How To Choose The Best Dehumidifier For Your Bedroom – UK Guide

A common problem here in the UK is condensation laden windows during the winter months. This problem is exacerbated on single glazed windows, aluminium framed windows and older double glazed units where thermal efficiency is much lower.

Part of the reason this condensation forms is because, during the night, we release moisture into the air simply by breathing, and even sweating, as we sleep. In fact, we exhale up to 300 – 500 millilitres of water every day and can sweat out up to 1 litre of water each night (depending on the temperature of course).

Usually, the warm air within our homes holds a certain amount of this water. But, because the air is cooler overnight, it cannot retain as much moisture. As such, it is released easily on cold surfaces such as window pains where it deposits as condensation. A dehumidifier will help remove this excess moisture as it is created, preventing this from happening.

Many dehumidifiers also feature an internal hygrometer and automatic control system. The hygrometer monitors the ambient humidity and if it becomes too high the control system automatically turns on the dehumidifier until the humidity has been lowered before switching itself off again.

This level of automation means a dehumidifier can tackle condensation virtually automatically whilst remaining as energy efficient as possible because it will only run when required.

Mould and bacteria thrive in the damp conditions that condensation provides. Two of the most persistent moulds that like to grow in the sealant and walls around our windows is Ulocladium or Alternaria. These moulds appear as black slimy or furry splodges that are unsightly and tricky to remove, often staining paintwork and silicone.

Despite being an eye-sore mould and bacteria growth also have some more serious implications. Mould releases spores into the air that, when inhaled, causes our immune system to overreact.

It can cause a variety of symptoms from itchy eyes, to coughing and even induce breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath or wheezing. And, since we spend 8 hours in our bedrooms every night, it is important to ensure the air we breath is clean.

A dehumidifier will prevent this problem by making sure the humidity is not high enough for mould or bacteria to breed and any damp spots and condensation are eliminated.

It is important to note that a dehumidifier will not kill or remove existing mould. This will need removing using a decent mould cleaner such as HG’s mould spray.

Many dehumidifiers act as multifunction devices and come complete with a variety of filters or ionizers to help clean the air in your home.

Some are furnished with a basic dust filter however an increasing number feature anti-bacterial, silver ion filters or charcoal filters. These kinds of filters either kill mould spores and bacteria on contact (silver ion) or filter exceptionally small particles of dust from the air and help absorb the odours damp conditions produce (charcoal filters).

The air expelled from dehumidifiers is typically around 3°C to 6°C warmer than the ambient room temperature. Over time this raises the temperature of the room they are operating within. And, as we know, warmer air helps prevent condensation and damp patches.

Additionally, this will help keep your bedroom nice and warm when it’s cold. If this added bonus appeals to you, we recommend buying a dehumidifier that utilises Desiccant technology, since these use a mini heating system to help remove water from the air. As such, they expel much warmer air than dehumidifiers that utilise refrigerant or Peltier technology.

Whilst not being directly tied to curing condensation in your bedroom the laundry function is useful all the same. Especially since they help prevent the problems associated with drying washing indoors during the autumn and winter – such as condensation on walls and windows.

This feature is often sought after by people looking for a dehumidifier since dehumidifiers generally dry washing far more cheaply when compared to using a tumble dryer.

The type of control logic a dehumidifier features does vary by name from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example; Meaco dehumidifiers feature ‘Meaco Control Logic’. Whereas EcoAir dehumidifiers use ‘E7 Technology’.

Despite the name differences, the basic principle remains the same. A dehumidifier using control logic will operate until a target humidity threshold has been met. It will then switch itself off and periodically sample the air to detect if the humidity has increased. If the humidity has increased it will automatically switch itself on until the humidity has been lowered and then go back to sleep.

This method of operation ensures your dehumidifier will only operate when it is needed and reduces its energy consumption considerably.

Using a timer provides precise control over how long your dehumidifier will operate each day. Usually set in 1-hour increments many dehumidifiers allow you to set from 1 – 4 hour operation times up to 1 – 12 hours.

This setting is commonly used when homes are empty during the day or when people are asleep overnight to ensure the dehumidifier does not run for longer than is required. It is a more basic version of Control Logic but good for those who want exact control.

We touched on filters earlier in this guide. We recommended choosing a dehumidifier with anti-bacterial filters because of their ability to remove the nasties released by mould into the air you breathe.

However, another feature that is worth looking for, though admittedly rarer, is an ioniser. Ionisers release hydrogen and oxygen ions into the air. These bond with dust and dirt and makes them too heavy to stay airborne. They drop to the floor and will be vacuumed up when you do your housework. The end result is cleaner, healthier air within your home.