How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers do not carry an energy rating label, so the cost comes from the power rating on the appliance and how long it runs: watts × hours ÷ 1,000 = kWh, × your electricity price. The defaults are typical; change them to the rating plate on yours.

Where to find the numbers

The power rating in watts is on the rating plate on the back or underside, or in the manual; domestic compressor dehumidifiers are typically 150–400 W, desiccant models 300–700 W. Your electricity price is the unit rate on your bill (c/kWh).

What the figure is based on

The rating plate is the maximum draw. A dehumidifier on a humidistat cycles on and off, so count the hours it is actually running, not the hours it is switched on.

Most use is in the colder months, so days a year defaults to about six months.

What changes the cost

• Humidity and temperature: a dehumidifier works hardest in a cold, damp room and cycles off in a dry one.
• Type: compressor units draw 150–400 W; desiccant units draw more but work better below about 15 °C.
• Target humidity: setting 50–55% rather than the minimum stops it running continuously.
• Ventilation and drying laundry indoors add moisture the unit then has to remove.

For a specific model or any other appliance, use the electricity cost calculator.