How to pick a dehumidifier?

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mdav056

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#1567517 7-Jun-2016 22:02

We have two dehumidifiers, one electrostatic, and one deLonghi DS 105 compressor type (not sure if that is the right name). The electrostatic one is totally useless (and was cheapish anyway), and the deLonghi, which is at least 10 years old, continues to run superbly with narry a hitch -- and it is on 24/7, but set at a middling setting (meaning that it mostly runs in the summer, at higher temperatures, and turns on very infrequently now). It also seems to take very little electricity. I'd recommend the expensive deLonghi, as I think you get what you pay for.

Our heat pumps are pretty poor at dehumidifying, while being excellent at heating and cooling.

gml

richms

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#1567528 7-Jun-2016 22:18

A hetpump aircon will only properly dehumidify when it is on cooling mode. If you set it to dry and its cold they will constantly alternate between heating and cooling which is really inefficiant and I was told can lead to problems sooner due to all the constant expansion/contraction on the parts.

Richard rich.ms

kanwal13

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#1568271 8-Jun-2016 21:08

Thanks Everyone for your replies and input. I kept the windows open and kitchen extractor on most of the time and there wasnt any water on the window sills in the morning today. Will do the same tonight and see if it continues to make the difference.

BTR

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#1568547 9-Jun-2016 10:57

As well as looking at what amount of moisture the unit removes look at the amount of noise it produces, nothing worse than a noisy dehumidifier when your trying to sleep.

kanwal13

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#1568841 9-Jun-2016 17:43

I think keeping the windows open and extractor fan running has made all the difference...no water on window sills two days in a row

darylblake

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#1568868 9-Jun-2016 18:33

A more expensive solution is to get a ventilation system.
I got one in my old house which had condensation on the windows every morning/evening. After I got a smartvent fitted I dont think i have seen any since.

It was absolutely amazing, I used to clean mould off walls every few months and I dreaded to think what my children were breathing in.

A dehumidifier will work, but you are fairly limited to the room its in. What you need is circulation of air around the house, there are many ways to achieve this but it often involves opening windows etc which is not a good idea if you are trying to keep warm in the winter.

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