One large dehumidifier or two smaller ones ....???

[aldiconvert]

We have a 2 bed stone cottage terrace that we have internal moisture condensation problems with and get black mould in 2 bedrooms on walls ..... We have just had gutters, roof, pipes checked etc.... Just had an extractor fan fitted in bathroom and got condenser tumbler.... Put lids on pans etc etc. got moisture traps..... Got mould remover sprays.... Even researching plants that absorb moisture .... Going to get a dehumidifier .... Should I get one big one for the house or one for each room ..?.... Not got a scooby do.....please help me .....

[RandomMess]

Do you normally sleep with doors open or shut?

They do make a noise

IF it's a small house and you could leave the internal doors open all day then 1 would probably be enough?

[aldiconvert]

It's only a 2 up 2 down with kitchen extension ( so 3 down) .... Should they be on at night or just day ?

[RandomMess]

When we had one it was set to come on automatically when a certain humidity was reached so it was on standby 24/7

[aldiconvert]

Ooh that is good to know ..... I was just going to pick one up from b and q but please would you tell me what make yours is as that would suit me better it if can be set automatically .... Otherwise I will waste electricity using it a bit hit and miss .....

[aldiconvert]

Last message was to random mess btw

[UnicornsPooGlitter]

We have an Ebac dehumidifier - the important thing to check is the max litres water removed / day, as this will allow you to compare different models etc. Ours can remove 21 litres / day IIRC.

Yes to a bit noisy, but we don't want mould growing on our ceiling either!

[Bert2e]

I'd go for 2 - 1 upstairs and 1 downstairs. You can run them in the day and then turn off at night to minimise noise.

[UnicornsPooGlitter]

We actually have two like Bert suggests. We keep them on all of the time, but they're driving me a bit mad. Will re-consider once damp problem is considered under control.

[RandomMess]

I think we had an ebac, was a long time ago though!

[VivaLeBeaver]

We've got a big one downstairs that's on all the time and I'm about to get a small one for upstairs that's on just in the day.

I'm also looking into a positive air flow ventilation system.

[aldiconvert]

Thanks ..... Now next question .... Who should pay .... Landlord or tenant ???? They are costly to run aren't they ? But it is internal moisture condensation not anything external .....

[RandomMess]

You I'm afraid. If you left your windows up to improve ventilation you wouldn't need them...

[VivaLeBeaver]

Yes, you. Sorry. It's not like its structural damp.

[aldiconvert]

I am actually the landlady .... I am glad you replied that .... worried could have a bit of conflict with tenant over this as she is single parent with two children and will not be happy about bills rising ,... She does work but think struggles .... I am going to provide dehumidifier and mould sprays and sponges and step ladders so she can keep on top of it but think it should stop there ? I was toying with the idea of paying for it so my property stays ok as mould can get our of hand if not kept on top of but then I thought this would be difficult to monitor and actually we are sooooo skint at the moment that I am reluctant to do too much for the tenant as on feel she has to take responsibility but I want to fully fulfil my landlady duties and help where I can ....

[VivaLeBeaver]

I think you're been more than fair.

[RandomMess]

Running a dehumidifier is probably cheaper than heating the cottage and leaving the windows open to stop the condensation issue.

If she is drying her washing indoors that will back it bad.

[aldiconvert]

I know random mess ! I asked her not to dry laundry indoors and she really kicked off ! I appreciate that it is an issue for her as to how to dry clothes but that is a separate issue. She did not accept that drying laundry could cause problems as she dried it in last rented house without problems and said she would never have moved in had she known this and it does not say in the contract not to dry washing indoors etc ... The following day she said she would get a condenser tumbler so that is good as if she uses it it will help ....

[aldiconvert]

Viva .... Will you update me on your positive air flow adventure please ??? Also , everyone says these dehumidifiers are costly to run but how much a year do you reckon it will increase her bill by ????

[aldiconvert]

Like the idea of dehumidifier that comes on automatically .. That way tenant does not have to do anything apart from empty it ....Hope not lot more expensive ....

[RandomMess]

I wouldn't think it'll be much. Have you done a google search to see if you can find out?

She may find one is enough? Buy one to start off with and see how she gets on?

[VivaLeBeaver]

I can't see us getting a positive airflow system this winter. Have just talked dh into a log burner.

A friend of mine got a positive air flow system last year. Her dh fitted it, they found it made a big difference.

Dh isn't sure we need one. He keeps telling me to have the windows open more, lids on pans, wipe condensation off windows in the mornings, etc.

[UnicornsPooGlitter]

Can I just ask, I think condenser tumble driers have been mentioned on this thread twice - but, a vented one would be just as efficient, no? We're considering getting one, and have an existing vent in the side of the house I think.

[RandomMess]

Yep vented is fine, you use a condensing one if you can't vent straight outside.

[UnicornsPooGlitter]

Thanks Random. I didn't know that tumble dryers were so complicated until I decided to buy one!

[aldiconvert]

Me neither ...... All of this is huge learning curve .... So grateful for advice on here