Consumer experts Which? have shared important advice for anyone buying a dehumidifier to tackle condensation, damp or mould in their home. Alison Potter from Which? outlined three common mistakes that dehumidifier owners make in a TikTok video, warning that purchasing the wrong appliance or ignoring running costs could lead to unnecessary expenses.
Choosing the Right Dehumidifier
According to Alison, many Brits fall foul of purchasing the wrong appliance for the job. "Don't just buy any dehumidifier to remove moisture from your home," she instructed. "Refrigerant models are generally better suited for tackling condensation, mould and damp in warmer rooms, while desiccant models are more effective in colder spaces like garages and conservatories."
Home specialists Velfac explain that condensation occurs when warm, moisture-laden air meets a cool surface such as glass, and the change in temperature causes the moisture to condense onto that surface in the form of water droplets. Colder external temperatures during winter months - normally from October to April - combined with heated internal temperatures will result in larger amounts of condensation.
Watch Running Costs
Alison also pointed out that shoppers should consider more than just the appliance's price tag. She elaborated: "We have tested 85 dehumidifiers and found a big difference in how much they cost to run - the most efficient ones cost around 14p per hour to run."
Conversely, however, some of the least efficient machines can cost around a staggering £1.45 per hour to operate. "So check the running costs before you buy," Alison advised.
Don't Overlook Features
Alison's final tip is to "avoid overlooking" the dehumidifier's features. For example, an accurate humidistat can automatically control humidity. In addition, a "continuous drain" option means you won't have to constantly empty the appliance's tank.
She added: "A night mode can make a noisy machine much easier to cope with. So, before you buy, think about where you will use it, how much it costs to run and which features you will actually need."
Dealing With Condensation Damage
If you've checked your windows and you think there's condensation on the inside, you'll likely need a professional to come and assess the damage. If the seal around your window is broken, you can replace it. You can also re-gas your windows to help prevent condensation.
The only permanent solution to get rid of condensation buildup is to get the glass replaced - but not the entire window, according to the experts at Grabex. They said: "In many cases, this is a fault which is covered by manufacturers’ guarantees, usually up to 10 years. New units are gas-filled and warm-edge sealed to restore full insulation. Installation is quick, clean, and far cheaper than replacing the entire window system."
