How Much Does a Dehumidifier Cost to Run?
A typical 50-pint dehumidifier running 12 hours a day costs about $4 to $8 per month depending on your electricity rate. Smaller 20-pint units cost roughly half that, while larger 70-pint models run $8 to $12 per month. Use the calculator below to get a precise estimate for your setup.
Energy Cost Calculator
Your Estimated Costs
Daily
$1.06
6.6 kWh
Monthly
$31.68
Annual (6 mo)
$190.08
★Energy Star Savings
Standard 50-pint
$190.08/yr
550W
Energy Star 50-pint
$161.57/yr
468W
An Energy Star 50-pint unit saves you ~$28.51/year in electricity.
Upgrading from 50-pint to 70-pint costs only ~$51.84 more per year in electricity (700W vs 550W).
Dehumidifier Energy Usage by Size
Wattage varies by brand and model, but these are typical ranges for each capacity tier. Monthly costs assume 12 hours per day at $0.16/kWh for 30 days.
| Size | Typical Wattage | Avg. Watts | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-pint | 250-320W | 280W | $3-5 |
| 35-pint | 380-480W | 420W | $5-7 |
| 50-pint | 500-620W | 550W | $6-9 |
| 70-pint | 650-800W | 700W | $8-12 |
These estimates assume the compressor runs the full duration. In practice, most dehumidifiers cycle on and off once they reach the target humidity, so actual costs may be lower.
Tips to Reduce Dehumidifier Energy Costs
1. Buy Energy Star certified
Energy Star dehumidifiers use about 15% less energy than standard models. Over a five-year lifespan, that adds up to $50-$120 in savings depending on your electricity rate.
2. Use the built-in humidistat
Set your target humidity to 45-50% and let the unit cycle on and off automatically. Running a dehumidifier 24/7 at full power wastes electricity when the air is already dry enough.
3. Right-size your unit
An undersized dehumidifier runs constantly without reaching your target humidity. An oversized unit short-cycles, wearing out the compressor faster. Match the pint capacity to your actual room size and moisture level.
4. Seal air leaks first
If humid outdoor air pours in through cracks and gaps, your dehumidifier fights a losing battle. Seal foundation cracks, weatherstrip basement windows, and insulate cold water pipes before relying on the dehumidifier alone.
5. Keep the filter clean
A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the compressor to work harder. Clean or replace the filter every two to four weeks during heavy use. Most dehumidifier filters rinse under the tap in 30 seconds.
6. Position it for airflow
Place the dehumidifier at least 6-12 inches from walls and keep furniture away from the intake and exhaust. Good airflow lets the unit work at peak efficiency instead of recirculating the same pocket of air.
Energy Star vs Standard Dehumidifiers
Energy Star certified dehumidifiers use about 15% less energy than standard models while removing the same amount of moisture. The certification requires manufacturers to meet a minimum Integrated Energy Factor (IEF), measured in liters removed per kilowatt-hour.
For a 50-pint unit running 12 hours a day at $0.16/kWh for 6 months, Energy Star saves roughly $5 to $9 per year. Over a typical 5-year lifespan, that totals $25 to $45 in lower electricity bills. Since Energy Star models rarely cost more than their standard equivalents at retail, the savings are effectively free.
Most major brands (Midea, Frigidaire, GE, Honeywell) offer Energy Star certified models across all capacity tiers. Check for the blue Energy Star label on the product listing or filter by “Energy Star” when shopping online.
Not sure what size you need?
Our free sizing calculator tells you the exact pint capacity for your room in under 30 seconds.
Use the Sizing Calculator →