Dehumidifier vs. humidifier: running cost
A humidifier is cheaper to run: about $9 a year versus $158 for a dehumidifier at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $149 difference.
| Dehumidifier | Humidifier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 500 W | 30 W |
| Watt range | 250–750 W | 10–400 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day for 6 months a year | 10 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 877 kWh | 48 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 3.6¢ | 0.5¢ |
| Cost per day | 86¢ | 5.6¢ |
| Cost per month | $26.28 | $1.72 |
| Cost per year | $158 | $9 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $381 | $21 |
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What drives the difference
- Dehumidifier: A 50-pint dehumidifier draws about 450-550 W while the compressor runs; the humidistat cycles it, so defaults give about 880 kWh over a humid season.
- Humidifier: Ultrasonic humidifiers use 20-40 W and evaporative wick models 30-70 W. Warm mist and steam models boil water and use 200-400 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Ultrasonic humidifier with humidistat
Uses about 30 W versus 300 W for warm mist models.
See options on Amazon ENERGY STAR dehumidifier
Removes more moisture per kWh than older units.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a dehumidifier or a humidifier?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a dehumidifier costs about $158 a year versus $9 for a humidifier. That's $149 more, or 18.3× as much.
How many watts do dehumidifier and humidifier use?
A dehumidifier typically draws 500 W (range 250–750 W). A humidifier draws 30 W (range 10–400 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.