Dehumidifiers: why you need one in your home
During the colder months, our homes are much warmer inside than out.
When you shower, cook and bathe, you end up with excess moisture in the air and this can reduce your air quality.
Too much moisture in the air can result in allergies, asthma, coughing, headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and more health issues.
Ventilation is the best way to reduce the volume of moisture in your air space.
A dehumidifier is the perfect solution for improving ventilation.
It prevents you from having to open the window and let cold air in, removing the moisture-filled air from your home and circulating clean, healthy air.
Simon Hughes at PriceYourJob.co.uk guides us through dehumidifiers, how they work and how to get the most out of your machine, and we’ve rounded up some of the best on the market right now.
How does a dehumidifier work?
“A dehumidifier works by taking in warm air currents from without home home via a fan.
“This air then enters refrigerated coils within the machine and all of the condensation that is present remains within the machine.
“As the condensation collects within the machine, it falls into a storage tank. The air that is released back into your home is cooler and drier.” Simon explains.
What are the benefits of using a dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers have a lot of positives, for your health, the quality of the air in your home, and more.
Improving your health
Reducing allergens: High humidity creates a perfect breeding ground for common allergens including dust mites and mould.
A dehumidifier will lower the moisture in the air, making it difficult for these irritants to survive and reproduce.
Alleviate allergies and asthma symptoms: Controlling the volume of dust mites and mould spores will reduce allergic reactions and make breathing easier.
Eliminates musty odours: The damp, stuffy air results from high humidity often leading to musty smells caused by mould and mildew.
A dehumidifier will remove this moisture, helping to eliminate these odours and make your home smell fresher.
Protection for your home and belongings
Prevent mould and mildew growth: Mould and mildew thrive in a moist environment therefore a dehumidifier will be effective at preventing the growth of mould on walls, ceilings, furniture and other surfaces.
Protecting property: Excess moisture can be damaging to your household. It can cause wood to warp, paint to blister and peel, and metals to rust. A dehumidifier will help prevent this as well as protecting your furniture, electronics, books and clothing.
Reducing condensation: Dehumidifiers will prevent condensation forming on windows and other cold surfaces, preventing a rise in mould growth and water damage.
Increased comfort and energy efficiency
Making air feel cooler: Humid air feels heavier and stickier. By removing the moisture, a dehumidifier can make the air feel cooler and more comfortable.
Helping to dry laundry: A dehumidifier will significantly speed up the drying time for clothes when you hang them indoors, making it a useful alternative to the tumble dryer. If that is a long term decision, it will save you energy, and in turn, cut your bills.
Saving energy: Because a dehumidifier makes the air feel cooler and more comfortable, it can reduce the workload on your air conditioning system. This means it’s not working as hard to cool the air, also saving you money on your energy bills.
What do I need to look for in a dehumidifier?
When you’re shopping for a dehumidifier, there are some key things to look out for to make sure you’re getting the best you can for your budget.
Simon explains: “Some dehumidifiers are more expensive than others.
It’s a good idea to have a budget in mind before starting to look so you can immediately filter your search.
The cost will also determine the type of machine you look for, as some styles will cost more than others.
“The space you intend to put the dehumidifier will also have an impact.
“If you are short on space, you’ll be wanting a small or compact offering, however if you want to remove the humidity in your whole house – a bigger machine will be required.
“As if often the case with appliances, dehumidifiers can be quite loud.
“If you’re after a quieter machine so as not to wake young children, or to not disturb you watching TV, then it’s best to focus on that bracket.
“Some dehumidifiers have digital controls and screens that allow you to see how much humidity is in the air at one time. If this is important to you, search specifically for those kind of machines.
“They may cost more, but they’ll also give you more information about the moisture levels you have.”
What should I not do with a dehumidifier?
To make sure your new investment lasts and serves you well, you’ll need to make sure you’re taking good care of it. Simon outlines some of the most common mistakes…
1. Not cleaning the filter
“Dehumidifiers work by pulling the air inside over and over to dry it out.
“Often, other things will enter it such as dust and pet hair, and this can build up over time and clog your system.
“Make sure you check the filter regularly and clean it with a damp cloth, then wait for the filter to dry before placing it back in the machine.
“It’s worth replacing the filter every few months to ensure your dehumidifier lasts you for many years.
