When it rains, it pours. Hot off the heels of the UK’s wettest Summer, it seems that the rain isn’t letting up as we enter the Autumn months. When will the rain stop? Well, considering that we’re heading into Winter, the most accurate answer is probably ‘not soon.’
Now, we’ve covered the effects of the damp, rain and humidity before. Our previous articles include our step by step guide to dehumidifiers during the Winter, a detailed breakdown of dehumidifiers in the UK and even taking a look at one of the best dehumidifiers currently available for rainy weather. Maybe this is an indirect way of saying that we’re British, but there’s no denying that the rain plays a very important role in day to day life in this country. It’s not a bad thing at all, but it’s something that takes some adapting to.
The Importance of Dehumidifiers
In the past, there wasn’t much that a single person or family could really do to prevent damp and mould and mildew from collecting in the home. Outside of calling local repair staff or engaging in time consuming DIY, the average British household didn’t have many options when it came to adapting (mostly) historic homes and flats to the ever changing, ever temperamental weather. Maybe it’s a far cry from the rose-tinted version of history we like to remember, but homes were more likely to fall into disrepair back in the day than they are now.
If you’re wondering how this came to be, the answer is relatively simple but also complex. For brevity, let’s stick with the simple part for now.
Advancements in technology allow for greater control over your home.
You may have already put the pieces together, but one of the best lines of defence against mould and damp is a quality dehumidifier. As previously mentioned, we’ve covered dehumidifiers a lot. However (in our defence,) they’re definitely worth talking about. Not only are they a great way to keep your home comfy and increase your general wellbeing at home, but their main purpose is to keep damp at bay by extracting moisture from the air. It’s actually really impressive when you think about it, but we’re not here to go through the ins and outs of dehumidifiers (again.)
Instead, we’re covering something much more necessary today. Something that the vast majority of Brits are more concerned about this Winter.
The Myth of Dehumidifier Running Costs
Let’s be honest, the real crux of the issue isn’t actually getting a dehumidifier. In fact, that’s the easiest part. The largest barrier for most people getting a dehumidifier is the hesitation caused by the idea of extortionate running costs. And, whilst this isn’t at all unfounded or unreasonable. At the end of the day, we are still under a cost of living crisis within the UK and people want to know that there are no hidden costs with their initial purchase. This is both reasonable and completely understandable but why does this unfortunate reputation stick around with dehumidifiers?
The reason why dehumidifier running costs are so divisive is because when a dehumidifier is running well, it can be difficult to really notice. At least at first. For those who have used a dehumidifier before, the results are noticeable. Clothes and furniture dry quicker, damp and mould appears less often; and home air quality can be greatly improved. These are great and really positive effects for the home, but there’s no denying that- compared to a heater or a fridge- dehumidifiers are a lot less “direct.” And it is this lack of directness that can trick people into believing that dehumidifiers just aren’t worth it.
Debunking the Myth
Running a dehumidifier, of course, does cost money. However the exact costs are a lot more varied than you may suspect. There are a few factors to take into account when it comes to the running costs of a dehumidifier. From the size, type and features of the dehumidifier in question to current energy tariffs and wattage used. Needless to say, there’s plenty to keep your eyes peeled for when it comes to choosing the best dehumidifier for your home and keeping within your budget is important.
How can you make the most of your dehumidifier?
Simply put, the best way to get the highest performance out of your dehumidifier is to identify your home’s needs and set a dependable budget that has a bit of flexibility. You will notice that many pages advertising dehumidifiers will often include the hourly Wattage (often abbreviated as just “W.”) This figure is usually a very good way to tell which dehumidifier fits within your budget. By entering the wattage number into a wattage to energy cost calculator, you’ll be able to get a fairly accurate estimate of how much a dehumidifier will cost you to run. This is a very good place to start and (I would argue) is essential to understanding whether a dehumidifier is right for you.
Another way to keep the costs low is by examining the additional modes of a dehumidifier before making your purchase. This is almost as important as reviewing the wattage when it comes to making sure your dehumidifier comes in under budget. There are a variety of ways that a dehumidifier can cut running costs down to size and timers, smart controls and alternate modes are the best places to start.
Whilst smart home controls (present in dehumidifiers like the Primo and 25l/day dehumidifier) allow for full and remote control over your dehumidifier. This alone might not seem like much and you may well ask “how does remote control help me reduce my energy bills?” An entirely fair question. However- as studies have increasingly indicated- Smart Home appliances are rapidly proving to be a more energy efficient option than traditional appliances with manual controls. This is primarily due to being more aware of your devices being switched on. That said, the reduced energy costs associated with Smart appliances may also be due to having access to a larger amount of information at your fingertips. With most Smart appliances, you will be able to see more supplementary information on your phone regarding relative humidity, current settings and more. Having this information readily available allows you to make more informed decisions regarding your home and its appliances.
Picking the right dehumidifier for your home
A subject we’ve covered before in previous articles, the process for picking the right dehumidifier for your home really depends on your needs, budgets and personal preferences. Matching the size of the dehumidifier to the amount of coverage you need is usually a good way to determine size. And personal preferences depends entirely on optional functions and home design. But when it comes down to finding the right dehumidifier for your budget, make sure to take the time to do your own research. There are plenty of dehumidifiers out there. We’ve already mentioned how these appliances are becoming more and more recognised in UK homes.
So don’t miss out on making your home happier and healthier because of misconceptions and myths. With a little bit of digging and a clear set of goals- finding the right dehumidifier for your home isn’t difficult at all. Especially as we are getting into the colder, wetter months when dehumidifiers are essential to keeping your home in top shape- take the time to look around at all of the different models and types of dehumidifier currently available and, by following the advice above, you can join the increasing number of Brits currently using dehumidifiers in their homes.
