Where shall I place my dehumidifier around the house?
We get lots of questions asking us how to use a dehumidifier and where best to put it around the house. It’s best to place it somewhere central in the house, being sure to think about where your sources of moisture are. Moisture problems like damp and mould are typically likely to arise in the bathroom, where showers and baths create lots of steam. And so, it is best to position your dehumidifier on the landing. Here, the dehumidifier will create a dry spot; and as long as internal doors are kept open, any moisture from the bathroom or anywhere else in the house, will migrate here. The dehumidifier will draw in the moisture, turning it into water.
If the unit is set up in a relatively permanent position and if you do not wish to empty the tank manually, you could set up your dehumidifier with continuous drainage. When using continuous drainage via a hose on its own, the water is drained from the dehumidifier via gravity. This means the hose must go downhill, without any kinks or blockages, to allow the water to flow. Ensure the end of the hose is lower than the drainage port and the water can flow downwards into a sink or drain. Because of this, it can be best to place the dehumidifier on the kitchen side (to give it the height), next to a sink, so the hose can drain the water straight into the sink and down the drain.
If the hose can only go uphill, then you could install a water pump. If you want to learn how to install this, you can watch our YouTube video.
The beauty of Arete®
In general, dehumidifiers need to be about 30 cm away from the wall. And if positioned in a hallway, landing, or a flat or small house, that means it’ll be in the way. Very annoying.
But that’s the beauty of Arete®, as this is the only dehumidifier that solves that problem. Designed here in the UK, this machine has been made with British and European customers in mind. We know that you’ll probably place your dehumidifier in a landing or a hallway, so we have worked hard to engineer an appliance that doesn’t take up unnecessary space and becomes a nuisance to own. With Arete®, you can put it right up against the wall, and it will still do the job.
What target relative humidity should we set our dehumidifier to?
The optimum humidity for UK homes is between 50%rh and 55%rh. This is dry enough to remove condensation and prevent damp and mould issues, but not too dry that it would cause other issues such as dry, itchy skin and sore throats.
In colder months, some people may find this target isn’t low enough to reduce condensation on their windows. In these circumstances, the target humidity for your dehumidifier to reach can be reduced to around 40%rh.
But in general terms, aim for 55%rh. That’s what museums use when they’re looking after their collections; so, if it’s good enough for museums, it’s good enough for us.
Can I move my dehumidifier from room to room?
You can. However, it is best to keep your dehumidifier in one place. This is because the dehumidifier brings moisture towards itself, creating a dry spot in the process. Let it do the job by leaving it in one place, and leaving all internal doors open. Get used to bringing the laundry to the dehumidifier, rather than moving the dehumidifier to the laundry.
What about the filter?
The dust filter is very important as it stops dust and dirt from getting into the machine. It is extremely important to clean the filter on a regular basis. Without regular cleaning, dirt and dust will build up over time and stop air passing through it. When the air can’t pass through it, the machine starts to use more energy, so your electricity bill will go up. It will also cause the machine to make more noise. So it’s in your vested interest just to keep the filter clean.
If you’ve got a HEPA filter, when it turns from white to dark gray, it’s ready to be disposed of in the general waste. It may not sound very environmentally friendly, but the filter collects all sorts of bacteria, which no one wants entering the recycling system. To deal with it correctly, it’s best to dispose of it in the general waste.
Save money on your heating bill with a dehumidifier
Having a dehumidifier in the home turns all damp air into dry air, which is makes it far easier for your central heating system to heat your home. This is because all of the extra moisture in the air needs to be warmed up before you can start to feel warm.
A dehumidifier keeps the relative humidity in the house at a sensible level. It’s not too dry that it will cause you any problems, but at a level where you won’t get issues of damp mold and condensation and one that makes your heating system more energy efficient.
With a dehumidifier, you’ll start turning down your thermostat, and you’ll save money on your heating bill. Yet another benefit that comes from owning a dehumidifier.
We’d love to hear your ideas and questions, so please feel free to share them with us by leaving a message in the comment section below.
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44 responses
We have just bought one of your 12l units for a 3 bedroom house. We are starting with an initial number of 83% so seems we definitely needed a dehumidifier. How long do you think it will take roughly to get down to 55%. We don’t mind having the dehumidfier running whilst we are up and about but wish to switch it off through the night. Will your dehumidifier keep the humidity down once we hit 55% if we utilise it by switching it on just in the day time?
Graham,
Thank you for your question. It sounds like a dehumidifier is definitely needed in your home, and you’ve made a great choice in purchasing one. Based on your property’s size and humidity levels, a 20L model would typically be ideal, but the 12L will still be effective.
Regarding the timeframe to reduce humidity from 83% to 55%, it’s hard to provide an exact estimate, as it depends on various factors, including room size, temperature, and how much moisture is in the air. Humidity levels can fluctuate daily, and it could take a few weeks to reach the target. To help the dehumidifier work more efficiently, we recommend maintaining a room temperature of at least 15°C and limiting air exchange with the outside, if possible. If you can, move the unit to the area with the most moisture accumulation, or try relocating it between floors as needed.
