The best dehumidifier for mould UK: can they reduce your heating bills?

To help you achieve the optimal home environment, we have rounded up the best dehumidifiers at various prices to help you find the most suitable device for your needs. If you find your home is prone to high humidity and mould, then a dehumidifier is the answer to all your prayers. With household energy costs rising due to the UK's ongoing cost of living crisis, interest in dehumidifiers has soared over the last few months.

These simple yet effective appliances convert moist air into dry air, leaving a drier environment, which some have suggested is easier to heat. High moisture levels in the air cause humidity, which can be caused by lots of things, such as poor ventilation or slow air circulation. Dehumidifiers are the best solution to prevent mould and mildew build-up, typically on walls in warmer areas of the house, like the laundry room or bathroom. Essentially, places where you don't have extractor fans or proper ventilation.

Best dehumidifier at a glance

• Best quiet dehumidifier: Meaco MeacoDry ABC Dehumidifier - view on Amazon UK
• Best dehumidifier and air purifier: Russell Hobbs Pro Compact 2-in-1 Dehumidifier and Air Purifier - view on Amazon UK
• Best dehumidifier for large spaces: LOGIK L30DH23 Dehumidifier - view at Currys

High moisture levels have some not-so-nice consequences, such as dust mites and mildew. This can be especially bad for people who suffer from allergies or asthma and is generally unsafe for anyone to breathe. If you are looking for practical ways to bring down your heating bills and improve your home environment, then we have rounded up the best dehumidifiers for your home to keep you happy, healthy and comfortable. Or, if you'd prefer a humidifier for support with health issues, that's an option, too.

Best dehumidifiers UK

Verdict: Which is the best dehumidifier?

Our favourite is the electriQ 5L Quiet Compact Dehumidifier and Air Purifier because they are not too costly, are smart, portable, and will help with any small to medium-sized room. Plus, it's energy efficient - and has smart features that will help you save on your beloved energy bills.

Dehumidifier FAQs

What is a dehumidifier good for?

A dehumidifier is excellent for reducing the amount of moisture in your home. The device will extract moisture from the air, a bit like a tumble dryer extracts moisture from clothing. This will help your home dry out much faster if you have damp problems in your space.

This appliance also helps reduce musty odours that can come with mould and mildew, which can reduce the potential development of mould on furniture, curtains, bed sheets and clothing. Running a dehumidifier reduces dust that can trigger allergies and other allergens such as dust mites, mould and mildew.

Spaces like the laundry room or rooms where you are air drying your clothes are exposed to a lot of moisture almost daily, and if not well-ventilated, it can cause many issues in your home. Some of our picks are air purifiers, also, to relieve your space of any nasties or impurities.

Does a dehumidifier reduce energy bills?

Using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture is a very energy-efficient way to keep your home warm. Using a dehumidifier rather than turning the heating up high can allow you to save around £325 per year on your heating bill, according to the dehumidifier company EBAC.

Chris Michael, Director at Meaco says that 'you’re more likely to use your dehumidifier during the winter,’ and as wattage that a dehumidifier use is turned into heat, you get a double benefit. 'The results will be less condensation on the windows, less chill in the air, and the space feels warmer.’

Over the last year, energy prices have shot up. In November 2021, the national average price per pence/kWh of electricity was 20p, according to the Energy Saving Trust. As of October 2022, the national average price is 34p. It was expected that after the energy price cap increase, this figure would be 52p, but the price freeze announcement has brought this down to 34p.

Is it expensive to run a dehumidifier in the UK?

According to Ideal Home, an example dehumidifier that can extract up to 20 litres a day, with a wattage of 480w, would use 0.48 kWh, suggesting that an hour's usage would cost just under 16p. In comparison, an example dehumidifier that can extract up to 12 litres a day, with a wattage of 157w (0.157 kWh), would cost just over 5p an hour.

Can a damp house make you tired?

Not only are mould and mildew common in a humid home, but pests also love a warm and moist environment. Keeping humidity levels balanced is important in any home or flat, so save your time and money in the long run and let a dehumidifier do all the maintenance for you.

A study conducted by sleep experts at SleepSeeker, found that dehumidifiers were the most popular and effective way to get a good night’s rest if you suffer from fatigue or have trouble sleeping.

Hayley Thistleton, a sleep expert at SleepSeeker, commented: "If you have a damp or mould problem caused by condensation, something many of us are struggling with at the moment as a result of rising heating bills, a dehumidifier can be a great solution to this. A dehumidifier will extract moisture from the air and help dry out your home, helping you have a better quality of life and improved sleep. ”

High humidity levels can have many negative impacts on the human body and, in some extreme cases, might result in hyperthermia symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, or dizziness. Additionally, individuals with asthma or cardiac problems should take caution. Hayley says, "you should keep your indoor humidity between 30 per cent and 50 per cent as these are the healthiest humidity levels. This limits the development of pollutants, germs, and other undesirable issues like dampness and mould."

“If the humidity levels in your bedroom are routinely above 60 per cent or you have a snoring issue, a dehumidifier may be able to assist. Even if the machine does not reduce snoring, it will undoubtedly improve air quality in your room, resulting in a better night’s sleep overall.

How long does a dehumidifier take to dry a room?

As long as the dehumidifier you select is large enough for the area and there are no specific damp problems, then a dehumidifier will typically reduce the humidity to the chosen level within a few days to a week.

However, it is good to note that air that is too dry can be bad for your health, drying out your eyes and skin and making it harder to sleep, so some common sense is required to know when it is necessary to put on the appliance.

Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.