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.
The MeacoDry Arete® 6L – small, whisper-quiet and perfect for compact spaces
The newest addition to the Arete® range, the 6L model is designed for those who want all the benefits of Arete® in a smaller, lighter and even quieter package. Small enough to fit seamlessly into your space, it’s powerful enough to make a real difference in rooms up to 25m².
The Arete® One 6L works as both a compact dehumidifier and air purifier, making it ideal for tackling damp, mould and condensation where space is limited. Despite its compact footprint, it still delivers the same user-friendly controls, low noise levels and excellent humidity performance that define the rest of the Arete® range.
Like all Arete® models, it can be placed flush against a wall – a huge advantage when every centimetre counts. Quiet, efficient and easy to live with, it offers practical features such as laundry-drying modes, making it a discreet yet effective solution for everyday moisture and mild damp issues.
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.
With Meaco Control Logic, your Meaco dehumidifier has been engineered to maintain a steady and comfortable humidity level with maximum energy efficiency. It automatically adjusts fan speed based on the gap between the target and current humidity, reducing power consumption without compromising performance. Once the desired humidity is reached, let’s say 55%RH, the dehumidifier switches off and monitors the air every 30 minutes, only restarting if humidity rises by more than 5 percent. This smart control ensures low running costs and consistent air quality, keeping your space comfortable and energy-wise.
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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109 responses
We have a 3 bedroom bungalow approximately 80 square metres. Which Meaco dehumidifier would you recommend and should we site it in the hall way? Also do we leave it running continually over the winter.
Thanks
Maureen,
Thank you for your enquiry. For a 3-bed bungalow generally we’d recommend a 20L dehumidifier — though a 12L could work too depending on a few factors like how many people live there and how bad any damp or condensation is.
As for placement, putting the unit in a central spot like the hallway is a good idea, especially if you keep internal doors open. That way the unit can draw air from most of the house and balance humidity throughout.
Get in touch if you had any further questions, otherwise, I hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco
Hello,
I have a lot of condensation in both bedrooms every morning. This is on all windows and is very visible water droplets which then cause mould on the windowsill.
If I positioned your dehumidifier on the landing between the two bedrooms and kept all door open during the night, would this solve the condensation problem or would I need a unit in each room?
Thanks.
George,
Thank you for your enquiry. Yes, that setup is exactly right—placing the dehumidifier on the landing with all bedroom doors open will help manage condensation in both rooms. Just make sure to choose the right model for the size of your property.
Please get in touch if you’d like support in selecting the best unit for your home.
Omar@Meaco
Hi My Edwardian house is very damp as there is no insulation. It has two bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, and a large kitchen extension. Should I purchase 2 dehumidifier’s? As I dry clothes in the kitchen and another one on my landing?
Angela,
Thank you for your enquiry. For a typical 2-bedroom house, a single dehumidifier is usually sufficient, a 12L Arete for example. You can move it between rooms as needed. Of course, you’re welcome to purchase a second unit if you prefer. The 12L capacity works really well if your temperatures are at least 15 °C, as efficiency drops below that temperature.
Hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco
Hi, we will be buying the 20l version tomorrow as there is a lot of humidity in our upstairs bedrooms (over 75% which is causing health issues for my daughter). Our kitchen, living and dining room are downstairs and we haven’t got a landing, just a hallway/staircase.
Could I leave the dehumidifier in our uostairs bedrooms and would it then still suck in the air from the rest of the house?
Or would the staircase/hallway be the best position?
Theresa,
Thank you for your enquiry. Yes, you can start by placing the dehumidifier in the bedroom, keeping the door open so it can draw in air from the rest of the house. Once the humidity levels are balanced in the bedroom, you can then move it out to the hallway or staircase area to help manage the rest of the upstairs.
Hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco
Hello – I have recently purchased a MeacoDry Arete Two 12L Dehumidifier. Is it safe to keep it running whilst I am away for the day or is it best to switch it off?
