What does Martin Lewis say about dehumidifiers?

Should You Use a Dehumidifier Instead of Heating to Dry Your Home?

Many of us reach for the thermostat when our home feels damp and musty, but according to personal finance expert Martin Lewis, there might be a smarter—and cheaper—way to tackle moisture. During a recent podcast, a listener asked whether using a dehumidifier is more cost-effective than cranking up the heating to dry out a room. Lewis confirmed it is.

"Dehumidifiers take water out of the air rather than use the heating," Lewis explained, highlighting a key difference. They're much lower wattage appliances than standard heating systems. This means they consume significantly less electricity, making them a more energy-efficient solution for reducing humidity.

While heating a room can help evaporate moisture, it often just warms damp air without removing the water content. In contrast, a dehumidifier actively pulls moisture from the air, making the environment feel drier and more comfortable—even at a lower temperature. This not only helps prevent mould and mildew but can also improve indoor air quality, especially in poorly ventilated areas like basements or bathrooms.

Lewis’s advice comes at a time when households are looking for ways to cut energy bills without sacrificing comfort. Running a dehumidifier, especially a modern, energy-efficient model, can be a targeted and affordable solution. It’s particularly useful during colder months when homes are sealed up and condensation becomes a common issue.

So, if your walls are damp, windows are fogging up, or you’re constantly battling musty odours, consider skipping the extra heating cycle. A dehumidifier might be the more sensible—and economical—choice.