Dehumidifiers use moderate electricity compared to other household appliances, but the amount depends on the unit's size, how often it runs, and your local power rates
A typical dehumidifier draws between 300 and 700 watts while running. To put that in perspective, a refrigerator uses 150 to 800 watts depending on the model, and a window air conditioner uses 900 to 1,440 watts. If you run a mid-sized dehumidifier eight hours a day, you can expect to add roughly $10 to $20 per month to your electric bill, assuming an average U.S. electricity rate of 14 cents per kilowatt-hour. The actual cost varies by your local rate, the dehumidifier's wattage, and how many hours per day it operates.
The key factor is not whether dehumidifiers use electricity — they do — but whether the cost of running one is worth the benefit of controlling moisture in your home. For most people dealing with damp basements, bathrooms, or bedrooms, the monthly cost is manageable and often justified by preventing mold, odors, and damage to belongings.
Key Takeaways
- Most dehumidifiers draw 300 to 700 watts and cost $10 to $20 per month to run eight hours daily at average U.S. electricity rates.
- Smaller units (30 pints per day) use less power than larger ones (70 pints per day), so matching the unit to your room size reduces waste.
- Running a dehumidifier only when humidity exceeds 50 to 60 percent cuts electricity use significantly compared to running it continuously.
- Energy Star certified dehumidifiers use about 15 percent less electricity than standard models with the same capacity.
- Your actual monthly cost depends on your local electricity rate, which ranges from 10 cents to over 20 cents per kilowatt-hour depending on your state and utility.
Wattage by dehumidifier size and type
Smaller dehumidifiers rated for 30 to 50 pints per day typically use 300 to 400 watts. These are best for single rooms or small basements. Medium units rated for 50 to 70 pints per day draw 400 to 600 watts and handle larger spaces or whole-basement moisture. Large dehumidifiers rated for 70 pints or more can draw 600 to 900 watts and are meant for very damp commercial spaces or large homes.
The wattage listed on the unit's label or manual is the power draw when the compressor is actively running. The dehumidifier does not draw this amount continuously — it cycles on and off as the air reaches the target humidity level. A unit that draws 500 watts might run only four hours out of an eight-hour period, meaning your actual consumption is closer to 2 kilowatt-hours instead of 4.
Desiccant dehumidifiers, which use a moisture-absorbing material instead of a refrigerant compressor, typically draw 300 to 400 watts but are less efficient at cooling the air. They work better in cold basements but cost more to run per unit of moisture removed.
How to calculate your monthly electricity cost
Start with the dehumidifier's wattage (found on the back of the unit or in the manual), then estimate how many hours per day it actually runs. If you run an average 500-watt dehumidifier for six hours daily, that is 3 kilowatt-hours per day, or roughly 90 kilowatt-hours per month.
Multiply that by your local electricity rate. You can find your rate on your electric bill — it is usually listed as cents per kilowatt-hour. At 14 cents per kilowatt-hour, 90 kilowatt-hours costs $12.60 per month. At 20 cents per kilowatt-hour (common in the Northeast and California), the same unit costs $18 per month. At 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (common in the South and Midwest), it costs $9 per month.
The math changes if you use a smaller unit or run it fewer hours. A 350-watt dehumidifier running four hours daily uses 1.4 kilowatt-hours per day, or about 42 kilowatt-hours per month — roughly $6 at average rates.
Ways to reduce dehumidifier electricity use
The simplest way to cut electricity use is to run the dehumidifier only when you need it. If your basement stays below 50 percent humidity naturally during winter, turn the unit off. Many dehumidifiers have a built-in humidistat that automatically cycles the compressor on and off to maintain a target humidity level — this feature alone cuts energy use by 30 to 50 percent compared to running the unit continuously.
Choosing the right size for your space matters. A 70-pint dehumidifier running in a small bedroom wastes electricity because it reaches the target humidity quickly and cycles off, then sits idle. A 30-pint unit sized to the room runs more efficiently. Conversely, an undersized unit runs constantly and uses more power overall.
Positioning the dehumidifier in a central location with good air circulation improves efficiency. Placing it in a corner or against a wall forces it to work harder to pull moisture from the rest of the room. Closing off unused rooms and running the dehumidifier only in occupied spaces also reduces the load.
Look for Energy Star certified models when buying. These units use about 15 percent less electricity than non-certified models with the same moisture removal capacity. The higher upfront cost is usually recovered within two to three years of operation.
Comparing dehumidifier electricity use to other appliances
A dehumidifier running eight hours daily uses roughly 4 to 5.6 kilowatt-hours per day. A clothes dryer uses 3 to 5 kilowatt-hours per load (one to two hours). A dishwasher uses 1.8 to 2.7 kilowatt-hours per cycle. A window air conditioner uses 7 to 11.5 kilowatt-hours per day if run eight hours. A space heater uses 7.5 to 15 kilowatt-hours per day depending on the setting.
In this context, a dehumidifier is a moderate consumer of electricity — less than air conditioning or heating, similar to a clothes dryer, and more than a dishwasher. The cost is noticeable but not extreme, especially if you run it only when humidity is high.
When the cost of running a dehumidifier makes sense
The monthly electricity cost becomes worth it when the alternative is mold, musty odors, or damage to stored items. A basement that stays above 60 percent humidity year-round will develop mold within months if left untreated. Mold removal costs $2,000 to $6,000 depending on the extent. The cost of running a dehumidifier for a year ($120 to $240) is a small fraction of that.
Bedrooms with condensation on windows or musty smells benefit from a dehumidifier, especially in humid climates or during summer. The cost of preventing respiratory irritation and protecting mattresses and clothing from mold is worth the electricity bill.
If your home naturally stays dry and you only need a dehumidifier during a brief rainy season, the annual cost is minimal. If you live in a chronically damp climate and need to run the unit year-round, the cost is higher but still manageable for most households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a dehumidifier use more electricity than an air conditioner?
No. A typical air conditioner uses 900 to 1,440 watts and costs $20 to $40 per month to run eight hours daily. A dehumidifier uses 300 to 700 watts and costs $10 to $20 per month under the same conditions. Air conditioning is roughly twice as expensive to operate.
Will running a dehumidifier all day and night add a lot to my electric bill?
Running a 500-watt dehumidifier 24 hours daily uses 12 kilowatt-hours per day, or about 360 per month. At 14 cents per kilowatt-hour, that is roughly $50 per month. Most people do not need to run a dehumidifier continuously — using a humidistat to cycle it on and off cuts that cost in half or more.
Are Energy Star dehumidifiers worth the extra cost?
Energy Star models use about 15 percent less electricity than standard units, which saves $15 to $30 per year depending on usage. If the Energy Star unit costs $50 to $100 more upfront, it pays for itself in two to four years. For long-term use, they are worth the investment.
What humidity level should I set my dehumidifier to minimize electricity use?
Setting the target to 50 to 60 percent humidity uses less electricity than targeting 30 to 40 percent. The lower the target, the longer the compressor runs. Most health and comfort guidelines recommend 30 to 50 percent, so aiming for 50 to 55 percent balances comfort with efficiency.
Does a dehumidifier use electricity when it is not running?
Modern dehumidifiers draw minimal power when idle — usually less than 1 watt for the control panel and humidistat. This standby power is negligible and does not meaningfully affect your bill. Older units with mechanical controls may draw slightly more, but still under 5 watts.