Dehumidifier vs. whole-home dehumidifier: running cost
A dehumidifier is cheaper to run: about $158 a year versus $193 for a whole-home dehumidifier at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $35 difference.
| Dehumidifier | Whole-home dehumidifier | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 500 W | 700 W |
| Watt range | 250–750 W | 400–1,000 W |
| Typical use | 24 hours a day for 6 months a year | 24 hours a day for 6 months a year |
| Energy per year | 877 kWh | 1,074 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 3.6¢ | 4.4¢ |
| Cost per day | 86¢ | $1.06 |
| Cost per month | $26.28 | $32.20 |
| Cost per year | $158 | $193 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $381 | $467 |
Compare at your rate and settings
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.
- Whole-home dehumidifier: Ducted and crawl-space dehumidifiers remove 70-130 pints a day at 550-900 W, and are about twice as efficient per pint as portable units.
Ways to cut either cost
Removes more moisture per kWh than older units.
See options on AmazonShows when humidity is already below 50% so you can turn the unit off.
See options on AmazonStops ground moisture so the dehumidifier runs far less.
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 whole-home dehumidifier?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a whole-home dehumidifier costs about $193 a year versus $158 for a dehumidifier. That's $35 more, or 1.2× as much.
How many watts do dehumidifier and whole-home dehumidifier use?
A dehumidifier typically draws 500 W (range 250–750 W). A whole-home dehumidifier draws 700 W (range 400–1,000 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.