Do Dehumidifiers Use a Lot of Electricity?
Usually, a dehumidifier uses a moderate amount of electricity while it runs, and total use depends on its power draw and hours of operation. Check its power draw and your electricity rate to estimate the cost.
On this page (9 sections)
- Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity compared with other appliances?
- How much electricity does a dehumidifier use each day?
- What makes a dehumidifier use more electricity?
- How can you measure a dehumidifier's electricity use?
- Can an Energy Star dehumidifier help lower electricity use?
- How can you reduce wasted electricity?
- Does turning a dehumidifier off save electricity?
- Which dehumidifier electricity estimate should you trust?
- FAQ
Usually, a dehumidifier uses a moderate amount of electricity while it runs, and total use depends on its power draw and hours of operation. Multiply watts by operating hours and divide by 1,000 to estimate kilowatt-hours, or kWh.
Multiply that result by your electricity rate to estimate cost.
That estimate changes as the compressor cycles, room humidity changes, or you adjust the humidity target. A unit that's too small for the space may run for long periods without reaching your target.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity compared with other appliances?
A dehumidifier can use more electricity than a small fan or phone charger while it is running, but total use depends on runtime. There isn't one number that applies to every home or model.
Look for the unit's electrical information on its rating label or in its manual. If the power draw is given in watts, use this calculation:
Watts × hours ÷ 1,000 = kWh
For example, a hypothetical 500-watt appliance running for 8 hours would use 4 kWh. This is an arithmetic example, not a specification for any dehumidifier here.
Your bill estimate is kWh × your electricity rate. Check your utility bill for the rate you pay per kWh.
Fees and time-based rates can make the final bill calculation more involved.
How much electricity does a dehumidifier use each day?
Daily electricity use depends on the unit's average power draw and how many hours it runs. For a useful estimate, find its operating draw and track runtime over a typical day.
A dehumidifier may not draw the same power every minute. Its compressor can stop when the room reaches the set humidity, while the fan or controls may continue to operate depending on the model.
The room also matters. A damp basement, open windows, laundry drying indoors, or frequent door openings can add moisture and increase how often the unit runs.
How do you estimate a monthly electricity cost?
Estimate daily kWh × days used × your rate per kWh. If daily runtime varies, calculate a few representative days rather than treating one day as typical.
Suppose a meter shows 3 kWh in a day, and you run the unit on 20 days in a month. That's 60 kWh for the month.
Multiply by your electricity rate for an approximate energy charge.
This estimate won't include separate utility fees. It also won't predict future use if the weather, humidity, or target setting changes.
What makes a dehumidifier use more electricity?
Longer runtime is the main reason a dehumidifier's total electricity use rises. High moisture levels, a low humidity setting, and air entering from outdoors can all make the unit run more often.
Room size and capacity affect how well a unit can keep up. A unit that's a poor fit may struggle to control humidity, while a larger unit can still use more energy if it runs for many hours.
For a better match, compare the space and moisture conditions with the unit's intended coverage. Our dehumidifier size chart can help you think through capacity by room size.
Does the humidity setting affect electricity use?
Yes, a lower humidity target can make a dehumidifier run longer. Choose a setting that addresses dampness without asking the unit to remove more moisture than your room needs.
A humidity meter can help you understand the room before changing the setting. See what is a good humidity level for a house for guidance on choosing a practical indoor target.
Keep outside doors and windows shut while the unit runs, unless ventilation is needed for another reason. Sealing obvious air leaks can also reduce the amount of humid air entering the space.
How can you measure a dehumidifier's electricity use?
A plug-in watt meter can show an appliance's power and cumulative energy use when the meter and outlet are compatible. Use the kWh reading over a set period to see what the dehumidifier consumed in your room.
The MECHEER Plug-in Watt Meter displays watts, energy in kWh, volts, amps, frequency, power factor, and estimated cost. Its memory function retains recorded consumption data when unplugged or during a power failure.
Check that the meter's voltage and load limits suit the appliance and outlet, and follow both manuals. Stop if the meter displays an overload warning.
A short measurement may not reflect a whole month. Measure across several ordinary days, and note changes in weather, room conditions, or settings.
Can an Energy Star dehumidifier help lower electricity use?
An Energy Star label can help you compare efficiency, but it doesn't guarantee a particular bill or runtime. Room conditions, sizing, controls, and hours of operation still affect total electricity use.
Midea says its 22-pint model is Energy Star certified and uses 31% less energy than traditional dehumidifiers. It has adjustable humidity settings, Wi-Fi control, and a programmable timer.
The Midea 22 Pint Dehumidifier is specified for spaces up to 1,500 sq ft. Match that coverage to your room and moisture conditions.
