Senelux Primo S12 Dehumidifier: Efficient humidity control for big spaces
If you’re searching for a reliable, efficient dehumidifier to combat excessive moisture in your living spaces, the Senelux Primo S12 Dehumidifier is a strong contender. With a sleek design, user-friendly features, and effective performance, it’s ideal for bedrooms, small offices, kitchens, and other mid-sized spaces. Here’s an in-depth look at its features, performance, and overall value.
This Looks Familiar
A few years ago, we reviewed a number of air purifier and dehumidifier combo systems that allows for all year use. In the hotter months, you can continue to use the device as a purifier and during the colder months, as a dehumidifier to keep moisture in check. We were particularly drawn to one model, a compact yet stylish Air Dehumidifier with Air Purifying Function, two in one. Back then it was sold under various brand names; Tenergy Sorbi DH02, Afloia AFQ8, Honati Home and Hysure Q7. It was a direct competitor to units from big names like Midea and Meaco.
But the one thing that stuck to our minds were how good it look. The stylish unit with its rounded corners and edges, floating soft touch control panel allows it to stand out from your typical beige and rectangular boxes. Fast forward to today, that same design has resurface in a bigger, more grown-up model, the Senelux Primo S12. You can learn more about the combined air purifier and dehumidifier systems on our earlier article. If you are looking for full size dehumidifier for medium to large spaces read on.
Senelux Primo S12 Dehumidifier (Model: Virgo)
The Senelux Primo S12 Dehumidifier also known as Virgo RCS12 is a full-size dehumidifier with big compressor dehumidifier capable of up to 12 litre of moisture extraction a day. What this means is it is suitable for use in a space of up to 30 square meters. This could be a big bedroom, bedroom with ensuite, open plan living room kitchen, open plan kitchen dining, basement or any homes. Not only is the unit powerful but energy efficient too. But, what is foremost on everyone’s mind when looking for a dehumidifier is its ability to tackle damp, mould and odours at home. Let’s find out if the Senelux Primo S12 is up to the task starting with its features.
1. 12L Daily Moisture Removal
The Primo S12 can remove up to 12 litres of moisture per day, making it suitable for areas prone to dampness, such as basements or laundry rooms. It efficiently tackles mould, mildew, and musty odours. While it can remove as much as 12 litres a day, we would not recommend leaving the unit on all day on its own unless you have it plumped so it automatically drains. The water tank while it is big will fill up at the end of the day and will need emptying manually if the draining hose (optional) is not used. It will of course cut off the unit when the tank is full but we still recommend not leaving the unit without some supervision or applying the timer.
2. Compact and Sleek Design
The dehumidifier has a minimalist and modern design that blends seamlessly into most home interiors. Its compact size allows for easy placement without consuming much space. At least for its capacity, this is still a compact unit with a small footprint. When compared to other dehumidifier towers with similar extraction rate, it looks a lot more stylish and thought out. Most of the dehumidifiers out there are your typical beige rectangles, not inspiring at all. This however has big air intake in the rear and circular outlet on the top with floating control panel that features soft touch for ease of access and control.
3. Digital Humidity Control
The intuitive control panel features a digital humidity display, allowing you to set your desired humidity level. The auto-shutoff feature prevents over-dehumidification, ensuring optimal air quality. You can set the target relative humidity level to 40%, 60%, 80% or continuous dehumidification. The latter being for an area where there is constant source of humidity such as when cooking, in the basement or having a shower. For the other RH settings the unit will turn off once it reaches the target environmental humidity setting. The current Relative Humidity value is indicated in large segment digital display and will go 40 to 80%. Anything lower or higher will be shown as LO or HI respectively.
4. Energy Efficiency
Designed with energy-saving technology, the Primo S12 minimises electricity consumption, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective for daily use. It has a rated power of 158W with a maximum input power of 205W. To minimise fan noise, we typically run this unit at Low fan speed and to dim the lights, turn to Sleep mode. This will run the unit on low power setting but it does still get the job done albeit slower. We also use the timer setting so we do not forget to switch it off. More on this later.
Increasingly, more and more people are using the dehumidifier to dry their laundry over running the inefficient and power hungry tumble dryer. At a fraction of the cost or running the tumble dryer and condenser dryers, the dehumidifier will get the job done and keep a healthy indoor environment at the same time.
