What a dehumidifier costs to run each month
A typical household dehumidifier uses between 300 and 700 watts, which translates to roughly $10 to $25 per month if you run it continuously. The actual cost depends on three things: how many watts your specific unit draws, your local electricity rate, and how many hours per day you actually run it.
Most people do not run a dehumidifier 24/7. If you run one for 8 hours a day in a damp basement or bathroom, expect $3 to $8 per month. If you run it 12 hours daily during humid summer months, budget $5 to $12 per month. The math is straightforward: find your unit's wattage (on the nameplate or manual), multiply by hours per day, divide by 1,000, then multiply by your electricity rate per kilowatt-hour.
Your electricity rate varies by region and utility company. As of 2024, rates range from roughly 10 cents per kilowatt-hour in some rural areas to 25 cents or higher in urban areas and certain states. Check your electric bill to find your exact rate.
Key Takeaways
- A 500-watt dehumidifier running 8 hours daily costs between $3 and $8 per month depending on your local electricity rate.
- The wattage is printed on the unit's nameplate or in the manual, and your electricity rate appears on your monthly electric bill.
- Larger units and longer run times increase cost, but a dehumidifier is generally cheaper to operate than air conditioning or heating.
- Turning off the unit when humidity is already low, using a timer, and keeping doors closed to the dehumidified space all reduce operating costs.
How to find your dehumidifier's wattage
The wattage is listed on a label attached to the back or bottom of the unit. Look for "watts" or "W" — it is usually printed near the plug or on a sticker that shows electrical specifications. If you cannot find it there, check the owner's manual (often available as a PDF on the manufacturer's website if you have lost the paper copy).
If the label shows only amps and volts instead of watts, you can calculate watts by multiplying amps by volts. For example, a dehumidifier drawing 5 amps at 120 volts uses 600 watts. Write this number down — you will need it to estimate your monthly cost.
Comparing dehumidifier running costs to other appliances
A dehumidifier is moderately expensive to run compared to small household devices but far cheaper than heating or cooling. A window air conditioner uses 1,000 to 1,500 watts and costs $30 to $50 per month if run 8 hours daily. A space heater uses 750 to 1,500 watts and costs $25 to $50 per month. By contrast, a 500-watt dehumidifier costs $4 to $10 per month under the same conditions.
A refrigerator (typically 150 to 800 watts, running intermittently) costs $10 to $20 per month. A washing machine (2,000 to 5,000 watts per load, but only during the cycle) costs $1 to $3 per load. The point is that dehumidifiers are not among the most expensive appliances to operate, but they are not cheap either — the cost adds up if you run one year-round in a very humid climate.
Ways to lower your dehumidifier's monthly cost
The simplest way to reduce cost is to run the unit only when you need it. If your basement or bathroom is already dry, turn it off. Many dehumidifiers have a built-in humidistat — a sensor that automatically shuts the unit off when humidity drops below a target level (often 50 or 60 percent) and turns it back on when humidity rises. This feature can cut operating time and cost by 30 to 50 percent compared to running the unit continuously.
Use a timer if your dehumidifier does not have a humidistat. Set it to run during the hours when humidity is typically highest — often early morning or evening — rather than all day. Closing doors to the room being dehumidified also helps: the unit works faster and uses less energy if it is not trying to dry a large or open space.
may support the unit's intake and exhaust vents are not blocked by dust or furniture. A clogged dehumidifier has to work harder and longer to remove the same amount of moisture, which increases electricity use. Empty the water bucket or drain line regularly — a full bucket forces the unit to shut off, and if you do not empty it, the dehumidifier stops working until you do.
When a dehumidifier's cost is worth it
The monthly cost of $5 to $15 is worth it if the dehumidifier prevents larger problems. Excess moisture causes mold, wood rot, and structural damage — repairs for those issues cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. If a dehumidifier keeps your basement dry and prevents mold from growing on framing or stored items, the electricity cost is a bargain.
Dehumidifiers also improve comfort and air quality in damp spaces. If you have a musty basement, a damp bedroom, or a bathroom that stays wet after showers, a dehumidifier removes the moisture that causes odors and dust mites. Whether that comfort is worth the cost is a personal decision, but the dollar amount itself is modest compared to the damage moisture can cause if left unchecked.
Choosing a more efficient dehumidifier
If you plan to run a dehumidifier for many hours daily or year-round, the wattage of the unit matters. A 300-watt dehumidifier costs roughly half as much to run as a 600-watt model, but it also removes moisture more slowly and may not be powerful enough for a large or very damp space.
Look at the unit's specifications to find its water removal capacity, measured in pints per day. A dehumidifier rated for 30 pints per day is more powerful (and uses more watts) than one rated for 20 pints per day. If you need to dry a large basement quickly, the larger unit may be worth the higher electricity cost. If you are drying a small bedroom or closet, a smaller, lower-wattage unit will cost less to run and still do the job.
Some newer dehumidifiers use inverter compressors, which adjust their speed based on how much moisture is in the air. These units can be 20 to 30 percent more efficient than traditional models, meaning they use less electricity to remove the same amount of moisture. The upfront cost is higher, but the lower monthly operating cost can add up over time if you run the unit frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier 24 hours a day?
A 500-watt dehumidifier running continuously costs roughly $30 to $60 per month, depending on your electricity rate. Most people do not run dehumidifiers around the clock — using a humidistat to turn the unit on and off as needed cuts that cost significantly. If you need continuous dehumidification, a smaller or more efficient unit will lower your monthly bill.
Is it cheaper to run a dehumidifier or an air conditioner?
A dehumidifier is cheaper. An air conditioner uses 1,000 to 1,500 watts and costs $30 to $50 per month for 8 hours daily, while a dehumidifier uses 300 to 700 watts and costs $3 to $12 per month under the same conditions. However, air conditioning removes humidity as a side effect, so if you are already running AC, you do not need a separate dehumidifier.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Dehumidifiers use a moderate amount of electricity — less than air conditioning or heating, but more than most small appliances. A 500-watt unit is comparable to a microwave or toaster in terms of power draw, though it runs for much longer periods. The total monthly cost is usually between $5 and $15 for typical household use.
Can I reduce my dehumidifier's cost by leaving it on all the time?
No — leaving it on continuously wastes electricity. A humidistat automatically turns the unit off when humidity is low enough, then turns it back on when humidity rises. This feature can cut your monthly cost by 30 to 50 percent. If your dehumidifier does not have one, use a timer to run it only during the hours when humidity is highest.