What does the process of removing moisture from air commonly refer to in air conditioning?

The process of removing moisture from the air in air conditioning is commonly referred to as dehumidification. This is a critical component of maintaining comfort levels in indoor environments, especially in areas with high humidity.

During the operation of an air conditioning system, warm air is drawn into the unit and passed over a cold evaporator coil. As the air cools, the moisture contained within it condenses on the coil's surface, effectively removing water vapor from the air and lowering humidity levels. The collected moisture is then drained out of the system, which is a fundamental aspect of dehumidification.

While latent heat removal is related to the process of cooling and removing moisture, it specifically refers to the heat energy absorbed during the transition of water from a liquid to a vapor during the cooling process. In contrast, dehumidification focuses on the removal of moisture rather than the energy change associated with it.

Thus, the term dehumidification most accurately describes the intended process of moisture removal in air conditioning systems.