Dehumidifiers use moderate amounts of electricity — typically 300 to 700 watts while running, which costs roughly $15 to $40 per month if you run one continuously

A dehumidifier's power draw depends on its size and how hard it works. A small portable unit draws around 300 to 400 watts. A mid-size unit (50-pint capacity) draws 500 to 700 watts. Large whole-house dehumidifiers can exceed 1,000 watts. The actual cost depends on your local electricity rate, how many hours per day the unit runs, and how often it cycles on and off.

Most dehumidifiers do not run constantly. They have a humidistat — a sensor that turns the unit off once the room reaches your target humidity level, then turns it back on when humidity rises again. This cycling means your monthly bill is usually lower than the worst-case scenario of 24-hour operation.

Key Takeaways

  • A typical mid-size dehumidifier draws 500 to 700 watts, similar to a window air conditioner or large microwave.
  • Monthly electricity cost ranges from $15 to $40 for continuous operation, depending on your local rate and the unit's wattage.
  • Most dehumidifiers cycle on and off based on humidity levels, so actual usage is usually much less than 24-hour operation.
  • Energy Star certified dehumidifiers use about 15 percent less electricity than standard models of the same size.

How to find the wattage of your dehumidifier

The wattage is printed on the unit's nameplate, usually on the back or bottom. Look for a label that says "Input" or "Power" followed by a number and the letter W. If you cannot find it, check the manual or the manufacturer's website — search for your model number plus "specifications" or "wattage".

Once you have the wattage, you can estimate monthly cost. Multiply the wattage by the hours you expect to run it per day, then multiply by 30 days. Divide by 1,000 to convert to kilowatt-hours. Then multiply by your local electricity rate (check your power bill for the per-kilowatt-hour charge). For example, a 600-watt unit running 8 hours daily in a region with $0.12 per kilowatt-hour costs about $17 per month.

Dehumidifiers compared to other household appliances

A dehumidifier's power draw falls in the middle range of common household devices. A window air conditioner uses 500 to 1,400 watts depending on size and cooling power. A clothes dryer uses 2,000 to 6,000 watts but runs for shorter periods. A refrigerator uses 150 to 800 watts but runs continuously. A microwave uses 600 to 1,200 watts but only during cooking.

The key difference is runtime. A dehumidifier may run 4 to 12 hours per day depending on humidity levels and season, whereas a refrigerator runs 24 hours and a clothes dryer runs 30 to 60 minutes per load. This means a dehumidifier's monthly cost is usually lower than an air conditioner's but higher than a microwave's.

Factors that change how much electricity a dehumidifier uses

Room size and current humidity affect runtime most directly. A dehumidifier working in a very humid basement will run longer and more frequently than one in a slightly damp bedroom. Larger rooms require the unit to work harder and longer to reach the target humidity level.

Ambient temperature also matters. Dehumidifiers are less efficient in cold conditions below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so they draw more power to remove the same amount of moisture. In very hot, humid conditions, they work efficiently and may cycle on and off more frequently.

Maintenance directly impacts efficiency. A clogged filter or dirty coils force the unit to work harder and draw more power. Cleaning the filter monthly and the coils every few months keeps the unit running at rated efficiency.

Energy Star dehumidifiers versus standard models

Energy Star certified dehumidifiers use about 15 percent less electricity than non-certified models of the same capacity. This difference comes from more efficient compressors, better insulation, and improved humidity sensors that cycle the unit more precisely.

The upfront cost of an Energy Star model is typically $50 to $150 higher than a standard unit. If you run the dehumidifier year-round or in a very humid climate, that premium pays back in electricity savings within two to four years. If you use it seasonally or in a moderately damp space, the payback period is longer.

Ways to reduce dehumidifier electricity use

Set the humidistat to 50 to 60 percent relative humidity rather than lower. Each percentage point lower requires the unit to run longer. Most people feel comfortable in this range, and it reduces runtime significantly.

Close off unused rooms and run the dehumidifier only in the spaces you occupy. A smaller effective area means the unit reaches target humidity faster and cycles off sooner. Seal air leaks around doors and windows so outside moisture does not constantly enter the dehumidified space.

Run the dehumidifier during cooler parts of the day if possible. Early morning and evening typically have lower temperatures, and the unit works more efficiently. Avoid running it during the hottest afternoon hours when outdoor humidity is highest and the unit must work harder.

Dehumidifier types and their power consumption

Refrigerant dehumidifiers are the most common type and use 300 to 1,000 watts depending on size. They work well in warm, humid conditions and are generally the most efficient for typical home use.

Desiccant dehumidifiers use 300 to 700 watts and work better in cold conditions. They are often smaller and portable but may use slightly more electricity than refrigerant models of the same capacity in warm environments.

Whole-house dehumidifiers are installed in HVAC systems and use 1,000 to 2,000 watts. They handle larger spaces but require professional installation and are significantly more expensive upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will running a dehumidifier noticeably increase my electric bill?

A mid-size dehumidifier running 8 hours daily adds roughly $15 to $25 per month to your bill in most regions. If your bill is typically $100 to $150, this is a 10 to 20 percent increase. The impact depends on your local electricity rate and how long the unit actually runs.

Is it cheaper to run a dehumidifier or an air conditioner?

Air conditioners typically use 500 to 1,400 watts and cost more to operate than dehumidifiers. However, an air conditioner cools the air while removing moisture, whereas a dehumidifier only removes moisture and may slightly warm the air. If you need both cooling and dehumidification, an air conditioner may be more cost-effective overall.

Should I leave a dehumidifier running all day?

No. The humidistat automatically turns the unit off once humidity drops to your target level, then turns it back on when humidity rises. Leaving it plugged in is fine — it will cycle on and off as needed. Unplugging it when you leave for extended periods saves electricity.

Do dehumidifiers use more electricity in summer or winter?

Dehumidifiers typically use more electricity in summer when outdoor humidity is higher and temperatures are warm. In winter, indoor humidity is often lower naturally, so the unit runs less frequently. In cold climates, winter humidity may be very low, and the dehumidifier may not run at all.

Can I reduce dehumidifier costs by using a smaller unit?

A smaller unit draws less power per hour but may need to run longer to dehumidify the same space. A unit sized correctly for your room will cycle on and off efficiently. An undersized unit runs constantly and may use more total electricity than a properly sized one.