Trystan Casey
Dehumidifiers are a great way to reduce excess moisture in the air, preventing the growth of mould and mildew. However, they can be energy-intensive, with the potential to more than double electricity bills if used constantly. The energy consumption of a dehumidifier depends on its size, wattage, and efficiency rating. Smaller rooms may only require a mini-dehumidifier, which uses less energy than larger models. Additionally, newer models tend to be more energy-efficient than older ones. To reduce costs, it is advisable to avoid running dehumidifiers 24/7 and instead use timers or set preferred humidity levels, allowing them to run on autopilot. Investing in an energy-efficient model with an Energy Star rating can also help lower power costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Energy consumption | Depends on the size and efficiency of the dehumidifier |
| Energy efficiency | Depends on the energy factor rating, i.e., how many liters of water it removes per kilowatt-hour of energy used |
| Energy cost | Depends on the wattage, hours of use, and electricity rate |
| Monthly cost | Depends on how long it is turned on, the efficiency rating of the device, and the cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity |
| Cost-saving alternatives | Use other methods to reduce air moisture, invest in an energy star-certified appliance, and switch power suppliers to find a better electric rate |
| Cost-saving settings | Set a timer, use a smaller dehumidifier, and set the preferred humidity level to let it run on autopilot |
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What You'll Learn
Dehumidifier wattage and electricity costs
Dehumidifiers consume electricity to keep their coils cool and remove excess moisture from the air. The amount of electricity a dehumidifier uses depends on its size, wattage, and energy efficiency.
Dehumidifiers have a wide wattage range, from as little as 20 watts for a small tabletop unit to around 700 or 897 watts for a large, wheeled machine. The wattage of a dehumidifier can be found in the manual or on the back of the unit.
The energy efficiency of a dehumidifier is expressed as an energy factor, which indicates how many litres of water the unit removes per kilowatt-hour of energy used. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the dehumidifier. Large devices are often more efficient than small ones, and newer models tend to be more efficient than older ones. Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers are designed to use 10 to 50% less energy than non-energy-efficient equivalents.
The cost of running a dehumidifier depends on several factors, including the wattage, the number of hours it is used per day, and the electricity rate. For example, a 280-watt dehumidifier running for 10 hours a day at an electricity rate of 15 cents/kWh would cost approximately 42 cents per day or $153.30 per year.
To reduce the running costs of a dehumidifier, it is recommended to avoid running it 24/7 and instead use a timer or set it to a preferred humidity level. Additionally, choosing an energy-efficient model and switching to a cleaner energy plan can help lower costs and reduce carbon footprint.
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Energy efficiency and energy factor
Dehumidifiers consume electricity and can add significantly to your monthly electricity bill. The amount of electricity a dehumidifier consumes depends on its size, capacity, efficiency rating, and how long it is kept on.
The energy efficiency of a dehumidifier is rated by the manufacturer, but the actual efficiency when it operates in your home is different. The efficiency of a dehumidifier is usually given as the amount of water produced per unit of energy used. In the US, this is measured in liters per kilowatt-hour (L/kWh). The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the dehumidifier. The most efficient dehumidifiers are marked with the Energy Star label.
To determine a dehumidifier's energy efficiency, the relative humidity of the ambient air should be kept consistent throughout all tests. The higher the humidity, the more the dehumidifier's internals will have to "work", thus using more energy.
The power draw is greater for larger-capacity units. However, larger-capacity units draw that maximum power for a smaller amount of time. Therefore, larger units are a better option if energy efficiency is a priority.
To reduce the running cost of a dehumidifier, you should look for an Energy Star-rated appliance, which will burn less power to reduce air moisture. You can also avoid using it at all times and try other methods to reduce air moisture, such as running it on a timer, or buying a smaller dehumidifier.
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Running time and costs
The running time and costs of a dehumidifier depend on several factors, including its size, wattage, efficiency, and the humidity level you want to maintain.
Dehumidifiers consume electricity to cool a metal surface or a set of coils, which causes moisture in the air to condense and collect in a reservoir. The amount of electricity a dehumidifier uses is measured in watts or kilowatts, and the wattage varies depending on the size and type of the unit. A small tabletop dehumidifier that removes one pint of moisture per day may use as little as 20 watts, while a large, wheeled dehumidifier that extracts 70 pints per day can use around 700 watts. The advertised wattage of a dehumidifier may be higher than its actual usage, as it may not always run at full power.
The efficiency of a dehumidifier is another critical factor in determining its running costs. The energy efficiency of a dehumidifier is expressed as an energy factor, which indicates how many litres of water it removes per kilowatt-hour of energy used. The higher the energy factor, the more efficient the unit. Large dehumidifiers tend to be more energy-efficient than smaller models, and newer models are generally more efficient than older ones. Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers are designed to use 10 to 50% less energy than non-energy-efficient equivalents.
