Experts reveal how much it really costs to run a dehumidifier

as energy bill Keep climbing, I have the idea of ​​​​adding more household appliances It can feel unappealing to blend in. However, as homes become increasingly prone to moisture and condensation during the winter, a reliable dehumidifier can make a significant difference. this best dehumidifier Helps prevent mold and mildew odors and can even speed up your clothes’ drying time while costing far less to run than a tumble dryer.

That said, these devices typically aren’t cheap, and the cost of running them is an important consideration. While dehumidifiers can help protect laundry from that familiar damp smell and help reduce moisture buildup around the home, the question remains: Are they really worth the upfront cost and ongoing energy use?

To find out, I analyzed the data and spoke to experts to break down the daily running costs of a dehumidifier, how to keep those running costs as low as possible, and which models our expert testers recommend.

How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?

“On average, a dehumidifier may be used for 4-6 hours per day, especially during the colder months or in humid conditions. In particularly humid conditions or in larger spaces, it can be used for longer,” explains air handling expert Katie Lilywhite. arrive. “The exact cost depends on how often they are used and how energy-efficient the model is.”

Chris Michael, Founder and Chairman of Leading Dehumidifier Company Mikoelaborated: “Choosing energy-saving models is key; no matter how big or small, because cheaper models with high energy consumption are a false economy.”

However, size may be a factor. “Smaller models are ideal for apartments or smaller houses and can cost as little as 4p an hour to run, while larger models are suitable for larger or damper properties and can cost up to 15p an hour to run,” says Michaels.

What affects cost?

Several factors can affect the cost of running a dehumidifier, including room temperature. “Dehumidifiers are more efficient in warm conditions,” Lilywhite says.

Air circulation is also important: “Placing the device in a central location with good air circulation helps it work faster and use less energy.” Finally, opening doors and windows affects costs. “Keeping these open during use means the dehumidifier has to work harder to constantly remove new moisture that is constantly coming in from the outside,” explains Lilywhite.

Michaels says other factors to consider include: “The size of the room, how often the dehumidifier is run, the energy efficiency of the model and the price of electricity, these all come into play.”

Michaels also said the initial investment is important. “Better quality machines generally cost more but last longer, use less energy and save money in the long run.”

The best dehumidifier to buy

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Our expert guide The best tried and tested dehumidifier There are many recommendations, and Duux’s bora smart 30l dehumidifier is firmly at the top of the list. Tester and air quality expert Joanne Lewsley found, “This is a high-performance model that’s both stylish and practical. It may be big, but it has a premium, minimalist design, making it ideal if you want a dehumidifier that won’t ruin the aesthetics of your home.”

With a daily withdrawal capacity of 30 liters and a spacious 4 liter water tank, it is ideal for larger rooms or open-plan spaces. Joanne says: “What really sets it apart is its smart features. The Duux app is intuitive, responsive and packed with useful features. It provides real-time air quality readouts and gives you the ability to control everything from fan speed to humidity settings, whether you’re on the couch or out and about. ”

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This 12-litre dehumidifier costs less than £100 and still works wonders in rooms between 15 and 25 square metres. Using the laundry function to dry clothes, our testers found it easy to transport from room to room and appreciated the child lock, which meant little fingers couldn’t mess with the delicate settings. Home appliances journalist Joanne Lewsley, who wrote our guide to dehumidifiers, said: “This device is great value for money and is an excellent choice for most homes.”

money saving tips

“To keep costs down, try to keep doors and windows closed when using a dehumidifier,” advises Lilywhite.

Location is equally important. “One of the biggest mistakes many people make when using dehumidifiers is putting them in the wrong location,” says Lilywhite. “Whereas most people tend to place them in corners, you should place your dehumidifier in the center of the room to remove moisture. This ensures there is enough space around the dehumidifier for air to circulate.”

Another mistake is neglecting regular maintenance or drainage. “Doing this can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria inside the dehumidifier. Many dehumidifiers have a removable water tank that needs to be emptied regularly,” explains Lilywhite. “Proper maintenance is key to ensuring your equipment lasts longer and operates efficiently.”

Michaels also recommends choosing an energy-efficient model with a humidistat. “This allows the dehumidifier to maintain a set humidity level, automatically shut off when that level is reached, and only turn back on when the humidity rises,” he said. “This means the unit only runs when needed, saving electricity.”

He adds that it’s also worth looking for a model with a longer warranty, “as this usually reflects better build quality and means you’re less likely to need to replace it every few years.”

Dehumidifiers have also become a popular way to dry laundry. Martin Lewis This method is recommended as a money-saving technique, as dehumidifiers are much cheaper to run than tumble dryers. It’s also much faster than many other drying methods.

“When drying clothes indoors, place a dehumidifier next to the hanger and keep the door closed. To reduce drying time, place a cooling unit on the hanger to reduce drying time. fan “Fans are very energy efficient and help create airflow that pushes moisture from your clothes into the air where it can be captured by the dehumidifier,” advises Michaels.

Experts also clarified What a dehumidifier does and the benefits of using it