So many customers call us every day confused about whether they should buy a desiccant or a compressor dehumidifier. It can be confusing with so many people giving out advice that is either biased towards what they want to sell, outdated advice or simply advice that is just plain wrong.
We have been dealing with dehumidifiers since 1991 and our sales of dehumidifiers are roughly split 50/50 between compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers so we are probably best placed to provide advice that makes sure that you get the correct dehumidifier for you. Below is a short video that we have put together to help you decide.
There is a rule of thumb that states if you need a dehumidifier for a space below 15°C then the desiccant dehumidifiers would be best. In general terms that is mostly correct but the new Meaco 20L and Meaco 25L low Energy Dehumidifiers are both fantastic right down to 10°C and will take water out cheaper than a desiccant can. Other compressor dehumidifiers are not so good.
If you want a dehumidifier that is lighter then desiccant wins. On low fan speed the desiccant machines will be quieter but on the second fan speed they make as much noise as a compressor machine does (but at least you have the choice of making them quieter).
Around 20°C the compressor dehumidifiers will always extract water more cheaply than desiccant and if they are 20 litres or above in size then you will get more water too.
Desiccant dehumidifiers cost more to run because they have a heater inside them that is part of the drying process, this means that they use more energy but for many customers that heat that comes with the increased wattage is a bonus and since they are using their dehumidifier in winter they are pleased to have a little bit of extra warmth alongside the water.
It is down to personal preference and there is no one size fits all answer, if you need more help deciding then please do give the office a call on 01483 234900.
Products featured: Desiccant Dehumidifiers
8 responses
What is the running cost per hour for a Dessicant and a compressor dehumidifier
Angela,
The desiccant dehumidifiers have two running modes which extract at either 11 or 22p/hour depending on which setting you select. Compressor dehumidifiers are 5 to 9p per hour depending on which model you select.
On this website every dehumidifier has it’s own cost to run on the individual product pages in the Technical Overview tab.
Hope this helps.
Chris
Hi could you tell me which would be the best for a small bedroom that is always cold
Michael,
The best solution is to put the dehumidifier on the landing and leave the bedroom door open during the day. That is a better solution than trying to sleep with the dehumidifier. For a small property go 10 or 12L, more people or a larger property then go 20/25L.
Chris
Thanks for your reply, Not sure I understand the point about the volume being too small and it overheating, My impression was that the dessicant dehumidifiers take less than 1kw before they reach the correct humidity level and I cant see that overheating a single skinned glass fibre box outside over the winter.
Being warm might be an advantage in fact.
Andrew,
Even if you only run it at 330 watts the heat being added to the space over and over again will soon see the small space at 40C plus.
Chris
Hi
I would like to place a dehumidifier in my glider trailer over the winter. This will be outside, but can be effectively sealed. I would imagine that the volume of the trailer is about 15 m3. Obviously the inside temperature will be much the same as the outside and the power may be interrupted when I am away.
What device would you advise that I use and what humidity level should I try to achieve, bearing in mind that there are no organic materials involved, just carbon / kevlar / resin and electronic equipment. I would intend to fit continuous drainage.
Would a frost stat be an idea to prevent operation in subzero conditions?
Thanks
Andrew
Andrew,
It is an interesting application but too small for a dehumidifier as the heat from the dehumidifier would rapidly heat up the small air volume and then the dehumidifier would trip out. As the space will be cold a Peltier dehumidifier would be no good and it is probably too large for non-electric desiccant dehumidifiers. If the glider was garaged or in a larger bubble then it would be easier.
Chris