As the weather turns colder, many homeowners pack away their dehumidifiers, assuming they only belong in stuffy, humid summer months. But in reality, winter can be one of the dampest times of the year indoors, and using a dehumidifier properly can make a huge difference to your comfort, health, and even energy bills.
So, should you run a dehumidifier in winter? Let’s explore how it can help, when it might not be necessary, and how to get the most out of it during the colder months.
Why Moisture Is Still a Problem in Winter
It’s easy to assume that cold air equals dry air, but winter brings its own unique moisture challenges.
When warm indoor air meets cold surfaces, like windows or uninsulated walls, condensation forms. Add to that everyday activities like showering, cooking, and drying clothes indoors, and your home can quickly become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and musty odours.
Poor ventilation (especially when windows stay shut against the cold) only makes things worse. That’s where a dehumidifier comes in.
The Benefits of Using a Dehumidifier in Winter
Running a dehumidifier through winter can offer several key benefits:
Reduce Condensation and Mould
Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, helping to stop condensation from forming on windows and walls. This reduces the risk of black mould — a common winter problem that can damage paintwork, furniture, and your health.
Make Your Home Feel Warmer
Drier air feels warmer than damp air at the same temperature. By keeping humidity levels in check, you might find you can turn down the thermostat a little and still feel comfortable, potentially saving on heating bills.
Protect Your Home and Belongings
Excess humidity can warp wood, peel wallpaper, and damage electronics. Using a dehumidifier helps protect your property and possessions throughout the season.
Improve Air Quality
Removing excess moisture reduces allergens such as dust mites and mould spores, helping create a cleaner, healthier living space.
Who Can Benefit Most from a Dehumidifier?
Dehumidifiers aren't just for combating dampness, they can be invaluable tools in various household situations. Here's how they can help in specific scenarios:
Indoor Clothes Drying
Drying clothes indoors during winter can increase indoor humidity, leading to condensation and potential mould growth. A dehumidifier can expedite the drying process and maintain a comfortable humidity level.
Best dehumidifier for indoor clothes drying: De'Longhi DEXD214RF Multi Dehumidifier with Laundry Dry Function
A great option for indoor clothes drying due to its dedicated clothes drying function that optimises performance for this specific need. It has a high extraction rate, removing up to 14 litres of moisture in 24 hours, which will significantly speed up drying time. Additionally, the Asthma & Allergy friendly certification and the 3-action filtration system (including an allergen filter) mean that while drying clothes, it will also actively improve your indoor air quality by removing allergens and unpleasant odours often associated with damp laundry.
Homes with Aquariums or Indoor Water Features
Aquariums and indoor water features can elevate indoor humidity levels, especially in enclosed spaces, leading to condensation on windows, walls, and even furniture. Over time, this excess moisture can contribute to damp, mould growth, and a musty atmosphere - issues that tend to worsen during the colder winter months when ventilation is reduced. Evaporation from saltwater aquariums can even lead to salt deposits on other surfaces, potentially causing damage to them. Using a dehumidifier helps maintain optimal humidity levels, preventing condensation and protecting your home’s structure and décor. It also creates a more stable environment for your aquatic life, helping to preserve water quality and ensure the health of your fish and plants.
Best dehumidifier for homes with aquariums: Igenix IG9851 Portable Dehumidifier
With a high 50L/day extraction rate and a 6L maximum capacity, this portable unit can handle large volumes of moisture, making it perfect for rooms with aquariums or multiple water features.
Conservatories
Conservatories often experience high humidity levels due to their glass construction, leading to condensation on windows and furniture. A dehumidifier can help regulate moisture levels, preserving the space's integrity.
Best dehumidifier for conservatories: Princess 368001 Compact Dehumidifier
This compact, energy-efficient, and quiet model fits perfectly into conservatories, keeping humidity under control without taking up much space.
Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms
High humidity from showers and laundry activities can lead to mould growth and discomfort. A dehumidifier can help maintain a healthy humidity level in these areas.
Best dehumidifier for bathrooms: Igenix IG982 Portable Dehumidifier
Small but effective, this unit extracts up to 20L of moisture per day while using minimal power, making it perfect for humid bathrooms or laundry spaces.
Home Offices and Gaming Rooms
Excess moisture can damage electronic equipment and affect indoor air quality. A dehumidifier helps protect your devices and maintain a comfortable working environment.
Best dehumidifier for offices and gaming rooms: BLACK+DECKER BXEH60001GB Mini Portable Eco Friendly Dehumidifier
This dehumidifier is well-suited for a home office or games room because it operates quietly at only 30dB, ensuring minimal distraction while working or playing. It is highly energy efficient (costing from £0.09 per day) and its compact, portable design makes it easy to place unobtrusively. By removing excess moisture, it helps to protect valuable electronics, reduce condensation on windows, and maintain a healthier environment free from mould and mildew.
When a Dehumidifier Might Not Be Necessary
Not every home needs a dehumidifier running all winter long. In very cold or dry regions, the air indoors can already be quite dry, especially when heating systems are running constantly. In these cases, running a dehumidifier could over-dry your air — causing dry skin, static electricity, and even cracks in wood furniture.
It’s a good idea to use a hygrometer (a small, inexpensive humidity meter) to check your indoor levels. Ideally, aim to maintain relative humidity between 40-50%.
If your readings are consistently lower than that, give your dehumidifier a break for a few weeks.
Choosing the Right Dehumidifier for Cold Weather
Not all dehumidifiers perform the same in winter. Most household models use refrigerant (compressor) technology, which works best in warmer conditions. When the air is too cold, these units may freeze internally or stop collecting water efficiently.
For unheated spaces, like garages, conservatories, or basements, a desiccant dehumidifier is a smarter choice. These models use a moisture-absorbing material rather than a cooling coil, meaning they perform well in low-temperature environments.
When shopping, look for features such as:
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Auto-defrost function - prevents freezing on coils
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Humidistat control - automatically maintains a set humidity level
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Low-temperature operation - check the manufacturer’s minimum recommended temperature
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Quiet mode - for night-time use
At Direct Vacuums, we stock a wide range of both brand new, like new and professionally refurbished dehumidifiers, including multi-functional and energy-efficient models from trusted brands including De’Longhi, Russel Hobbs and Igenix, all with significant savings compared to RRP.
Tips for Using a Dehumidifier in Winter
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Target problem areas: Focus on rooms where moisture builds up, like bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry spaces.
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Avoid over-drying: Use auto or humidity control settings rather than running continuously.
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Keep it clear: Place your dehumidifier away from walls or heaters so air can circulate freely.
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Maintain it regularly: Empty the tank often, clean filters, and check for dust build-up.
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Use in conjunction with ventilation: Open windows briefly each day or use extractor fans to balance indoor air quality.
Top Deals on Dehumidifiers at Direct Vacuums
A dehumidifier can be an incredibly useful winter companion. It can protect your home, prevent mould, and make heating more efficient, especially in rooms where moisture builds up.
Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-range brand new dehumidifier or a professionally refurbished model for everyday household use, Direct Vacuums offers high-quality, great-value options from leading brands, helping you keep your home comfortable all year round.
Browse our latest dehumidifiers here, and find the perfect model for your winter needs.
