How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier costs about 3.6¢ per hour, 86¢ a day, $26.28 a month and $158 a year at typical use (24 hours a day for 6 months a year) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. 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.
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Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 pint | 300 | 2.2¢ | 52¢ | $15.77 | $95 |
| 35 pint | 400 | 2.9¢ | 69¢ | $21.03 | $126 |
| 50 pint | 500 | 3.6¢ | 86¢ | $26.28 | $158 |
At 24 hours a day for 6 months a year and 17.99¢/kWh.
Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.22 | 4.0¢ | $1.22 | $15 |
| 2 hours | 0.42 | 7.6¢ | $2.31 | $28 |
| 4 hours | 0.82 | 15¢ | $4.49 | $54 |
| 8 hours | 1.62 | 29¢ | $8.85 | $106 |
| 12 hours | 2.41 | 43¢ | $13.21 | $158 |
| 24 hours | 4.80 | 86¢ | $26.28 | $315 |
Cost to run a dehumidifier in every state
The same dehumidifier costs $108 a year in North Dakota and $381 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | 2.5¢ | $18.00 | $108 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 2.5¢ | $18.48 | $111 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 2.6¢ | $18.79 | $113 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 2.6¢ | $18.98 | $114 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 2.7¢ | $19.46 | $117 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 2.7¢ | $19.52 | $117 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 2.7¢ | $19.62 | $118 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 2.7¢ | $19.81 | $119 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 2.7¢ | $20.02 | $120 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 2.8¢ | $20.22 | $121 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 2.8¢ | $20.34 | $122 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 2.8¢ | $20.38 | $122 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 2.8¢ | $20.47 | $123 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 2.8¢ | $20.63 | $124 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 2.8¢ | $20.64 | $124 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 2.8¢ | $20.75 | $124 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 3.0¢ | $21.58 | $129 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 3.0¢ | $21.58 | $129 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 3.0¢ | $22.05 | $132 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 3.0¢ | $22.09 | $133 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 3.1¢ | $22.38 | $134 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 3.1¢ | $22.48 | $135 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 3.1¢ | $22.50 | $135 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 3.1¢ | $22.62 | $136 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 3.1¢ | $22.65 | $136 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 3.1¢ | $22.85 | $137 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 3.2¢ | $23.32 | $140 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 3.2¢ | $23.70 | $142 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 3.3¢ | $24.02 | $144 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 3.3¢ | $24.08 | $144 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 3.3¢ | $24.22 | $145 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 3.4¢ | $24.75 | $148 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 3.6¢ | $25.99 | $156 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 3.6¢ | $26.66 | $160 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 3.7¢ | $27.38 | $164 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 3.8¢ | $27.45 | $165 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 4.1¢ | $30.24 | $181 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 4.2¢ | $30.72 | $184 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 4.2¢ | $30.75 | $185 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 4.8¢ | $34.74 | $208 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 4.8¢ | $34.77 | $209 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 4.8¢ | $35.36 | $212 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 5.3¢ | $38.96 | $234 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 5.4¢ | $39.23 | $235 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 5.6¢ | $40.89 | $245 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 5.7¢ | $41.48 | $249 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 5.9¢ | $42.76 | $257 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 5.9¢ | $42.82 | $257 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 6.1¢ | $44.46 | $267 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 6.6¢ | $48.20 | $289 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 8.7¢ | $63.57 | $381 |
Most efficient dehumidifier models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (27.0–36.5 pints/day), out of 536 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $60 a year to run. The least efficient costs $69. Same size, $9 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Capacity | kWh/yr | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deciuu | LIBRA-RCS32(Y)-N4-3(B) | 32 | 333 | $60 | Amazon |
| Deciuu | LIBRA-RCS32(Y)-N4-3 | 32 | 334 | $60 | Amazon |
| Dreo | DR-HDH004S | 31.7 | 335 | $60 | Amazon |
| Dreo Home | DR-HDH004S | 31.7 | 335 | $60 | Amazon |
| Vellgoo | TAURUS-RCS32(Y)-N4-3 +1 variant | 32 | 335 | $60 | Amazon |
| Aeocky | LEO-RCS32(Y)-N4-3(B) | 32 | 336 | $60 | Amazon |
| Arecovas | AR-DF005 | 32 | 338 | $61 | Amazon |
| Aeocky | RHEA-RCS32(Y)-N4-3 | 32 | 339 | $61 | Amazon |
| Yoau; Shinco; UHOME | SDZ1-120P +6 variants | 35 | 340 | $61 | Amazon |
| GARVEE | SAYRAM-RCS32(Y)-N4-3 | 33.1 | 342 | $62 | Amazon |
Yearly cost from the official annual energy use and 17.99¢/kWh. Look up any model in the calculator with “Look up my exact model”. Source: ENERGY STAR, updated 2026-10-21. Amazon links search for the exact model; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to cut the cost
- Set the humidistat to 50% rather than 35-40%; each step lower runs the compressor much longer.
- Close doors and windows in the space being dehumidified.
- Clean the filter every 2-4 weeks and keep 12 in of clearance around the unit.
- Keep it above 65°F if possible; cold basements make the coil frost up and reduce efficiency.
- Choose an ENERGY STAR model; it removes about 15% more water per kWh.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
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 AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 24 hours a day for 6 months a year | $26.28 | $158 |
| Whole-home dehumidifier | 700 | 24 hours a day for 6 months a year | $32.20 | $193 |
| Humidifier | 30 | 10 hours a day for 5 months a year | $1.72 | $9 |
| Air purifier | 40 | 24 hours a day | $5.26 | $63 |
| Portable air conditioner | 1,100 | 8 hours a day for 4 months a year | $33.82 | $135 |
| Attic fan | 300 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $9.20 | $46 |
| Whole house fan | 300 | 5 hours a day for 5 months a year | $8.21 | $41 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier per hour?
A dehumidifier drawing 500 watts uses 0.20 kWh per hour while running (40% duty cycle). At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 3.6¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 2.5¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 8.7¢.
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier per month?
At typical use (24 hours a day for 6 months a year), a dehumidifier costs about $26.28 a month while in use and $158 a year over the 6 months it's typically used, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a dehumidifier use?
Most dehumidifiers use 250 to 750 watts, depending on the setting (22 pint 300 W, 35 pint 400 W, 50 pint 500 W). Plugged in but off, it still draws about 1 W of standby power. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a dehumidifier use?
About 4.80 kWh a day and 877 kWh a year at typical use (24 hours a day for 6 months a year).
Does a dehumidifier use a lot of electricity?
It's a moderate load: 877 kWh a year is about 8% of the average U.S. home's yearly use.
Is it cheaper to run a dehumidifier or a whole-home dehumidifier?
At typical use, a dehumidifier costs about $158 a year versus $193 for a whole-home dehumidifier. So the dehumidifier is cheaper by about $35 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a dehumidifier?
- Set the humidistat to 50% rather than 35-40%; each step lower runs the compressor much longer.
- Close doors and windows in the space being dehumidified.
- Clean the filter every 2-4 weeks and keep 12 in of clearance around the unit.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.