Does a Dehumidifier Cool a Room? (UK Guide)

By the Dry Dwell editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

It's a common assumption that a dehumidifier cools a room like an air conditioner. In temperature terms it does the opposite, but it can still make a room feel more comfortable. Here's what actually happens.

Quick answer

No, a dehumidifier doesn't cool a room - it slightly warms it, because the motor and the drying process give off heat. What it does is remove moisture from the air, which makes a humid room feel less clammy and more comfortable, even though the temperature edges up a little.

Why it warms rather than cools

A dehumidifier draws in air, condenses the water vapour out of it, and blows the drier air back out. The compressor and fan generate heat, and condensing releases a little more, so the air leaving the machine is marginally warmer than it went in. In a closed room this can lift the temperature by a degree or two over time.

Why it can still feel more comfortable

Humidity is a big part of why a room feels stuffy or muggy. By cutting the moisture in the air, a dehumidifier helps sweat evaporate more easily and makes the room feel fresher, which many people experience as 'cooler' even though the thermometer disagrees. It also helps prevent damp, condensation and mould.

If you want actual cooling

For genuine temperature cooling you need an air conditioner or portable air conditioner, which removes heat from the room and usually vents it outside. A dehumidifier and an air conditioner do different jobs - one removes moisture, the other removes heat - though some portable air conditioners include a dehumidify mode.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

Does a dehumidifier make a room hotter?

Slightly. The motor and drying process give off a little heat, so a dehumidifier can raise a closed room's temperature by a degree or two, while making it feel less humid and clammy.

Should I use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to cool down?

For real cooling, use an air conditioner, which removes heat. A dehumidifier only removes moisture, which makes a muggy room feel more comfortable but won't lower the temperature.

Does removing humidity make a room feel cooler?

Yes - lower humidity helps sweat evaporate, so a less humid room feels fresher and more comfortable even at the same temperature. That's why a dehumidifier can feel cooling on a muggy day.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the Meaco MeacoDry ABC 10L (our score 9.6/10) - A practical dehumidifier (10 litres/day) for keeping humidity down and preventing mould and condensation..