We will start this EcoAir dehumidifier review by comparing the differences between the EcoAir DC18 and the EcoAir DC12 before we look at the DC18 independently.
EcoAir DC18 and ECOAir DC12 Differences
The main differences between the EcoAir DC12 and the EcoAir DC18 is that the DC18 has a greater extraction rate. As the name implies the DC18 has an extraction rate of 18 litres per day while the DC12 has an extraction rate of 12 litres per day. Please read the section about extraction rates below to understand why these units will probably not extract at these levels.
Other differences include the size and weight between the units. Measurements of the DC18 are 52.6 x 39.8 x 27.6 cm while the DC12 measures 22.5 x 49.6 x 35.3 cm. While the DC18 weighs around 13.5kg and the DC12 weighs around 10.5kg.
The DC18 is also 2 decibels louder than the DC12 at 43dB(A).
As expected the differences relate to the specifications of a larger machine. The features are the same between the two units.
EcoAir DC18 Features
- Compressor unit
- Stated 18L extraction rate
- Dust filter
- LED display panel
- 3.5L water tank
- Auto shut off
- Continuous drainage facility
- Timer
- Laundry mode
- Castor wheels
- Cable storage
- 2 Warranty
Click Here To Check The Latest DC18 Price on Amazon
EcoAir DC18 Extraction Rate
As stated above the extraction rate for the EcoAir DC18 is said to be 18 litres per day however please note the following;
For starters the test climate for these units is significantly more dense than the UK climate. The standard test climate for dehumidifiers is typically a temperature of 30°C and a humidity level of 80%. The extraction rate is therefore likely to be lower than 18 litres p/d if the unit is used in the UK.
Also bear in mind that compressor dehumidifiers, such as the DC18, operate better in higher temperatures. The reason for this is that the internal coils of the unit can get too cold in order to extract moisture from the air properly.
You will see a significant fall in the extraction rate if you use compressor dehumidifiers in temperatures of below 15°C. For the best performance you should really use compressor dehumidifiers in temperatures of above 20°C.
EcoAir DC18 Filter and Water Tank 
Filter
The filter is a standard dust filter which, as usual, is located on the rear of the dehumidifier.
The filter is removed and reinserted very easily for, and after, cleaning. To clean the filter simply pull the filter out and wash with warm soapy water or give the filter a light hoover. A light on the control panel will turn on when the filter needs to be cleaned.
Water Tank
Both the DC12 and the DC18 water tanks are the same size at 3.5 litres. These are big tanks and can get a little heavy when full so be careful when emptying the tank to avoid spillage.
We would recommend emptying the tank before it gets full. However if you do forget to empty the tank then a build in safety feature turns the dehumidifier off once the water tank is full. The dehumidifier will only resume operation once the water tank has been emptied.
Continuous Drainage Option
The EcoAir DC18 also comes with a continuous drainage option. This option allows you to use the unit in isolated places such as sheds, boats and caravans etc.
Simply insert the supplies hose by following the instructions in the manual (very easy) and place the dehumidifier above the drainage point to allow collected water to run down through the hose.
If you need a longer hose than the one supplied you can just use a length of UK garden hose.
Read More About DC18 Specs on Amazon Here
Control Panel
The EcoAir DC18 control panel is laid out the same as the DC12 panel and features a few more buttons than most other control panels. That said we must mention that if you have some experience with dehumidifiers then you will understand this panel without any problem.
The control panel features nice soft-touch buttons and is located on top of the dehumidifier for easy access and operation.
Led Display Screen
The top of the control panel features a LED display panel ( which we think is a great feature ) which shows you the humidity levels. On either side of the LED screen are the controls for setting the humidity level. You have the option of setting the humidity from a very dry 35% up to a very wet 80%. In all likelihood you will probably set the humidity level at around 50%.
The rest of the control panel is laid out in columns which match the buttons with indicator lights. Moving from left to right we find the;
Timer
The timer can be set for either 2 or 4 hours. The timer is obviously a great feature and one benefit is that you can leave for work in the morning and leave the dehumidifier running to get rid of condensation from the windows.
The indicator lights alight to show you if the timer is set in the 2 hour or 4 hour setting.
Fan Speeds
The DC18 features 2 fan speeds; high and low and the corresponding indicator lights show which speed the unit is operating in.
Water Tank Full Warning Light
Next are two indicator lights. The ‘Power On’ indicator light simply lights up once the unit is plugged into the mains.
The ‘Water Tank Full’ light comes on when the tank is full. The light will only turn off, and the dehumidifier will only recommence operation, once the water tank has been emptied. This is a standard safety device that avoids spillage and related accidents.
Power Key 
The ‘Power Key’ button simply turns the unit ‘On’ and ‘Off’.
On the right hand side of the control panel is a column of buttons which are from the bottom to the top;
Filter Clean Reset Button
Simply press this button once the filter has been cleaned and reinserted into the dehumidifier. By pressing this button the dehumidifier will know to indicate when the filter needs to be cleaned next.
Filter Clean Indicator
As the name implies this indicator comes on when the filter needs to be cleaned.
Regular cleaning (once every 2 or 3 weeks) is essential to keep the dehumidifier from operating efficiently. Obviously the dehumidifier needs to work harder if the filter is clogged up all the time.
Laundry Mode
In this setting the EcoAir DC18 runs continuously on the high-speed setting.
Click Here To Read DC18 Reviews on Amazon
Box Contains
1 x EcoAir DC18 Dehumidifier
1 x Continuous Drainage Hose
Warranty
The EcoAir DC18 dehumidifier comes with a standard 2 year warranty.
Extended warranties are also available at the following rates:
1 extra year £45.00* Total 3 years.
2 extra years £60.00* Total 4 years.
3 extra years £75.00* Total 5 years.
*Prices include VAT @ 20%
Final Thoughts
It goes without saying that since we like the DC12 we also like the DC18. Our sentiment is also echoed on Amazon.co.uk where the EcoAir DC18 is rated 4.9/5 from 30 reviews.
We particularly like the LED display screen as well as the 3.5L water tank which for a domestic dehumidifier is probably too large. At least you won’t have to empty the water tank very often.
If you are looking for a compressor dehumidifier then you should definitely consider the EcoAir DC18.
Reviews
As stated above the DC18 rates 4.9/5 stars on Amazon so people who have purchased this unit are very happy. Here is what some of them say;
- “fantastic product, excellent service well packed”
- “Absolutely amazing product, feels very well built and good quality”
- “Works perfect and so easy to use, its everything you need in a Dehumidifier”
- “Very easy to use too and instructions very clear. Highly recommended product”
- “casters makes it easy to move around when cleaning and the fan is not too noisy”
- “does everything I wanted and more. No more streaming Windows. Flat feels warmer”
- “The efficiency of this unit is outstanding and noticeably reduces damp/humidity in hours”
Buy The EcoAir DC18 On Amazon Here
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