# How Much Electricity Does a Dehumidifier Use? _Last updated: 2026-09-26_ ## Short answer Cost depends on the unit's wattage and how often it actually runs. A small unit draws roughly 300–350 W and a large one roughly 500–600 W. At 500 W running half the time, that is about 6 kWh a day, or around $0.90 a day at $0.15/kWh. ## The formula - kWh per day = watts / 1,000 x hours running. - Cost = kWh x your price per kWh. - Use duty cycle, not 24 hours: a unit with a humidistat cycles on and off. - Example: 500 W x 12 effective hours = 6 kWh; at $0.15/kWh that is $0.90 per day, about $27 per month. ## What changes the number - How damp the space is: a wet basement makes the unit run almost continuously. - Temperature: compressor units work harder and defrost more in cold air. - Your setpoint: a lower target humidity means more running time. - Unit efficiency: ENERGY STAR models use less energy for the same water removal. - Size: an oversized unit may short-cycle; an undersized one runs nonstop. ## How to measure it exactly A plug-in energy monitor gives the real number in your home. Plug the dehumidifier into the monitor for a few days and read the accumulated kWh; multiply by your electricity price. This is more accurate than the label, which only shows the maximum draw. ## How to reduce the cost - Set a realistic target humidity (often around 45–50%) instead of running continuously. - Use continuous drainage so a full tank does not stop it and waste cycles. - Seal the space and fix leaks so you are not dehumidifying the outdoors. - Choose an ENERGY STAR unit when replacing an old one. - Run it during off-peak hours if your tariff has them. ## Sources ENERGY STAR dehumidifier efficiency criteria; U.S. Department of Energy guidance on estimating appliance electricity use. ## Frequently asked questions **Q: How many kWh a day does a dehumidifier use?** A: A 30-pint unit using about 320 W for 12 effective hours a day uses roughly 3.8 kWh; a 50-pint unit at 550 W for 12 hours uses about 6.6 kWh. Real use depends on how damp the space is. **Q: Is it expensive to run?** A: It is one of the more power-hungry home appliances because it runs for long periods. A large unit in a wet basement can cost $20–$40 a month; a small unit in a dry room costs much less. **Q: Does a dehumidifier use more power than an AC?** A: A portable AC generally draws more at peak, but a dehumidifier can run for longer stretches. Compare actual kWh over time with an energy monitor rather than peak watts. ## Recommended options When replacing an old unit, look for ENERGY STAR and a humidistat, which cut running time and cost. - [DREO 4500 Sq Ft Smart Dehumidifier](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HFJ84RXX?maas=maas_adg_api_585602613512925350_static_12_201&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas&aa_campaignid=PBd80bd4ce4ece40f44bcc76fcc0c48425&aa_adgroupid=d727cvIagGJNdGXDUz0Iqptw7I5s_aKKkTwS73Xa_a_b7ETmu9M7Nt_a8HDUDltLqXHEoBPCPgPBICz6Ie8_aV7Dy&aa_creativeid=3a3f9E4uc79Tu869imL_bB9Ebro5FEwJkM_aTxcggToEdOXnw_c) — DREO, rating 4.3/5 (244 reviews) - [DREO Energy Star Smart Dehumidifier](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXY4C7NL?maas=maas_adg_api_585602613512925350_static_12_201&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas&aa_campaignid=PBd80bd4ce4ece40f44bcc76fcc0c48425&aa_adgroupid=4df6yIkxpU3HN0REPqSNVtr6seTnE_aWp4t3Cqix8FL7SFdlrNERs9WYf2RDnowHAbQ7k5GcZAmD0uiaC3wUr&aa_creativeid=28f2gCwkqMXEzilBT4juHu3jBs9kdOytbk8aQjUCLZU4oS0_c) — DREO, rating 4.3/5 (244 reviews) _Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you._ --- Canonical: