Save money and stay warm this winter

The challenge of staying warm this winter in the face of rising energy costs could be eased by investing in a desiccant dehumidifier.

While many people will choose to turn the heating down to save money, that runs the risk of allowing colder, damp air to damage the fabric of the property.

Running an energy-efficient dehumidifier at the same time as reducing the temperature will protect the building while making the property feel more comfortable, since dry air feels warmer than damp air.

Renowned dehumidifier expert Jerry Gibbs also recommends using a dehumidifier as a lower-cost alternative to running a tumble dryer, which is far and away the most expensive domestic appliance in most homes in terms of running cost.

“Draping damp clothes over a radiator is an expensive way to dry them and also makes the air damp, which will again make it feel colder,” he said. “Using a dehumidifier to do the job it was designed to do – take moisture out of damp materials – is a much better option.”

But while a dehumidifier can help cut energy bills dramatically this winter, it is important to choose a good quality ‘desiccant’ model rather than one that uses older refrigerant technology.

Refrigerant – or compressor – dehumidifiers are less effective in colder weather, are not designed to run all day every day, and collect water that needs to be emptied regularly. There have also been safety concerns with refrigerant machines and a number of recalls.

Ecor Pro dehumidifiers like the DH800 and DH1200 (EPD30 and EPD50) are amongst the most efficient on the planet, using the least possible energy to extract a given quantity of moisture from the atmosphere and having the lowest carbon footprint of any manufacturer.

They are also designed to run safely and efficiently all day, every day, making them the ideal way to control the home environment while cutting energy bills. They are quieter than refrigerant models and can be hidden away neatly in a cupboard or even the attic, with ducting used to reach the trouble spots.

“Damp air can cause condensation, structural damage, mould, poor health and other issues, and it also makes the air feel cold,” added Jerry. “Dehumidified air allows the heating to be turned down without the occupants feeling noticeably cooler and without the building suffering from damp.

“If money is tight this winter, and it looks like it will be for many of us, investing in an energy-efficient, good qualify dehumidifier could well be a smart move.”