5. Timer Function
While the unit is smart enough to switch off when it hits the target environmental Humidity Setting, we use this in conjunction with the timer. You can choose between 2, 4 or 8 hours timer. Once the time is up, it shuts down automatically after three successive beeps. Afterwards, you can choose to turn it back on or leave it off. The timer is a godsend as it means we can leave the home for a short while knowing that the unit will turn itself off after set time. This helps with energy consumption and the bills.
6. Quiet Operation
Operating at a low noise level, it’s perfect for bedrooms and workspaces where silence is crucial. With a noise level of 45dB or less, the big unit offers industrial power dehumidifier while keeping out any disturbances and maintaining a low noise level. There is even a Sleep setting that turns both the fan and LED backlight on the control panel to its lowest setting. The low humming will even help little ones go to sleep. Even on high fan speed, the noise level is still tolerable.
7. Large Water Tank with Auto Shutoff
The 3.2L water tank ensures fewer interruptions for emptying. The unit automatically shuts off when the tank is full, providing peace of mind. It also includes a continuous drain option for hassle-free operation. This is up to 5 times bigger than the small dehumidifier with 500ml tank and two to three times bigger than the mid-size dehumidifier with average tank sizes between 750 and to 1100ml. For the average home, this is equal to three to five days worth of water collection.
8. Built-in Air Purifier (optional)
A bonus feature is its air purification capability, which uses a HEPA filter to capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, improving overall indoor air quality. Our unit does not come with the HEPA filter, just the dust filter. Reading the documentation, there is also an optional Air Quality Indicator that the unit doesn’t come with. A four colour light indicator at the bottom of the control panel, again not available on ours will show the current air quality.
We weren’t too fussed about the air purifier function as we have a separate air purifier. Personally, I am not sure about running damp air through HEPA filters. Water may condense on the filter requiring it to be changed more frequently or risk mould building up on the filter itself if you do not run the dehumidifier often. In any case, the removable and washable dust filter works really well. It is advised that you clean this at least twice a month, once every couple of weeks to avoid the air intake from clogging up.
9. Foldaway Handle and Castor Wheels
Practical features like the foldaway integrated handle located at the top and castor wheels allow you carry or wheel the unit from room to room with ease. Given that it is quite a heavy unit, 13kg to be precise, you are going to appreciate these handy features. The handle foldaway neatly around the control panel, almost hidden while the castors are low to the ground for stability. The unit measures 560 x 295 x 295 mm. Another practical feature is the water level window on the water tank although the water tank full indicator on the control panel will do a better job to let you know when to empty the tank.
Performance
The Senelux Primo S12 excels in maintaining humidity levels between 40-60%, the ideal range for comfort and health. During testing, it performed admirably in a 20m² room, noticeably reducing moisture levels within a few hours. We used this mainly in our open plan kitchen and dining room. This is also where our washing machine, tumble drier and downstairs loo are located. It also happens to be the coolest place in the house so having the dehumidifier there is a godsend. The continuous drain option is particularly useful for long-term use, especially in high-moisture areas. However, users who rely on the water tank may find the 3.2L capacity a bit limiting if humidity levels are consistently high.
Efficient Laundry Drying
Drying clothes indoors, especially during colder months, can be challenging and often leads to increased indoor humidity and potential mould growth. The Primo S12 offers a practical solution by effectively reducing moisture levels, thereby accelerating the drying process of laundry hung on indoor airers. By placing the dehumidifier near your drying clothes, you can significantly decrease drying times and prevent musty odors associated with prolonged dampness. This method not only preserves the quality of your garments but also consumes considerably less energy compared to conventional tumble dryers, leading to cost savings on electricity bills. However, there is no laundry mode like those found on other more expensive models. We simply switch the fan speed up to high and set the timer for two or four hours. This worked quite well.
Creating a Healthier Home Environment
Beyond laundry drying, the Primo S12 plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy indoor environment. Excess humidity can foster the growth of mould, mildew, and dust mites, which are common allergens. By maintaining optimal humidity levels, this dehumidifier helps mitigate these health risks, ensuring cleaner air and reducing the likelihood of respiratory issues.
Other Use Cases
- Basements and Cellars: These areas are prone to dampness, which can lead to structural damage and unpleasant odors. The Primo S12 effectively reduces moisture levels, protecting your property and stored items.
