When winter sets in, most of us think about humidifiers: devices that add moisture to combat dry, heated indoor air. Therefore, the idea of ​​using a dehumidifier that deletes moisture may seem counterintuitive.
However, for many homes this can actually be a good idea. In this article I will explain why and when you may not need it. First, I'll tell you the main potential benefits of using a dehumidifier in the winter, and then I'll look at the potential drawbacks.
Pros of using a dehumidifier in winter
1. Fighting condensation on windows and walls
When warm indoor air meets cold surfaces such as windows and exterior walls, moisture in the air condenses into water droplets. This is what leads to the familiar sight of wet windows on winter mornings.
Constant condensation creates conditions for the growth of mold, which over time can damage paintwork, window frames and wall finishes. A dehumidifier reduces the amount of moisture in the air before it reaches cold surfaces, helping to prevent condensation from forming in the first place. For homes that regularly wake up to wet windows in the winter, this alone may justify their use.
2. Make your home warmer
Reducing moisture content in the air should mean your heating system won't have to work as hard to warm your home. In addition, dry air at the same temperature seems warmer than humid air. By lowering the humidity in your room, you may find that you can turn the thermostat down a little without feeling cold.
In some homes, this can result in modest winter energy savings, even when you take into account the electricity consumed by the dehumidifier. The exact benefit depends on insulation, heating efficiency and local climate, but in moderately wet winter conditions the effect may be noticeable.
3. Preventing dampness in problem areas
Some rooms are susceptible to dampness regardless of the time of year. Basements, utility rooms, windowless bathrooms, and poorly ventilated areas can accumulate moisture in the winter from showering, cooking, indoor drying, and everyday living. In modern, well-insulated homes, this problem may get worse rather than better.
In such cases, a dehumidifier can prevent lingering dampness that leads to musty odors, mold and mildew, and over time, damage to furniture, finishes and stored items. These problems develop slowly, but repairs can be costly in the long run.
Cons of using a dehumidifier in winter
Despite the benefits, using a dehumidifier in winter is not always a good idea. Here are some of the biggest potential problems with this.
1. Risk of too dry air
Winter air is often dry to begin with, and heating systems tend to reduce humidity even further. Adding desiccant may cause the level to be too low. Once indoor humidity drops below 30%, the air can become uncomfortably dry.
Signs that the air is too dry include static electricity, irritated eyes and sinuses, dry skin and chapped lips. Houseplants and wooden furniture may also be affected. This is why it is important to only use a dehumidifier when absolutely necessary.
A simple hygrometer, an inexpensive device that measures relative humidity, takes the guesswork out of making decisions. (Most dehumidifiers have one of these.) If your home regularly keeps the humidity below 40% during the winter, you're unlikely to benefit from dehumidifying at all, and you might even be better off using a humidifier instead.
2. Reduced efficiency in cold rooms.
Most residential dehumidifiers use compressor technology, which works best at normal room temperatures. In cold environments, such as unheated basements, garages or conservatories, these models become much less efficient. In these types of rooms, dehumidifiers perform much better and continue to operate at lower temperatures. The trade-off is that they typically use more electricity.
3. Increased energy consumption
While drier air can help your home feel warmer, dehumidifiers still use electricity. During the winter, this can significantly increase your energy bills, especially if the appliance is running constantly.
Modern devices with built-in humidistats turn off when a set humidity level is reached, but the cost-benefit ratio varies from home to home. In homes that don't have problems with condensation or dampness, running a dehumidifier in winter may just be an additional expense with little benefit.
4. Sometimes it's not necessary.
If your home is well ventilated, constantly heated and does not suffer from condensation or dampness, you may not need a dehumidifier at all in winter. Simple habits like ventilating after cooking or showering and not drying clothes indoors may be all you need to keep humidity at a healthy level.
Conclusion
So, should you use a dehumidifier in winter? The short answer is: it depends.
Start by measuring the indoor humidity with a hygrometer. If levels regularly exceed 50-60%, especially if you notice condensation, musty odors, or damp spots, a dehumidifier will likely help. If the humidity is consistently below 40%, using one of these risks creating overly dry and uncomfortable conditions.
Climate also plays a role. Homes in cold, humid regions often benefit from winter dehumidification, while homes in drier winter climates typically do not.
It's also worth remembering that dehumidifiers and humidifiers are not mutually exclusive. Some households use a dehumidifier in damp areas such as basements, while in heated living spaces a humidifier is used to maintain comfort.
The main thing is to remain flexible and responsive. Winter humidity is not fixed; it changes depending on the weather, heating mode and your daily activities. So keep monitoring your humidity levels, react accordingly, and you'll have a much better chance of finding that comfortable sweet spot.
