What is a wall-mounted dehumidifier and should you buy one?

Wall-mounted dehumidifiers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about managing humidity, but they offer a unique approach to keeping your home comfortable.

Designed to free up floor space while tackling dampness and moisture, they’re an intriguing option for spaces like utility rooms, studios, and even holiday homes.

This article will break down everything you need to know about wall-mounted dehumidifiers, their advantages, disadvantages, costs and how they compare to the best dehumidifiers on the market.

How do wall-mounted dehumidifiers work?

A wall-mounted dehumidifier operates in much the same way as a standard dehumidifier. It draws in moist air, cools it to condense the water vapour into liquid, and then releases dry air back into the room.

What sets wall-mounted models apart is their ability to be securely affixed to a wall. This is often paired with a gravity-fed drainage system, which allows the collected water to flow out through a hose, eliminating the need to manually empty the water tank and requiring less maintenance.

According to Chris Michael, managing director of Meaco: "A wall-mounted domestic dehumidifier is basically a normal dehumidifier with the ability to be wall-mounted. It’s particularly useful in spaces like rented accommodations, garages, workshops, and laundry rooms where floor space is limited or continuous drainage is needed."

Chris Michael

Chris Michael is an air treatment expert specialising in dehumidifiers, and air purifiers, and offers solutions for healthier, more comfortable indoor environments.

Pros and cons of wall-mounted dehumidifiers

Wall-mounted dehumidifiers are ideal for saving floor space and enabling continuous drainage, making them perfect for small homes, holiday properties, or utility rooms.

However, these models have limitations. They are less common, more expensive, and require careful installation.

James Longley, Managing Director at Utility Bidder, explains: "The number of units with wall mounting brackets is limited, and uneven mounting can lead to water leaks or increased vibration." While fixed in one spot, they excel in areas where portability isn’t a priority.

James Longley

James is a seasoned executive within the energy-saving universe with over 20 years of experience, currently serving Managing Director of Utility Bidder. He offers energy-saving advice for homeowners.

How much should a wall-mounted dehumidifier cost?

Wall-mounted dehumidifiers generally cost more than their freestanding counterparts due to their specialised design.

Prices can range from £150 to £400 or more, depending on the brand, capacity, and additional features.

Some models, like those from Meaco, include vibration dampers in their mounting brackets to prevent noise and reverb through walls, which can add to the cost but significantly improve the user experience.

Shop for freestanding dehumidifiers

How do they compare to regular dehumidifiers?

Freestanding dehumidifiers offer portability, allowing you to move them from room to room. Wall-mounted units, on the other hand, are fixed, making them more suited for specific-use cases.

Wall-mounted dehumidifiers are a clear winner in tight spaces. As Chris Michael explains: "For the majority of households, a freestanding dehumidifier makes more sense. But in areas like utility rooms, garages, or rented accommodations, wall-mounted units excel."

With a continuous drainage setup, wall-mounted models require less regular attention compared to freestanding models with tanks that need frequent emptying.

While the upfront cost of wall-mounted models can be higher, the convenience of continuous drainage may save time and effort in the long run.

Should you buy a wall-mounted dehumidifier?

The decision to invest in a wall-mounted dehumidifier depends on your specific needs:

• Space constraints: If you’re dealing with limited floor space in areas like laundry rooms, small homes, or caravans, a wall-mounted model could be a perfect solution.
• Continuous use: If you need a dehumidifier to run continuously without manual intervention, such as in rented properties or holiday homes, wall-mounted units with a drainage system are highly practical.
• Budget: If cost is a concern, weigh the benefits of the wall-mounted design against more affordable, freestanding options.

As Chris Michael emphasises: "Mounting your dehumidifier to the wall is ideal for those who don’t want to – or can’t – regularly empty a water tank."

Wall-mounted dehumidifiers are a niche, but highly effective solution for specific scenarios. While they might not replace the flexibility of traditional freestanding models for most households, they are an excellent choice for spaces where saving floor space and hassle-free operation are priorities.

However, if you're wondering if a wall mounted dehumidifier could be a solution for your bathroom, then think again. Follow this advice regarding using dehumidifiers in bathrooms and instead make sure you've covered all of your other bathroom ventilation options instead.