Once you reach 55%, the dehumidifier should help maintain that level during the day when it’s running. However, if you turn it off at night, humidity may gradually rise again depending on the environment. You can certainly use it during the day, but for long-term maintenance, it’s ideal to run the unit regularly to keep the humidity under control, especially in the initial stages of reducing moisture.
You’ll likely notice daily water collection, and as per the user manual, it’s important to run the dehumidifier consistently, keep the filter clean, and monitor the water tank. As long as there’s water in the tank, the unit is working hard to reduce moisture levels.
Hope you see that relative number on your display decrease day by day!
Omar@Meaco.
Hi….i have just got a Meaco Arete 12 L – I have a 2 bedroom flat around 80m squared so I assumed this would be enough. Is this the correct size?
I also want to use it for continuous drain. I have got a short hose but it does not fit snugly to the adaptor but quite loosely. It’s just a normal garden hose. It is fairly secure when I put the tray back in and it is jammed but I saw a video online where the girl fit a hose very snugly to the adaptor. It clearly has a smaller diameter than a normal garden hose. Do I need one of these and if so where can I get it please? Thank you
Rob,
Thank you for your question. The 12L is a great choice for a 2-bedroom flat and it should work quite well to maintain optimal humidity levels in your home. Regarding the continuous drainage, the adaptor for the Meaco Arete 12L is designed to fit a 12.5mm hose, as outlined in the user manual. It sounds like your garden hose may be too wide, which is why it doesn’t fit snugly. A tight fit is important to prevent any leaks and to ensure that the water flows correctly into the drainage system. You can purchase a 12.5mm hose from any hardware store, feel free to take your adaptor to check the fit.
I hope this clears things up!
Omar@Meaco.
Hi I live in a Victorian 4 bed house. We have noticed black mold in 2 rooms that are less frequently used. Mainly on the windows but recently a patch on the ceiling. Temperature in winter can drop to 14 degrees or lower at night. unsure whether a dissicant is best option or not as most of the time temp will be mainly over 15.
I also use a heated dryer for laundry at times and a tumble dryer which collects water rather than goes into the atmosphere.
Any suggestions gratefully received.
Patricia,
Thank you for your enquiry. For a 4-bed house with areas experiencing mould, I would recommend a dehumidifier to effectively reduce moisture and prevent further mould growth.
12L Unit: If you’re planning to use a dehumidifier room by room, a 12L model would be a good choice, especially for smaller rooms or if you want to move it between spaces as needed. It will help maintain a healthy humidity level and tackle condensation on windows and mold buildup in the rooms you use it in.
20L or 25L Units: If you’re looking for a more powerful and efficient approach that can cover larger areas or multiple rooms, I would suggest considering the 20L or 25L models. These units are more capable of managing higher humidity levels in larger or colder spaces and will work more effectively across the whole house, helping to eliminate moisture in more challenging conditions.
Let me know if you need more specific advice or if you’d like to explore a particular model!
Kind regards,
Omar@Meaco.
Hi,
When I put the dehumidifier against a wall (due to space) I noticed that the wallpaper on that wall near the appliance is starting to come away.
Is it because it is drawing in the moisture to that point? Is that likely?
Thank you.
Louise,
Thank you for your enquiry! It’s possible that positioning the dehumidifier against the wall may be causing some moisture to be drawn from that area, especially if there’s a significant amount of humidity present.
To help prevent any further issues with the wallpaper, I recommend the following:
Increase Airflow: Try to position the dehumidifier at least a few inches away from the wall to allow for better airflow.
Monitor Humidity Levels: Keep an eye on the humidity levels in the room. If it’s consistently high, it may be worth considering another location for the unit or even an additional dehumidifier for larger areas.
Kind regards,
Omar@Meaco.
Hi, I live in a large bungalow, it’s quite a long house and seems to suffer from mold and condensation at either end of the bungalow.
Would I be better buying 2 dehumidifier’s, and placing one at each end?
John,
Thank you for your enquiry. Your dehumidifier can be used to maintain an optimum humidity level throughout your house or flat. Moisture in the air from the entire house/flat will migrate towards the dehumidifier, reducing the humidity level. This will help reduce condensation on windows, prevent the build-up of mould and will make the space easier to heat, amongst other things. When doing so, we would recommend the following:
– Situate your dehumidifier in a central area (e.g. a landing or hallway)
– Keep your dehumidifier running 24/7
– Keep all internal doors open
– Keep external doors and windows closed
To determine the best dehumidifier for your bungalow, I recommend checking the product specifications on our website, which indicate the suitable sizes for each unit. This will help you decide if one unit will suffice or if two would be more effective for your space.
