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With rising bills, rising grocery prices and rising costs of living, every expensive purchase seems even more expensive. This is especially true when purchasing equipment such as a dehumidifier.
Although best dehumidifier Although they may be a little expensive, these machines have a lot of benefits. According to many experts, they not only draw moisture and humidity out of your surroundings (in turn, reducing the risk of mildew) but they can potentially cut your laundry-drying time in half and save you from spending money on tumble drying.
The multi-purpose machines are also great for allergy sufferers, are noise-free and have the added benefit of neutralizing harmful bacteria in your home. If you’ve noticed mold, condensation or musty odors around your home, it may be time to invest in a dehumidifier.
But before you take any action, it’s important to know that some of these appliances can add to your energy bills. We consulted experts to find out how much it costs to run a dehumidifier, and offer some tips for saving money when you use them.
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
“On average, a dehumidifier can be used for 4-6 hours per day, especially during colder months or in humid environments. Especially in humid situations or larger spaces, it can be used for longer periods of time,” explains Katie Lillywhite, air treatment specialist. till“The exact cost depends on how often they are used and how energy-efficient the model is,”
Chris Michael, Founder and President of Leading Dehumidifier Company mecoExplains: “It is important to choose an energy-efficient model; regardless of size, a cheap model with high energy consumption is a false economy.”
However, size may be a factor. “Smaller models, which are ideal for flats or small houses, can cost up to 4p per hour to run, while larger models, which are suitable for larger or high-moisture properties, can cost up to 15p per hour to run,” says Michaels.
What is the impact on cost?
Many factors can affect how much a dehumidifier costs to run, including room temperature. “Dehumidifiers are more efficient in hot conditions,” says Lillywhite.
Air flow is also important: “Placing the unit centrally with good air circulation helps it work faster and use less energy.” Finally, leaving windows and doors open can impact costs. “Leaving them open while in use means the dehumidifier has to work harder to constantly remove new moisture entering from outside,” explains Lillywhite.
According to Michaels, other factors to consider include: “The size of the room, how often the dehumidifier runs, the energy efficiency of the model, and electricity prices, which all play a role.”
Michaels also suggests that the initial investment matters. “Better quality machines often cost more but last longer and consume less energy, leading to savings in the long run.”
money saving tips
“To reduce costs, try to keep windows and doors closed while using the dehumidifier,” suggests Lillywhite.
Location is equally important. “The biggest mistake many people make when using a dehumidifier is placing it in the wrong place,” says Lillywhite. “Most people put them in a corner, whereas instead you should place the dehumidifier in the center of the room to remove moisture. This ensures that there is enough space around the dehumidifier for air circulation.”
Another mistake is to neglect regular maintenance or drainage. “Doing so can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria inside the dehumidifier. Many dehumidifiers have a removable tank that needs to be emptied regularly,” explains Lillywhite. “Proper maintenance is important to ensure that your equipment lasts a long time and works effectively.”
Michaels also suggests choosing an energy-efficient model with a humidistat. “This allows the dehumidifier to maintain a set humidity level, automatically turning off when that level is reached and turning back on only when the humidity increases,” he says. “This means the unit only runs when needed, saving power.”
He adds that it’s also worth looking for models with a longer warranty, “as this often reflects better build quality and means you’ll be less likely to need a replacement every couple of years.”
Dehumidifiers have also become a popular way to dry clothes. martin lewis suggested this method as a money-saving technique because a dehumidifier is much cheaper to run than a tumble dryer. This is much faster than many other drying methods.
“When drying clothes indoors, place the dehumidifier next to a clothes rack and keep the door closed. To reduce drying time, provide cooling fan Unlike dehumidifiers,” Michaels suggests. “Fans are energy efficient and help create airflow that pulls moisture out of clothes and sends air into the dehumidifier to capture it.”
best dehumidifier to buy
Our expert guide to Best tried and tested dehumidifier There are plenty of recommendations, and Dukes’ Bora Smart 30L Dehumidifier takes the top spot. Tester and air quality expert Joanne Leavesley found that “This is a high-performance model that’s as functional as it is stylish. It may be large, but it has a premium, minimalist design, which is ideal if you want a dehumidifier that won’t ruin the beauty of your home.”
With an extraction rate of 30 liters per day and a 4 liter water tank, it’s great for larger rooms or open-plan spaces. Joan says, “What really sets it apart is its smart functionality. The Dux app is intuitive, responsive and packed with helpful features. It provides real-time air quality readings and enables you to control everything from fan speed to humidity settings, whether you’re on the couch or away from home.”
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Priced at under £100, this 12 liter dehumidifier still works wonders in rooms ranging from 15 to 25 square metres. With a laundry function for drying clothes, our tester found it easy to move from room to room and appreciated the child lock, which means little fingers don’t mess up the careful settings. Home appliance journalist Joanne Lewsley, who wrote our dehumidifier guide, said: ‘This unit offers great value for money and is an excellent choice for most homes.’
Read more: What does a dehumidifier do?