Dehumidifier Extraction Rates

A frequently asked question that I hear from dehumidifier users is why their extraction rates are lower than the sales brochure stated when they bought the dehumidifier.

Several people, despite being happy with all the other features on their dehumidifier, didn’t like the dehumidifier because the actual extraction rate was way lower than the description had stated online.

The answer is very simple comes in two parts.

Hot Stuff

Many dehumidifiers are manufacturer in the Middle East. Of course temperatures in that part of the world are much higher than those in the British Isles.

For example, the Delonghi DEM10 is stated to extract 10 litres of water per day. However this level of extraction was tested at a temperature of 32°C and an 80% relative humidity level.

Since dehumidifiers in the UK are most often used from October through to March our temperatures are much lower and our humidity levels, in most cases, are lower as well. Therefore extraction rates in the UK are also much lower.

New Dehumidifier 

Another important point to make is that usually a dehumidifier will have its highest extraction rate in the first few weeks of being used.

This is because the area which has to be controlled is still very wet in the first few weeks therefore the dehumidifier works harder. Once the relative humidity level of the area has been bought down the dehumidifier will extract less moisture from the air in order to maintain the set humidity level.

This is especially true if the dehumidifier has a humidity sensor that enables the machine to regulate its own settings. All good quality dehumidifiers contain this feature including theMeaco DD8L, The EcoAir DD122MK5 and the fabulous Ebac 2650e dehumidifier.

Best Dehumidifiers

The best dehumidifier to use for extraction rates in the UK are desiccant dehumidifiers as these dehumidifiers can run at lower temperatures, and are cheaper to run at low temperatures, than refrigerant dehumidifiers.

The Meaco DD8L and the  EcoAir DD122 MK5 both top quality desiccant dehumidifiers.

The Ebac 2650e Dehumidifier is actually a refrigerant model however it has been designed specifically for the UK market. The 2650e can extract up to 40% more moisture than comparable dehumidifiers at no extra running costs.