Quick Answer
Dehumidifiers do use a significant amount of electricity, especially if used regularly or for long periods of time. The exact amount of electricity a dehumidifier uses depends on the size and efficiency of the specific model. However, most use between 300 and 700 watts of power. This can translate to 20-50 kWh or more per month in electricity costs if used daily. Larger capacity and less efficient dehumidifiers tend to use more electricity.
How Much Electricity Do Dehumidifiers Use?
The amount of electricity a dehumidifier uses depends primarily on:
- Dehumidifier capacity – Expressed in pints collected per day. Larger capacity units use more electricity.
- Energy efficiency – More efficient models use less electricity.
- Room conditions – More humid rooms require more electricity to dehumidify.
- Runtime – The longer a dehumidifier runs, the more electricity it uses.
Most residential dehumidifiers have capacities between 20 and 70 pints per day and electricity demands between 300 and 700 watts while operating.
Here are some rough estimates for electricity use based on capacity:
| Dehumidifier Capacity | Typical Electricity Use |
|---|---|
| 20-30 pint | 300-350 watts |
| 35-45 pint | 350-500 watts |
| 50-70 pint | 500-700 watts |
So a medium 50 pint dehumidifier running continuously would use around 500 watts or 12 kWh per day. This would result in approximately 360 kWh of electricity use per month.
Factors That Affect Electricity Use
There are several key factors that determine how much electricity a specific dehumidifier will use in a home:
Dehumidifier Capacity
Larger capacity dehumidifiers that can collect more pints of moisture per day require more power to operate the fan, compressor, and condenser coils. Large 70 pint models can use 700 watts or more of electricity. Smaller units may use only 300 watts.
Efficiency Rating
More efficient Energy Star rated dehumidifiers remove more moisture per kilowatt hour of electricity than inefficient models. Efficiency is measured in liters removed per kWh or pints/kWh. Efficient models have a rating of at least 1.8 L/kWh.
Room Conditions
The warmer and more humid the room, the harder the dehumidifier must work to reduce moisture. This requires more electricity. Very humid basements may cause a dehumidifier to use 20-40% more electricity than in a drier home.
Runtime
The total electricity usage is directly related to the number of hours per day the dehumidifier operates. Units used only occasionally will consume much less energy than those running for 12-24 hours per day. Smart humidistats or timers can reduce runtime.
Estimating Electricity Cost
You can estimate the cost to run a dehumidifier using:
Electricity cost = Dehumidifier wattage x Hours used per day x Electricity rate
For example, a 50 pint dehumidifier that draws 500 watts running 12 hours per day in a region with $0.12 per kWh electricity:
500 watts x 12 hours x $0.12 per kWh = $7.20 per day
If used daily for a month this would cost approximately:
$7.20 x 30 days = $216 per month
The key factors are the electricity rate in your region and the daily runtime. More use means higher costs. Energy efficient units will cost less to operate.
Tips to Minimize Electricity Use
Here are some tips to reduce the amount of electricity used by your dehumidifier:
- Purchase an energy efficient Energy Star model
- Size your capacity appropriately – don’t oversize the unit
- Reduce runtime by using a humidistat and setting to your target % humidity
- Use a timer to limit runtime per day
- Clean filters regularly to optimize efficiency
- Reduce airflow restrictions around the dehumidifier
- Close windows and doors to minimize new moisture entering
- Fix leaks, improve ventilation and address dampness issues
Alternative Options
If electricity use is a major concern, alternatives to consider include:
- Desiccant dehumidifiers – Absorb moisture using silica gel and require less energy
- Portable AC units – Provide dehumidification and cooling in one unit
- Ventilating fans – Remove moist air and bring in drier outside air
- DampRid containers – Passively absorb some moisture without electricity
However, for serious humidity issues in basements or large spaces, a high capacity dehumidifier may be the most effective solution despite the electricity requirements. Proper sizing and usage habits can keep costs as low as possible.
Conclusion
Dehumidifiers do use a significant amount of electricity, with typical models drawing between 300-700 watts. This can result in monthly costs of $100 or more if used continuously. Larger capacity and inefficient dehumidifiers tend to use the most energy. Strategies like using timers, reducing runtime, and comparing Energy Star models can help minimize the electricity usage and cost. For severe humidity problems, the increased cost may be justified for the benefits of a drier, healthier indoor environment. But it’s important to take electricity use into account when selecting and operating a dehumidifier.