How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
A typical dehumidifier draws about 500 watts. Used 10 hours a day, that works out to roughly $0.85 per day, $10.63 per month, and $127.50 per year on an average electricity rate of 17¢ per kWh. Dehumidifiers run long hours in damp seasons, adding up quickly.
Dehumidifier running cost calculator
- Per day
- $0.85
- Per month
- $10.63
- Per year
- $127.50
- CO₂ / year
- 300 kg
Based on 750 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.
The number that matters most is your own electricity rate. Rates range from under 11¢ per kWh in some regions to over 30¢ in others, so the same dehumidifier can cost two or three times as much depending on where you live. Enter your exact rate in the calculator above to get a figure tailored to your bill.
Over a full year this dehumidifier uses about 750 kWh of electricity and is responsible for roughly 300 kg of CO₂ emissions on an average grid. Reducing run time, or switching to a more efficient model, lowers both the cost and the footprint.
If this dehumidifier is one you use daily, even small efficiency gains compound. Cutting its usage or wattage by 20% would save around $25.50 every year — money that an efficient replacement can recover over its lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier per hour?
- At 500 watts and a 17¢/kWh rate, a dehumidifier costs about $0.09 per hour to run.
- How much electricity does a dehumidifier use per month?
- Running 10 hours a day, a dehumidifier uses roughly 62.5 kWh per month, costing about $10.63.
- Is a dehumidifier expensive to run?
- Not particularly — at around $127.50 per year, a dehumidifier is a relatively minor part of most electricity bills.
- How can I reduce my dehumidifier running costs?
- Use it during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing, reduce daily run time, and consider an ENERGY STAR rated dehumidifier, which uses less power for the same job.