How Much Does It Cost To Run a Dehumidifier? (By Capacity)

"I've been running a 50-pint dehumidifier in the basement 24/7 since May. How much is this actually adding to my electric bill?"

More than you think, but probably less than running your AC all summer. A typical 50-pint dehumidifier costs about $0.07--$0.11 per hour to run, or roughly $39--$78 per month depending on how many hours it runs and your local electricity rate.

The good news? You have a lot of control over this number. The difference between running a dehumidifier on full blast 24/7 and using a humidistat intelligently can be $30--$40/month in savings. The difference between living in North Dakota vs. Hawaii is even bigger—over $60/month for the same unit.

The exact cost depends on three things: the dehumidifier's wattage (determined by capacity), how many hours per day the compressor actually runs, and your electricity rate. We'll break down every one of these below with real data tables by capacity, by state, and by usage scenario.

Here's the cost formula we use throughout this article:

Running Cost = (Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)

For all calculations below, we use the national average electricity rate of $0.18/kWh, based on the latest EIA data. Your state may be cheaper or more expensive—we cover that in the cost-by-state section.

Dehumidifier Running Cost per Hour, Day, and Month (by Capacity)

This is the master reference table. Find your dehumidifier's capacity in the left column and read across for running costs at the $0.18/kWh national average rate.

These numbers assume continuous compressor operation. In practice, if your dehumidifier has a built-in humidistat (most modern units do), the compressor cycles on and off once target humidity is reached—cutting actual runtime by 30-50%. We cover that savings in detail below.

For context on how this compares to other appliances, check our guides on the cost to run an air conditioner and cost to run an electric heater.

How Many Watts Does a Dehumidifier Use?

Dehumidifier wattage is directly tied to capacity. A bigger unit with a larger compressor draws more power—but it also removes moisture faster, which can actually result in lower total energy use if the space is properly sized.

Dehumidifier Wattage by Capacity (22 to 70 Pint)

A study of 573 dehumidifier models found the overall average wattage to be 483W, with 600W being the most common rated wattage. The range across all models spans from roughly 200W to 970W, with industrial units at the top end.

Important note on DOE testing standards: under current DOE standards, dehumidifiers are tested at 65°F (down from 80°F) to better reflect basement conditions. This means a unit labeled "50-pint" under the new standard is equivalent to what was previously sold as a "70-pint" unit. The hardware hasn't changed—only the testing methodology. If you're replacing an older dehumidifier that was rated at 70 pints under the old standard, a new 50-pint model will perform identically while likely drawing less power thanks to improved compressor technology.

How Many kWh Does a Dehumidifier Use per Day and per Month?

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) is what your utility company bills you for. To convert watts to kWh: divide the wattage by 1,000 and multiply by hours of operation.

For perspective, the average U.S. household uses about 886 kWh per month total. Running a 50-pint dehumidifier 12 hours a day adds roughly 216 kWh—about 24% of your total household consumption. That's a significant chunk, which is why right-sizing and using a humidistat matter so much. You can see how this fits into the bigger picture in our average electricity usage guide.

Does It Cost More To Run a Dehumidifier 24/7? (Continuous vs. Humidistat)

Yes—and the difference is substantial. Running a dehumidifier 24/7 on continuous mode means the compressor never stops. But if you set a target humidity (say 50% RH) using the built-in humidistat, the compressor cycles off once that level is reached and only kicks back on when humidity rises above the setpoint.

How Duty Cycle Reduces Your Dehumidifier Running Cost

In real-world use, a properly sized dehumidifier with a humidistat typically runs about 50-70% of the time once target humidity is achieved. That's a 30-50% reduction in electricity cost compared to continuous operation. Most modern dehumidifiers have a differential of 3-5%---meaning if you set it to 50%, it runs until humidity drops to ~47% and stays off until it rises to ~53%.

Here's the impact on monthly cost assuming a 60% average duty cycle (middle of the range):

The takeaway is clear: never run your dehumidifier on continuous mode unless you have a severe moisture problem (active water intrusion, post-flood drying). For everyday humidity control, set the humidistat to 45-50% and let it cycle. For optimal basement settings, see our basement dehumidifier settings guide.

Humidity itself is a function of temperature and moisture content—what HVAC pros call the dew point. When indoor surfaces drop below the dew point, you get condensation. That's why basements are the primary target for dehumidifiers: cool walls and floors constantly hover near the dew point during humid months. For a deeper understanding of how dew point drives condensation, see our dew point calculator. And if you're noticing water droplets on your ductwork, our condensation on AC vents guide explains why that happens and how a dehumidifier can help.

