Molly Ayala
Dehumidifiers are an essential appliance in many households, especially in areas with high humidity. However, with rising energy prices, it is crucial to understand the energy consumption and associated costs of running a dehumidifier. The energy efficiency of a dehumidifier is measured by how many litres of water it can extract from the air using 1kWh of power. The higher the energy efficiency, the less power it will consume. The cost of electricity for a dehumidifier depends on various factors, including its size, energy efficiency, and hours of usage per day. This article will provide an introduction to calculating the electricity cost of running a dehumidifier, as well as some tips to reduce energy consumption and save money.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Factors affecting electricity cost | Size of the dehumidifier, energy efficiency, hours of usage per day |
| Calculation method | Multiply the wattage of the dehumidifier by the number of hours it runs per day to get watt-hours. Divide this figure by 1000 to get kWh. Multiply the kWh figure by the local charge per kWh. |
| Average cost per kWh | As of 2024, the national average cost per kWh in the US was approximately 16.88 cents. |
| Cost-saving methods | Choose the right size for your space, clean or replace the filter regularly, choose a model with energy-saving features, join a community solar project |
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What You'll Learn
Dehumidifier wattage and electricity rates
The wattage of a dehumidifier varies depending on its size and type. For example, a small tabletop dehumidifier that removes one pint of moisture per day may use around 20 watts, while a large, wheeled dehumidifier that extracts 70 pints per day can use up to 700 watts. The wattage information for a specific dehumidifier can usually be found in the manual or on the back of the appliance.
The energy efficiency of a dehumidifier is measured by how many litres of water it can extract from the air using one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of power. A highly energy-efficient dehumidifier will consume less power than a less efficient model. The cost per unit of electricity varies depending on location, and electricity providers generally calculate costs on a monthly basis.
To calculate the energy consumption and cost of running a dehumidifier, you can use an online calculator. These tools typically require information about the appliance's wattage, the number of hours it is used per day, week, or month, and the cost of electricity.
There are also ways to reduce energy consumption and costs when using a dehumidifier. For example, choosing the right size for the space is important, as a dehumidifier that is too large for the room will result in unnecessary electricity usage and may make the air overly dry. Energy Star-rated dehumidifiers are the most efficient on the market, using about 13% less energy than comparable non-Energy Star models. Additionally, features like automatic shut-off and adjustable humidity settings can help reduce energy usage. Regularly cleaning or replacing the filter is another way to maintain the efficiency of the appliance.
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Energy efficiency and cost savings
To improve energy efficiency, consider a dehumidifier with a Hydrophilic coating on the coils, which makes water run off more quickly, resulting in faster water extraction. Closing windows and external doors when using the dehumidifier will also improve efficiency. Features such as automatic shut-off, timers, and smart controllers can help reduce energy consumption.
When choosing a dehumidifier, look for one with an Energy Star label, as these are the most efficient dehumidifiers on the market. Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers use more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans, removing the same amount of moisture as a similarly-sized conventional unit but using 13-14% less energy. While they may be more expensive upfront, Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers can save you money in the long run due to their lower running costs.
To calculate the electricity cost of running a dehumidifier, you can use the following formula: First, convert amp draw to kilowatt-hour (kWh). Then, multiply kWh by the local charge per kilowatt-hour. This will give you the power consumption cost of the dehumidifier. Additionally, you can find online calculators that can help you estimate the energy usage and cost of running a dehumidifier, allowing you to make informed decisions about your energy usage and potential savings.
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Dehumidifier size and space
When choosing a dehumidifier, it is important to consider the size of the space you want to dehumidify. Dehumidifiers are sized or categorized by their total moisture removal capacity, which is measured in pints of moisture removed per day. The capacity of a dehumidifier loosely indicates how large a space it will cover in square feet.
To determine the right size dehumidifier for your space, first calculate the square footage of the area by multiplying the length of the room by its width. Rooms of varying sizes and dampness levels may require different-sized dehumidifiers. A small room that is only slightly damp may not need more than a 10-pint mini dehumidifier. On the other hand, a large space that is extremely wet could need a dehumidifier with a capacity of 40 pints or more.
