Latent Heat

Latent heat is the energy absorbed or released by a substance during a change of state (such as water vapor turning into liquid) without a change in temperature. In air conditioning, the "latent cooling load" refers to the energy spent removing humidity from the air in your ACIq system. This is a critical concept for Mobile Home AC Condensers in humid climates, where a significant portion of the unit's work is simply drying the air. If a system is oversized, it won't run long enough to handle the latent heat, leaving the home feeling "clammy." High-quality AC Coil Systems are designed to maximize this moisture removal process. Understanding the balance between "sensible" (temperature) and "latent" (humidity) heat is the core of professional HVAC load calculations. It explains why a 2-ton system in a dry climate performs differently than one in a tropical climate. This invisible energy is a major factor in true indoor comfort.