Dehumidifier Tips

Proper Placement Makes All the Difference

In my first apartment in Cork, I made the classic mistake of shoving the dehumidifier into a corner behind the sofa. The result? Poor air circulation and a unit that worked twice as hard for half the results. Here's what I've learned about placement:

Give your dehumidifier at least 20–30 cm of breathing space from walls and furniture. This isn't just about the unit's performance — it's about preventing condensation spots behind furniture, which is a common issue in Irish homes. I've found that placing the unit near the source of moisture (like a window or external wall) works best, but always ensure there's good air circulation around it.

Water Tank Management

Emptying the tank might seem like a chore, but it's crucial for both performance and hygiene. In my experience with Irish weather, here's what works best:

During winter months, check the water bucket daily. I learned this the hard way when I left my unit unattended for a week during a particularly wet December. The standing water developed a musty smell, and I had to deep clean the tank. For homes in coastal areas like Galway or Waterford, you might need to empty it twice daily during stormy weather.

Pro tip: If you're using a model with a continuous drain option (which I highly recommend for Irish homes), make sure the hose is properly secured and has a slight downward slope. I've seen too many flooded utility rooms from poorly positioned hoses!

Filter Maintenance

Irish homes, especially older ones, tend to have more dust and particles in the air. This means your dehumidifier's filter needs more attention than the manual might suggest. Here's my maintenance routine:

Clean the filter every two weeks during normal use, and weekly during high-humidity periods (typically October to March in Ireland). I use a soft brush to remove dust, then rinse with lukewarm water. Never use hot water or harsh chemicals — I learned this after damaging a filter in my first unit.

Initial Setup and Running

When I first got my dehumidifier, I made the mistake of running it only when I noticed condensation. This reactive approach didn't work well in my damp Dublin apartment. Here's what I've learned:

For the first few days, run your dehumidifier continuously to bring humidity levels down to a healthy range (45-60%). This is especially important in older Irish homes where moisture has built up in walls and furniture. After that, you can switch to maintenance mode using the built-in humidity sensor (hygrostat) if your model has one.

For stone-built homes or older properties, you might need to run it longer initially. In my experience testing in various Irish homes, it can take up to a week to properly dry out a damp room in an older property.

Airflow and Ventilation

Irish weather can be tricky to work with when it comes to ventilation. Here's my approach:

Keep outside windows closed while the dehumidifier is running, but open internal doors to allow air to circulate throughout the house. This is particularly important in open-plan homes or apartments where moisture can spread easily. I've found that using a small fan on low speed can help distribute the drier air more effectively.

For multi-storey homes, consider using multiple units or moving your dehumidifier between floors. In my testing, I found that one unit on the ground floor wasn't enough for a three-story Victorian house in Dublin. The top floor remained damp until we added a second unit.

Laundry Drying Solutions

Drying clothes indoors is a fact of life in Ireland, especially during our long wet seasons. Here's how I've optimized my setup:

Position your dehumidifier near your clothes rack, but not directly under it. I've found that placing it about 1-2 meters away works best, allowing the drier air to circulate around the clothes. This not only speeds up drying but also prevents that musty smell that's all too common in Irish homes during winter.

For larger families or during particularly wet weather, consider using a dehumidifier with a higher capacity. My current setup in a family home in Cork uses a 20L unit specifically for the utility room, which handles our family's laundry needs even during the wettest months.

Cold Room Considerations

Many Irish homes have unheated spaces like conservatories, attics, or basements. These can be particularly challenging for dehumidifiers:

If you're using the dehumidifier in a cold space, make sure it's rated for low temperatures. Some models stop working below 15°C, which is common in unheated rooms during Irish winters. I learned this the hard way when my first unit wouldn't work in our conservatory during a cold snap.

For stone-built homes or older properties with cold spots, consider using a small space heater alongside your dehumidifier. The warmer air will help the dehumidifier work more efficiently. Just be careful not to place the heater too close to the unit.

Noise Management

Irish homes, especially in cities, often have thin walls and close neighbors. Here's how to handle noise:

Use the night or quiet mode for bedrooms. Modern dehumidifiers are surprisingly quiet — my current unit is barely louder than a fridge. For open-plan living spaces, position the unit away from seating areas and use furniture to help absorb sound.

If noise is a major concern, consider investing in a premium model with advanced noise reduction. The extra cost is worth it for peace of mind, especially in apartments or terraced houses where noise can be an issue with neighbors.