If you have an area of 600 to 800 square feet that is slightly damp or infused with a musty smell, a medium-capacity dehumidifier may be a good choice. These dehumidifiers are designed to remove 30 to 39 pints of moisture per day. They are also quieter than larger models, which is useful when drying out the air in a living area. For rooms smaller than 400 square feet that are wet, with visible condensation on the walls or ceiling, a medium-capacity dehumidifier can also be beneficial.
For spaces that are very wet, with standing water, you may need an industrial-sized dehumidifier that can remove 70 or more pints of water per day. These units typically have no tanks, so you will need to attach a drain line. It is also important to note that a dehumidifier that is too big for your space will cost you more in electricity use and could leave your air uncomfortably dry.
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Average usage time
The average usage time of a dehumidifier depends on a few factors, including the size of the space, the desired humidity level, and the climate.
Firstly, the size of the space you are trying to dehumidify matters. A small room that is only slightly damp may only need a 10-pint mini dehumidifier, whereas a large, extremely wet space could require a capacity of 40 pints or more. It is important to choose the right size for your space, as a dehumidifier that is too big will cost more to run and could leave the air uncomfortably dry.
Secondly, the ideal humidity level is typically between 30% and 50%. You should switch off the dehumidifier when the humidity level drops below this range. In addition, it is recommended not to use a dehumidifier in the winter when the air is already dry, and the humidity level is below 40%.
Taking these factors into account, the average usage time for a dehumidifier can vary. In most cases, it is not necessary to keep the dehumidifier running at full power 24/7. Instead, you can set your preferred humidity level and let it run on autopilot, switching it off when the desired humidity is reached.
For example, if you have a 300W dehumidifier and you run it for 12 hours a day to maintain your desired humidity level, it will consume 3.6kWh of electricity per day.
To calculate the cost of running a dehumidifier, you can use an online energy calculator. These tools will take into account factors such as the wattage of your dehumidifier, the number of hours it is used per day or week, and your local electricity rates.
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Energy-saving features
Look for the Energy Star label: Energy Star-certified dehumidifiers are designed to deliver savings on energy bills without compromising performance. These models use more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans to remove moisture, consuming 13-14% less energy than a conventional unit of the same size. As a result, you can expect lower running costs over time, even if the upfront cost is higher.
Choose the right size: The capacity of a dehumidifier, typically measured in pints of water extracted in 24 hours, directly impacts energy consumption. A larger, more powerful dehumidifier will use more energy than a smaller unit. Assess the size of the space and the conditions to determine the appropriate capacity. Remember, it's better to oversize than undersize, but don't buy a dehumidifier that's too big for your space, as it will cost more to run and may lead to unnecessary dryness.
Consider integrated energy factor: A higher integrated energy factor (IEF) indicates a more efficient dehumidifier. The IEF measures how many liters of water a unit removes per kilowatt-hour of energy consumed. While the energy factor (EF) was previously used, the IEF is the current standard for evaluating dehumidifier efficiency.
Utilize your air conditioning: If you have central air conditioning, consider taking advantage of its dehumidifying capabilities. Installing an A/C vent in a humid space can help reduce moisture while improving air circulation throughout your home.
Join a community solar project: Signing up for a community solar project is a great way to save on your annual electricity costs. By supporting local solar farms, you'll receive credits toward your utility bill thanks to government incentives. This way, you're contributing to the generation of clean energy and reducing your fossil fuel dependence while saving money.
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Frequently asked questions
To calculate the electricity cost for a dehumidifier, you will need to know the wattage of your device, the number of hours it will be used per day, and the cost of electricity in your area. You can then use the formula: wattage multiplied by hours used per day, which will give you the power consumed per day in watt-hours. Then, divide this number by 1000 to get the power consumed per day in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Finally, multiply the kWh by the local charge per kWh to get your daily electricity cost for the dehumidifier.
You can find out the wattage of your dehumidifier by checking the manual or looking on the back of the device.
The number of hours your dehumidifier will be used in a day depends on the humidity level you set for it. Typically, the ideal humidity level is between 30% and 50%. You can set your dehumidifier to switch off when the desired humidity level is reached, or you can switch it off manually when the humidity level drops below 30%.
You can find out the cost of electricity in your area by contacting your local power utility company or by checking the average cost per kilowatt-hour in your state or country. As of 2024, the national average cost per kWh in the US was approximately 16.88 cents.
