With energy bills rising and colder weather on the way, a simple household appliance could help families dry clothes for less while tackling autumn damp.
Tumble dryers have been dubbed “demon appliances” because of their energy consumption, with Martin Lewis highlighting a cheaper alternative for households struggling with rising bills.
Speaking on his BBC podcast, the money-saving expert discussed how a dehumidifier can dry wet washing using less electricity than a tumble dryer.
And with Ofgem's energy price cap rising by around 4% from October 1, taking the typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit to £1,723 a year, finding cheaper ways to tackle the laundry pile could become increasingly important.
There are also concerns about a further increase in January, making it worth looking at how much everyday household appliances cost to run.
Meaco, an air treatment specialist, tested one of its dehumidifiers and found an energy-efficient model can dry a load of washing for approximately 28p under the stated test conditions, although individual results will vary.
The test load dried in four hours and 45 minutes, compared with between 20 and 28 hours when left to dry naturally.
The results suggest a dehumidifier could help households get their washing dry sooner without relying on a tumble dryer or leaving clothes hanging around the house for days.
Actual costs and drying times will vary depending on the size of the load and room conditions, but the test highlights the potential savings.
Five ways a dehumidifier could help cut household costs this autumn
1. Dry your washing for approximately 28p
With wet weather making it harder to dry clothes outside, many households have little choice but to bring their washing indoors.
But damp clothes release moisture into the air, increasing humidity and potentially making rooms feel musty.
Martin Lewis has highlighted the potential cost of tumble dryers, which can cost up to £1 per load, depending on the appliance and electricity tariff.
Meaco's own testing found that one of its energy-efficient dehumidifiers dried a test load for approximately 28p, based on an electricity price of 26.35p per kilowatt-hour.
The washing was ready in four hours and 45 minutes, compared with up to 28 hours when left to dry naturally.
A dehumidifier works by extracting moisture from the air around the clothes, helping them dry more quickly while collecting the water in a tank or draining it away.
The amount saved will depend on the appliance, the electricity tariff and how frequently it is used. Households should check the running costs of individual models before buying.
2. Help stop autumn condensation turning into a mould problem
As temperatures fall, condensation can become more noticeable on windows, walls and other cold surfaces.
Everyday activities such as cooking, showering and drying clothes indoors all release moisture. When windows remain closed for longer to keep the warmth in, that moisture can become trapped inside.
Over time, excess humidity can contribute to damp conditions, musty smells and mould growth, particularly around window frames and behind furniture where air circulation is limited.
A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, helping keep humidity under control during the colder months.
Some models include a built-in humidistat, which monitors humidity and adjusts operation to maintain a selected level. This can help avoid unnecessary running time and electricity use.
Tackling excess moisture early may also help households avoid some of the costs associated with treating mould, redecorating affected walls or replacing damaged furnishings. However, a dehumidifier will not fix underlying causes such as leaks or structural damp.
3. Get clothes dry overnight and free up space
When several loads of washing need to be dried indoors, airers can quickly take over living rooms, bedrooms and spare rooms.
High humidity can also slow down the drying process, leaving clothes hanging around for longer and making it harder to keep up with the next load.
Using a dehumidifier in the same room as an airer can help remove the moisture released by wet clothes, allowing them to dry sooner.
Depending on the load, room temperature and appliance, running a dehumidifier overnight could mean washing is ready to put away the following morning.
It may also help households avoid having to spread clothes across several rooms.
Those on an electricity tariff with cheaper off-peak rates could potentially reduce costs further by running suitable appliances during lower-priced periods, although the saving depends on the tariff and the dehumidifier's actual consumption.
4. Keep humidity under control without losing as much heat
Opening windows helps remove moist air and brings fresh air into the home, but leaving them open for extended periods during colder weather can allow heat to escape.
A dehumidifier can help manage excess indoor moisture between periods of ventilation, without relying on open windows for hours at a time.
Regular ventilation remains important, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms where moisture builds up quickly. A dehumidifier should complement ventilation rather than replace it.
For households trying to balance condensation, comfort and heating costs, managing humidity can be a useful part of their autumn home routine.
5. Choose an energy-efficient model to keep running costs down
The purchase price is not the only cost to consider when buying a dehumidifier.
If an appliance is used regularly throughout autumn and winter, its electricity consumption can make a significant difference to the overall cost of ownership.
Chris Michael, air treatment expert and co-founder of Meaco, said: “A dehumidifier is likely to be used every day through autumn and winter, and for drying washing on wet days throughout the year. A low purchase price can quickly lose its appeal if the appliance costs more to run over time.
“With uncertainty over future energy prices, consumers can be confident that choosing a model that uses less electricity to do the same job will save them money on running costs, year after year.”
Features such as a humidistat and a dedicated laundry mode can help make regular use more convenient. Comparing the power consumption of different models is also important when working out likely running costs.
Some dehumidifiers also include H13 HEPA filtration, which can capture airborne particles such as dust, pollen and pet dander. These features may help reduce exposure to certain airborne particles, although filtration performance varies between appliances and does not guarantee protection against viruses or other health risks.
With energy bills under pressure and indoor laundry drying becoming a regular part of autumn and winter, a dehumidifier could offer households a way to tackle excess moisture while helping clothes dry sooner.
For households weighing up whether to use a tumble dryer, leave washing to dry naturally or invest in a dehumidifier, comparing real-world running costs could help them find the most economical option for their home.
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