If you still have questions or need further assistance, please feel free to give us a call. We’re here to help!
Kind regards,
Omar@Meaco.
Hi I recently purchased the 12L dehumidifier, but when I press it to 50 it automatically goes to 70. Can you please explain the reason why.
Many Thanks
Linda,
Thank you for your enquiry. The user manual for the dehumidifier provides details on this operation. When you set your target, the display shows the current relative humidity. If you leave the unit running, it should gradually decrease from 70 to approach your target of 50. If you need further assistance, feel free to give us a call.
I hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco.
I have a Arete one, which has been excellent, however I live in social housing and my housing provider has fitted a Nuair positive air vent in my upstairs ceiling near to where I have my dehumidifier. The vent sends a light but steady flow of air from my attic space, (I really dislike this vent as musty smells come through) would this air flow be classed as that similar to an open window? I have asked for it to be unwired and turned off as my meaco is far superior, however wondered if together they may be effective or the positive air vent prevents the meaco from performing optimally?
I also have a PIV and have turned it off as it will introduce damp air into the house counteracting what the dehumidifier is doing.
I also close any trickle vents in the windows.
We are warmer and drier with the dehumidifier than with the PIV, wish I had bought the dehumidifier years ago.
Paul,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad to hear that the dehumidifier is making a positive difference in your home, keeping it warmer and drier. It’s great to know that it’s working well for you compared to the PIV.
Enjoy your improved living space!
Kind regards,
Omar@Meaco.
Hi I bought a 20 litre meaco for a one bedroom flat because I wasn’t sure which one to buy I’m so glad I reviewed so many and this one came up the best and it sorted my flat out with the damp within 4 weeks I noticed the difference can’t beat it I absolutely love mine and the guarantee that comes with it is absolutely fantastic I’d suggest this product to anybody that he’s looking for a demidifier and air purifier amazing especially if you’ve got breathing difficulties like myself if you’re thinking of buying one by this one👌👌
Cherylea,
Thank you your positive feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that the 20L Meaco dehumidifier has made such a positive difference in your flat and helped with the damp issue. It’s great to know that it’s also beneficial for your breathing difficulties.
We appreciate your recommendation and are glad you’re happy with the guarantee as well. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Enjoy your improved living space!
Kind regards,
Omar@Meaco.
I have 4 bedroom house, new build Bellway 2014
We get drafts throughout the house, I’ve got mom and dad in their mid 80s with me complaining it’s cold after installing ASHP
Will a dehumidifier help? We keep internal doors shut to try to keep drafts out. Temperature dial shows 21/22 degrees but feels colder cause of drafts
Home many and type should I get? Can I get away with one on landing or should I put another in kitchen diner
Justin,
Thank you for your enquiry.
One of the difficulties that people have about buying a dehumidifier is matching up the best dehumidifier to the size and needs of their home.
For a 4 bedroom house you will need a dehumidifier in the upper-range, for example our MeacoDry Arete® 20L dehumidifier, drying the air and helping heat the air faster when it’s time to turn it on! However, it’s important to note that we don’t recommend dehumidifiers based just on the number of rooms as other factors come into play such as the number of people in your home, how you dry your laundry, the average temperature etc.
As a temperature guide for best results please note:
10°C and 15°C: desiccant dehumidifier or a large compressor dehumidifier (20L or 25L)
Above 15°C: desiccant dehumidifier or any size compressor dehumidifier (10L, 12L, 20L or 25L)
See also below for extra information:
Dehumidifying your whole house
Your dehumidifier can be used to maintain an optimum humidity level throughout your house or flat. Moisture in the air from the entire house/flat will migrate towards the dehumidifier, reducing the humidity level. This will help reduce condensation on windows, prevent the build-up of mould and will make the
space easier to heat, amongst other things. When doing so, we would recommend the following:
– Situate your dehumidifier in a central area (e.g. a landing or hallway)
– Keep your dehumidifier running 24/7
– Keep all internal doors open
– Keep external doors and windows closed
– Use smart humidity mode to set your dehumidifier to reach a target of 55%rh
– Insert a H13 HEPA filter to purify the air (optional)
I hope this has helped you in your search, if you have more questions before placing your order please let me know.
Kind regards,
Omar@Meaco.
Hello
I have a Meaco dry abc 12l can I place it next to the wall and I am having trouble setting the humidity level.
Noreen,
Thank you for your enquiry regarding where you can place your unit and setting the humidity target.
Ensure there is more than 20cm of space around the unit to enable adequate air flow. The air inlet and the air outlet must not be covered whilst the dehumidifier is in operation.
To select a target simply press the humidistat button to select a target relative humidity between 30%rh and 80%rh or CO mode. Press the humidistat button until you reach your desired target relative humidity.
For more information around using your dehumidifier take a look at the user manual: https://www.meaco.com/pages/dehumidifier-instruction-manuals
Hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco.