Condensation on windows can be a real problem, but Martin Lewis’ advice has made a difference
Many households accept condensation as an inevitable part of daily life. From waking each morning to soaking-wet windows, cold, damp areas around the frames, and even mould forming behind furniture.
Everything shifted for editor Sophie Law when she took on board guidance from Martin Lewis regarding the most effective approach to dealing with condensation without switching on radiators.
During a BBC Sounds podcast on 5 Live, a listener asked Martin Lewis whether purchasing a dehumidifier would prove more economical than relying on heating, especially as many won’t want to turn it on during the summer.
The MoneySavingExpert explained: “Dehumidifiers take water out of the air rather than use the heating and they’re much lower wattage appliances than standard heating. So if the dehumidifier works for you, it will definitely have lower electricity bills.”
In an episode of The Martin Lewis Podcast in 2023, he also labelled tumble dryers – which can cost up to £1 per hour to run – a “demon appliance”, and suggested using a dehumidifier instead.
“Many dehumidifiers have different wattages – the one I checked out was 200W,” he explained. “Once we know it’s 200W and we know a kilowatt is 1,000W, which is how electricity tends to be priced, we know this is a fifth of a kilowatt.”
“And you pay roughly 34p per kilowatt per hour. A fifth is 7p, so you’re going to pay roughly 7p per hour to run a dehumidifier at 200W, assuming it uses full power the whole time,” he continued.
Sophie had been putting off purchasing a dehumidifier but eventually decided to take the plunge and invest in one. She opted for the Meaco Arete One 10L, which costs roughly 4p per hour to operate.
Since getting it, the impact has been immediate. Sophie now wakes up to dry windows each morning, even when temperatures plummet, and the entire house feels less damp.
What truly caught Sophie off guard was the sheer volume of water the machine extracts from the atmosphere. Draining the tank is strangely gratifying for her – and somewhat concerning – as it reveals just how much dampness was previously in the room and accumulating on walls, windows and fabrics.
One of the most significant benefits has been throughout winter, particularly when drying laundry. Sophie frequently dries washing on an indoor airer, and previously that dampness would linger in the air all day.
Now, the surplus moisture goes directly into the dehumidifier’s tank rather than seeping into the walls. It’s created an improvement in air quality, and it also means laundry dries quicker, so she is relying on the tumble dryer far less.
The dehumidifier secured Which? Best Buy awards and a Quiet Mark award, which makes perfect sense once you’ve experienced one. At £159.99, is it worth the cost?
For Sophie, there is no doubt. Following Martin Lewis’ guidance has resulted in reduced condensation issues and decreased dependence on both the heating and the tumble dryer. Months later, Sophie’s windows remain clear, there’s no musty odour lingering about, and she feels confident knowing that extra moisture is being managed correctly.
