Is heat or AC better to dry carpet?

Both heat and AC can help dry carpet after cleaning or water damage, but AC combined with airflow is generally better for controlled drying because it removes humidity while cooling, preventing mold growth. Air conditioning dehumidifies air as it cools, lowering relative humidity which helps moisture evaporate from carpet faster without creating excessively warm humid environment that could promote mold or cause musty odors. Heat can help evaporate moisture faster by increasing evaporation rate, but if heat is too high without dehumidification, humidity in room can rise, slowing drying and increasing mold risk. Best approach is to use combination, keep AC running to dehumidify, use fans or air movers to circulate air across carpet, and open windows if outdoor humidity is low. In cold weather, heat may be needed to keep temperature above 65 degrees to allow dehumidifiers to work efficiently. Professional restoration uses dehumidifiers plus air movers regardless of heat or AC, maintaining temperature around 70 to 80 degrees and low humidity for optimal drying within 12 to 24 hours.