Find the best dehumidifier for your space

Keep your home dry this winter with a dehumidifier

If you’ve noticed condensation on your windows, musty smells, mould, or damp rooms that never feel truly dry, a dehumidifier can make a big difference. These appliances work by pulling moisture from the air, helping to reduce mould growth, improve air quality, and make your home feel warmer and more comfortable. Damp air is common during New Zealand winters, especially in older homes or those without much insulation. Moisture from daily activities like cooking, showering and drying laundry indoors can quickly build up, making your space harder to heat and less healthy to live in. A dehumidifier removes that excess moisture and, when used alongside your heater, can reduce energy use while creating a drier, healthier environment for your family.

What does a dehumidifier do?

Dehumidifiers pull in humid air, remove the excess water, and release drier air back into the room. They help prevent damp and mould while improving air quality. In winter, this can also help your heater work more efficiently, since dry air takes less energy to warm than damp air. By reducing moisture, a dehumidifier also helps protect soft furnishings, curtains, and walls from long-term damage.

Where and how to use a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers can be used in nearly any room, especially where moisture tends to build up.

Common use areas include:

• Bedrooms, where they reduce condensation on windows and help improve sleep comfort
• Living rooms, to create a drier, warmer space in winter
• Bathrooms and kitchens, where steam from showers and cooking can add significant moisture
• Laundry areas, for faster indoor drying and less moisture in the air
• Garages or basements, to protect stored items and reduce musty odours
• Holiday homes or caravans, to manage humidity while the space is unoccupied

For best results, place the unit centrally in the room with clear space around it for airflow. Close doors and windows while the unit is running to avoid drawing in new moisture. If you’re using it in a high-moisture area, consider a model with a continuous drain hose to reduce the need for frequent emptying.

What size dehumidifier do you need?

Choosing the right size dehumidifier depends on the size of your room and how damp it gets. Smaller rooms need less power, while larger or moisture-heavy spaces may require a higher capacity unit.

Not sure where to start?

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

Best dehumidifier for common needs

The right dehumidifier depends on the room and how you plan to use it. Here are a few typical scenarios to help guide your decision:

• If you’re dealing with a small, damp bedroom, a compact 8 to 12 litre compressor model will quietly manage moisture without taking up too much space. These are ideal for overnight use and are easy to move between rooms.
• For a medium-sized lounge, a 12 to 18 litre compressor model offers a good balance of power and efficiency. Look for a built-in humidistat so the unit can automatically turn off when the room reaches your preferred dryness level.
• If your space is cold or unheated, like a basement or garage, a desiccant dehumidifier is the better choice. Unlike compressor models, desiccant units stay effective even when temperatures drop below 10°C.
• When you’re drying laundry indoors, choose a model with a dedicated laundry mode. This increases airflow and helps speed up drying without increasing moisture in the room.
• For larger home areas or multiple rooms, look for an 18 litre or higher capacity compressor model. A larger tank or hose connection will save you time on emptying and is ideal for frequent use.

Features to look for

While all dehumidifiers perform the same basic function, some features can make them much easier to use and maintain.

Here are the ones to look for:

• If you’re dealing with a small, damp bedroom, a compact 8 to 12 litre compressor model will quietly manage moisture without taking up too much space. These are ideal for overnight use and are easy to move between rooms.
• For a medium-sized lounge, a 12 to 18 litre compressor model offers a good balance of power and efficiency. Look for a built-in humidistat so the unit can automatically turn off when the room reaches your preferred dryness level.
• If your space is cold or unheated, like a basement or garage, a desiccant dehumidifier is the better choice. Unlike compressor models, desiccant units stay effective even when temperatures drop below 10°C.
• When you’re drying laundry indoors, choose a model with a dedicated laundry mode. This increases airflow and helps speed up drying without increasing moisture in the room.
• For larger home areas or multiple rooms, look for an 18 litre or higher capacity compressor model. A larger tank or hose connection will save you time on emptying and is ideal for frequent use.

Compressor vs desiccant

There are two main types of dehumidifiers. The right one for your home depends on how cold your space gets and how often you plan to run the unit.

Compressor dehumidifiers use refrigerant to remove moisture from warm air. They're best for everyday use in warmer, humid parts of the country such as the North Island and work well in bedrooms or living areas where the temperature stays above 15°C. These models are generally more energy efficient, but they tend to be heavier and can be noisier than other types. In rooms that regularly drop below 10°C, their performance may reduce significantly.

Desiccant dehumidifiers use a drying wheel to absorb moisture from the air. They’re ideal for colder or unheated spaces such as basements, garages, caravans or holiday homes making them well suited to winter conditions in the South Island. These units are lightweight, run more quietly, and remain effective even in low temperatures. They do tend to use more electricity than compressor models, but their reliability in cold conditions makes them a great choice for tough environments.

Power use & running costs

Most dehumidifiers use between 200 and 500 watts, depending on the size and settings. That’s roughly the same as running a fridge or small heater. To save power, choose a unit with a humidistat or timer, which helps stop the unit automatically once your room reaches your target humidity. Running costs depend on wattage, electricity rates in your area and how long the heater runs each day. As energy prices can fluctuate across New Zealand, use cost calculators or your electricity provider’s tools to estimate usage. For the most accurate info, base estimates on your local kWh rate and usage patterns.

Create a warmer, drier home this winter

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, helping your space feel more comfortable and easier to heat. Whether you’re choosing a compact Goldair or Nouveau unit for a small bedroom, a sleek Breville model for everyday use, or a powerful Winix or Goldair Platinum dehumidifier for larger or damper areas, the right solution can make a noticeable difference in your home.

For the best results, pair your dehumidifier with an electric heater that suits your room size and layout. Whether you're reducing condensation in one room or creating a warm, dry environment throughout the house, using a dehumidifier alongside a well-matched heater can help you stay warm and save energy.

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