Guide

Desiccant vs compressor dehumidifiers in winter

Winter is when most UK homes struggle with condensation and damp. Choosing the right type of dehumidifier makes a huge difference, especially in cold rooms

FreshDry guide for UK homes

Winter is when most UK homes struggle with condensation and damp. Choosing the right type of dehumidifier makes a huge difference, especially in cold rooms.

How compressor dehumidifiers behave in winter

  • Work best in warm rooms.
  • Performance drops sharply below fifteen degrees.
  • Cheaper to run in heated spaces.

How desiccant dehumidifiers behave in winter

  • Maintain strong extraction even in cold rooms.
  • Release warm air back into the room.
  • Great for garages, conservatories and spare rooms.

Which should you choose

For typical heated homes: a modern compressor model is ideal.

For cold areas: a desiccant unit almost always performs better.

If your main issue is morning condensation in bedrooms, either type will help, but compressors usually have lower long term running costs.