If you’ve ever had reason to ask yourself ‘what is the best dehumidifier?’ it was probably with a sense of desperation over mould in your bathroom that just won’t shift, or window condensation forever puddling on the sills. Humidity can be a real problem. A dehumidifier is your best defence. Peltier dehumidifiers also cool the air and condense the moisture content into water, but they do it using a cold heat-sink rather than a compressor. They’re not as effective as compressors, removing smaller amounts of water in a given time, but they’re quieter and more energy-efficient. Peltier dehumidifiers tend to be compact, lightweight units designed for smaller spaces.

If you’re looking for a dehumidifier that can clear moisture in a larger space or deal with significant damp levels within the home, then you need a dehumidifier with a high extraction rate. This EcoAir model can extract up to seven litres of moisture per day, and as a desiccant-type dehumidifier, it works at lower temperatures than your average refrigerant device. If you’re on a tight budget, there is a way to build your own DIY humidifier. While it won’t hold up in the long run and can’t be compared to any of the commercial dehumidifiers currently on the market, it might be a viable option if you’re on a super tight budget. Equipment Technically yes, but it’s not the best idea. As discussed in the section on gray water and plants, not all plants are receptive to greywater. Of course, dehumidifier water is a lot cleaner than other forms of greywater, so we wouldn’t expect it to cause much if any, damage to most of these plants.At 15kg, the Midea is a bit of a challenge to get upstairs. That’s a real shame, because this powerful unit is perfect for bedrooms. It has a built-in ioniser which helps to purify the air and a smart setting which senses and automatically controls the humidity of a room, keeping it between 45 and 55 per cent to reduce any bacteria growth which can lead to mould.

Balancing that moisture to ensure we live in healthy, comfortable spaces while controlling mold and microbial growth is a challenge. Sometimes we can be notoriously bad at ventilating domestic spaces appropriately.Compressor dehumidifiers work in much the same way as a fridge or freezer. They draw in air and cool it, condensing any moisture as it passes across a refrigerated coil. The water then drips off into a water tank below, while the air is reheated and released into the room. Compressor dehumidifiers can be noisy and may use more energy than other types, although new compressor technology and refrigerants are bringing improvements on both counts. They’re most efficient at warmer temperatures of 20°C and above, and your best bet if you need to remove lots of moisture from a larger space.