Dehumidifier Running Cost by State (Cheapest and Most Expensive)

Electricity rates vary wildly across the U.S.---from under $0.12/kWh in the cheapest states to over $0.40/kWh in Hawaii. That means the same dehumidifier costs over 3x more to run in Honolulu than in Fargo.

The table below shows the monthly cost of running a 50-pint dehumidifier (600W) for 12 hours per day in the 5 cheapest and 5 most expensive states, based on the latest EIA electricity rate data.

5 Cheapest States To Run a Dehumidifier

5 Most Expensive States To Run a Dehumidifier

A Hawaii resident running a 50-pint dehumidifier pays $521 per year (6-month season)---more than triple the $155 a North Dakota resident pays. If you live in a high-rate state, energy efficiency and smart usage habits become even more critical.

Keep in mind that states with the highest humidity (and therefore the greatest need for dehumidifiers) don't always have the highest electricity rates. Florida, for example, is one of the most humid states but has moderate electricity rates around $0.15/kWh. Louisiana is both cheap on electricity and extremely humid—making a dehumidifier a bargain there at roughly $27/month for a 50-pint unit.

On the flip side, New England states like Connecticut and Massachusetts face a double whammy: above-average humidity in summer and electricity rates nearly double the national average. Homeowners in these states should strongly consider ENERGY STAR models, humidistat usage, and basement air sealing to keep dehumidifier costs under control.

Annual Cost To Run a Dehumidifier (6 Months vs. Year-Round)

Most homeowners run dehumidifiers seasonally—roughly 6 months during the warm, humid months (May through October). But some spaces, like finished basements and crawl spaces, need year-round dehumidification. Here's what that looks like at the national average rate.

Running a 70-pint dehumidifier 24/7 year-round crosses the $1,000/year mark. That's a compelling reason to use a humidistat, seal moisture sources, and consider whether a smaller unit could handle the job.

Most experts recommend running a dehumidifier seasonally—from late spring through early fall—unless your space has chronic moisture issues. Basements with active seepage, crawl spaces without vapor barriers, and homes in coastal or subtropical climates may require year-round operation. In those cases, the annual cost table above represents your real operating expense, and investing in the most efficient unit you can find becomes essential.

One often-overlooked strategy: if you only need dehumidification in one season but your basement stays slightly damp in winter, a small 22-pint unit running intermittently through cold months costs just $12--$15/month—a worthwhile insurance policy against mold growth and musty odors.

Dehumidifier vs. Air Conditioner for Humidity: Which Costs Less?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the answer depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If your only goal is removing humidity (not cooling), a dehumidifier wins on cost and effectiveness. If you need both cooling and dehumidification, an AC handles both—but at a much higher hourly rate.

For a deeper look at how AC handles humidity, see our guide on does AC remove humidity.

A 50-pint dehumidifier and a small window AC have remarkably similar hourly costs ($0.09--$0.11 vs. $0.08--$0.10). But central AC costs 5-6x more per hour. If your basement feels damp but not hot, skip the AC and run a dehumidifier. You'll spend a fraction of the cost. For more on AC energy costs, see our cost to run an air conditioner breakdown.

How To Reduce Dehumidifier Electricity Cost (5 Tips)

1. Right-Size the Dehumidifier for Your Space

An oversized dehumidifier sounds wasteful, but it's actually more efficient. A 50-pint unit can dehumidify a space in roughly 30% of the time a 22-pint unit takes, then shut off. The result: fewer total running hours and lower electricity consumption. Don't buy the smallest unit thinking it'll save energy—it won't.

2. Seal Your Basement or Crawl Space

Every crack, gap, and open vent lets humid outside air pour in, forcing your dehumidifier to work overtime. Air sealing can cut dehumidifier runtime by 30-50%. Focus on rim joists, window wells, dryer vents, and sump pit covers. Check our basement dehumidifier settings guide for a full checklist.

3. Use the Built-In Humidistat

Set it to 45-50% RH and walk away. The compressor cycles automatically, saving 30-50% on electricity compared to continuous mode. Don't trust the dehumidifier's display blindly—consider placing a separate hygrometer nearby to verify accuracy. The indoor humidity guide covers optimal RH levels room by room.

