To get the most out of your dehumidifier, you will want to place it as close to the source of the damp as you can. As a dehumidifier can be noisy and bulky, it’s tempting to hide it away in a corner. But for larger rooms, try and place your dehumidifier in the centre so it benefits from the circulating air. Lastly, there's extra functionality to consider. The best dehumidifiers you can buy offer a Smart mode. That means you can leave the dehumidifier running and its sensors will detect the humidity levels and switch the machine on and off to keep humidity within your desired range. That saves energy (and money) as the appliance isn't running if it doesn't need to be.

There's also plenty of useful functionality on the models. The automatic Smart Humidity Mode works perfectly and is hassle-free, turning the dehumidifier on when moisture-levels rise and automatically shutting the appliance off when the desired humidity is reached so there's no wasted energy or expense.And in our tests, the Arete One reduced moisture levels in damp-prone rooms in a very short period of time.If you’re running a dehumidifier, keep the door to the room the dehumidifier is in open, so that air can circulate through your home. But close the window, so that damp air outside – which will migrate towards drier spots – isn’t drawn to the drier air indoors. However, if you're able to extend your budget a little then it’s well worth looking at the Meaco Arete One Dehumidifier. This is more of an ivestment, but is our top-rated dehumidifier overall. Plus, it's quiet, easy to use, works superbly and is very energy-efficient compared to other compressor models. Its Smart Laundry Mode also makes it one of the best dehumidifiers for drying washing indoors. There are 10, 12, 20 and 25L models available, and, all offer a built-in air purifier that means they improve indoor air quality in more ways than one. You can get the full details in our MeacoDry Arete One Dehumidifier review. How we tested I also found it very noisy. Even when the fan was set to low I could hear it over the TV, and I definitely couldn't have slept with it running. I also didn’t find it a great help with drying clothes, whilst it did take some of the moisture out of the garments, it didn’t leave them airing-cupboard dry like the best dehumidifiers I've tested.

As explained above, make sure you’re using your dehumidifier at times of day when it will be the cheapest and most effective. Does a dehumidifier use a lot of electricity? A compressor dehumidifier is the most common type in the UK as it works best in higher temperatures, such as in a heated home. Unlike a compressor dehumidifier that passes air over a cold coil to condense the water from it, a desiccant dehumidifier uses a 'desiccant chemical' to absorb the moisture from the air. As a result, desiccant dehumidifiers are the best option for rooms that are likely to fall below 15°c, as at lower temperatures compressor and Peltier models can struggle to work efficiently. The advantages of this type of dehumidifier are that they tend to be larger, more energy efficient and much more widely available. The problem is that they don’t work well in lower temperatures as the coils need to be colder than the room, or they start to freeze. Once that happens, a compressor dehumidifier focuses on de-frosting itself over reducing humidity, so they aren’t a great option for garages or cellars. They also tend to be much noisier, and depending on your noise-level preference, this can irritate people. Should you leave a dehumidifier on all the time?litres – medium capacity. Suitable if there are more of you creating moisture through activities such as showering, cooking and washing clothes at home, and/or your damp problem is more severe.

I tested the Silentnight 39899 in two key areas of my home, the kitchen and the bedrooms. I found it really made a difference to reducing the condensation around my windows. Plus, the air felt fresher whenever it was running, and it did really well to help eliminate steam and fumes in the kitchen whilst cooking.

What causes high humidity? And should it concern me?

Dehumidifiers can use a lot of energy, especially if used inefficiently. The electricity required to power a dehumidifier can be generated from a mixture of burning fossil fuels, renewables, gas and nuclear. But as this is mixed up in the grid, you can’t guarantee it’s coming from a renewable energy source. If you’ve bought a second-hand dehumidifier, read our guide to your rights when buying second-hand goods. How do I dispose of a dehumidifier? The Pro Breeze 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier is a popular choice thanks to its relatively low price point that makes it one of the best value compressor dehumidifiers you can buy. The EcoAir DD1 Simple MK3 Dehumidifier can extract up to 7.5 litres of moisture per day in cold temperatures as low as 1ºc, so it's a very useful option for conservatorys, basements or garages that don't have dedicated heating, as well as unheated rooms in the home during winter months.

The alternative is a Peltier dehumidifier, which, although not specified, is likely the method the Silentnight 39899 600ml Dehumidifier uses. In contrast to a compressor dehumidifier, a Peltier dehumidifier uses a far quieter thermo-electric process to extract moisture from the air. It's also important not to confuse the extraction rate with a dehumidifiers water tank capacity. As both are generally measured in litres or millilitres this can sometimes cause confusion. Air filter: Some models come with a HEPA filter which helps to provide cleaner air in your home, which will be helpful for any allergy sufferers. Noise levels: Sadly noise levels are what lets this mini dehumidifier down. The brand measures them as 39dB, the loudest of all the low cost dehumidifiers in our round-up. And, for such a small unit, it does make a lot of noise. I found I couldn’t leave it on overnight because it irritated me, which is a shame as its light feature means it would otherwise have proved itself a good nightlight. Extraction amount: It is essential to consider the maximum amount of moisture your dehumidifier can extract daily. It can range from anywhere from 500ml to upwards of 30 litres. Small units are fine for occasional use or a small area, such as a cupboard or study. Around 12 litres is suitable for a small flat, medium-sized room or a mild damp problem. Up to 16 litres is best for a larger room or one used regularly for washing or cooking, and units with a capacity of up to 20/30 litres can be used to dehumidify whole homes.

How does a dehumidifier work?

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