Want to tackle mould and damp build up in your home? Then you need to consider getting your hands on a Dehumidifier to help eliminate the problem. With the change in seasons, it’s difficult to maintain the right humidity level and air quality throughout the year. Dehumidifiers absorb moisture and keep your home feeling and smelling great all year round.
What specifications should you look out for when shopping for a dehumidifier? Here is the ultimate buying guide to get you the best features and specs when buying a dehumidifier for your home.
Before You Buy
Before you buy, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of. There are 2 different kinds of dehumidifiers so think about which one will suit your home better.
Refrigerant (or Compressor) Dehumidifier
Compressor dehumidifiers tend to work better at higher temperatures and higher humidity levels. They work by drawing in moisture and air over a filter and over cold coils so the moisture condenses and drops into the tank. compressor dehumidifiers are effective in many homes across the UK.
Desiccant Dehumidifier
Desiccant dehumidifiers are more effective to use in colder temperatures so these tend to be effective in the winter months. They work differently from the other ones because they use absorbent material to draw moisture out of the air and into the tank. The material is heated so it drips into the tank. These dehumidifiers tend to use more electricity because they have a heated element to work.
Tank Capacity
Before you buy a dehumidifier, it is important to calculate what tank size will be right for your home. Tank sizes range from between 0.5 litres and 20 litres and this is the amount of water the dehumidifier will hold.
If you go for a smaller tank then you will need to empty it often. If you go for a bigger tank, it will store more water but will be a lot harder to maneuver. If you are looking to dry out one room in your home then a smaller one will be sufficient. If damp and mold is taking over your home then then a bigger one will be a better option.
Features
Frost Watch
This is technology that stops the water inside the tank from freezing in cold weather. This might be quite important for those living in a cold country or home. It’s probably a good idea to look for this feature in the UK.
Integrated Cord Storage
This is a mechanism that holds the cord on the body of the dehumidifier when it is not in use. It’s a clever necessity if you are looking to store your dehumidifier when you are not looking for it. And it stops the trip risk.
Continuous Drain Function
If you are not wanting to pour out the water from your dehumidifier then this allows you to plug a hose into the device and pump the water out. This is handy if your dehumidifier is really big and it would be heavy to pour out yourself.
Humidistat
This is a good function to have. It measures and displays the moisture level in the air so it can turn itself on and off when is needed. It will determine your prefered humidity level so you don’t have to even think about it.
Timer
This function means that you are able to put the device on a timer so that it comes on at your desired time.
Wheels
This is important if you have a heavy dehumidifier so you can move it around easily if you want to move it to another room. It isn’t always necessary for smaller ones because it’s lighter to move. It’s also important for when you want to pour the water out of it because you can wheel it anywhere to dispose of the water easily.