Alternatives to Dehumidifiers to Stop Condensation

Alternatives to Dehumidifiers to Stop Condensation Permanently

By Ruth MacEachern

Product Manager

Many people thing that dehumidifiers are suitable for treating condensation in a home.  While they can remove some moisture from the air, they have a lot of disadvantages and are not a viable long-term solution.  Reasons why you should look at alternatives to dehumidifiers to stop condensation include:

• Dehumidifiers do not provide a solution for the whole home and are only effective where they are situated.
• Noise levels from dehumidifiers can be high, so many people turn them off at night when problems with condensation are most likely to occur.
• Dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity, which makes them expensive to operate for long periods.
• As they only cover a limited area, they can make the immediate area very dry which can cause issues for people with respiratory problems.

How do dehumidifiers work?

Dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the air, which helps to reduce condensation, mould development, and wet on the walls.  There are two differnt types of dehumidifier that you can choose from:

• Refrigerant (or compressor) dehumidifiers
• Dessicant dehumidifiers

They operate in distinct ways and are suitable for different types of condensation problem.

Dehumidifiers with refrigerant (or compressor)

Compressor dehumidifiers work by taking in in air and passing it through a filter before allowing it to flow across cold coils where the water vapour condenses.  Liquid water is captured in a tank where it can be stored until removal.

Refrigerant dehumidifiers tends to be more useful in warm and humid rooms because they rely on a higher ambient temperature to operate most effectively.

Dessicant dehumidifiers

These remove water from the air using an adsorbent substance such as silica gel.  When the material is heated, it allows the trapped moisture to escape, and this is then captured in a tank for disposal.

Desiccant dehumidifiers typically operate better in colder temperatures, such as those found in a garage, conservatory, or unheated basement (if your basement flat is warmer than 10 degrees, you'll definitely want to go with a refrigerant).

Because of the way desiccant dehumidifiers require heat to warm the adsorbent material, they normally use much more energy than refrigerant dehumidifiers.

When you discover evidence of dampness, such as condensation on your windows, you can use a dehumidifier.  However, because the effect is limited, you will require a ventilation solution if you want a long-term solution.

A cost-effective alternative to dehumidifiers

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is a comprehensive whole-house ventilation system that eliminates moisture and mould in your home.  Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) is not only a cost-effective solution to condensation problems and mould issues, but it is also energy efficient, costing less than £6 a year to operate.

How PIV Systems Work

Positive Input Ventilation (PIV) systems send fresh, filtered, and clean air into the home, gently ventilating it with a process known as Positive Input Ventilation (PIV). PIV systems work by drawing fresh, filtered air into your home through a central unit that is normally fitted in the loft.  This fresh air is then gently released throughout your home where it displaces the stale, humid air to prevent condensation and prevent the build up of allergens and chemicals from cleaning products that can affect people with respiratory problems.

So, if you're having difficulties with moisture and black mould, a PIV system could well be a much better, and in the long term, more cost effective and healthy solution than a dehumidifier.

Find out more

If you are concerned about the levels of condensation in your home, it is important to act before condensation leads to problems with damp and mould that can affect health.  Contact us today to book a free home survey.  Our local ventilation specialists can help you find the cause of condensation in your property and provide advice about the best way to resolve it for good.