Audrey,
Thank you for your enquiry. Yes you can safely leave your Meaco dehumidifier running while you’re out. In Smart Humidity mode, it will automatically maintain your set target. The fan will periodically check humidity and only run when needed, so it’s safe and energy-efficient to leave on, see user manual for more information.
I hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco
Not have much luck with our new Meaco Dehumidifier two , 20L. Making soup on gas cooker and the Kitchen had still just as bad condensation using the Dehumidifier than not using it . Setting is on at Smart , Dehumidifier sitting in the middle of the kitchen. I hope they do returns as I’m not impressed. Any advice most welcome .
John,
Thank you for your message. Cooking on a gas hob naturally produces a lot of moisture very quickly, and a dehumidifier can’t capture it instantly as it’s created right above the stove. Over time, though, your dehumidifier will reduce the overall humidity.
A few things to keep in mind: placing the unit in a more open area to help with airflow and allowing it to work more efficiently. Even if some condensation appears during cooking, the dehumidifier will gradually remove excess moisture from the air, preventing it from settling on materials – long term.
Think of it as managing the room’s overall humidity rather than instantly stopping steam as it rises. With continued use and correct placement, it should make a noticeable difference in reducing condensation over time, another tip, you can use a higher setting during cooking e.g. use laundry mode or set a drier setting.
Hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco
Hi, i have my meaco Aerete 20lt in sitting room, it comes on for half an hr and goes off for half an hr, is this normal? Can the humidity level rise that much in half hr? Someti.es i feel my throat getting dry, even though its set at 55 rec humidity level.
Thanking you
Mary,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Yes that sounds completely normal. The Arete checks humidity automatically to maintain your set target. Every 30 minutes the fan runs to measure the humidity level. If it’s risen more than 3% above your 55% target, the unit will start running again. If it’s still within 3% of the target, it will go back to sleep and check again after 30 minutes. You can also find this explained in your user manual.
Kind regards,
Omar@Meaco
Are the hepa filters readily available for the Arête two
Granville,
Thank you for your enquiry. Yes HEPA filters are readily available for the Arete Two, you can find them here.
Hope that helps,
Omar@Meaco
Hello, I would like to know if it is safe to leave my dehumidifier on timer when I am not at home?
Rooben,
Thank you for your enquiry.
Best practice is to not use a plug-in timer switch with your dehumidifier. This is like giving your appliance a power cut every time and will damage it in the long run. In addition to this, you cannot guarantee that the relative humidity will not rise when the dehumidifier is off, the organic materials can absorb that excess moisture and then the dehumidifier is turned on later and does nothing because there is no moisture in the air (but the organic material will stiff suffer). Another reason that is common to all dehumidifiers, from all manufacturers, is that you will not be allowing the machine to shut down properly. So the oils and refrigerants will not be able to run back down into the correct chambers and valves will not be able to open/close, similar concept applies if you are using a desiccant, a natural cooling down process needs to take place.
Hope that helps,
Omar
I have a two bedroom flat and keep my dehumidifier in the hall. I turn it around so the airflow isn’t restricted – is that OK or is there a reason to have the vent holes at the back against the wall?
Also, our humidity level is around 60% even with it running for most of the day and night – it’s regularly over 80% when I first turn it on. Is that normal? Should I be looking for leaks?
Many thanks!
Thank you for your enquiry. We recommend that the unit is placed with the dust filter pointing towards the wall. This is so that the drier air is flowing back out into the room. If you have one of our Arete’s this can be pushed against the skirting board. If you have one of our other units, please ensure there is a 30cm space between it and the wall.
When you first turn on the unit on, it will display a higher number whilst the fan runs to sample the humidity in the air. After a few minutes it will revert to the correct levels. Humidity levels fluctuate throughout the day, with cooking, showering and opening windows among a few of the causes. Therefore the unit will be working to maintain these to the target you have set.
To help prevent leaks, please ensure you keeping the unit clean and the filter dust free. This should be done a minimum of every 2 weeks. Further cleaning tips can be found in the instruction manual. Let us know if we can help further.