Cost to run a dehumidifier
Heating & cooling · typical wattage 500 W (300 W-700 W)
A dehumidifier draws about 300 W-700 W (typically 500 W). Run 10 hours a day, it uses about 750 kWh/year, which costs roughly $11.60/month and $139/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
Dehumidifier at a glance
| Figure | Dehumidifier |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 500 W (300 W-700 W) |
| Assumed usage | 10 h/day, 150 days/yr |
| Energy used | 750 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $11.60 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $139 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (5 h/day) | $13.92 | $169 |
| Typical use (10 h/day) | $27.84 | $339 |
| Heavy use (15 h/day) | $41.76 | $508 |
Cost at different state rates
The same dehumidifier at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $11.60 | $139 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $21.60 | $263 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $24.59 | $299 |
| California (33.35¢) | $50.03 | $609 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
Mid-size dehumidifiers draw about 300–700 W while the compressor runs; they cycle with humidity.
Tip to cut the cost: Choose an ENERGY STAR model and set a humidity target instead of running it continuously.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a dehumidifier (about 300 W-700 W, typically 500 W) used 10 hours a day costs roughly $11.60 per month and $139 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a dehumidifier use?
Mid-size dehumidifiers draw about 300–700 W while the compressor runs; they cycle with humidity.
How much electricity does a dehumidifier use per year?
About 750 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 5.00 kWh per day at 10 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a dehumidifier?
Choose an ENERGY STAR model and set a humidity target instead of running it continuously.
Keep exploring
Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20