- Bathrooms and Kitchens: High humidity from showers and cooking can cause condensation and mould growth. Using the dehumidifier in these spaces helps control moisture, maintaining cleanliness and preventing damage to fixtures.
- Bedrooms and Living Areas: Maintaining appropriate humidity levels in living spaces enhances comfort and can improve sleep quality by preventing stuffiness and reducing allergens.
Frequently Asked Questions
From our long term us, we have discovered some minor annoyances. To address these issues, we have created this FAQ section.
What is the HS Error Code
The Touch Panel also has a digital display that shows the different error codes. The only one we encountered is HS where the machine enters defrosting mode. This is normal as after defrosting, the unit will continue to operate normally and the display and controls will return to its usual state.
There are of course other error codes which we hope we will never have to see, these relate to inlet temperatures being lower or too high, coil temperature sensor fault, temperature and humidity sensor circuit open, refrigerant leakage. You can find a reference table in the Troubleshooting section of the manual so keep the manual safe.
Where is the HEPA filter
While there is room in the unit for a HEPA filter, our unit did not come with one. Only the Dust filter is included. You can buy a spare dust filter.
How do I activate Child Lock
You can lock the control panel by long pressing (up to 3 seconds) on the fan speed control to active the child lock function. A padlock icon then appears on the display. The deactivate child lock, long press the fan speed control again until the child lock icon disappears. It is not something we used on a regular basis but I can see how this can be useful in a household with small children.
What is a normal Relative Humidity and what should I set on the unit
The typical relative humidity (RH) level (RH) in the UK is between 40-60%. Anything higher or lower can mean the environment is too damp or too dry. This of course changes with the seasons but if you can use the dehumidifier to keep it in check. To give you an idea, in the summer months, a good RH of 50 to 55% is ideal. In the winter months however, you want to strive to keep the RH lower so a good RH of 45-50% is ideal.
50% is of course the sweet spot but it also depends on the room and the activity that goes on there like cooking in the kitchen, serving hot food in the dining room, having a shower in the bathroom or having the ensuite bathroom door open causing moisture to enter the bedroom. The other factor is rain, cold and wet weather. These can cause the RH to increase indoor. A good indicator is the condensation on the windows and walls in the morning. It is a reminder to switch on the dehumidifier. We recommend target RH to 60% for a balanced environment.
What is the extraction volume? Is 12 Liter Per Day Sufficient?
The 12L per day extraction volume of the Senelux Primo S12 makes it a mid-range dehumidifier, striking a balance between smaller, portable units and industrial-grade machines. This capacity refers to the amount of moisture it can remove from the air in a 24-hour period under optimal conditions (typically at 30°C and 80% humidity). For a medium to large room, this is more than sufficient. It would be an overkill for a small home or room unless you intend to use it in the bathroom or basement.
Where does 12 Liter sit among dehumidifiers?
Here’s where this volume fits within the dehumidifier market:
- Small-Scale Dehumidifiers (Up to 5L Per Day)
- Designed for compact spaces like bathrooms, small bedrooms, or cupboards.
- Best for mild humidity issues or maintaining air quality in tight areas.
- Example: Portable mini-dehumidifiers.
- Mid-Range Dehumidifiers (10–20L Per Day)
- Suitable for medium to large rooms, basements, or spaces with moderate humidity issues.
- Balances size, capacity, and energy efficiency.
- Example: Senelux Primo S12, which is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices.
- High-Capacity Dehumidifiers (20L+ Per Day)
- Meant for large basements, entire floors, or areas with severe dampness and condensation issues.
- Often bulkier and more expensive, with greater power consumption.
- Example: Industrial or whole-house dehumidifiers.
Who Should Buy It?
The Senelux Primo S12 Dehumidifier is an excellent choice for individuals who need a reliable dehumidifier for small to medium spaces. Its energy efficiency, quiet operation, and air purification capabilities make it a versatile option for improving air quality and comfort.
If you’re tackling moderate humidity in spaces like bedrooms, basements, or medium-sized living areas, a 12L extraction volume offers the right combination of capacity and efficiency. Its versatile performance ensures it can handle seasonal dampness, aid in drying laundry, and improve air quality without being as large or power-hungry as industrial models.
By assessing your needs and understanding extraction volume, the Senelux Primo S12 positions itself as a reliable choice for maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
