8 Things You Should Know Before Choosing the Best Dehumidifier Garage UK

If you are struggling with mould and dampness in your garage, you are not alone. Over 50% of UK homes own garages, and they too struggle with the problem of finding a suitable humidity control solution, especially the problem of how to reduce humidity in a detached garage.

Fortunately, the best garage dehumidifier will keep your garage well ventilated and prevent common issues such as dampness and mould. If you are in the market for a portable garage dehumidifier, there are a couple of things to consider to ensure you get the best unit for your money.

How Does Humidity Find Its Way into Your Garage?

Here are a few ways humidity gets into your garage:

• Improper Insulation: If your garage door is not properly insulated, you will notice condensation on walls, floors, and surfaces.
• Appliance Installation: If your washer or dryer is installed in the garage, it will contribute to high humidity levels.
• Weather-Sealed Doors: A garage door that is not weather-sealed will let in moisture during rainy, snowy, or humid months.
• Absorbent Storage: Items like cardboard boxes absorb moisture and develop a musty odour in your garage.
• Clogged Drains: A clogged floor drain can lead to water-logging, increasing humidity.
• Epoxy Floors: Garages with epoxy floors can trap moisture beneath the impermeable layer.
• Damp Logs: Storing damp logs in your garage also contributes to moisture.
  

High humidity can be a big problem when left uncontrolled. For areas like the garage where air circulation is not the best, increased relative humidity will likely damage your property, especially metal and electronic appliances stored in your garage. Since most garages don't have a central heating solution, they end up being damp and mouldy in cold winters and warm summers.
 

Which is The Best Garage Dehumidifier UK?

Your garage is more than just a place to store things and forget about. It's where you store your handy tools, collectables, and, for car enthusiasts, your prized vintage car. Allowing high humidity to set in your garage can wreak havoc on your precious items.

If left unchecked, high humidity can:

● Cause your tools to rust if moisture settles on them for too long. Even stainless steel options have a limit.
● Damage the electronic components of your appliances. Even for weather-sealed appliances, moisture gets inside the component through indoor air and damages the circuitry.
● Ruin your car’s interior by ruining your car’s upholstery and making the interior smell musty.
● Cause the components of your car, van or motorhome to rust and ruin the motor operations.
● Break down the lubrication on vehicle or machine parts, causing malfunctions.
● Ruin your items stored in cardboard boxes or wrapped in paper and fabric.

A dehumidifier is necessary for your garage to prevent all of the above problems from happening.

Do I Need a Dehumidifier in My Garage?

A dehumidifier for the garage is necessary, especially if you live in a humid environment. The relative humidity in your garage should ideally be between 30% and 50%. Any reading higher than 50% indicates high humidity, while a reading below 30% means the air is too dry.
 

Garages can be difficult to ventilate, especially if detached from the main house. Without effective air circulation, increased moisture can harm your health and property. 

You can identify humidity problems by noticing increased dampness; the air may feel sticky, especially in hot months. A musty smell is another sign of mould's presence.

Before purchasing a dehumidifier, identify the source of dampness. If your garage is poorly insulated, moisture may seep through floors and walls. Mould indicates the need for better ventilation. A dehumidifier will help reduce air moisture and improve indoor air quality.

Don't ignore high humidity in your garage; it risks damaging your tools, stored items, and electronics.

What Size Dehumidifier?

A good-sized dehumidifier should be compact enough to fit wherever you place it, even when using it as a dehumidifier for a caravan. Other things to note besides the size include:

● Unit capacity
● Energy usage
● Noise level
● Portability
● Easy to operate
● Drainage
● Air filtration
● Pricing

1. Unit Capacity

The capacity of the dehumidifier determines whether it is fit for controlling humidity in your garage, or any other room you intend to use it in. If you are going for a portable dehumidifier, check if its built-in tank is large enough to control the amount of humidity in your garage. For instance, a 20L portable dehumidifier is big enough to control humidity in your garage for up to 12 hours. It can also be used as a van dehumidifier for when you store your camper van away for the winter.

2. Energy usage

When selecting a dehumidifier for your garage, energy efficiency is crucial, especially if you plan to run it for extended periods. Look for a unit that uses minimal power while effectively managing humidity levels. A dehumidifier with an energy consumption rating of around 300-400 watts is a good benchmark for keeping your garage dry without significantly impacting your electricity bill. Additionally, consider modern units that come with energy-saving features, such as timers and automatic shut-off functions.

3. Noise level

For a garage that doubles as a hobby room, the last thing you want is a noisy dehumidifier humming in the background. Each unit has a noise level rating. A 12L garage dehumidifier with a noise rating of 36dB is quiet enough to control humidity without interrupting your activities. 

