Is a humidifier expensive to run?

Skip 'warm mist' models if cost matters: boiling water takes far more power than ultrasonic misting. At typical use it adds about $2.41 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $1.68 in the cheapest states to $6.26 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a humidifier use?

Humidifier typically draws about 40 running watts. It's a resistive load, so its startup and running wattage are the same. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a humidifier use?

At typical use (40 W for 12 hours a day), a humidifier uses about 0.5 kWh per day — roughly 15 kWh per month, or about 2% 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 humidifier?

Skip 'warm mist' models if cost matters: boiling water takes far more power than ultrasonic misting. 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 Humidifier?

A cool-mist humidifier runs long hours at tiny wattage — winter-long comfort for a couple dollars a month. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a humidifier costs about $2.41/month ($28.87/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 humidifier

$29/yr

Per day: $0.08
Per month: $2.41
Energy per year: 175 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 humidifier use?

At 40 W for 12 hours a day, a humidifier uses about 0.5 kWh per day — roughly 15 kWh per month and 175 kWh per year. That's about 2% 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 humidifier draws.

Cost to run a humidifier by electricity rate

Same 40 W appliance, 12 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$1.68	$20.17
US average	16.5¢	$2.41	$28.87
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$6.26	$75.09

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 humidifier drawing 40 watts for about 12 hours a day costs roughly $0.08 per day, $2.41 per month, and $28.87 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.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Humidifier?

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Cost to run a humidifier by electricity rate

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