Cost to run a humidifier
Small appliances · typical wattage 200 W (25 W-400 W)
A humidifier draws about 25 W-400 W (typically 200 W). Run 10 hours a day, it uses about 240 kWh/year, which costs roughly $3.71/month and $44.54/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.
Humidifier at a glance
| Figure | Humidifier |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 200 W (25 W-400 W) |
| Assumed usage | 10 h/day, 120 days/yr |
| Energy used | 240 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $3.71 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $44.54 |
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) | $5.57 | $67.74 |
| Typical use (10 h/day) | $11.14 | $135 |
| Heavy use (15 h/day) | $16.70 | $203 |
Cost at different state rates
The same humidifier at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $3.71 | $44.54 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $8.64 | $105 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $9.83 | $120 |
| California (33.35¢) | $20.01 | $243 |
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
Cool-mist humidifiers draw about 25–50 W; warm-mist (boiling) types draw 200–400 W.
Tip to cut the cost: Cool-mist (ultrasonic/evaporative) models use far less power than warm-mist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a humidifier?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a humidifier (about 25 W-400 W, typically 200 W) used 10 hours a day costs roughly $3.71 per month and $44.54 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 humidifier use?
Cool-mist humidifiers draw about 25–50 W; warm-mist (boiling) types draw 200–400 W.
How much electricity does a humidifier use per year?
About 240 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 2.00 kWh per day at 10 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a humidifier?
Cool-mist (ultrasonic/evaporative) models use far less power than warm-mist.
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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