The ideal humidity level for a home is typically between 30% and 50%. Running a dehumidifier continuously is often unnecessary, and setting a preferred humidity level and letting the unit run on autopilot can help manage energy usage. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation and maintaining the recommended temperature range of above 65°F can enhance the efficiency of the dehumidifier.
To estimate the running costs of a dehumidifier, you can use the following formula:
Watts per hour) x (daily hours of use) / 1000 x (electricity rate in cents per kilowatt-hour) = Daily Operating Cost
For example, let's consider a dehumidifier operating at 280 watts-hour with an electricity rate of 15 cents/kilowatt. The calculation would be:
280 watts x 10 hours / 1000 x 15 cents = 42 cents per day or approximately $153.30 per year.
It is important to note that these calculations are based on approximate figures and that actual costs may vary depending on factors such as room size, ambient temperature, and the power company's kWh rate.
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Size and capacity of the dehumidifier
The size and capacity of the dehumidifier you need depend on the size of the indoor space and its moisture levels. Dehumidifier capacity is typically measured in pints of water that can be removed in a day. A small room that is only slightly damp may not need more than a 10-pint mini dehumidifier. A 34–40-pint capacity dehumidifier can cover a 500-1,500 sq. ft. room, while a 40–60-pint capacity dehumidifier can cover a 1,000–2,500 sq. ft. room. A large 60+-pint capacity is used to tackle 2,500 square feet and up.
If your home is in a humid climate, add 10 pints to the recommended capacity. If multiple people live or spend time in the room, add 5 pints. If the room has multiple windows or doors, or if there is a washer/dryer in or near the room, add 5 pints.
Medium-sized rooms (between 600 and 1,200 square feet) that have small puddles, visible condensation, or mold need a large-capacity dehumidifier. A medium-capacity dehumidifier may be sufficient for an area of 600 to 800 square feet that is slightly damp or infused with a musty smell. A medium-capacity dehumidifier can remove 30 to 39 pints of moisture per day.
A room with damp surfaces or a constantly musty odor may need a dehumidifier, which will need to work harder in an extremely wet space than in one that is only mildly damp. Desiccant dehumidifiers are designed to remove moisture from the air using chemicals instead of condensation. They tend to have a more limited capacity, a noticeable aroma, and are less economical than other types. Thermo-electric dehumidifiers have low capacity and are less efficient than condenser dehumidifiers.
The amount of electricity a dehumidifier consumes per hour depends on its size and efficiency. A tabletop dehumidifier that removes a pint of moisture per day can use as little as 20 watts, while a large machine mounted on wheels that extracts 70 pints per day can use around 700 watts. An energy-efficient dehumidifier uses a maximum of 600 watts.
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Non-electric alternatives
Dehumidifiers consume electricity when switched on, and the amount of electricity consumed depends on how long it is kept on, its efficiency rating, and the cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity.
Opening Windows
Opening windows is a simple and inexpensive method to reduce indoor humidity. This method works best on dry, breezy days. Opening a few windows, even just slightly, allows damp interior air to circulate out while dry air from outside enters the room.
Using Fans
Fans help speed up the process of ventilating and mixing indoor and outdoor air. Place fans in open windows to draw out damp air from the room. Alternatively, use standing, ceiling, or ventilator fans set on low to gently push moisture-filled air upwards.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant dehumidifiers use calcium chloride or silica gel sorbents to absorb excess water vapour through natural diffusion. The gel needs to be reheated in the oven periodically to refresh its drying abilities.
DIY Dehumidifiers
DIY dehumidifiers can be made from common household items. For example, placing bowls of ice near ceiling fans will cause the melting ice to collect moisture as it evaporates into buckets below. While less powerful than commercial models, these low-cost solutions can be effective in small to moderately damp spaces if regularly maintained.
Insulation and Ventilation
Proper insulation helps prevent humid or damp outdoor air from condensing inside walls and attics. Additionally, simple changes to ventilation and moisture sources can provide long-term prevention of dampness issues at a low financial investment. For example, in areas with high moisture generation, such as laundries or showers, ensure that steam is vented outwards instead of lingering indoors.
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Frequently asked questions
Dehumidifiers do consume electricity and can be energy hogs if they are running all the time. The amount of electricity a dehumidifier uses depends on its size, wattage, and energy efficiency. Large dehumidifiers tend to be more energy-efficient than smaller models, and newer models are more efficient than previous generations.
To reduce the running cost of a dehumidifier, you can avoid using it all the time and try other methods to reduce air moisture. You can also invest in an energy star-certified appliance, which will use 10 to 50% less energy than a non-energy-efficient equivalent. Additionally, you can switch power suppliers to find a better electric rate.
You can calculate the daily operating cost of your dehumidifier using the following formula: (watts per hour) x (daily hours of use) / 1000 x (your electricity rate in cents per kilowatt hour) = daily operating cost.