If you convert your garage into an entertainment room, a 41dB portable dehumidifier should suffice for moisture control without interfering with your enjoyment.

4. Portability

Unlike conventional air conditioning units, modern dehumidifiers are designed to be lightweight and portable. It makes it easy to move the unit to any room that requires humidity control, which also saves you the cost of buying an extra dehumidifier. In addition, units like the Morris dehumidifiers have wheels on the base for added mobility.

5. Easy to operate

The best dehumidifier for garage in the UK comes with smart features for easy operation. Find a unit that has a bright, clear LED display that makes it easy to dial in the right settings, even in areas with low visibility. Also, choose a unit that comes with smart alerts to let you know when the in-built water tank needs emptying.

Most modern garage dehumidifiers can be configured to automatically come on when humidity increases and go into sleep mode when indoor humidity decreases. A unit like the 12L Morris Dehumidifier with Wi-Fi can be controlled remotely to set the running time, fan speed, monitor humidity levels, and even give warning lights in case of a malfunction.

6. Drainage

Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air and turn it into condensation. They have an in-built tank that collects water and this reservoir needs to be emptied after some time. This is why you should consider dehumidifiers with a 20L tank because they take time to fill up. Alternatively, find a unit that comes with a connecting hose to make the job easier.

7. Air filtration

For garages with existing mould and mildew issues, choose a portable dehumidifier with an in-built filtration system. This feature filters out allergens as moist air passes through, releasing dry, cool air. This can help prevent health issues caused by airborne allergens like mould.

8. Pricing

Ensure you get a high-quality dehumidifier with all the above features at an affordable price. A good unit with the right features should not cost you more than £150. Also, be on the lookout for dehumidifiers that are on sale or discounted to help you save on pricing as well.

Conclusion

If you use your garage for storage or entertainment, it is important to ensure these spaces are well ventilated. If your air conditioner cannot effectively control humidity in these two areas, then getting a portable dehumidifier makes more sense.

Always choose a garage dehumidifier that is portable and can control high humidity in your garage. In addition, choose a dehumidifier with a noise level below 42dB, which will be perfect for any room, including your bedroom or your conservatory.

Think of power consumption too when buying dehumidifiers. If you will be running the unit for more than 12 hours, ensure the dehumidifier consumes at most 350 watts or below. A 20L portable dehumidifier is great because it can operate for hours before you empty its reservoir. For a more hands-free experience, consider a dehumidifier with an inbuilt drainage hose.

Other Uses of a Dehumidifier

● Basement: A dehumidifier in the basement helps prevent moisture buildup, reducing the risk of mould and protecting stored items from damage.
● Wardrobe: Using a dehumidifier in your wardrobe prevents musty odours and protects clothing from moisture-related damage, ensuring they stay fresh and in good condition.
● Kitchen: In the kitchen, a dehumidifier helps control humidity from cooking and dishwashing, reducing the likelihood of condensation and mould growth.
● Bathroom: A dehumidifier in the bathroom effectively removes excess moisture after showers, preventing mould and improving air quality.
● Hallway: Placing a dehumidifier in the hallway helps maintain balanced humidity levels throughout the home, promoting overall comfort and reducing mustiness.
● Loft: In a loft, a dehumidifier prevents moisture accumulation, protecting stored items and maintaining a healthy environment in often poorly ventilated spaces.
● Boat: Using a dehumidifier on a boat helps prevent dampness and mould growth, safeguarding both the vessel and belongings from moisture damage.
● Drying Clothes: A dehumidifier can accelerate the drying process of clothes indoors, reducing drying time and preventing moisture buildup in the living space.

FAQs

1. What Size Dehumidifier For Garage?

For most garages, a dehumidifier with a capacity of 12L is suitable for spaces up to 20m², while a 20L model is ideal for larger garages up to 30m². If your garage is on the smaller side, the Morris 12L Dehumidifier would be excellent choices. For larger areas or if you need to tackle higher humidity levels, the Morris 20L Dehumidifier is recommended.

2. How to Dehumidify a Garage?

To effectively dehumidify your garage, start by sealing any gaps in doors and windows to prevent moisture from entering. Use a dehumidifier to extract excess humidity from the air, and ensure proper ventilation. Placing moisture-absorbing materials, like silica gel or activated charcoal, can also help. Regularly check and empty the dehumidifier's tank, or opt for a model with continuous drainage for hassle-free operation.

3. Should I put a dehumidifier in my garage?

Yes, putting a dehumidifier in your garage is highly recommended, especially if you notice dampness or musty odours. High humidity can lead to rust, mould, and damage to tools and equipment stored in the garage. A dehumidifier will help maintain optimal humidity levels (between 30% and 50%), protecting your belongings and improving air quality. 

 

 

 

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