidifier will not solve structural moisture problems.

If humidity is caused by water seepage through walls, roof leaks, plumbing issues or rain entering around windows, the underlying problem must be repaired.

Run the Ceiling Fan Along With the AC

A ceiling fan can help distribute cooled air more evenly across the room.

It does not necessarily need to operate at maximum speed.

Moderate airflow can improve comfort and may allow users to feel comfortable at a higher AC temperature setting.

This can be especially useful during humid but not extremely hot weather.

When Cooling Is Weak, Check the Basics First

Poor cooling does not automatically mean the refrigerant level is low.

Before assuming that the AC needs a gas refill, check whether the correct mode is selected, filters are clean, doors and windows are closed and airflow around the outdoor unit is unobstructed.

Problems involving the fan, sensor, coil or other components can also reduce cooling performance.

If basic checks do not solve the issue, professional diagnosis is the safer approach.

Is It Safe to Use an AC While It Is Raining?

A correctly installed split air conditioner can generally operate during normal rainfall.

Rain alone is not usually a reason to turn the unit off.

However, switch the AC off immediately if you notice burning smells, sparks, repeated electrical tripping, major indoor water leakage or other electrical abnormalities.

Electrical issues should always be inspected by a trained technician.

Best AC Practices for Humid Weather

During the monsoon, focus on balancing temperature and humidity rather than simply choosing the lowest temperature on the remote.

Dry Mode can be useful when excess humidity is the main concern, while a moderate temperature setting may provide better comfort without unnecessary overcooling. Manufacturer-specific humidity-control features can also help where available.

Keep the filters clean, ensure the drain is working properly, avoid blocking the outdoor unit and do not ignore persistent smells or water leakage.

With these simple habits, an AC can keep a room noticeably more comfortable during the rainy season without relying on an extreme 18°C setting.