What are the benefits of dehumidifiers?
A dehumidifier is your go-to gadget for turning your home into a dry, fresh, and mould-free haven. Whether you're battling a humid summer, preventing long-term damp damage to your home, or just keeping allergens at bay, this humble machine has got you covered. Plus, with sleek designs and advanced features, they've become a cost-effective household staple for anyone looking to up their indoor comfort game!
Already sold, view our range of portable dehumidifiers for all year-round comfort.
Dehumidifiers have 5 great benefits:
- They improve air quality
- They help prevent mould and mildew growth
- Protect against structural damage (damp)
- Improve comfort
- Reduce unwanted smells and odours.
In this article, we will cover the following
- What is a dehumidifier
- Why they have become popular
- Benefits of a dehumidifier for a UK Winter
- Benefits of a dehumidifier for a British Summer
- Benefits of a dehumidifier for flood recovery
Before going any further, let's explore what a dehumidifier is and how it works.
What's a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a moisture-sucker for your indoor air. When too much humidity floats around, it grabs that extra water vapour and sends it packing, usually as liquid water that collects in a tank or drains away. Think of it as your home's little helper that keeps things feeling dry and comfy instead of sticky and clammy.
Humidity, for reference, is just the amount of water vapour in the air. If it's too high—above about 50%—you're more likely to deal with mould, mildew, or even warped furniture and peeling paint. That's where a dehumidifier comes in.
How Does It Work?
At its core, a dehumidifier pulls air from your space, cools it to condense the moisture into water droplets, and then releases drier air. Here's how it breaks down:
- Intake: A fan draws in the humid air.
- Cooling Coils: The air passes over refrigerated coils, which cools it down. Cold air can't hold as much moisture as warm air, so the water vapour condenses into liquid (like how a cold glass of water "sweats" on a hot day).
- Drain or Collection Tank: The condensed water drips into a tank you can empty, or it flows through a drain hose.
- Dry Air: The drier air is reheated slightly before being blown back into your room.
Why Have Dehumidifiers Become Popular Recently?
Several reasons, really:
- Changing Weather Patterns: More people are dealing with extreme weather and unpredictable humidity. This means wetter, more humid conditions in many places where it wasn't a problem before.
- Increased Awareness of Indoor Air Quality: People are paying more attention to the air they breathe, especially after spending so much time indoors during the pandemic. Dehumidifiers are now seen as a tool for healthier living.
- Modern Homes are Airtight: Energy-efficient new homes are often so well-sealed to save on heating and cooling that they trap moisture inside. Without proper ventilation, humidity builds up quickly, resulting in mould and dampness.
- Better Technology: Dehumidifiers are quieter, more energy-efficient, and more intelligent. Many now have features like humidity sensors, timers, and even Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control, making them super convenient.
Why You Might Need One
- You Notice Mold or Musty Smells: These are telltale signs of too much moisture and dampness.
- Your Home Feels Sticky: High humidity makes temperatures feel hotter and just plain uncomfortable.
- You've Got Condensation: If your windows are fogging up or your walls feel damp, that's excess moisture at work.
Benefits of dehumidifiers
- They improve air quality
- They help prevent mould and mildew growth
- Protect against structural damage - including flood recovery
- Improve comfort
- Reduce unwanted smells and odours.
Benefits of dehumidifier for a UK Winter
By managing indoor humidity during the UK's damp and chilly winters, a dehumidifier can significantly enhance comfort, protect your home, and support health.
Reduces Condensation on Windows and Walls
Cold outdoor temperatures and warm indoor air often lead to condensation on windows, which can result in damp patches and mould. A dehumidifier helps minimise this issue.
Prevents Mould Growth
Winter is a prime time for mould due to increased indoor humidity from heating, drying clothes indoors, and cooking. A dehumidifier keeps humidity levels in check, reducing mould risk.
Improves Heating Efficiency
Dry air is easier to heat than moist air, so lowering indoor humidity can help your heating system work more effectively and potentially lower energy bills.
Protects Your Home and Belongings
High moisture levels can damage wood, wallpaper, and electronics. A dehumidifier protects your furniture, walls, and gadgets from damp-related issues.
