Using a dehumidifier in the winter months is when this device comes into it's own helping us to battle with the wet and cold weather.
Although humidity might often be a trait associated with the stifling British summer, high humidity levels are actually on our tail more than ever during winter; making the best dehumidifiers all the more essential to help get rid of damp and condensation in the home.
Not only that, but dehumidifiers also work wonders to dry clothes fast if you're trying to steer away from relying on a costly tumble dryer to get the job done.
To properly reap these benefits, knowing how to use a dehumidifier in the winter months is one of the best favours you can do for yourself to get the most out of your appliance. So, we turned to experts to share their top tips for effective results.
1. Leave it running
One of the biggest dehumidifier mistakes people make is buying a dehumidifier to then only turn it on for a couple of hours every day.
Chris Michael, managing director at Meaco says this is 'counter-intuitive' because in order for it to achieve its purpose, you need to leave a dehumidifier running to effectively combat damp. 'Set the humidistat to 55% RH (relative humidity) and then let the dehumidifier decide when it should turn on or off,' he advises.
Although it might seem worrisome to leave a dehumidifier running 24/7 (especially when paired with the false narrative that dehumidifiers are a fire hazard), the best way to treat a dehumidifier is similar to how you would treat a fridge. In the same way you wouldn't unplug your fridge when you leave the house, it's best to just let your dehumidifier do its thing, too.
2. Optimal placement
The placement of your dehumidifier is not something that should be taken lightly, as it can make all the difference in whether or not it works its best.
'Position the dehumidifier closest to the sources of moisture. If your problem is based on a lack of extractor fan in the bathroom, then place it on the landing or corridor outside the bathroom. If your problem is due to large amounts of washing being dried indoors, then use the dehumidifier to dry the laundry,' advises Chris.
When in doubt, Joshua Warren, AO.com's dehumidifier expert simply recommends you to 'keep your dehumidifier in a central location within your home'. When doing this, keep any internal doors open for increased damp air circulation toward the appliance.
3. Set the right humidity level
We touched on this slightly in the first point, but ensuring you set the right humidity level will set you up for success – especially if your intention is to use a dehumidifier to dry out damp walls.
'Most dehumidifiers allow you to set a target humidity level, so in winter, it's a wise idea to aim for a relative humidity of around 30-50%,' suggests Joshua. 'By doing this, you'll help prevent condensation on windows and walls without making the air too dry.'
4. Filter maintenance
As with any appliance, cleaning and maintenance remains paramount in keeping your dehumidifier at optimal performance and keep the cost of running a dehumidifier down.
'Keep on top of cleaning or replacing your air filter regularly, particularly in the winter. A clean filter ensures your dehumidifier runs efficiently and helps reduce its energy consumption in the more expensive months,' assures Joshua.
Chris adds, 'The cleaner the filter, the more moisture the dehumidifier will collect, the quieter it will run, and the longer it will last.'
Our favourite dehumidifiers for winter
Small, affordable, super quiet, and with low running costs of just 1p per hour, this is great a budget-friendly option for minor moisture issues. Its Peltier condenser has pretty low extraction rate, so don't expect powerful performance, but its compact build is ideal for tucking away into any small space.
Knowing how to use a dehumidifier in the winter months to ensure the most efficient and best results isn't all too different from what you've likely already been doing, but the above tips are the most important things to keep in mind when temperatures do drop.
