Due to Hong Kong's humid climate, many households rely on dehumidifiers year-round, with a growing market for models that also purify air. The Consumer Council recently tested 14 compressor dehumidifiers, including 8 compatible with High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters, in collaboration with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD).
The tests showed that daily dehumidification capacities in manufacturer environments ranged from 19.8 to 29.8 liters, about 56% to 82% higher than under standard conditions. The Council urged manufacturers not to use these inflated figures for marketing, as they don't reflect actual usage.
Five models had slightly lower daily capacities than rated, with deviations between 0.5% and 6.8%. While all models were labeled with a Grade 1 energy label, efficiency varied significantly, with the best model outperforming the worst by 50.2%.
Among the 8 models with HEPA filters, there were substantial differences in performance for removing particulate matter and formaldehyde. Some models that performed well without HEPA filters saw their dehumidification capacities decrease significantly when the filters were added.
The Council advises consumers to consider the ongoing costs of replacing HEPA filters and recommends that the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department disclose whether HEPA filters were installed during testing. Prices for the tested models ranged from HK$2,400 to HK$7,580, with daily rated capacities varying based on testing conditions.
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