4. Keep Coils and Filters Clean

A dirty filter restricts airflow by 30-50%, forcing the compressor to run longer for the same moisture removal. Clean the filter every 2-4 weeks during heavy use. Also check the coils—if they're icing up, the unit is working much harder than it should be. See our dehumidifier freezing up troubleshooting guide if that's happening.

5. Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR Model

ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifiers use approximately 15% less energy than standard models for the same moisture removal. On a 50-pint unit running 12 hours/day, that translates to roughly $25--$50 per year in savings. We break down the exact payback math in the next section.

Is an ENERGY STAR Dehumidifier Worth the Extra Cost? (Payback Calculation)

ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifiers typically cost $30--$80 more than comparable non-certified models. The efficiency difference comes from better compressors, more efficient fan motors, and optimized coil design. Here's how the numbers play out.

The DOE measures dehumidifier efficiency using the Integrated Energy Factor (IEF)---liters of water removed per kWh of electricity consumed. Higher IEF = more efficient. Current ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 requirements (current standard):

Here's the payback math for a typical 50-pint unit running 12h/day for 6 months:

Over a typical 11-year dehumidifier lifespan (per DOE estimates), an ENERGY STAR unit saves roughly $300--$430 in electricity. The price premium pays for itself within the first 1-2 years. The answer is yes—it's worth it, especially if you run the unit frequently or live in a high-rate state.

Worked Examples

Example 1: 50-Pint Dehumidifier Running 24/7 in a Basement

Scenario: A 50-pint dehumidifier rated at 600W running continuously in a damp 1,000 sq ft basement. Electricity rate: $0.18/kWh (national average). The basement has no vapor barrier and two unsealed window wells.

Calculation: (600 ÷ 1,000) × 24 hours × $0.18 = $2.59/day × 30 = $77.76/month.

Over a 6-month humid season, that's $467. With a humidistat set to 50% RH and a ~60% duty cycle, the real cost drops to about $280 for the season. If the homeowner also sealed those window wells and added a vapor barrier, runtime could drop further—potentially saving another $50--$80.

Example 2: 30-Pint Dehumidifier in a Bedroom (Intermittent Use)

Scenario: A 30-pint unit rated at 450W running 8 hours per day in a bedroom during summer. Electricity rate: $0.18/kWh.

Calculation: (450 ÷ 1,000) × 8 hours × $0.18 = $0.65/day × 30 = $19.44/month.

That's less than $20/month—roughly the cost of running a ceiling fan. If the indoor humidity in your bedroom stays above 55% at night, this is a worthwhile investment for sleep comfort.

Example 3: 22-Pint vs. 50-Pint — Which Costs Less for a 500 sq ft Space?

Scenario: A 500 sq ft basement with moderate humidity (65-70% RH). Comparing a 22-pint (370W) vs. 50-pint (600W) dehumidifier.

The 22-pint unit needs to run roughly 24 hours to dehumidify the space. The 50-pint unit handles it in about 7-8 hours, then cycles off.

22-pint daily cost: 0.37 kW × 24h × $0.18 = $1.60/day

50-pint daily cost: 0.60 kW × 8h × $0.18 = $0.86/day

The 50-pint unit costs 46% less per day despite drawing more watts. Higher capacity = shorter runtime = lower total energy cost. This is why right-sizing matters.

Example 4: Annual Cost in an Expensive-Electricity State (California)

Scenario: A 50-pint dehumidifier (600W) running 12 hours/day for 6 months in California at 33.75¢/kWh.

Calculation: 0.6 kW × 12h × $0.3375 = $2.43/day × 182 days = $442/year.

Compare that to North Dakota at 11.93¢/kWh: 0.6 kW × 12h × $0.1193 = $0.86/day × 182 = $156/year. The California homeowner pays $286 more per year for the same dehumidification. In high-rate states, upgrading to ENERGY STAR and using a humidistat aggressively is critical.

Example 5: ENERGY STAR vs. Standard Payback Period

Scenario: Two 50-pint dehumidifiers—standard (650W, $220) vs. ENERGY STAR (550W, $280). Running 12h/day for 6 months at $0.18/kWh.

Standard annual cost: 0.65 kW × 12h × $0.18 × 182 = $255

ENERGY STAR annual cost: 0.55 kW × 12h × $0.18 × 182 = $216

Annual savings: $39. Price premium: $60. Payback: 1.5 years. Over the 11-year average lifespan, total savings reach $429—a 7x return on the $60 premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Dehumidifier Use a Lot of Electricity?

