How Much Do Dehumidifiers Cost to Run?

Do you love the idea of a dry, mold-free home but dread the impact on your electric bill? You aren’t the only one doing the math.

Many homeowners hesitate to buy a dehumidifier because they worry about hidden energy costs. The truth is, the price of running one varies wildly based on the unit’s size, your local energy rates, and how often you run it. To help you budget, we broke down exactly how much you can expect to pay and how to keep those costs low.

Does My Dehumidifier Need to Run 24/7?

The short answer is no. Running a dehumidifier non-stop depends on your room size, current humidity levels, and the age of your home. New construction often traps moisture, which might require longer run times initially.

Experts recommend keeping your home’s relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent to stop mold growth ⁽¹⁾. Once you drop below that 60 percent threshold, you can dial back the usage.

Fortunately, modern dehumidifiers make this easy. Most feature built-in humidistats that monitor the air for you. You simply set your target level, and the machine cycles on and off automatically to maintain it. This feature prevents the unit from running unnecessarily.

While you technically can run a unit for 24 hours a day, it isn’t wise. Constant operation strains the compressor and shortens the machine’s lifespan, meaning you will have to buy a replacement sooner than expected.

What Is the Average Cost of Running a Dehumidifier?

The cost relies heavily on the capacity of the machine. Smaller units, often called mini dehumidifiers, sip electricity and may only cost about $25 a year to operate. However, bills increase as the unit size increases.

Large, whole-house units or those rated for 70 pints or more can cost up to $350 a year if used heavily.

To give you a clearer picture, we calculated average costs based on standard wattage data. Here is what you might pay based on how many hours the unit runs daily:

• Monthly cost for 24 hours per day: ~$48.
• Monthly cost for 12 hours per day: ~$24.
• Monthly cost for eight hours per day: ~$16.
• Monthly cost for six hours per day: ~$13.
• Monthly cost for four hours per day: ~$8.

How to Calculate the Energy Cost of Your Dehumidifier

To get an exact figure for your specific model, you need to do a little math involving your local power rate and the machine’s energy draw. Grab your latest electric bill and check the label on your device.

Here are the two figures you need to find:

• Your utility rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh): Check your monthly bill for this rate. It usually ranges between $0.10 and $0.25 depending on where you live.
• The power your dehumidifier draws: Look for a number listed in “watts” on the sticker. If the sticker only lists volts and amps, simply multiply them together (Volts x Amps = Watts). Divide that number by 1,000 to get kilowatts.

Once you have these numbers, multiply the kilowatts by your kWh rate to see exactly how much one hour of usage costs you.

How Much Do Dehumidifiers Cost?

We analyzed five top-rated dehumidifiers to provide real-world cost estimates. These range from compact 13-pint models to heavy-duty 70-pint units.

Tosot 30-Pint Dehumidifier

• Pints Per Day: 30.
• Energy Star Rated: Yes.
• Power Usage: 295 W.

Frigidaire High-Efficiency 35-Pint Dehumidifier

• Pints Per Day: 35.
• Energy Star Rated: Yes.
• Power Usage: 380 W.

Keystone 50-Pint Dehumidifier

No products found.

• Pints Per Day: 50.
• Energy Star Rated: No.
• Power Usage: 520 W.

Colzer 70-Pint Dehumidifier

• Pints Per Day: 70.
• Energy Star Rated: Yes.
• Power Usage: 360 W.

Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier

• Pints Per Day: 13.
• Energy Star Rated: No.
• Power Usage: 470 W.

Tips for Reducing Dehumidifier Costs

The numbers above show that unless you are using a tiny model, a dehumidifier will add about $100 or more to your annual bill. The good news is that you don’t have to accept high costs. Here are practical ways to lower that number:

1. Choose the Right Size

When picking the right size dehumidifier, you must balance capacity (pints per day) with room size.

Many people make the mistake of buying a small unit to save money. However, if you put a small unit in a large basement, it will run continuously without ever reaching the target humidity. This results in maximum energy usage and a damp room.

Conversely, a larger 50-pint or 70-pint unit might use more watts, but it will dry the air much faster and shut off sooner. In many cases, the larger, more efficient unit saves you money in the long run because it runs for fewer hours.

2. Improve Air Circulation Naturally

Stagnant air holds moisture. Before turning on the dehumidifier, try running ceiling or floor fans. Fans use a fraction of the electricity that a compressor-based dehumidifier uses.

Additionally, if the weather is dry outside, opening a window can flush out humid indoor air and replace it with crisp outdoor air for free.

3. Use Moisture Absorbers

For small spaces like closets or bathrooms, electricity might be overkill. Moisture absorbers, or desiccants, work passively to trap water.

Options like the Eva-Dry are rechargeable but don’t require constant power. While these won’t dry out a basement, they can maintain small areas and reduce the workload on your main electric unit.

4. Go for Energy-Efficient Dehumidifiers

Always check for the Energy Star logo. Rated models use up to 20 percent less energy than standard models to remove the same amount of moisture. Over the life of the product, this efficiency pays for the unit itself.

5. Reduce Humidity at the Source

The best way to save money is to stop moisture from entering your home in the first place.

• Improve exterior drainage: Ensure downspouts extend away from your foundation so rainwater doesn’t pool against your basement walls ⁽²⁾.
• Repair leaks: Even a small drip under a sink adds significant moisture to the air. Fix leaks immediately.
• Vent your appliances: Ensure your clothes dryer vents outdoors. If you air-dry clothes, try to do so outside rather than on indoor racks.

6. Limit Usage in Cold Weather

Standard refrigerant dehumidifiers struggle in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The internal coils can freeze, forcing the unit to work harder and use more energy without actually removing water.

If you must dehumidify a cold space, switch to a desiccant model. These operate without a compressor and work efficiently even in near-freezing temperatures.

FAQs

How Long Do You Need to Run a Dehumidifier?

The run time depends entirely on your current humidity levels. You should run the unit until your relative humidity drops below 60 percent. Once you reach that level, the unit can be turned off or set to “auto” mode to maintain it.

Should I Run a Dehumidifier in Winter?

Generally, no. Cold air is naturally drier and cannot hold much moisture. Furthermore, most dehumidifiers should not run in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit ⁽³⁾ because the coils can freeze, potentially damaging the machine.

Is It Safe to Run a Dehumidifier Overnight?

Yes, it is safe. Most modern units feature an auto-shutoff switch that powers the machine down if the water bucket becomes full, preventing overflows. If you use a continuous drain hose, the unit can run safely indefinitely.

Can You Dehumidify Too Much?

Yes, dropping humidity levels too low (below 30 percent) can cause dry skin, irritated sinuses, and cracking in wooden furniture or flooring.

Does a Dehumidifier Use More Electricity Than an Air Conditioner?

Typically, a central air conditioner uses significantly more electricity than a portable dehumidifier. However, an AC unit cools and dehumidifies simultaneously, while a dehumidifier only removes moisture and may actually emit a small amount of heat.

Where Is the Best Place to Put a Dehumidifier?

Place the unit in the dampest area of the home, which is usually the basement or crawl space. Centrally locating it in a room with open doors allows for the best airflow and moisture collection.

Do Smart Plugs Help Save Money on Dehumidifiers?

Yes, using a smart plug is a great way to monitor energy costs. It tracks exactly how much power the unit draws and allows you to set custom schedules so the dehumidifier only runs during off-peak energy hours.

In Conclusion