Dehumidifier Power Usage – How Much Does It Cost To Run A Dehumidifier?
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?
It depends on many things including the dehumidifier model, the amount of time that it is used per day, how humid the area is that it is working in and the space of that area, and the price of electricity. As an approximate guide, running a dehumidifier for 8 hours per day can cost between $10 to over $300 per year.
Contents
- 1 What Is An Electric Dehumidifier?
- 2 Dehumidifier Power Usage & Cost To Run
- 3 What Determines The Cost To Run A Dehumidifier?
- 4 Dehumidifier Power Usage FAQs
- 4.1 How does the size of the dehumidifier affect its power usage?
- 4.2 Is it better to use a dehumidifier with a higher energy efficiency rating?
- 4.3 Are there any features or settings that can help reduce the power usage of a dehumidifier?
- 4.4 Can a dehumidifier overload or damage my electrical circuit or outlet?
- 4.5 Is it safe to leave a dehumidifier on overnight or when no one is home?
- 4.6 Can I use a timer or smart home system to control the power usage of my dehumidifier?
- 5 In Conclusion
The majority of the best dehumidifiers require energy to operate. Depending on how often you turn yours on to regulate the humidity in your surroundings, dehumidifier power usage, and therefore the electricity usage, will vary.
With concerns regarding climate change and the carbon footprint we leave behind each day, energy use is a serious issue. So, it is good to understand exactly how much power your dehumidifier consumes.
In this article, we will explore how dehumidifiers use energy and how much different sized dehumidifiers typically cost to operate on a regular basis. We will also offer suggestions on how you can reduce your energy costs if you own and operate an older model dehumidifier.
But first, we should take a moment to better understand what an electric dehumidifier does.
What Is An Electric Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is a device used to remove water moisture from the air. Electric dehumidifiers do this by cooling the air. Warm air passes over a cooling element, which then cools and causes moisture to condense into water. The water drops to a collection vessel for removal.
The cooling element and fan that blows warm air to it require electricity to function.
Dehumidifier Power Usage & Cost To Run
Different manufacturers design and build many different models of electric dehumidifiers. Each has a specific energy rating that has been measured through a testing process. This information is typically printed on the packaging of a dehumidifier and is often also posted on the actual product. The dehumidifier wattage (in Watts (W) or kilowatts (kW)) is a measurement used to indicate how much energy is being used.
Below we have a breakdown of dehumidifier power consumption ratings of some commonly found dehumidifiers of various sizes. Costs below are based on the following assumptions:
- Usage = 8 hours usage/day
- Electricity price = $0.15c/kWh
- Power consumption (W) values provided by manufacturers are accurate.
Of course, costs will vary depending on whether any of the above assumptions differ.
FormulaE To Calculate Dehumidifier Power Usage & Costs
How Much Power Does a Dehumidifier Use?
To calculate the amount of power or electricity your dehumidifier consumes per day, use the formula below:
Power Consumption (kWh/day)
= Dehumidifier Power Rating (W) x Daily Usage (Hours) / 1000
How Much Does It Cost To Run a Dehumidifier?
To calculate the costs of running your dehumidifier (or any electrical appliance), use the formula below:
Daily Cost ($/day)
= Dehumidifier Power Rating (W) x Electricity Price ($/kwh) x Daily Usage (Hours) / 1000
Large Dehumidifiers
Example: Frigidaire FFAD7033R1, 70 Pint
Power Consumption = 745W (more information)
The Frigidaire FFAD7033R1 (see our review here) is a large-sized 70-pint dehumidifier. The amount of water/moisture per day it can remove is noted in the pint measurement (70 pints/day, or 33 liters/day). The dehumidifier power usage or consumption of this product is listed as 745W.
The formula to calculate the daily power consumption and daily/annual cost to operate this particular dehumidifier is:
Daily Power Consumption = 745W x 8hr / 1000 = 5.96kWh/day
Yearly Operating Cost = 745W x $0.15c x 8hr / 1000 = 89.4c/day = $326/year
Medium Dehumidifiers
Example: Frigidaire 50-Pint
Power Consumption = 530W (more information)
The Frigidaire 50-Pint dehumidifier (see our review here) is rated at using 530W of power. The formulae for this model dehumidifier would be:
Daily Power Consumption = 530W x 8hr / 1000 = 4.24kWh/day
Operating Cost = 530W x $0.15c x 8hr / 1000 = 63.6c/day = $232/year
Note that the smaller the dehumidifier is, the lower the dehumidifier power usage consumption rating generally is. This unit requires 530W of energy compared to the larger dehumidifier example above that is rated at 745W.
