Granted, at 1kW, its power output is 1,000 Watts less than most other models, but the benefit in the long term is lower running costs. This heater is also equipped with an intelligent thermostat that monitors room temperature, turning itself on and off when required. You can program it – and set a timer – via its intuitive touch-screen interface or the included remote control. It comes with three main heat settings – 350W, 700W and 1,000W. It's also worth noting that what you're looking for when choosing a dehumidifier for your bedroom may very well differ from choosing a dehumidifier for the kitchen. The recommended humidity for your home is 40-60 per cent in the summer months and between 30-50 per cent in the winter. You can measure it with a hygrometer (a humidity gauge - they’re not expensive). If it goes over 70 per cent, you run the risk of condensation, damp, mould, fungi and bacteria. That’s when you need a dehumidifier. Which is better, a compressor or desiccant dehumidifier? You should position the dehumidifier closer to the source of the water problem to help it cure the problem faster, whether it's clothes drying or a shower room with no extractor fan. Avoid putting it in the bathroom, too.

The other controls let you choose between quiet Sleep mode, powerful High mode for laundry and economic Low mode for daytime use. You can fine-tune these by setting the fan speed and desired humidity level (you’ll want it under 50 percent, see below). But that’s it. Very much a fire-and-forget machine. I like the way it looks, too. Although it’s an American company, there’s something reassuringly Swiss about it. Maybe that’s just me. In the world of oil-filled radiators, the Dragon 4 Pro is one of the most advanced on the market. Its unique chimney design really does help radiate heat outwards and upwards so it shouldn’t take long for you to feel the effects – and boy does this thing get hot! Oil-filled heaters aren’t the most attractive of household appliances, but we’ve seen far worse lookers than the Dragon 4 Pro. At 15kg, it’s quite a weighty beast but at least it comes with little caster wheels to move it around the room. You’ll also need to find some space near a wall that will accommodate its 495 x 160 x 665mm dimensions. Performance-wise it draws 350 Watts, making it one of the most powerful on this list at a competitive price. I tested it in my shower room, where I usually keep a window open to prevent mould. As the mornings get chillier this dehumidifier is the perfect replacement, keeping any mould at bay and the heating in. The auto-defrosting function also means it can carry on working when the temperature drops. With advice from air conditioning experts Ryan Kandola and Chris Wood and with help from others in The Telegraph Recommended team, I have tried and tested the best dehumidifiers on the market for energy efficiency, drying power, value for money and, where possible, quiet running. “Remember, size isn’t everything,” Ryan says. “Look at the area you’re dealing with and choose the right size of unit. You’ll be surprised at just how powerful some of the small dehumidifiers are.” High demandThe smaller model, 1.8kW has two outputs levels to save energy, a 1-7 hour off timer and a fan only mode for summer use. That will be especially useful over the winter months as it means you won’t have to keep your heating on as long to dry your clothes, reducing your energy bills in the process,” says Chris Wood from Aircon Direct. Traditional heating works by setting the temperature using a thermostat to maintain a room temperature, regardless of whether the room is used constantly or only occasionally. A spare bedroom, children’s playroom, conservatory, office workspace or shed may have infrequent use, but in the colder weather still need warming up. Dehumidifiers are proving exceptionally popular this year and our top-rated airers may temporarily sell out. These are currently the best places to look for alternatives: The sleep mode is one of the reasons why customers love the MeacoCool range: it reduces both the fan speed and the noise level, making sure that you can sleep well even on the warmest nights. And the useful remote control allows you to adjust the unit whenever you need to.

Cost of living concerns mean we're more conscious of the high c ost of running a tumble dryer, but drying clothes naturally can incur additional costs, warns Chris from Meaco. 'The moisture released by the clothes as they dry will stay in the air, meaning that wet washing will take increasingly longer to dry – especially as households may be keeping windows closed to keep precious heat in,' he says. We’ve updated our air conditioning units, making them quieter, more energy efficient and easier to use. Now A-rated for energy efficiency, and with the R290 refrigerant, which is more environmentally friendly, the MeacoCool range is outstanding value for money as well as a great-looking, user-friendly unit. This unit is designed for spaces from 18-28m². The beauty of a desiccant dehumidifier is not only that they are typically quieter than compressor models, but they are ideal for smaller, unheated areas such as conservatories, campervans, garages, boats and cellars. They’re also fantastically efficient.If you are worried about high running costs, choose the Meaco,” says Chris Wood, another expert from Aircon Centre. “It has a control system that can reduce your energy consumption by up to 80 percent compared to other dehumidifiers.”