2. Putting it in the wrong place
“Where possible, it’s also best to place your dehumidifier as close to the source of moisture issue as you can, to deal with the problem as quickly as possible.
“It isn’t recommended to place it in the bathroom, but instead place it just outside and leave the bathroom door open to help reduce air moisture quickly.
“Placing the dehumidifier close to the area where there is the most moisture while also ensuring there is enough airflow around for it to work effectively is best practice.
3. Placing it too close to the wall
“In order to get the best results, it’s recommended you place your dehumidifier at least 20cm away from any walls.
“It’s also recommended you keep it away from any draughts from windows, doors or air vents as this will ensure it is working to its optimal efficiency.”
How to clean a dehumidifier
It is recommended that you clean your dehumidifier at least once a week to enable it to work effectively. Simon has outlined a cleaning guide below…
Take the machine apart – It can be difficult, but this is crucial.
Turn the machine off and unplug it, then follow the steps in the manuel to disaessemble the machine.
Clean the water tank – Give the tank a good scrub down.
Create a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water and place this in a spray bottle.
Spray this into the tank, allow the spray to sit for several minutes, then wipe away with a clean cloth.
Clean the filter and coils – Remove all of the accumulated dirt from the filter and cols by scrubbing it in up and down motions with a soft bristle brush.
Spray the coils with your spray mixture and leave to settle, then pour lukewarm water over the coils to wash this away. Be sure to cover the motor to prevent any water from getting into that area.
Clean the fan blades – Wipe the blades with a damp cloth to remove all of the accumulated dirt, dust and particles.
Clean the interior of the machine – Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of the machine.
Use the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to ensure you get in all the nooks and crannies.
Reassemble the machine – once all of the components are clean and dry, you can then reassemble the dehumidifier and begin using it again.
Dehumidifier: buyer’s guide
1. Best for small spaces
The EcoAir DD3 Slimline 10L Desiccant Dehumidifieris the perfect choice if you’re short on space with it’s small, slim line stature.
It’s also quieter than other models making it a great choice if you’re positioning it in a room you watch telly or near where young children might be napping.
It also alerts you when the water tank is full, prompting you to empty it which is great for overall health.
- EcoAir DD3 Slimline 10L Desiccant Dehumidifier, £259 from Amazon – buy here
2. Best for drying laundry
If you’re looking for a multipurpose dehumidifier, this is your pick.
The Bora Smart 30L Dehumidifier is stylish, with a vast capacity of 30L per day helping to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.
It also has a laundry drying mode with it’s new interface, running on a four hour timer to quickly dry your laundry and saving you up to 50% on energy compared to your tumble dryer.
It’s also an ultra quiet operation, emitting only 36dB of noise in night mode. When the tank is full, it automatically switches off, too, alerting you without an alarm.
- Bora Smart 30L Dehumidifier, £349.99 from Duux – buy here
3. Best for ease of use
If you’re looking for an all-rounder that’s easy to use and will suit any space then this is the one for you.
The SHARP UD-P20U-W 20L Dehumidifier has a simple control panel with an LED display and labelled buttons.
It absorbs 20L water per day, removing humidity from the affected areas.
It has a low noise level of 48db so shouldn’t disturb you too much either, as well as an auto restart function and auto stop when the tank is full.
- SHARP UD-P20U-W 20L Dehumidifier, £229.99 from B&Q – buy here
4. Best buy
The best bargain, and possibly best all-rounder, in our list is the Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier.
It promises to lower humidity levels, reduce condensation and prevent mould growth.
It also has multiple modes for different uses, including Laundry Drying Mode and Quiet Sleep Mode. Promising to dry laundry in just six hours, with a quiet noise of 36-39dB.
- Dryzone dehumidifier and air purifier, £149.99 from Safeguard Europe – buy here
5. Best for transporting
Are you looking for a dehumidifier you can easily move around the house, depending on where the moisture is building up? The Meaco Arete® Two Dehumidifier is the one for you.
It’s on wheels, hence the ease of transportation, but it also has quiet mark certification for being a quiet appliance, and is perfect for using in conservatories, garages, boats and holiday homes, as well as in larger properties.
- Meaco Arete® Two Dehumidifier, £299 from John Lewis – buy here
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