Small Dehumidifiers
Example: Ivation 30 Pint
Power Consumption = 345W (more information)
Ivation has a 30-pint model (see our review here) that has a power consumption of 345W. Using our power consumption formulae:
Daily Power Consumption = 345W x 8hr / 1000 = 2.76kWh/day
Operating Cost = 345W x $0.15c x 8hr / 1000 = 41.4c/day = $151/year
Mini Dehumidifiers
Example: Eva-dry Edv-1100
Power Consumption = 22.5W (more information)
The Eva-dry Edv-1100 (see our review here) is rated to remove 8 ounces of moisture per day that uses only 22.5W. The power consumption and cost of running this dehumidifier is:
Daily Power Consumption = 345W x 8hr / 1000 = 0.18kWh/day
Operating Cost = 22.5W x $0.15c x 8hr / 1000 = 2.7c/day = $9.85/year
It is important to know that obviously the larger the dehumidifier, the more it will cost to operate. However, it also means that bigger dehumidifiers will extract more moisture from the air which contributes to the higher cost and won’t necessarily be the most energy-efficient dehumidifier.
What Determines The Cost To Run A Dehumidifier?
Aside from the size of the dehumidifier, there are a number of factors that determine the amount of energy one will require to operate. The top factor is how often you use the dehumidifier. If you only need it during the warmer summer months, this will reduce your annual cost.
However, if your home has an ongoing moisture problem, you may use a dehumidifier daily and for longer hours. Based on the rate of $0.15c per kilowatt of energy, you can see from the breakdown noted above that even the large dehumidifiers are still relatively affordable to operate.
Older vs Newer Dehumidifiers
Primarily because concerns related to dehumidifier energy usage have become a fairly recent issue, dehumidifiers have gone through a bit of a remodeling phase. This generally means that the newer your dehumidifier is, the more energy efficient it will be.
This is simply because the standards of today did not exist just a few years ago. This also means that newer models will also perform better than older ones. It is for this reason that upgrading to a more modern dehumidifier makes good sense saving you on energy costs.
How Efficient Are Newer Dehumidifiers?
Modern dehumidifiers are designed to use less energy in order to remove moisture from the air. Typically, some models can record up to 20% more efficiency compared to the average. With a properly functioning unit, this much saving in energy costs can be significant.
Other Ways To Reduce Dehumidifier Costs
If you are not prepared to upgrade to a newer, more efficient dehumidifier model, you can still take control of your costs. Reducing the amount of time you rely on your dehumidifier is a great way to save on energy. Plus, it will reduce wear and tear on your unit.
By using fans to better circulate the air is another way to cut down on your energy use. Although electric fans will require energy to operate, they do not require nearly as much as your average dehumidifier. Opening windows can also reduce humidity and condensation in your home.
Use Your Dehumidifier Properly For Best Results
Dehumidifiers function best in cooler temperatures but can experience problems when operated in temperatures that are below 60 degrees F. This is because very cold temperatures can cause the cooling coils or other parts of the dehumidifier to freeze over and become damaged reducing dehumidifier efficiency.
Dehumidifier Power Usage FAQs
How does the size of the dehumidifier affect its power usage?
The size of a dehumidifier can affect its power usage in several ways. Generally, larger dehumidifiers will use more power than smaller ones, simply because they have more capacity and need to remove more moisture from the air.
However, the power consumption of a dehumidifier also depends on its efficiency, which can vary widely between different models and brands. A smaller, more efficient dehumidifier may use less power overall than a larger, less efficient one, even if they have similar capacities.
Another factor to consider is the size of the space you are trying to dehumidify. A dehumidifier that is too small for the space may need to run longer and more frequently to remove the same amount of moisture, which can increase its power usage. On the other hand, a dehumidifier that is too large for the space may consume more power than necessary, which can be wasteful and increase your electricity bill.
You should take into account the area’s square footage, as well as the relative humidity and temperature of the environment, to choose the right size dehumidifier for your room. To assist you in selecting the ideal dehumidifier size for your requirements, the majority of manufacturers offer guidelines and charts.
Is it better to use a dehumidifier with a higher energy efficiency rating?
Yes, it is generally better to use a dehumidifier with a higher energy efficiency rating, as this can help you save on your electricity bill and reduce your overall energy consumption.
Dehumidifiers with higher energy efficiency ratings will use less power to remove the same amount of moisture from the air, which means they can operate for longer periods of time without consuming as much electricity. This can be especially beneficial if you need to run your dehumidifier frequently, or if you are using it in a large space.
