Life Hack: What is a dehumidifier and how can I use one to cut down on bills?
A dehumidifier can speed up the process of drying laundry indoors
Electric dehumidifiers are small appliances that remove excess moisture from the air. This makes them very useful for drying laundry indoors, reducing humidity, and minimising the signs of dampness and condensation in a home.
It draws warm air currents inside the machine. When the air hits the dehumidifier's cool insides, the moisture in the air turns to water, which is collected in the dehumidifier.
The main reason people bring a dehumidifier into their home is to reduce the signs of dampness and condensation which can cause mould to develop, and to help speed up the process of drying laundry indoors.
Moisture-laden air is heavier and can be more difficult to breathe in for someone who has asthma or a similar condition. Lower humidity levels could benefit people who have COPD too.
Similarly, drying the air in your home reduces the presence of allergens like mould, pollen and dust mites, so it could help you breathe better if you suffer from allergies.
However, if you have a skin condition like eczema the drier air might exacerbate your symptoms.
If you use a tumble dryer to dry your clothes in wet weather then there is a potential saving to be made by introducing a dehumidifier to your home as it will cost less to run than the bigger appliance.
Plug in the dehumidifier near a clotheshorse filled with wet laundry to speed up the drying process as the dehumidifier will draw excess moisture to it. It will use less energy than a tumble dryer, becoming an obvious saving on your bills.
Of course, while dehumidifiers are generally inexpensive to run, you should avoid running them 24/7 as this will impact your utility bill. Instead use it for a short time, such as when drying clothes, and turn it off after that period.
There are some further steps you can take to minimise the cost, including choosing an energy-efficient model and prioritising one with a good energy rating within your budget. Where you place the dehumidifier too will impact its productivity. Avoid placing it against a wall or corner and keep it far from heat-generating appliances. Place it in a well-ventilated area where the air intake and outlet are not blocked.
Keep windows and doors closed to prevent more humid air from entering your home and for improved performance, use a fan to circulate air faster — this lets the dehumidifier remove moisture faster, which is a great help in larger rooms.
