Amcor DC800 Dehumidifier & Air Purifier

We had a serious problem with dampness and an equally serious problem with the cost of electricity and the continual wet weather. With no radiators to help dry clothes, the tumble dryer was eating into the household budget. That's when I found out about dehumidifiers and how economical these can be, plus, they can be beneficial to your health.

After much research, I settled for the Amcor DC800 Dehumidifier & Air Purifier in one. I got mine for less than £80 including P&P and it has been the best purchase I've made in 2008!

Mine uses about 1 unit of electricity per day and I'm amazed at how quickly it got rid of the musty, damp smell in the house, plus it's great for sitting under the 'pulley' or next to the clothes airer. The air that comes out of it isn't warm but it's circulating purified air whilst drying the washing and the damp walls. It sounds like a small fan heater crossed with a fridge, not too loud. This particular model can remove up to 12 litres of moisture per day so, if you are on a water meter, you've a free water source for washing the car, windows, floors or watering the plants!

This machine also has an air purifier built in and, as anyone who keeps pets or cage birds will know, this helps filter out dust and allergens that can otherwise coat your furniture and give you the sneezes. And did you know that mites can't survive in a low humidity environment, so this machine can help solve that problem too!

As someone who appreciates both an eco-friendly lifestyle and frugal moneysaving, this household appliance offers me both. The DC800 has been a wise investment. It has variable settings for both the humidiostat and the air purifier; despite it being a little tricky to remove the water container or switch on/off the fans if you've just done your nails, the machine is on wheels, so it's easy to move and it saves me a fortune on electricity when drying wet laundry. This has to be one of my 'best bargain buys' of 2008 as I haven't had to resort to the tumble dryer, which can now be sold.