How To Choose Your Dehumidifier

If you are already familiar with dehumidifiers you probably don't need to read through the information below, however you may have landed here because you're confused by all the information available and are looking for some good honest and straight forward advice on how to choose the correct dehumidifier for your specific needs.

Below we have provided an overview of the things you should  consider when choosing a dehumidifier. Let's face it, you are more likely to make the right choice if you know what you are looking for!
If  you have other questions about choosing a dehumidifier that do not seem to be covered by the information below, then you can try our Dehumidifier FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page.

There are three main types of dehumidifier.
The three main types of dehumidifier are - Refrigerant, Desiccant and Peltier. Each has a different method of collecting the moisture as outlined below and knowing the difference will help you decide which one you need. 

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
A refrigerant dehumidifier uses much the same process as your fridge at home. The refrigeration process cools a metal plate on to which moisture from the air condenses. A fan constantly draws the room air through the dehumidifier and over the cool metal plate(s) and all the time more and more of the moisture condenses onto the plate and drips into the dehumidifiers water tank. Eventually the relative humidity in the room/home is reduced to a normal level and the unit will then switch itself into standby until such a time as it is required again.

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are most effective at typical room temperatures and their performance declines dramatically in cooler conditions. The common reason for this is the formation of ice on the metal cooling plates (coils). This freezing can occur at any temperature from about 65°F/18°C downward.  A refrigerant dehumidifier can operate effectively at lower temperatures but requires higher performing components and additional features to achieve this, making it more expensive. So if you think your dehumidifier may often be used in a room which often has a fairly low temperature then this may not be the best option.

However, on the whole, If you are choosing a dehumidifier for use in the normal living areas of your home, then a refrigerant model will be entirely suitable. Click here to view our range of refrigerant dehumidifiers.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers
A desiccant dehumidifier differs from the refrigerant type above. Dessicant dehumidifiers absorb water from the air using a desiccant. A desiccant is a material that absorbs water and will be familiar to anyone who has ever found a small pack of crystals, labelled "silica gel", packaged with a camera, computer or some other product. 

How it Works.  In a dehumidifier desiccant works as follows, a wheel consisting largely of the desiccant turns slowly through the incoming air stream and absorbs moisture. During the rotation cycle a proportion of the wheel is passing through a stream of warm air which "reactivates" the desiccant by driving off the moisture. This condensed water is then collected in the dehumidifiers collection tank or automatically drained out via a tube from the back of the unit to the outside or via a plug hole etc. This type of dehumidifier tends to be smaller and lighter than the refrigerant type.  A desiccant dehumidifier is usually quieter too because unlike the refrigerant type, there is no compressor inside.

The Main reason to Choose a desiccant dehumidifier is that it can operate at much lower temperatures than a refrigerant type. It will also reduce humidity to much lower levels.
If you are choosing a dehumidifier for a particularly cool area, such as some garages and workshops, or considering a whole house dehumidifier, you may wish to take a look at one of the desiccant models which are now available. View our range of Desiccant Dehumidifiers

Peltier Dehumidifiers
A Peltier dehumidifier works by passing an electric current passed through two different, layered materials creates a heat-flux at the junction between them and transfers heat from one side of the joined materials to the other. This phenomenon allows low capacity heaters and coolers to be constructed without moving parts. This technology is applied to dehumidifiers, which condense moisture on the cool side of the joined materials. It is quiet but only permits dehumidification of relatively small areas and is far less energy efficient than either the refrigerant or the desiccant dehumidifier.

Some UK retailers offer Peltier dehumidifiers for home use, but their low capacity and higher energy cost make them unsuitable, except in rare cases, and cheaper alternatives are almost always available.
If you are choosing a dehumidifier to deal with a high humidity problem in even the smallest of rooms a peltier dehumidifier is very unlikely to meet your needs.

If  you have other questions about choosing a dehumidifier that do not seem to be covered by the information above, then you can try our Dehumidifier FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) page.