A dehumidifier with a drying rack is usually more energy-efficient than a standard condenser or vented dryer, but not necessarily more energy-efficient than a heat pump dryer or a drying rack in an unheated room. What works best depends on how much laundry you dry, what type of dryer you have, and how well you ventilate.
How does a tumble dryer work and how does a dehumidifier work?
A tumble dryer blows hot air through the drum and extracts the moisture, into a condensation tank or via a hose. A dehumidifier does something different: you hang the laundry on a rack, and the device removes the moisture that evaporates from the wet laundry from the room air. The laundry therefore dries slowly in the air, while the dehumidifier prevents the humidity in the room from increasing.
What does Milieu Centraal say about the tumble dryer?
According to Milieu Centraal, a heat pump dryer uses much less electricity than a condenser dryer or vented dryer, and a drying rack in an unheated room is much more energy-efficient than a dryer. So do not hang the laundry in the warmest room, because then you have to heat extra. In autumn and winter, drying indoors can be a good alternative, provided you ventilate well to prevent moisture problems.
A calculation example (with assumptions)
The exact consumption varies per device and laundry program, so calculate with the data of your own devices. As an assumption, we use a rate of 0.30 euros per kWh below. According to the product page, the dehumidifier has a power of 80W. If it runs for a whole day of 10 hours, that is 0.8 kWh, or approximately 0.24 euros. A tumble dryer has a much higher power per drying cycle, you can find the consumption per program on the energy label. This is how you can easily compare it yourself: add up the kWh of a drying cycle and divide it by the consumption of the dehumidifier during the drying time of your rack.
Keep in mind that a drying rack with wet laundry takes longer than a dryer, often half a day to a whole day.
Comparison: tumble dryer, drying rack and dehumidifier
| Method | Consumption | Speed | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump dryer | Low for a dryer | Fast | High purchase price |
| Condenser or vented dryer | High | Fast | Lots of electricity per drying cycle |
| Drying rack in unheated room | No electricity | Slow | Good ventilation |
| Drying rack plus dehumidifier | Low to average | Average | Keep room closed |
Direct answer: a drying rack in an unheated, ventilated room is the most energy-efficient; a dehumidifier is a good choice if you dry indoors and want to prevent moisture.
Dynter DH251 for drying laundry
According to the product page, the Dynter AirPure DH251 removes up to 900 ml of moisture from the air per day. That is handy in a small, closed room with a drying rack, where otherwise the humidity quickly increases.
Dehumidification: up to 900 ml per day
Water tank: 3800 ml, with safety sensor when the tank is full
Consumption: 80W
Timer: adjustable from 1 to 24 hours
Weight: 2.5 kg
This is how you dry indoors without mold
Make sure there is space between the pieces of clothing so that the air can pass through, spin at the highest possible speed, and do not dry in your bedroom. Milieu Centraal also advises to combine drying indoors with good ventilation. Also read how you dry laundry faster with a dehumidifier, what you can do without a tumble dryer and why drying on the heater might not be a good idea.
Curious about the dehumidifier? Check out the Dynter DH251 or the entire collection of dehumidifiers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry laundry with a dehumidifier?
That varies per room and amount of laundry. Usually count on a few hours to half a day for thin laundry, and longer for thick fabrics like towels or jeans.
Is drying indoors harmful to my house?
It can cause moisture and mold if you do not ventilate. Therefore, combine drying indoors with ventilation and possibly a dehumidifier.
Which room is best to dry laundry in?
An unheated, well-ventilated room is the most energy-efficient according to Milieu Centraal. Avoid bedrooms.
Can I let a dehumidifier run all day?
Yes, as long as the water tank is emptied. Use the timer to stop the device at the desired time.
Is a tumble dryer always more expensive to use?
Not always. A heat pump dryer is much more energy-efficient than a condenser dryer. Look at the energy label.