During the colder months, homes often build up high levels, which over time can lead to damp and problems. While raising the temperature can help, many are limiting how often they turn the heating on, in an effort to reduce as costs have increased once again in January. A recent study by Resolution Foundation study found that 1.7 million homes plan to forgo using their heating entirely, with nearly half of households intending to limit heating use wherever possible. The impact of such measures is far-reaching, affecting both the health of occupants and the condition of their homes.
Chris Michaels, managing director at explained how a handy household appliance can slash the cost of heating bills this winter. He explained: “When heating is reduced or turned off, homes become more vulnerable to damp, condensation, and mould – issues that can harm health and lead to costly repairs. An energy-efficient dehumidifier can help prevent these problems while making homes easier and cheaper to heat.”
Dehumidifiers are known to help reduce humidity levels, drawing in unwanted condensation and creating a drier, healthier home environment. The is one of the bestsellers from Meaco’s range, with running costs of just 4p an hour.
A dehumidifier can help to reduce damp, and ultimately mould, in the home (Image: Getty Images)
MeacoDry Arete® One 12L Dehumidifier
This compact and efficient dehumidifier draws in 12 litres of water per day and costs from just 4p an hour to run.
The dehumidifier is energy efficient. (Image: Meaco)
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According to Chris, the features to look out for in a good dehumidifier are low energy consumption, intelligent humidistats, high extraction efficiency, laundry mode and media and consumer reviews.
He added: ”This combination of features ensures your chosen dehumidifier balances performance with energy efficiency, helping you manage costs effectively. By selecting a dehumidifier with these features, you can effectively control indoor humidity, prevent damp, and reduce heating costs without significantly increasing your electricity bill.”
The has hundreds of reviews, and is a two-in-one dehumidifier and air purifier, which is described as ‘super-quiet’.
The is popular, however at £179.99, it’s not the cheapest option out there and there are others with similar features, but it does include a five-year warranty.
Express.co.uk reviewed the Meaco dehumidifier last year, with our reporter saying it had “changed her life”, managing to .
Damp can occur in the home from everyday activities, which is why dehumidifiers are an important addition to homes. Michael explained: “Damp is a common but underestimated issue, especially during winter. Everyday activities such as washing clothes, cooking, bathing, and even breathing release significant moisture into the air. Drying a load of laundry indoors, for instance, can add up to two litres of water to the air.
“Heated clothes rails, while effective at speeding up the drying process, also contribute to moisture buildup by evaporating water from the clothes into the air. This moisture doesn’t disappear—it settles elsewhere in the home as condensation, particularly on cold surfaces like windows and walls. Over time, this can create the ideal conditions for damp, mould, and a persistent chill in the air.
“In homes where heating is used sparingly, this accumulating moisture becomes even more problematic, leading to significant condensation, a strong damp smell, and heating systems taking longer to warm rooms effectively.”
More dehumidifier deals
For those looking to buy a dehumidifer on a budget, the currently costs £99.99 after a 46% discount.
Alternatively, Amazon has the , which usually costs £218.98 now for £119.98.