Is swapping a 'demon' appliance for a dehumidifier the smartest move?
- Emma Gill, a parent and journalist, decided to swap her tumble dryer for a dehumidifier to manage laundry more efficiently.
- The dehumidifier proved effective in extracting moisture from towels, costing only 6p per hour to run.
- Emma concluded that replacing the dryer with the dehumidifier was financially beneficial and a smarter choice.
In the United Kingdom, Emma Gill, Parents Editor for the Manchester Evening News, recently made a significant change in her approach to drying clothes. With rising energy costs and the need to manage a considerable amount of laundry, including children's school uniforms, sports kits, and dog towels, Emma sought a more economical solution. Following advice from financial expert Martin Lewis, she decided to swap her 'demon appliance' – the tumble dryer – with a dehumidifier. Emma faced challenges with her dryer, as it frequently shut off due to lint buildup, leading to unpleasant odours in clothes. Additionally, the costs associated with running the dryer were considerably high. She mentioned that her heated airer was a more affordable option but still indicated an issue with dampness in the room while in use. After utilizing the dehumidifier, she was impressed with its efficacy in drawing moisture from towels and its economical operation, costing only 6p an hour for both the 'dry' and 'dehumid' settings. With the use of the dehumidifier, she observed significant moisture extraction, gaining about two inches in the draining tank after just a few hours of operation. The noise level was manageable for Emma, who noted that even her dog was settled by the white noise it produced. The operational costs proved to be vastly lower compared to her previous laundry methods, reinforcing Emma's decision to keep the dehumidifier instead of the dryer. She expressed satisfaction with the outcome of her trial and the substantial savings it represented. Ultimately, Emma Gill's move towards using a dehumidifier instead of a tumble dryer not only provided a practical solution for her family's laundry demands but also promoted a more energy-efficient approach, aligning with broader efforts to combat rising living expenses and environmental concerns. By sharing her experience, she highlights the potential benefits others may gain from considering similar alternatives in their household management.