Moisture control
Dehumidifier running cost calculator
Are dehumidifiers expensive to run? Enter the power rating, operating time and your tariff to see the likely cost.
Your appliance
Calculate the running cost
Compressor models often draw 200–500 W. Desiccant models can draw more but may work better in colder rooms.
A humidistat may switch the compressor off once the target humidity is reached, reducing real consumption.
Read the rating plate
Wattage and runtime drive the bill.
A 250 W dehumidifier running for eight hours uses 2 kWh. At 24.5p per kWh, that costs 49p. Real machines cycle on and off, so a plug-in energy monitor gives the best long-term average.
| Type | Illustrative power | 8 hours at 24.5p |
|---|---|---|
| Small compressor | 250 W | 49p |
| Large compressor | 450 W | 88p |
| Desiccant | 650 W | £1.27 |
Running the machine in a closed room, cleaning the filter and choosing a sensible humidity target can reduce unnecessary operating time.
Common questions
Dehumidifier answers.
Are dehumidifiers expensive to run?
Smaller compressor models can cost less than many electric heaters, but long daily runtimes add up. Use the calculator with the wattage on your machine.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Typical consumption varies widely. A 250 W unit uses 0.25 kWh for each full-power hour.
Can a dehumidifier help dry clothes?
It can speed indoor drying by removing moisture from the air. Keep the room closed and follow the manufacturer's clearance instructions.