Guide

Desiccant vs compressor dehumidifiers in winter

Winter is when most UK homes struggle with condensation and damp. Choosing the right type of dehumidifier makes a huge difference, especially in cold rooms

Garden Gear Guide guide for UK homes

Winter is when most UK homes struggle with condensation and damp. Choosing the right type of dehumidifier makes a huge difference, especially in cold rooms.

How compressor dehumidifiers behave in winter

  • Work best in warm rooms.
  • Performance drops sharply below fifteen degrees.
  • Cheaper to run in heated spaces.

How desiccant dehumidifiers behave in winter

  • Maintain strong extraction even in cold rooms.
  • Release warm air back into the room.
  • Great for garages, conservatories and spare rooms.

Which should you choose

For typical heated homes: a modern compressor model is ideal.

For cold areas: a desiccant unit almost always performs better.

If your main issue is morning condensation in bedrooms, either type will help, but compressors usually have lower long term running costs.