What did Martin Lewis say about dehumidifiers?
Martin Lewis, the guy behind MoneySavingExpert, has pretty straightforward takes on dehumidifiers. His big point? They work great for condensation and damp, sure, but you gotta use 'em right or you're just burning cash. He keeps hammering home that the real savings come from picking the right type and only running it when you actually need to.
What type of dehumidifier does Martin Lewis recommend?
So for most UK homes, Martin says go with a compressor (or refrigerant) dehumidifier, not a desiccant one. His reasoning? Compressor models are way more energy efficient - they pull moisture out using a refrigeration cycle, kinda like your AC. Desiccant ones? They use chemicals to absorb water, which works better in seriously cold places (think below 10°C), but for daily use they're just not as efficient. He also says look for something under 200W - keeps the running costs from getting stupid.
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier according to Martin Lewis?
He's actually done the math on costs. A typical 200W compressor dehumidifier running 8 hours a day? That's about 20-30p per day based on average electricity prices. Pretty small change when you consider what damp and mould can do to your house and health. But here's the thing - he warns against leaving it on 24/7 'cause that'll jack up your bill real quick. His advice? Use a timer or a humidistat, only run it when humidity's above 60%.
| Dehumidifier Wattage | Running Time (per day) | Estimated Daily Cost (at 30p/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 150W | 8 hours | 36p |
| 200W | 8 hours | 48p |
| 250W | 8 hours | 60p |
Does Martin Lewis say dehumidifiers are worth it?
Yeah, he's pretty clear on this - if you've got a real damp or condensation problem, they're worth it. Running one often costs less than the alternatives, like blasting your heating all the time or buying those expensive chemical damp-proof things. Plus, lowering humidity stops mould from growing, which is a legit health issue. But he's also honest - they're not some magic fix for rising damp or structural stuff. That needs a pro.
What is Martin Lewis's checklist for buying a dehumidifier?
- Get a compressor model for most UK homes - skip the desiccant.
- Check the wattage - under 200W is where it's at for efficiency.
- Find one with a built-in humidistat so it shuts off automatically when humidity's low.
- Think about tank size - bigger means less emptying, which is nice.
- Look at energy efficiency ratings - A-rated or better.
- Read reviews - noise and reliability matter more than you'd think.
People Also Ask about Martin Lewis and dehumidifiers
Does Martin Lewis recommend using a dehumidifier to dry clothes?
Absolutely. He says drying clothes indoors with a dehumidifier is one of the cheapest ways, especially in winter. Cheaper than a tumble dryer, safer than throwing wet clothes on radiators (which just makes damp worse). Just put the dehumidifier in the same room and run it for a few hours.
What is the best setting for a dehumidifier according to Martin Lewis?
He says aim for 50-60% relative humidity. That's the sweet spot for stopping mould without over-drying the air. Going below 40%? That's just uncomfortable and wastes energy, he warns.
Can a dehumidifier save you money on heating bills?
Martin's pointed out that less moisture in the air makes it feel warmer, less clammy - so you might not need to crank the heating as high. He reckons that could save maybe 5-10% on heating costs if your home has a damp issue.
"A dehumidifier is not a cure-all, but for condensation and damp caused by everyday living, it is often the cheapest and most effective solution. Just don't run it 24/7." - Martin Lewis, MoneySavingExpert
Frequently Asked Questions about Martin Lewis and dehumidifiers
Did Martin Lewis specifically endorse any dehumidifier brand?
Nope, he hasn't endorsed any brand specifically. His advice? Compare features, wattage, and reviews instead of just going for a name brand. He's mentioned that some cheaper models can be just as good as expensive ones if they've got similar specs.
How long should I run a dehumidifier each day?
Martin suggests 4-8 hours a day until humidity drops below 60%, then use a timer or humidistat to keep it there. Running it 24/7? That's just throwing money away, he says.
Does Martin Lewis recommend using a dehumidifier in a bedroom?
Yeah, it's safe. Just put it away from the bed so it's not blowing directly on you. It can help with condensation on windows and might even improve sleep by cutting down humidity.
Resumen breve
- Recomendación principal: Martin Lewis recomienda un deshumidificador de compresor (no desecante) para la mayoría de los hogares del Reino Unido, ya que es más eficiente energéticamente.
- Costo de funcionamiento: El costo estimado es de 20-30p por día durante 8 horas de uso, lo cual es económico en comparación con los daños por humedad.
- Consejo clave: No lo use las 24 horas del día; use un temporizador o higrostato para mantener la humedad entre el 50-60%.
- Beneficio adicional: Puede reducir las facturas de calefacción al hacer que el aire se sienta más cálido y menos húmedo.
