Dehumidifier Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

Why Use a Dehumidifier?

• Keeps Your Home Warmer: Dry air heats more easily than damp air, helping you stay comfortable and saving on heating costs.

• Improves Health: Reducing airborne moisture limits allergens such as mould, mildew, and dust mites.

• Enhances Heating Efficiency: A dry environment allows your heating system to work more effectively.

Tip: Dehumidifiers are most effective in rooms with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. While they can slightly warm the air, they should be used alongside a heater, heat pump, or wood fire for the best winter comfort.

Types of Dehumidifiers

1. Compressor Dehumidifiers

• How they work: Damp air is drawn over a cold coil where moisture condenses and collects in a tank.

• Best for: Warm, humid conditions (such as summer months).

• Considerations: Less effective below 12°C, so not ideal for colder winter homes.

2. Desiccant Dehumidifiers

• How they work: Damp air passes through a wheel of moisture-absorbing material.

• Best for: Cooler environments (ideal for winter use).

• Considerations: Higher running costs compared to compressor models.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a dehumidifier, keep these important factors in mind:

Size and Capacity

• Room size matters: Larger rooms need dehumidifiers with higher capacity.

• Water tank size: Smaller tanks need to be emptied more often; larger tanks offer longer operation between empties.

Price

• Generally, the more you invest, the more efficient and powerful the unit will be.

Energy Efficiency

• Look for a good energy efficiency rating to save on running costs over time.

Humidistat

• A humidistat lets you set a target humidity level (ideally between 30%–50%) and automatically adjusts operation to maintain it.

Timers

• Programmable timers allow you to control when your dehumidifier turns on and off, saving energy and offering convenience.

Noise Levels

• Most dehumidifiers produce over 50 decibels (similar to normal conversation). If you plan to run it overnight in a bedroom, check the noise rating.

Air Filters

• Higher-end models often include washable air filters that capture dust and allergens, helping keep the air even cleaner.

Hose Connection

• Some dehumidifiers offer continuous drainage via a hose, which is especially useful for garages, laundry rooms, or spaces where frequent emptying would be inconvenient.

Tips for Using Your Dehumidifier

• Placement: Position it in the centre of the room for even coverage, and close doors and windows.

• Preparation: Vacuum the room beforehand to reduce dust build-up in the filter.

• Maintenance: Clean filters regularly for optimal performance and fresher air.

Choosing the right dehumidifier can make a big difference to your home's comfort and health during the wet and chilly months. Think about your home's needs, room sizes, and typical winter conditions to find the perfect model for you!