With low-energy consumption at the forefront of our minds, investing in a dehumidifier might not feel like an immediate priority, but these clever machines can remove moisture from the air, meaning your central heating can be turned down as the air inside your home gets warmer.
Even better, dehumidifiers can eliminate mould, damp and allergens in your home, keeping moisture levels consistent throughout the changes in the seasons.
How to choose a dehumidifier
If you’re thinking of buying a dehumidifier, it’s worth being mindful of the space you have to house one. If you’re only planning to use it in a small area, then a portable dehumidifier is more than enough.
But if you have a three-bedroom house or larger, or want to use the machine in a room with high ceilings, then it’s worth looking at a dehumidifier with a spacious water tank. When shopping for a dehumidifier we recommend choosing models that have low energy and low noise functionality. Most dehumidifiers have a low-power mode which can be activated overnight. Nobody wants to be jolted awake by a warning light in the early hours.
Below, we’ve tested the best dehumidifiers across a range of price points to help you improve the air quality in your home, including budget-friendly options. Regardless of your home’s size, there’s a dehumidifier to suit you.
How much do dehumidifiers cost to run?
Most dehumidifier machines work by pulling in warm air over a cooled coil. As the warm air drops in temperature, the vapour it produces trickles into a water collection tank that’s usually at the back of the unit.
A humidifier won’t work instantly to clear the air; it’s a slower process taking between a few days and a week depending on your room size. It is fascinating to see just how much water has been washed out of the air when the tank is full.
The other key thing to note is that dehumidifiers won’t stop damp or kill mould, but they will balance conditions to reduce high levels of humidity and the development of condensation.
Should I be concerned about high humidity in my home?
There are many reasons high levels of humidity can be damaging, both for your health and your home.
Aside from constantly feeling sticky, excess moisture can rot woodwork and wooden furniture, corrode your tech, warp books and precious photographs, and accelerate how quickly food stales. The top concern is that humidity aids mould and mildew which, left unchecked, could even affect your home’s structural integrity.
On the health front, anyone with allergies will suffer living in a home with high humidity as it raises the volume of fungi and dust mites, polluting the air with nasties. If you or someone you’re living with has a condition like asthma or another respiratory illness, owning a dehumidifier is non-negotiable.
Can dehumidifiers help with drying clothes?
In wet weather or over the winter, it’s necessary for most households to hang washed clothes inside, which will cause a massive spike in humidity levels. Introducing a dehumidifier into the environment will not only balance the air, but it can actually help speed up the clothes-drying process. Sure, it’s not the same as running a tumble drier, but it’s definitely more cost-efficient and has other benefits for the home and everyone living in it.
How much do dehumidifiers cost to run?
As with all electrical devices, what it costs to run depends on wattage and duration of use so consider if you want it running 24/7 or only need to switch it on after doing a load of laundry.
There are some small models that use around 20 watts while on the other end of the scale, high-performance models can eat up 500 watts.
According to air humidity expert Meaco, “the cost of running a dehumidifier 24/7 will obviously be higher than just running it when you are drying the washing, or for a couple of hours in the morning after everyone’s showered. We estimate that, on average, the running costs of a standard dehumidifier work out at less than £1 per day.”