It depends on the size, but generally no—a dehumidifier uses moderate electricity comparable to a desktop computer or a small window AC. A 50-pint unit draws about 600W, which translates to roughly $39/month at 12 hours/day. That's far less than central AC, an electric water heater, or a clothes dryer.

How Much Does a Dehumidifier Add to Your Electric Bill?

Expect an increase of $20--$80 per month depending on the unit size, runtime, and your local rate. A small 22-pint unit running 8 hours/day adds about $15--$20. A large 70-pint unit running 24/7 can add $90+. Using a humidistat to cycle the compressor is the single most effective way to keep this number low.

Is It Cheaper To Run a Dehumidifier or an Air Conditioner?

For humidity removal only, a dehumidifier is significantly cheaper. A 50-pint dehumidifier costs $0.09--$0.11/hour while central AC costs $0.54--$0.63/hour. However, AC also cools the air, which a dehumidifier does not. If it's hot and humid, you may need both—but running a dehumidifier can allow you to set your AC thermostat a few degrees higher, reducing overall costs. See our ideal AC temperature guide for that strategy.

Should You Run a Dehumidifier 24/7?

Only if you have active moisture intrusion or post-flood conditions. For normal humidity control, set the humidistat to 45-50% relative humidity and let the unit cycle. Running 24/7 on continuous mode wastes electricity and won't make the air any drier once target humidity is reached—the humidistat does the same job for 30-50% less electricity. For target humidity guidance, see the indoor humidity guide.

How Much Does It Cost To Run a Whole House Dehumidifier?

Whole-house dehumidifiers (ducted, 90-150 pint) draw roughly 800-1,200W and cost $50--$100+ per month depending on runtime. However, they're more efficient per pint of moisture removed than multiple portable units, and they integrate with your HVAC system for automatic operation. The DOE rates whole-home units on a separate IEF scale, with top models achieving 2.35 L/kWh or higher.

Do Old Dehumidifiers Use More Electricity?

Yes—significantly. A dehumidifier manufactured before the current DOE standard update may use 20-40% more electricity than a modern ENERGY STAR unit of the same capacity. Older compressors are less efficient, and older units lack features like auto-defrost and smart cycling that reduce runtime.

If your dehumidifier is more than 8-10 years old, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model can pay for itself within 1-2 years through electricity savings alone. Look for units with an IEF of at least 1.80 L/kWh for the 25-50 pint class. The best portable models on the market reach 1.95 L/kWh, which means roughly 30% less energy than the cheapest standard units. Top whole-home dehumidifiers achieve 2.35 L/kWh or higher.

What Affects Dehumidifier Electricity Cost the Most?

Three factors dominate: your local electricity rate, the dehumidifier's capacity relative to the space, and whether you use a humidistat. A well-matched, ENERGY STAR unit with the humidistat set to 50% RH will cost a fraction of an undersized, older unit running continuously in a leaky basement. Getting these three variables right can easily cut your running cost in half.

Sources and References

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): National average electricity rates, state-by-state pricing data — eia.gov/electricity/monthly

ENERGY STAR: Version 6.0 Dehumidifier Efficiency Criteria, IEF requirements — energystar.gov/products/dehumidifiers/key_efficiency_criteria

U.S. Department of Energy: Federal dehumidifier efficiency standards, IEF metric, product class definitions — energy.gov/eere/buildings/consumer-dehumidifiers

Federal Register: Proposed amended energy conservation standards for dehumidifiers (Nov 2023) — federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/06/2023-24106

ASAP Appliance Standards: Dehumidifier standards overview, 10-37% energy savings from proposed standards — appliance-standards.org/product/dehumidifiers

EcoCostSavings: 573-model dehumidifier wattage study, IEF comparison data — ecocostsavings.com/dehumidifier-wattage-most-efficient

GreenBuildingAdvisor: Real-world dehumidifier efficiency testing, duty cycle data, measured 485W draw — greenbuildingadvisor.com

Natural Resources Canada: ENERGY STAR ~15% energy savings vs. standard models — natural-resources.canada.ca

Choose Energy / EIA Data: State-by-state electricity rates (February 2026) — chooseenergy.com/electricity-rates-by-state

Sylvane: DOE testing standard changes, ENERGY STAR 15% savings, sizing guidance — sylvane.com

Honeywell Air Comfort: Dehumidifier testing standards explanation (IEF vs. EF) — honeywellaircomfort.com

If you have any questions about dehumidifier running costs—or want us to calculate the cost for your specific setup—leave a comment below with your dehumidifier's wattage, daily runtime, and your state, and we'll try to help you out.