Bonjour lecteurs! The damp level is the worst in the UK. I will blame it on the cold weather. It even gets plus difficile in the winter, especially if you live in an older house. Do you encounter this problème in your home? What solution did you find against it? Should you buy a portable or whole-house dehumidifier? Let’s see what is best.
The Right Humidity Level
Keeping indoor humidity is not always straightforward. You have to be careful because too much moisture will produce mould and mildew. From damaged walls to causing asthma, it can have so many bad consequences.
So, you’d better act as fast as possible. Idéalement, the indoor humidity should be between 40% and 60%. If you are over it, you will start seeing some damp on walls and windows. Getting the right insulation can help but I also like to open the windows to get some fresh air and not let it grow. If it’s really bad, then you need to invest into a dehumidifier.
But which option to go for? A portable room dehumidifier or a whole-house system? Both are designed to help tackle the issue. But they both work differently. Choose according to your home space but also your budget and lifestyle to stop damp and mould.
Cost & Upfront Investment
Most people opt for portable dehumidifiers as they are easy to get. They are the starting point if you notice a lot of humidité. Their prices vary and can go up to £200. Le plus of a portable unit? They don’t need professional installation, so you can get started in a few minutes et voilà!
This is why you will often see them in rented accommodation, or for anyone looking for a quick fix in a specific room.
However, a whole-house system will be more expensive and not as simple to use. They typically cost between £800 and £2,500. Plus, you need to bear in mind some extra costs for installation.
But if you have a big issue with humidity in all your home, it might be worse the investment in the long term. After all, it can really damage your home.
Flexibility & Coverage
Now, j’aime l’idée of a portable unit as you can place it whenever you need. Par exemple, if you only have the issue in one room, c’est la solution idéale. People often it to help a damp basement or in a steamy bathroom.
On the other hand, a whole-house system is plus complexe. Built into your HVAC system, it can help regulate humidity across your property. People opt for it because of it consistency.
The real différence between both options remain the coverage. While portable dehumidifier will handle a single room with no problems, the whole-house dehumidifier can manage thousands of square feet at once. C’est l’option idéale for larger homes or multi-storey properties.
Energy & Efficiency
Now, I know that everyone is trying to save on energy bills at the moment. So I would not be surprised if many households will get a few portable dehumidifiers. You might see some unites dotted around the house. But the cost will creep up and you need to change them.
The other option might sound more expensive at first but they’re often of better value overall. Indeed, when you have humidity in check, you will lower your heating bill over time.
Maintenance
Portable models might seem to be easy, but you still need to empty the water tank and clean the filter regulièrement.
Whole-house systems are far simpler to maintain once they’re in. Changez le filtre sometimes et voilà! I would also do a yearly check-up to be on the safe side.
Noise & Everyday Comfort
Portable dehumidifiers aren’t completely silent so you still have a bit of a white noise. Still you can easily forget about it.
If you choose a whole-house system, it will be installed out of sight, so you will barely notice it. It just does the work in the background and you don’t even have to think about it.
So, Which Should You Choose?
The answer is très personnelle. If you are renting or on a budget, go for the mobile unit. It’s also la bonne option if you only have humidity in a single room.
If you own a larger property or the issue is more spread out across your property, I would look into whole-house solution. Either way, the air quality of your home matters for you to be safe at all times. So invest in what is best for your family. After all, damp and mould can be really harmful, so you better sort it out.
Have you ever encountered this problème in your house?
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