Topic
Compressor dehumidifiers
Compressor (refrigerant) dehumidifiers chill a coil below the dew point so water condenses and drips into the tank. They are the efficient choice for heated rooms from about 15 °C upwards.
- Rated at
- Often 30 °C / 80 % RH
- Typical draw
- 150 to 300 W
A fan pulls room air over a cold evaporator coil. Water condenses on the coil and drips into the tank, then the air passes over the warm condenser coil and leaves the unit slightly warmer and drier.
The headline figure is litres a day, but it is measured at the maker's own test conditions. A unit sold as 20 L/day at 30 °C and 80 % RH will extract far less in a bedroom at 18 °C and 60 % RH. Compare models at the same stated conditions, and check the dew point of your room.
Below roughly 15 °C the coil starts to frost and output drops, so for a cold garage or caravan a desiccant dehumidifier usually suits better.
Common mistakes
- Comparing litres a day figures measured at different temperatures and humidities.
- Running a compressor unit in an unheated room in winter and wondering why the tank stays empty.
Guides on this topic
- Where to put a dehumidifier in your homeWhere to put a dehumidifier: landing, hallway or problem room, with clearances from walls and whether to keep doors open or closed. Simple UK guide.How-to
- What size dehumidifier do I need?A dehumidifier size guide by bedrooms and how damp the home is, using litres a day at stated test conditions, plus when to go bigger or pick desiccant.Guide
- Meaco vs Pro Breeze dehumidifiersMeaco vs Pro Breeze dehumidifiers compared: premium against value brand on listed specs, noise, filters, tank size, app control and support.Comparison
- Meaco vs Ebac dehumidifiersMeaco vs Ebac dehumidifiers compared on range, warranty, humidistat controls and spares, so you can pick the right British brand for your home.Comparison
- Meaco dehumidifier error codes and warning lightsWhat Meaco dehumidifier warning lights and error codes usually mean, the first checks to try, and when to contact Meaco or the retailer for a repair.Fix
- Meaco Arete One vs Arete TwoMeaco Arete One vs Arete Two compared: Wi-Fi app, display, controls and filter, with what stays the same and what changes between the two ranges.Comparison
- How to use a Meaco dehumidifier: settings and modesHow to use a Meaco dehumidifier: the humidity to set, when to use laundry and continuous modes, and how to fit the drain hose. General guide, check your manual.How-to
- How to clean a dehumidifier, tank and filterHow to clean a dehumidifier: wash the filter, rinse the tank, check the coils and grille, with what to avoid on the coils and the float. General guide.How-to
- How does a compressor dehumidifier work?How a compressor dehumidifier pulls water from the air with a cold coil and refrigerant cycle, why it needs a warm room, and what the parts inside do.Guide
- Can you use dehumidifier water for plants or irons?Is dehumidifier water distilled or clean? What can be in the tank, sensible uses such as watering ornamental plants, and why it is never drinking water.Guide
- Dehumidifier not collecting water? Causes and fixesDehumidifier running but the tank stays empty? Check room humidity, temperature, the setpoint, the filter and the tank float in this order before booking a repair.Fix
- Why is my dehumidifier icing up?Frost or ice on a dehumidifier coil usually means the room is too cold or the airflow is blocked. How defrost works, what to check and when desiccant fits better.Fix
- Dehumidifier litres a day ratings explainedWhy a dehumidifier rated at 30 °C and 80 % RH looks bigger than one rated at 27 °C and 60 % RH, what 20L really means and how to compare machines fairly.Guide
- Are dehumidifiers worth it in a UK home?Signs that a UK home would benefit from a dehumidifier, what one can and cannot fix, the running hours to expect and how to choose the right type.Guide
Buying guides on this topic
- Best 20 litre dehumidifiers for family homes20 litre dehumidifiers compared on stated litres per day, tank size, room size, noise and wattage, for three and four bed houses.Buying guide
- Best dehumidifiers for UK homesCompressor and desiccant dehumidifiers compared on stated litres per day, tank size, noise, wattage and the room size each maker quotes.Buying guide
- Best quiet dehumidifiers for bedroomsQuiet dehumidifiers ranked by the maker's stated decibels, with night modes, extraction, tank size and type compared for overnight use.Buying guide
- Best smart dehumidifiers with Wi-Fi and app controlWi-Fi dehumidifiers compared on what each app controls, voice assistant support, litres per day, tank size and filters, from each listing.Buying guide
- De'Longhi dehumidifiers compared: Tasciugo AriaDry and DDSX rangeDe'Longhi Tasciugo AriaDry and DDSX dehumidifiers compared on litres per day, tank size, wattage, laundry function and filters.Buying guide