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As you’ve probably realised, it’s often difficult to estimate the cost of running a dehumidifier. Aside from the machine’s power rating, the ongoing costs are affected by humidity, temperature, energy saving features and running time.
The running costs of a dehumidifier varies depending on its power rating, the mode you use, and your energy tariff. As we all know, energy prices have gone up rapidly during 2022, and this looks likely to continue in the future, so you’ll need to adjust the numbers for your own tariff and the current energy prices. A compressor dehumidifier is almost like a mini-fridge that cools the air and converts it into water that you can pour away,” says Ryan Kandola, a dehumidifier expert from Aircon Centre, “whereas desiccants take the air and run it over a rotating flywheel which absorbs the moisture, before heating it so the wheel doesn’t get saturated.” How do you know when you need a dehumidifier?
The Basics
We all want to save energy at the moment – and that’s where the Meaco 20L Low Energy comes into its own,” adds Kandola. It uses a HEPA ( High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter which will remove 99 percent of dust mites, pollen or other allergens, making a cleaner and healthier atmosphere in your home. Look for one which draws less than 330 Watts and you will never spend more than 10p per hour. It’s often much less on lower power settings. Dehumidifiers are generally cheap to run. What size dehumidifier do I need? There’s also the endless debate between desiccant and refrigerant (compressor) dehumidifiers. We talk more about the general differences here, but a refrigerant dehumidifier works best in warmer temperatures, while a desiccant is the better option for low temperature applications.
It’s a difficult question to answer, as the cost varies wildly. Factors such as the temperature, type of dehumidifier ( desiccant or refrigerant) and energy-saving features all affect the running costs. Manufacturers also confuse the issue by adding the phrase “energy efficient” to every product description – whether it’s deserved or not.
How we tested
Compressors are generally efficient at room temperature, but they can’t handle the winter cold so well. If the temperature drops below three or four centigrade, they will tend to stop working. That’s not the case with desiccants, although they can be more expensive to run. How to use a dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are the best way to reduce humidity in your home and many are cost effective and energy efficient. They range from bathroom dehumidifiers to compact ones for your car and even ones you can control from your mobile phone. Small dehumidifiers are ideal for flats or smaller spaces, while the bigger models can dehumidify a five-bedroom property or a small business space. If there’s a problem room, the dehumidifier should be kept in there, preferably with doors and windows closed,” says Chris Wood, also from Aircon Centre. “If it is to be used to control the moisture for the whole house, however, then it should be located centrally, on a landing or in the hallway, and the air from the rooms should be able to flow towards the units. So keep the interior doors open and the exterior windows shut.” How much does a dehumidifier cost to run? If you are worried about high running costs, choose the Meaco,” says Chris Wood. “It has a control system that can reduce your energy consumption by up to 80 percent compared to other dehumidifiers.” There are also a range of features that can reduce energy consumption. If you’re worried about your energy bill, look out for:For a bathroom, you should position the dehumidifier just outside the bathroom door and ensure the door is left open so the unit can draw the moist air towards it. If you’re drying clothes, just place the dehumidifier in the room, making sure the door and windows are all closed. The cost of one kiloWatt-hour of electricity is capped at 30p under the Energy Price Guarantee as of July 2023. Although prices do vary by region and contract (economy 7 tariffs are more expensive by day and cheaper by night, for example), we use the capped price to estimate running costs.
Rather than being a compressor or a desiccant, the ProBreeze instead uses peltier technology, similar to that used in some mini fridges, to cool water vapour into water. It’s much quieter than the other methods. Reducing humidity can also eliminate dust mites, which can relieve allergies. It can reduce “musty” smells in your home while preventing mould from spreading. It can even reduce skin and lung irritation. Fast Water Extraction. The faster a dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, the shorter time it’ll need to be switched on. The key is to choose the right dehumidifier for the environment (i.e. a desiccant for colder rooms or a refrigerant for warmer ones)If you’ve ever had reason to ask yourself ‘what is the best dehumidifier?’ it was probably with a sense of desperation over mould in your bathroom that just won’t shift, or window condensation forever puddling on the sills. Humidity can be a real problem. A dehumidifier is your best defence. Of course, energy usage isn’t the only consideration when buying a dehumidifier. If you’re tired of condensation or mould, a dehumidifier is one of the fastest ways to reduce humidity. The beauty of a desiccant dehumidifier is not only that they are typically quieter than compressor models, but they are ideal for smaller, unheated areas such as conservatories, campervans, garages, boats and cellars. They’re also fantastically efficient. Humidstat + Smart Control. If a dehumidifier monitors the humidity and only switches on when needed, it’ll use less energy.
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