Performance-wise it draws 350 Watts, making it one of the most powerful on this list at a competitive price. I tested it in my shower room, where I usually keep a window open to prevent mould. As the mornings get chillier this dehumidifier is the perfect replacement, keeping any mould at bay and the heating in. The auto-defrosting function also means it can carry on working when the temperature drops. Compressors are generally efficient at room temperature, but they can’t handle the winter cold so well. If the temperature drops below three or four centigrade, they will tend to stop working. That’s not the case with desiccants, although they can be more expensive to run. How to use a dehumidifier The indicator light turns red and the unit goes into standby mode when the water is running low. Once it has run out of water entirely, it automatically shuts off. Despite the fact that it's compact enough to slide onto a shelf or side table, this humidifier has an impressive 24-hour run time. If there’s a problem room, the dehumidifier should be kept in there, preferably with doors and windows closed,” says Chris Wood, also from Aircon Centre. “If it is to be used to control the moisture for the whole house, however, then it should be located centrally, on a landing or in the hallway, and the air from the rooms should be able to flow towards the units. So keep the interior doors open and the exterior windows shut.” How much does a dehumidifier cost to run? During the winter months, especially in dry climates, humidity levels can dip below 30%—so when temperatures drop, it’s the ideal time to run your humidifier. However, constantly running your AC unit during the summer months can remove moisture from the air too, so you may choose to run it year-round. If your humidifier does not feature a humidistat, Carver suggests purchasing a low-cost hygrometer to monitor your home’s humidity level.

This humidifier’s compact size and lighter weight allow it to go from the office to the home with ease. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in a cup holder and has a USB plug, so you can even use it in the car during the dry winter months. For some of us, this little humidifier was even powerful enough to put a stop to frequent nosebleeds and congestion. Growing up, a humidifier was a clunky machine your mom pulled out when you had a stuffy nose or sore throat. It lived under the sink or boxed away in the linen closet, an over-complicated tangle of filters and buttons and wires our parents would break out on on feverish nights.

Top 5 Air Humidifiers

This updated humidifier has been greatly improved so you can enjoy the advantages of both a humidifier and essential oils. It works with ordinary tap water and up to three drops of an essential oil. If you’re not into essential oils, you can still enjoy the benefits of the humidifier. It has a beautiful design that includes seven LED mood lights with adjustable brightness. There are two mist settings – the intermittent setting has a six-hour working time and the continuous setting has a three-hour working time. It only measures 3.1” x 3.1” x 5.5” so it won’t take up to much space in your luggage. Whether you’re using it in a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb rental, the URPOWER Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser & Humidifier will add just the right amount of style and moisture.

Look for one which draws less than 360 Watts and you will never spend more than 10p per hour. It’s often much less on lower power settings. Dehumidifiers are generally cheap to run. What size dehumidifier do I need? Rather than being a compressor or a desiccant, the ProBreeze instead uses peltier technology, similar to that used in some mini fridges, to cool water vapour into water. It’s much quieter than the other methods. The transparent water tank means I can keep tabs on when to empty it although it rarely needs emptying more than once a day. The dehumidifier also automatically switches off when the water tank reaches its maximum capacity of 2.1l.Since it only has one unmarked button, it can be difficult to determine whether it’s on the intermittent or continuous setting. If you plan to use your humidifier for short periods while on the go, a smaller product with a shorter run time won't be a problem, especially since it can easily be refilled. But if you're hoping to enjoy a long overnight without misting interruption, a humidifier with a larger tank and run time is the better choice. We also evaluated the design and size of each humidifier, including whether it blends in well with its surroundings, how much room it takes up, whether the cord is long enough to reach the outlet, how user-friendly the display is, whether it includes any smart features, its water tank capacity, its run time, and more.

The recommended humidity for your home is 40-60 per cent in the summer months and between 30-50 per cent in the winter. You can measure it with a hygrometer (a humidity gauge - they’re not expensive). If it goes over 70 per cent, you run the risk of condensation, damp, mould, fungi and bacteria. That’s when you need a dehumidifier. Which is better, a compressor or desiccant dehumidifier? There are 7 different colour modes you can choose from as well to switch things up nightly – including red, purple, green and yellow. Gift this to your little one as a fun night light, or get one for yourself – no one’s too old to love a little stargazing . Tabletop humidifiers are designed to humidify a single room. They’re lightweight and easy to carry around, and usually have a removable water container. After hours of looking at dull documents all day, this glassy, glowing humidifier is certainly a sight for sore eyes. It illuminates the space in tranquil hues of blue, purple, orange, and 4 other colours that you can switch between depending on your mood.

The best humidifiers you can buy in 2023

Beyond the basic humidification functions, you’ll find oodles of clever optional features such as antibacterial UV lights, digital control panels, spill-proof tanks, and air-cleaning “pre-filters” that are designed to trap pet hair, dust and even some pollen. Perhaps the most important features in a humidifier are the following: