How Much Does a Dehumidifier Cost to Run? Full Breakdown & Tips
If you're trying to manage your home's humidity levels, a dehumidifier can be a game-changer—but you might be wondering, how much does a dehumidifier cost to run? Whether you're using it seasonally or year-round, understanding the energy costs involved can help you make smarter choices about your appliance use. In this guide, we'll break down average running costs, the factors that influence them, and tips for maximizing efficiency without driving up your electricity bill.
What is the Typical Energy Usage of Dehumidifiers?
Understanding how much does a dehumidifier cost to run starts with knowing how much electricity it consumes during operation. This is where dehumidifier power consumption comes in.
Dehumidifiers are rated in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW), and this figure tells you how much energy the unit draws per hour. Smaller domestic models typically fall within the 100W to 750W range, while larger commercial units can exceed 1,500W (1.5kW).
The energy usage of your dehumidifier depends on several factors, including:
The power rating of the unit
How often it runs per day
Whether it has energy-saving features like humidistats or timers
The ambient humidity and room size
If you're trying to manage your energy budget, it's worth asking how much does a dehumidifier cost to run per hour, especially during colder, damper months when it’s used more frequently.
Here’s a breakdown of typical dehumidifier power consumption and running costs based on current UK electricity rates (£0.2573/kWh as of July 2025):
Power Rating | Per Hour | Per Day (12 hrs) | Per Week (12 hrs/day) |
100W (0.10kW) | £0.03 | £0.31 | £2.16 |
250W (0.25kW) | £0.06 | £0.77 | £5.40 |
500W (0.50kW) | £0.13 | £1.54 | £10.81 |
750W (0.75kW) | £0.19 | £2.32 | £16.21 |
1000W (1.00kW) | £0.26 | £3.09 | £21.61 |
All figures are estimates based on 12 hours daily use and July 2025 UK price cap.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you're using a 250W dehumidifier, a common power rating for mid-sized household units.
Per hour: £0.06
12 hours/day: £0.77
Per week: £5.40
Monthly (30 days): £23.10
This is considered moderate usage, ideal if you're using it during high humidity seasons like autumn and winter or drying clothes indoors.
Now, if you're running a larger 500W unit, costs will double accordingly. This is often the case in bigger homes or spaces with chronic damp or condensation issues.
Note: The higher the wattage, the greater the dehumidifying power—but also the greater the energy draw.
Key Things to Remember:
Short bursts of use (2–4 hours/day) significantly reduce costs.
Energy-efficient features like auto shut-off, sleep mode, or hygrostats can reduce runtime.
For occasional use (e.g., drying laundry), smaller models can be more economical.
Placing the dehumidifier in a central, well-ventilated location can make it more efficient.
If you're concerned about power draw and are also cooling your home, pairing your dehumidifier with a 12v air conditioner can provide lightweight, low-power environmental control in small spaces like caravans, boats, or garden offices.
How Much Does it Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?
Now let’s get into the heart of the matter, how much does it cost to run a dehumidifier in real terms?
To work this out, you only need three basic inputs (£0.2573/kWh ≈ £0.26/kWh):
Wattage of the unit (e.g. 350W = 0.35kW)
Number of hours used per day
Electricity cost (0.26 per kWh as of July 2025)
Step-by-Step Calculation
Example 1: Medium Dehumidifier (350W), 8 Hours Daily
Convert watts to kilowatts: 350 ÷ 1000 = 0.35kW
Multiply by hours per day: 0.35kW × 8 hrs = 2.8kWh/day
Multiply by unit electricity cost: 2.8kWh × £0.26 = £0.728/day
Multiply by 30 days: £0.728 × 30 = £21.84/month
So, how much does it cost to use a dehumidifier for a month if used moderately? Roughly £21–£25/month for this size of appliance.
Example 2: Same Unit (350W), Running 24/7
If you want to know how much does it cost to run a dehumidifier 24/7, here’s the maths:
0.35kW × 24 hrs = 8.4kWh/day
8.4kWh × £0.26 = £2.18/day
£2.18 × 30 = £65.40/month
This is a significant jump—so unless your home has very high humidity, it's best to avoid 24/7 operation unless necessary.
Example 3: High-Power Dehumidifier (750W), 6 Hours Daily
750W = 0.75kW
0.75kW × 6 = 4.5kWh/day
4.5 × £0.26 = £1.17/day
£1.17 × 30 = £35.10/month
This would be typical of a large-capacity unit used in a damp-prone home or basement.
Comparative Analysis
Let’s compare a few appliances to see how much power does a dehumidifier use stacks up:
Appliance | Average Wattage | Cost per Hour |
LED TV (50") | 100W | £0.03 |
Dehumidifier (250W) | 250W | £0.06 |
Washing Machine | 1,200W | £0.31 |
Tumble Dryer | 2,500W | £0.65 |
Electric Shower | 8,500W | £2.21 |
This proves a point: dehumidifiers are far from the worst energy offenders in your home. In fact, they’re relatively efficient—especially when used strategically.
Also, many newer models include laundry modes that optimise energy use. So if you’ve wondered how much does it cost to use a dehumidifier to dry clothes, the answer is: a lot less than a tumble dryer.
In fact, many experts now recommend using a dehumidifier + fan combo as a money-saving alternative to traditional dryers. For cooling during warmer months, pairing with an EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner could be ideal. It offers:
6100 BTU cooling & 6800 BTU heating
Wireless operation up to 8 hours
Rapid 15-minute cooling
Easy, ductless setup
This dual-action unit not only replaces two appliances but can help maintain a comfortable humidity level in your home, reducing your dehumidifier's workload.
EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner
What About Regional Variations?
If you're wondering how much does it costs to run a dehumidifier in the UK vs other countries, the biggest difference lies in electricity rates. At £0.26/kWh (as per the July 2025 price cap), the UK is on the higher end of the global spectrum.
However, usage still remains relatively cost-effective if:
You buy an energy-efficient unit
You don’t run it 24/7
You clean and maintain it regularly
You use it in the right conditions
By applying these best practices, you can cut your usage by up to 50%, and enjoy a dry, healthy home without breaking the bank.
What Affects Dehumidifier Running Costs?
Understanding what impacts your dehumidifier’s energy consumption is key to managing your household electricity costs. When people ask, how much does a dehumidifier cost to run, the answer isn't just about the wattage—it's about how efficiently the unit operates in real-world conditions.
Here are the most important factors that affect running costs:
1. Wattage and Energy Efficiency
The most direct factor is wattage. A unit that consumes 100 watts will naturally use less electricity than one rated at 500 watts. But wattage alone doesn’t tell the full story—how efficiently a dehumidifier converts that energy into moisture removal is just as important.
Dehumidifiers come with energy efficiency ratings, often from A to A+++ in the UK and EU. An A+++ rated model will remove more moisture per unit of electricity than a lower-rated one, helping reduce your daily and monthly bills.
Additionally, check for certifications like Energy Saving Trust Recommended, which guarantees tested efficiency.
2. Indoor Humidity Levels
The higher the humidity, the harder your dehumidifier must work. If your home sits consistently above 70% relative humidity, your unit will run for longer periods to bring moisture levels down to the optimal range (usually 45–55%).
This means more electricity is consumed. Homes in coastal areas, basements, and properties with poor ventilation are more likely to face this issue. So, the more moisture in the air, the higher the cost to run the dehumidifier.
3. Room Size and Air Volume
Larger rooms naturally contain more air, and more air means more moisture. If you’re using a small 12L unit in a large space like an open-plan living area, it will need to run much longer to achieve the same results as a higher-capacity model.
Here’s a basic rule of thumb:
Up to 12L/day: Best for single rooms or flats (≤ 30m²)
20L–25L/day: Good for medium to large rooms (30–60m²)
30L+ models: Ideal for large spaces or very damp environments (basements, homes with chronic condensation)
Choosing the wrong size dehumidifier for your space will lead to inefficient operation, extended runtime, and higher energy bills.
4. Outdoor and Indoor Temperatures
Temperature has a surprisingly large impact on how much power does a dehumidifier use. In warmer environments, air holds more moisture, but it’s also easier for a refrigerant-based dehumidifier to extract that moisture efficiently.
In colder temperatures (especially below 15°C), standard refrigerant models become less effective. In these situations, desiccant dehumidifiers are often recommended because they function better in cool spaces. However, desiccant units use more electricity, so you’ll pay more to run them—even though they’ll perform better in unheated environments.
So if you’re asking how much does it cost to run a dehumidifier 24/7 in an unheated conservatory or garage, expect it to be significantly higher unless you’ve chosen the right model.
5. Placement in the Room
Where you position your dehumidifier affects its efficiency. Putting the unit in a corner, behind furniture, or near a wall will restrict airflow, which can slow down moisture removal and force the unit to work harder.
For best performance:
Place it in the centre of the room or at least a spot with open airflow.
Avoid placing it near windows or doors that frequently open, as this introduces new moisture.
Make sure air intake and exhaust vents are unobstructed.
Proper placement ensures faster humidity control, reducing runtime and costs.
6. Built-In Features and Controls
Modern dehumidifiers often come with features designed to improve efficiency and cut down energy consumption. These include:
Humidistats: These sensors monitor humidity levels and shut the unit off when the target is reached.
Timers: Allows you to run the dehumidifier only during peak humidity hours (e.g., mornings and evenings).
Auto-restart and sleep mode: Ensures the unit doesn’t stay on longer than necessary.
Smart features: Some models can be controlled via app or Alexa/Google Assistant, allowing remote control and usage tracking.
These features not only improve convenience but also help regulate how much does it cost to use a dehumidifier day to day.
Tips to Reduce the Cost of Running a Dehumidifier
If you’re concerned about how much does a dehumidifier cost to run, the good news is that most of the factors driving up costs can be managed with simple actions. Here are practical ways to reduce the energy impact of using a dehumidifier.
1. Set the Right Humidity Target
Many people make the mistake of running their dehumidifier constantly in an effort to achieve “dry” air. In reality, the ideal indoor relative humidity is around 45–50%. Any lower than that can cause dry skin, irritate lungs, and even damage furniture.
Once your home reaches this level, reduce runtime or switch to humidistat mode (if available). Maintaining a moderate humidity level is the key to comfort without overspending.
2. Use a Timer or Schedule
You likely don’t need your dehumidifier running 24/7. Most homes only experience elevated humidity during specific times of day—like early morning (after showers) or evening (when the heating is off).
Using a built-in timer or a smart plug to schedule operation for 4 to 8 hours/day can halve your energy costs without sacrificing comfort. If you’re still wondering how much does it cost to run a dehumidifier per hour, just remember: a 250W unit costs around 6p/hour—but 8 hours a day is still only £1.68/week.
3. Keep Windows and Doors Closed
While running your dehumidifier, it’s essential to isolate the room. Open windows or doors allow new moisture to enter, forcing the dehumidifier to start over constantly.
Close all external doors and windows
Ensure bathroom and kitchen fans are working properly
Dry wet clothes in a closed space with the dehumidifier running for best efficiency
This is particularly important when drying laundry indoors. If you’re using the unit to dry clothes, close the door and run it on laundry mode.
4. Clean or Replace Filters Regularly
A dirty filter reduces airflow, making the compressor and fan work harder. This increases power usage while reducing moisture removal efficiency.
Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the filter every 2–4 weeks, depending on use. Some high-end models have filter change indicators or reminder notifications.
Consistently cleaning your dehumidifier can help avoid a spike in dehumidifier power consumption and keep it running smoothly.
5. Use It Instead of a Tumble Dryer
Drying clothes with a dehumidifier is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce moisture indoors and save money. Here’s a direct comparison:
Dehumidifier (250W): £0.06/hour
Tumble Dryer (2,500W): £0.65–£1.00/hour
So if you’ve been wondering, how much does it cost to run a dehumidifier compared to drying clothes in a tumble dryer? The dehumidifier is up to 90% cheaper in many cases.
Plus, this makes it a practical alternative to the best ductless air conditioner in mild climates where humidity control is more important than heavy cooling.
6. Empty the Tank Before It’s Full
Letting the water collection tank reach its maximum capacity can sometimes cause the dehumidifier to shut off until emptied. This can disrupt runtime cycles and reduce efficiency.
Instead, empty the tank before it fills completely, especially during times of heavy use (like winter or laundry days). Better yet, use a drainage hose if your model supports it.
Conclusion
So, how much does a dehumidifier cost to run? The short answer is: between 3p and 26p per hour, depending on the wattage, how long you use it, and your electricity rate.
More efficient models with timers and smart features will help you minimise how much it costs to run a dehumidifier, especially in the UK where energy prices are rising. That’s why choosing the right unit and using it strategically is so essential.
Don’t just think about cost, think about long-term savings from reduced damp, mould prevention, and lower laundry costs.
FAQs
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier 24 hours a day in the UK?
Running a dehumidifier continuously in the UK typically costs between £0.48 and £2.40 per day, depending on its power consumption and your electricity rate. For instance, a 480 W unit would use 11.52 kWh over 24 hours, which equates to roughly £2.86 at 24.86 p/kWh (current January 2025 rate). Small, energy-efficient models—like those around 200 W—could cost under £1 daily, while large-capacity units push toward the upper range.
Do dehumidifiers use lots of electricity?
Dehumidifiers vary in energy draw, typically from 200 W to 750 W per hour. While they are not as power-hungry as heaters or tumble dryers, they are still moderate electricity users—especially when run for extended periods. However, modern models, particularly desiccant or low-energy variants, are designed to be more efficient. So yes, they use a noticeable amount, but not “lots” relative to high-power appliances.
Is it cheaper to tumble dry or use a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is generally much cheaper to run than a tumble dryer. For example:
A tumble dryer can consume up to 3–4 kW, costing £1–£1.96 per load, depending on type.
A dehumidifier, even at 650 W, might cost just £0.47 to £0.74 for a 6-hour laundry drying session.
Overall, even if it takes longer, a dehumidifier tends to be the more energyefficient and budgetfriendly option
Is it cheaper to run a dehumidifier or central heating?
Running a dehumidifier is significantly cheaper than central heating. Energy experts note: Dehumidifiers typically use 200–600 W, costing around 13p/hour, or about £3.12 for 24 hours. Meanwhile, central heating costs around £1.70 per hour, totaling nearly £41 for 24 hours. So, if you primarily need to reduce humidity rather than heat the space, a dehumidifier offers much better costeffectiveness.