Condensation on windows can be a real problem, but Martin Lewis' advice has made a significant difference for many households. Sophie Law, Deputy Editor of Spare Time, decided to follow the money-saving expert's guidance and is now enjoying clear windows every morning.
Martin Lewis' Dehumidifier Recommendation
On a BBC Sounds podcast on 5 Live, a listener asked Martin Lewis whether purchasing a dehumidifier would be more economical than relying on heating, especially during summer when many prefer not to turn it on. The MoneySavingExpert explained that dehumidifiers extract water from the air and use much less energy than standard heating. He stated, 'If the dehumidifier works for you, it will definitely have lower electricity bills.'
In a 2023 episode of The Martin Lewis Podcast, he also labelled tumble dryers a 'demon appliance' due to their high running costs of up to £1 per hour, suggesting a dehumidifier as a cheaper alternative.
Cost-Effective Operation
Lewis detailed the math: 'Many dehumidifiers have different wattages - the one I checked out was 200W. Once we know it's 200W and a kilowatt is 1,000W, which is how electricity tends to be priced, we know this is a fifth of a kilowatt. You pay roughly 34p per kilowatt per hour. A fifth is 7p, so you're going to pay roughly 7p per hour to run a dehumidifier at 200W.'
Sophie had been hesitant to buy a dehumidifier but eventually invested in the Meaco Arete One 10L, which costs approximately 4p per hour to operate. The impact was immediate: she now wakes up to dry windows even in cold weather, and the entire house feels less damp.
Impressive Results
What surprised Sophie most was the volume of water the machine extracts from the air. Draining the tank is strangely gratifying and revealing, showing how much moisture was previously settling on walls, windows, and fabrics.
One of the biggest benefits came during winter when drying laundry indoors. Previously, dampness would linger all day, but now excess moisture goes directly into the dehumidifier's tank. This has improved air quality and speeded up laundry drying, reducing reliance on the tumble dryer.
Award-Winning Appliance
The dehumidifier has earned Which? Best Buy awards and a Quiet Mark award, making it a smart choice. At £159.99, Sophie believes it is well worth the cost. Following Martin Lewis' guidance has reduced condensation and cut heating and tumble dryer usage. Months later, her windows remain clear, there is no musty odour, and she feels confident that moisture is managed properly.
