EcoAir | DC18 Compact Dehumidifier | 18 Litres per Day | Electronic Control | 3.5 L Water Tank | Active Humidistat | Laundry Mode | Clean Filter Indicator | Auto Defrost

Product Information

If the environment isn’t overly damp, and isn’t used for showering or drying washing, you can use a dehumidifier with a capacity of 14.5 L or less. This applies even in a large rooms of 100 m². In a medium room, of around 45 m², you can get away with using a much smaller dehumidifier, around 5.5 L. Severe Damp From the EcoAir Compact compressor range comes DC12’s larger brother; the new DC18 Dehumidifier. As the name suggests, this mammoth machine has an extraction rate of 18 litres per day, making it an ideal air dehumidifier for smaller offices and 4-5 bedroom houses. Just like all EcoAir products, the aim is improved user experience and functions that meet the high expectations of customers. EcoAir promised control, and that is exactly what they deliver with this model. The DC18 boasts of an electronic control panel with cleverly designed touch button technology and an intelligent display. Offering the flexibility of two fan speeds, and therefore the ability to reduce energy and sound footprint when in low mode. Not seen very often in this class. Whilst a lot of dehumidifiers have a small display screen, the Dimplex FTE16 does not. Instead of being able to see the current humidity, there are numbered settings (1 – 9) that correlate to different humidity levels.

Once turn on one of 3 coloured lights will appear indicating the current ambient humidity in your environment. Coloured indicators for your ambient humidity; It can remove 20 litres of moisture per day and has an automatic ‘humidistat’ sensor (like a thermostat, but for humidity). There’s also as an easy-read digital LED display and a large 5.5 litre water-storage tank. Nobody likes heavy lifting, especially when the environment is barely breathable. Fortunately, the EcoAir DC18 Compact Portable Dehumidifier comes with easy glide casters that enable you to slide it effortlessly into any room in your house without having to lift it. This is very useful, especially when the tank has some water in it. Conclusion These machines are the ‘originals’ when it comes to dehumidifying – their design has been around for a long time. EcoAir classifies the DC18 dehumidifier as a compact unit and rightly so since it does not take up a lot of space (measuring in at just 52.6 x 39.4 x 27.6 cm). But, for a small appliance, it is quite heavy. The entire unit weighs about 14.5Kg. Fortunately, this dehumidifier has four castors fixed to the base, which swivel 360 degrees, to help make moving the DC18 a little easier.For peace of mind, it’s helpful if the dehumidifier will automatically switch off when the tank is full. This will stop the tank from being able to overflow.

As the name implies, this dehumidifier from EcoAir can extract up to 18 litres per day. However, it is worth noting that the extraction rate will depend on the humidity and temperature level within your home. To collect the stated maximum amount of water, you would have to replicate the test climate that the EcoAir DC18 was manufactured to operate in, which is usually only found in hot bathrooms after showering. The EcoAir DC18 underwent tests in conditions of 30ᵒ C and 80% RH to achieve the 18L extraction rate. EcoAir recommends waiting for at least 10 minutes before making any attempts to remove the tank. Doing so will allow any excess moisture to drip into the collection tank rather than on your floor when you are in the process of emptying. A lid further minimizes the risks for spills as you walk over to a sink or drain to empty the tank. The water pours out through a small spout, so you just have to tilt the tank to empty it. Water Extraction Rate Also, as a by-product of their energy usage, desiccant dehumidifiers can warm the air in a room. Therefore, desiccant dehumidifiers are also a great choice for cool or unheated conservatories . In operation, the Inventor does emit a slight hum from the fan although it’s nothing to get too worked up about. There’s built-in air filtration though along with an automatic shut-off function just in case the tank gets full and you’re not around to empty it. The other boon with this machine is that it is reasonably lightweight at 11.4kg, which means you can easily move it to other rooms as and when it’s needed. A standard two year warranty gives extra peace of mind, but at the heart is an extraction capability of max 18L per day. EcoAir strive for improved user experience and, as such, look for functions that meet our customers’ high expectations and needs.

It’s also been recognised as a Which? best buy, which is reassuring in terms of its quality and performance. This particular compressor model boasts a moisture extraction rate of 10.26 litres per day and comes with a 2.6-litre container which will need to be emptied from time to time (thankfully the unit turns itself off when full). However, a 12-litre and new 20-litre version are also available for those with bigger rooms.

Compressor dehumidifiers like the EcoAir DC18 operate best in high-temperature conditions. However, this particular model will continue to work even if the temperature falls to 5° C but not below that. The compressor turns off as the dehumidifier periodically enters into defrost mode when room temperature drops below 15° C. Customer Impressions

When the 2.3 litre tank is full, the dehumidifier automatically switches off to avoid accidents. There’s a small icon on top of the unit that lights up when the tank is full. It’s also possible to connect a continuous hose to the tank, so that it empties elsewhere. The EcoAir DC12 dehumidifier is an excellent option for small houses and flats. It’s great at extracting water at room temperature and above. The machine is also relatively quiet, compared to other refrigerant dehumidifiers, and has a range of useful features. We also like that it has a large 3.5 litre water tank despite the relatively slim design. The Electriq uses very little energy (180 watts) and comes with an air purifier function replete with plasma ionizer and UV sterilisation for extra air-cleaning pizzazz. According to Electriq it also ‘dries laundry more efficiently than a tumble dryer’. We’re not convinced it was better than our Bosch tumbler but it did dry a pair of jeans in about 90 minutes, so that’s okay.

Automatic restart– the machine automatically restarts using its previous settings if there is a break in power. It would have been good, however, to have more colour options (such as you get with the MeacoDRY ABC and the EcoAir DD1). Completing the stylish modern look is a simple-to-use control panel with digital display and touch-sensitive buttons. The DC12 comes with a “Touch Button” control panel and basic LED display. We’re not sure why EcoAir describes this panel as “Intelligent,” but it’s simple to use and provides all the information you need at a glance. We would have liked to have seen a more advanced display for monitoring humidity, but considering the price range it does the job. This British family-run company makes both compressor and desiccant units and this is its award-winning flagship compressor model.It’s not the prettiest of appliances, granted, but you know what's uglier? Mould up your walls.The machine also features laundry mode for drying clothes, night mode where it runs at a low fan speed with audible beeps and control panel lights switched off, continuous mode, and stand-alone air purifying mode. Running costs are stated as 3.3p / hour (that’s 4.5 cents) based on 15.32p (21.02 cents) / kWh, and do remember that in Smart Humidity Control mode it’s unlikely that it will be running 24/7 unless your home has a serious damp problem. The Compact EcoAir DC18 Dehumidifier makes a decent attempt at combining control, performance, and flexibility; at least as flexible as you can go with this large unit. With a 3.5-litre tank capacity conveniently positioned at the face of the dehumidifier, you are able to access the tank easily without having to shift the entire unit. Sliding the tank out might be a bit rough, but fortunately, there is a lid covering the tank to avoid instances of spillage. Concealed “Easy Glide” castors make moving between rooms a simple process. A sleek design which will sit discreetly in any room. Manage humidity levels via a “Touch Button” control pad with LED display allowing total control of your appliance. Set the required level via the “Humidity Display” and benefit from other Self Diagnosis indicators such as “Clean Me” filter indicators.