Dries Laundry Faster Indoors
Winter often forces people to dry clothes indoors, leading to a spike in humidity. A dehumidifier accelerates drying time by pulling moisture from the air and clothes.
Reduces Flu & Cold-Related Symptoms
Drier air can make a home feel warmer, reducing the reliance on heating and the discomfort of cold, damp air.
Benefits of a dehumidifier in British Summer
In the UK summer, when damp heat and unpredictable weather are expected, a dehumidifier enhances comfort, protects your home, and supports healthier indoor living.
Reduces Humidity from Warm, Damp Weather
UK summers often bring periods of high humidity, even without extreme heat. A dehumidifier removes excess moisture, making indoor spaces more comfortable.
Improves Indoor Comfort
Humid air feels sticky and heavy, especially during warm spells. Lowering humidity levels creates a fresher and cooler indoor environment.
Prevents Mould and Mildew Growth
Humidity levels above 60% in summer can promote mould and mildew. A dehumidifier helps maintain optimal humidity levels, protecting your home and belongings.
Protects Against Summer Allergens
Dust mites and mould spores thrive in humid conditions. A dehumidifier reduces their presence, improving air quality for allergy and asthma sufferers. An air purifier might be more suitable in some cases.
Enhances Cooling Efficiency
Dehumidified air feels cooler, reducing the need for excessive use of fans or air conditioning, which can save on energy costs.
Improves Sleep Quality
High summer humidity can make sleeping uncomfortable. A dehumidifier creates a more restful, cool, and dry sleeping environment. Our range of portable dehumidifiers are great for any room.
Energy-Efficient and User-Friendly
Modern dehumidifiers operate quietly, consume minimal power, and can run on timers or automatic settings, making them convenient for summer use.
Dehumidifiers for flood recovery
Using a dehumidifier for flood recovery is essential for drying out your property, protecting your health, and minimising long-term damage to your home. It's an effective tool for making the recovery process quicker and safer.
Speeds Up Drying Process
After a flood, excess moisture seeps into walls, floors, furniture, and other materials. A dehumidifier accelerates the drying process, reducing recovery time. If your furniture has become contaminated, you may need to discard it.
Prevents Mould and Mildew Growth
Floodwater creates a perfect environment for mould and mildew to thrive. A dehumidifier lowers humidity levels, helping to stop mould from developing in the first place.
Reduces Structural Damage
Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken drywall, wood, and even concrete. A dehumidifier helps protect the structural integrity of your home by removing excess water from the air. Our 20-litre dehumidifier is excellent for this.
Minimises Odours
Floods often leave behind musty, damp smells due to stagnant water and organic material. Dehumidifiers help eliminate these odours by addressing the root cause—excess moisture.
Improves Air Quality
Floodwaters often bring contaminants into the home. By controlling humidity, a dehumidifier reduces airborne mould spores and other allergens, creating healthier air during the cleanup process.
Supports Insurance and Restoration Efforts
Using a dehumidifier demonstrates proactive mitigation efforts, which may be beneficial when working with insurers or restoration professionals. Contact your insurer to find out more.
Prepares for Renovation and Repairs
Before repainting or replacing drywall, the affected area must be completely dry. A dehumidifier ensures optimal conditions for repair work, preventing future moisture issues.
Reduces Long-Term Costs
Quickly addressing excess moisture with a dehumidifier can prevent costly repairs down the road, such as replacing mouldy carpets, warped floors, or damaged walls.
Portable and Scalable Solutions
Dehumidifiers come in various sizes, from small portable units for individual rooms to industrial-strength machines for large-scale flood recovery, allowing tailored solutions for any situation.
Which type of dehumidifier should I choose
There are so many things that can impact the humidity level of your home, whether that be cooking, showering or laundry. Getting the right dehumidifier can make a huge difference to the air in your home, so it's essential to find the best one for you! We've put together this dehumidifier buying guide to help you purchase the perfect product for you and your desired use.
Buying a dehumidifier online with CoolEasy
If you're looking to add one of these systems to your home, then look no further than CoolEasy's range of dehumidifiers! We supply DLUX dehumidifiers, and we have the perfect dehumidifiers to either dry laundry or remove dampness. With free UK delivery, get in touch with our expert team for more information!