A coverage number alone doesn't predict your energy bill.
DGVAM describes its 4,500 sq ft model as Energy Star certified and says it is up to 30% more efficient than non-certified models. Its features include a 24-hour timer and humidity controls.
The DGVAM 4,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier is designed for large areas. Check that its capacity suits your space, and use its timer and humidity controls to avoid unnecessary operation.
How can you reduce wasted electricity?
Choose a suitable humidity target, close the room, and let automatic controls stop the unit when the target is reached. Those steps can reduce avoidable runtime while helping you manage dampness.
Keep the filter clean according to the manual, since restricted airflow can interfere with operation. Empty the tank or set up drainage as directed so a full tank doesn't stop the unit before it has done enough work.
A timer can help you schedule operation, but a short schedule may not control humidity in every room. Check a meter or hygrometer after changing the schedule and adjust based on the room's readings.
The Kesnos 80-pint model is Energy Star certified and has a 24-hour timer with two fan speeds. It also has a humidity display and automatic shutoff.
The Kesnos 80 Pint 6,000 Sq Ft Dehumidifier covers spaces up to 6,000 sq ft. Kesnos says it uses up to 45% less energy than standard models, based on continuous 24/7 operation.
Use meter readings and your utility rate to estimate your likely cost.
For more ways to control indoor moisture, read how to lower humidity in your house. If you're choosing a unit for a large damp area, compare its capacity with the best dehumidifiers for a large basement.
Does turning a dehumidifier off save electricity?
Turning it off stops its operating electricity use, but humidity can rise again if moisture keeps entering the room. Use the humidity reading to decide whether to run it continuously, on a timer, or only when needed.
Automatic humidity control can reduce needless operation by stopping when the room reaches its target. If your unit doesn't have that feature, check the room periodically rather than leaving it on without a clear reason.
A unit that runs constantly may be undersized, set too low, or facing a steady source of moisture. Close windows during humid weather and look for leaks or damp materials that need attention.
Which dehumidifier electricity estimate should you trust?
A meter reading over several normal days gives a useful estimate for your home. Use the wattage calculation for a rough starting point, then compare it with measured kWh and your utility rate.
If you're buying a unit, compare capacity, humidity controls, timer options, and efficiency information alongside the room size. If you already own one, track its kWh use before and after changing the schedule or target.
For the basic operating cycle behind those readings, see how a dehumidifier works. For a buying overview by room, see best dehumidifiers for the home.
FAQ
How much electricity does a dehumidifier use?
A dehumidifier's electricity use depends on its power draw and how long it runs. Multiply watts by hours, then divide by 1,000 to estimate kilowatt-hours (kWh).
For example, a hypothetical 500-watt appliance running for 8 hours uses 4 kWh. Multiply that by your electricity rate to estimate the cost.
Is it cheaper to run a dehumidifier all day?
Not necessarily. A unit that runs all day uses more electricity than one that shuts off at its humidity target, though moisture levels affect how often it cycles.
Set a practical target, keep doors and windows closed, and check whether the unit has automatic humidity control.
Does an Energy Star dehumidifier use less electricity?
Energy Star certification can help you compare efficiency, but actual use depends on the unit, room conditions, and runtime. Check the model's energy information and expected hours of operation.
A more efficient unit can still use substantial electricity if it runs continuously.
How can I measure a dehumidifier's electricity use?
A plug-in watt meter can measure power and cumulative energy for a compatible appliance plugged into a standard socket. Use its kWh reading over a set period to see how much electricity the dehumidifier used, then multiply by your utility rate.
Follow the meter's instructions and electrical limits.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a dehumidifier use?
A dehumidifier's electricity use depends on its power draw and how long it runs. Multiply watts by hours, then divide by 1,000 to estimate kilowatt-hours (kWh).
For example, a hypothetical 500-watt appliance running for 8 hours uses 4 kWh.
Multiply that by your electricity rate to estimate the cost.
Is it cheaper to run a dehumidifier all day?
Not necessarily. A unit that runs all day uses more electricity than one that shuts off at its humidity target, though moisture levels affect how often it cycles.
Set a practical target, keep doors and windows closed, and check whether the unit has automatic humidity control.
Does an Energy Star dehumidifier use less electricity?
Energy Star certification can help you compare efficiency, but actual use depends on the unit, room conditions, and runtime. Check the model's energy information and expected hours of operation.
A more efficient unit can still use substantial electricity if it runs continuously.
How can I measure a dehumidifier's electricity use?
A plug-in watt meter can measure power and cumulative energy for a compatible appliance plugged into a standard socket. Use its kWh reading over a set period to see how much electricity the dehumidifier used, then multiply by your utility rate.
Follow the meter's instructions and electrical limits.
