Humidity is public enemy No1 for furniture. It can cause pieces to warp and crack, and Hong Kong's relative humidity levels hover around 80 per cent.
The best way to prevent damage is to invest in a dehumidifier, especially if you are in areas close to the water or mountains, where mould can grow on walls overnight.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers' standard environmental conditions for human occupancy, it is recommended that relative humidity be kept between 30 and 50 per cent in summer, and 30 to 40 per cent in winter.
Dehumidifiers are usually sized by floor area and the level of dampness of the home. When choosing one, always round up in size, as larger units are more efficient and can deal with moisture more quickly. For a flat of 500 sq ft, choose a machine with a minimum moisture removal capacity of seven litres per day. For 1,000 sq ft this should rise to at least nine litres per day.
As far as looks go, systems have not changed in recent years and electrical companies have still not designed beyond the ugly, white boxy units.
A dehumidifier extracts moisture from the air using a refrigeration system. Water removed from the air is collected in a tank.
Most importantly, look for a model that will automatically switch off once the tank is full.