Is a dehumidifier expensive to run?

Using the built-in humidistat instead of running it continuously cuts runtime without leaving the space damp. At typical use it adds about $30.08 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $21.01 in the cheapest states to $78.22 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a dehumidifier use?

Dehumidifier typically draws about 500 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 700 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a dehumidifier use?

At typical use (500 W for 12 hours a day), a dehumidifier uses about 6.0 kWh per day — roughly 183 kWh per month, or about 21% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a dehumidifier?

Using the built-in humidistat instead of running it continuously cuts runtime without leaving the space damp. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier runs a compressor much like a small fridge, so a unit left on in a damp basement can quietly add up over a season. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a dehumidifier costs about $30.08/month ($360.91/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 12

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a dehumidifier

$361/yr

Per day: $0.99
Per month: $30.08
Energy per year: 2,190 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a dehumidifier use?

At 500 W for 12 hours a day, a dehumidifier uses about 6.0 kWh per day — roughly 183 kWh per month and 2,190 kWh per year. That's about 21% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a dehumidifier draws.

Cost to run a dehumidifier by electricity rate

Same 500 W appliance, 12 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$21.01	$252.07
US average	16.5¢	$30.08	$360.91
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$78.22	$938.63

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a dehumidifier drawing 500 watts for about 12 hours a day costs roughly $0.99 per day, $30.08 per month, and $360.91 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

Ask AI about this

Open an AI assistant with a question grounded in this page.

ChatGPT Claude Perplexity Google AI Grok

Electricity cost calculator Estimate your whole bill All appliances

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?

How much electricity does a dehumidifier use?

Cost to run a dehumidifier by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions