How to choose a dehumidifier

Condensation on windows, a musty smell and black mould in corners are signs that the air in your home holds too much moisture. A dehumidifier pulls that water out of the air and helps dry laundry indoors.

Compressor or desiccant?

• Compressor dehumidifiers work best in heated rooms (around 15°C and above). They use less electricity and suit living areas, bedrooms and flats.
• Desiccant dehumidifiers keep working in cold spaces such as garages, conservatories and unheated rooms. They are lighter and quieter, and give off a little warmth, which helps dry laundry.

Choose the right extraction rate

Extraction is measured in litres per day. As a rough guide:

• 10 to 12 litres: a flat or one or two rooms with mild condensation
• 12 to 20 litres: a 3 to 4 bedroom house, or drying laundry
• 20 litres and above: larger homes, damp problems or drying out after a leak

Features worth having

• A humidistat, so the machine stops when the room reaches the level you set (40% to 60% is ideal)
• A laundry mode and a quiet night mode
• Continuous drainage through a hose, so you do not need to empty the tank
• A washable filter and auto-restart after a power cut

Tips for best results

Close doors and windows in the room you are drying, keep the unit away from walls and curtains, and empty or clean the tank regularly. If damp keeps coming back, check for leaks, blocked gutters or rising damp.