If you struggle with damp, condensation or mould in your home, then a dehumidifier could be just the ticket to tackling excess moisture.
They’re a staple in many homes, but what exactly does a dehumidifier do? From removing condensation-causing water vapour from the air to helping to dry clothes indoors, they have several useful functions.
So, if you’re considering adding one of these handy appliances to your own home, this guide is here to answer some of your most burning questions.
- What Is a Dehumidifier?
- What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
- How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
- How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?
What Is a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is a mains-powered electric appliance, designed to reduce humidity. Usually about the size of a carry-on suitcase, they typically feature an air vent and a removable water tank, though designs may vary between models and manufacturers.
What Does a Dehumidifier Do?
In simple terms, a dehumidifier takes excess moisture from the atmosphere by sucking in air, removing water vapour through a process of condensation and then blowing ‘dry’ air back into the room.
By doing so, dehumidifiers may help to get rid of damp walls and windows, which is a major cause of mould and mildew in the home.
As well as reducing the humidity in your home, they could also help to improve your indoor air quality if your dehumidifier has an air-purifying function.
What is a Dehumidifier Good For?
If you’re not sure why to use a dehumidifier, they may be very useful in the following scenarios:
- In the kitchen to remove some damp-causing steam during and after cooking.
- In the bathroom after a bath or shower to help reduce the growth of mould on tiles, sealant and walls (just ensure that it’s positioned well away from any water in the bath or sink).
- During hot and humid weather, the air circulation could have the same cooling effect as a traditional fan.
- If your dehumidifier has an air-purifying setting, they may help to reduce dust allergens in the home by removing these particles from the air as it is sucked in.
The following signs may indicate that your home could benefit from a dehumidifier:
- Mould or mildew on walls and ceilings.
- An unpleasant, damp smell.
- Excess condensation on windows.
- A recent leak that has left water stains on walls, floors or ceilings.
How Does a Dehumidifier Work?
Air is drawn into the dehumidifier through a filter, where it is then passed over either a system of cold coils or a chemical substance. Contact with a colder surface causes any water particles in the air to condense in much the same way that water droplets form on cold windows. These newly formed water droplets then run into a tank, which must be emptied regularly.
When your dehumidifier is plugged into your electricity mains and switched on, you’ll hear a quiet whirring. This is the sound of a fan rotating, which circulates air back into the room once the water vapour has been removed from it.
What Is the Difference Between Compressor and Desiccant Dehumidifiers?
There are two types of dehumidifiers: compressor (also called a refrigerant dehumidifier) and desiccant. Though both do the same thing and work in broadly the same way, the right type for you will depend on where you plan on using your dehumidifier.
What is a Compressor Dehumidifier?
Compressor dehumidifiers are the most common for domestic use as they work well in warmer, indoor conditions, becoming less effective as room temperature falls. They are highly efficient and fast-working, though they do tend to be slightly noisier than desiccant dehumidifiers.
Compressors use a fan to suck air in, which is then passed over cold coils where any water vapour condenses. They are an effective choice when it comes to maintaining the recommended relative humidity of 40%-60% in the home.
What is a Desiccant Dehumidifier?
Desiccant dehumidifiers can operate in cooler temperatures, making them an excellent choice for a conservatory, garage or caravan. The coils in a compressor dehumidifier can freeze at temperatures below three degrees Celsius, whereas desiccant appliances use an absorbent material to remove moisture from the air. This makes them a better fit for cooler environments.
While desiccant dehumidifiers use more energy than their compressor counterparts, they can work faster to extract moisture. As their mechanism is simpler than that of a compressor, they also tend to have a longer lifespan.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is not only a very useful addition to the home, but also a cheap one. Typically, a dehumidifier only uses around 0.48kWh of electricity. This is a low wattage in comparison to many household appliances (electric heaters and tumble dryers to name just two), so could be a price-savvy option for you.
The amount you pay per unit of electricity and the wattage of your appliance will affect how much it costs to run a dehumidifier. However, you can expect it to cost between £0.02-£0.22 per hour. Given that you usually only need to run a dehumidifier for up to two hours a day to maintain your home’s humidity at a healthy level, they make for a very cost-effective investment. If you are tackling a damp problem, you will need to run your dehumidifier for longer initially to reach the recommended relative humidity. However, this will quickly reduce as the moisture levels in your home come down.
