Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has issued crucial advice to households across the UK struggling with damp and condensation as a severe cold spell grips the nation.
Freezing Weather Fuels Indoor Moisture Crisis
Britons are waking up to streaming windows every morning as temperatures plunge, bringing intense snowfall, ice, and sub-zero conditions. The UK is currently experiencing several days of disruptive winter weather, leading to school closures and travel chaos, particularly in northern regions.
This follows Storm Goretti, which battered the country with winds of up to 99mph, prompting the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for dangerous, stormy conditions in the South West. The aftermath saw significant power outages, with over 50,000 properties left without electricity in the South West on Thursday evening, alongside 9,000 in the West Midlands and 2,000 in Wales.
With heating systems working overtime and the unavoidable need to dry laundry indoors, many are facing a battle against excessive moisture in their homes.
Martin Lewis' Verdict on Dehumidifiers and 'Demon' Appliances
On his BBC Sounds podcast, Martin Lewis addressed a listener's concern about a flat becoming increasingly damp from indoor clothes drying. The key question was whether buying a dehumidifier would be cheaper than cranking up the heating to combat moisture.
"Dehumidifiers take water out of the air rather than use the heating and they're much lower wattage appliances than standard heating," Lewis stated. "So if the dehumidifier works for you, it will definitely have lower electricity bills."
He also identified a major household energy culprit, advising people to avoid what he called the 'demon appliance' – the tumble dryer. "You're typically paying up to a quid per load," he warned, suggesting alternatives like using an outdoor airer or a dehumidifier alongside an indoor airer to reduce running costs.
Extra Tips for a Warmer, Drier Home
The Money Saving Expert (MSE) website, founded by Lewis, has reiterated its winter advice. One unconventional tip involves using a clingfilm-like material on windows. The site explains that covering windows with a thin, transparent plastic film can trap a layer of air, acting as secondary glazing to prevent heat escape.
"It's cheap and simple," the advice notes, though it stresses the film must be airtight for maximum effect. For those with double glazing, a third layer offers less benefit, and fixing draughty windows remains essential.
As the UK weather remains bitterly cold, these practical steps from Martin Lewis offer a roadmap to managing home humidity, improving comfort, and keeping energy costs under control.