The energy efficiency of a dehumidifier is usually measured using a rating system called Energy Star, which is a program established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote energy-efficient products. Dehumidifiers with an Energy Star rating are designed to meet specific energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA, which means they will use less power than non-certified models.
It’s important to remember, though, that dehumidifiers with higher energy efficiency ratings might also cost more up front. To decide whether a higher efficiency rating is a worthwhile investment for your specific needs, you must balance the upfront cost of the unit against the potential long-term savings on your electricity bill.
Are there any features or settings that can help reduce the power usage of a dehumidifier?
Yes, there are several features and settings that can help reduce the power usage of a dehumidifier:
– Humidistat: Many dehumidifiers come with a built-in humidistat that allows you to set a target humidity level. Once the desired level is reached, the dehumidifier will turn off automatically, which can help reduce power usage.
– Timer: Some dehumidifiers have a timer feature that enables you to program the appliance to run for a predetermined amount of time. This can assist you in avoiding idly running the dehumidifier, which can waste energy.
– Fan speed: The majority of dehumidifiers have adjustable fan speeds. The unit can use less power while still effectively removing moisture from the air by running at a lower fan speed.
– Auto-defrost: Choose a dehumidifier model with an auto-defrost feature if you plan to use it in a cold environment. When ice accumulates on the coils, this feature will automatically turn the unit off, which can help prevent damage and save energy.
Can a dehumidifier overload or damage my electrical circuit or outlet?
It is possible for a dehumidifier to overload or damage your electrical circuit or outlet, particularly if the unit is not properly maintained or if the outlet is overloaded with other devices.
Most dehumidifiers require a significant amount of power to operate, particularly when running at full capacity. If the electrical circuit that the dehumidifier is connected to is already overloaded with other devices or appliances, this can increase the risk of an electrical overload, which can cause damage to the circuit or outlet, or even start a fire.
Make sure the outlet you are using is rated for the power needs of your dehumidifier in order to avoid overloading. The power specifications are listed on the dehumidifier’s label or in the user guide. Using extension cords or power strips with your dehumidifier is also not recommended because they increase the risk of overloading.
Is it safe to leave a dehumidifier on overnight or when no one is home?
It is generally ok to leave a dehumidifier on overnight or when no one is home, as long as you follow some basic safety guidelines.
Firstly, it’s important to make sure that the dehumidifier is placed on a stable surface and is not blocking any vents or air circulation. This will help prevent the unit from overheating or tipping over.
Additionally, you should ensure that the dehumidifier is not placed near any flammable materials, such as curtains or papers, as this can increase the risk of fire.
It’s also a good idea to periodically check the dehumidifier to make sure that it is working properly and that the water collection tank is not full, as a full tank can cause the unit to shut off or overflow.
The dehumidifier’s electrical cord and plug should always be in good condition, and it should always be plugged into a grounded outlet.
Overall, it is generally safe to leave the dehumidifier on overnight or when no one is home as long as you follow these fundamental safety precautions and regularly check the appliance.
Can I use a timer or smart home system to control the power usage of my dehumidifier?
Yes, you can use a timer or smart home system to control the power usage of your dehumidifier.
You can lower your electricity bill and conserve energy by setting a timer to turn the dehumidifier on and off at specific times. For instance, you might program the timer to turn the dehumidifier on in the evening when humidity levels are typically at their highest and off in the morning when temperatures are lower and humidity levels are lower.
Similarly, you can operate the dehumidifier remotely by using a smart home system like Google Home or Amazon Alexa. You may even be able to set up automated schedules or routines so that you can turn the dehumidifier on and off from your smartphone or other device.
If you are concerned about power usage, using a timer or smart home system to control your dehumidifier can be extremely helpful as it enables you to restrict the amount of time the device is running and limit energy consumption. But, it’s crucial to verify sure the timer or smart home system is compatible with your dehumidifier and that you adhere to any installation and use guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
In Conclusion
Electric dehumidifiers use varying amounts of energy depending on their size. The newer the dehumidifier is, the more energy-efficient it can be. Regardless of how often you use one, in general terms, dehumidifiers are not that expensive to operate.
However, if you desire to conserve energy, you don’t always have to use an energy-efficient dehumidifier. You can reduce the humidity in your living space by opening windows and using electric fans to circulate the air. Or you can reduce how often you use your dehumidifier.
With environmental concerns increasing, it is important to understand your dehumidifier power usage and to purchase the right-sized dehumidifier necessary to do the job.