Start with power, time and your electricity rate
A dehumidifier’s running cost depends on how much electricity it uses, how long it runs and what your utility charges. A pint rating or room-coverage claim does not give you that cost.
For a simple example, a machine drawing 500 watts for eight hours uses 4 kilowatt-hours, or kWh. At $0.20 per kWh, that costs $0.80 a day, or $24 over 30 days. These are example inputs, not the measured consumption of a model in our guides.
Example costs
Compare a smaller unit at 250 watts with a larger unit at 500 watts, using electricity at $0.20 per kWh. These are rounded planning averages, not measured or market-wide figures. Each pair shows the same running time; it is not a recommended schedule.
| Watts | Hours per day | Electricity per day | Cost per day | Electricity per week | Cost per week | Electricity per month | Cost per month | Electricity per year | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 W | 4 hours | 1 kWh | $0.20 | 7 kWh | $1.40 | 30 kWh | $6.00 | 365 kWh | $73.00 |
| 500 W | 4 hours | 2 kWh | $0.40 | 14 kWh | $2.80 | 60 kWh | $12.00 | 730 kWh | $146.00 |
| 250 W | 8 hours | 2 kWh | $0.40 | 14 kWh | $2.80 | 60 kWh | $12.00 | 730 kWh | $146.00 |
| 500 W | 8 hours | 4 kWh | $0.80 | 28 kWh | $5.60 | 120 kWh | $24.00 | 1460 kWh | $292.00 |
| 250 W | 12 hours | 3 kWh | $0.60 | 21 kWh | $4.20 | 90 kWh | $18.00 | 1095 kWh | $219.00 |
| 500 W | 12 hours | 6 kWh | $1.20 | 42 kWh | $8.40 | 180 kWh | $36.00 | 2190 kWh | $438.00 |
| 250 W | 24 hours | 6 kWh | $1.20 | 42 kWh | $8.40 | 180 kWh | $36.00 | 2190 kWh | $438.00 |
| 500 W | 24 hours | 12 kWh | $2.40 | 84 kWh | $16.80 | 360 kWh | $72.00 | 4380 kWh | $876.00 |
Weekly figures use 7 days, monthly figures 30 days and yearly figures 365 days, with the same daily use and power draw. Cycling can change actual consumption.
At a different rate, scale the result. The 500-watt, eight-hour example costs $12 a month at $0.10 per kWh or $36 at $0.30 per kWh. Those rates are examples too, not a US average or a forecast for your bill.
Estimate your own costs
Change the values below to see your estimated costs. Enter electricity prices in dollars: for example, 20 cents is $0.20 per kWh.
Need a starting wattage? See the power reference for our dehumidifier models, then enter the matching value below. It includes listed specifications and one clearly marked estimate, not measurements of your machine’s average use.
Enter valid numbers: hours from 0 to 24, and watts and price of 0 or more.
- Per day
- Per week
- Per month
- Per year
Default power is a rounded 250 W estimate for a smaller 20–22-pint unit. Uses 7 days per week, 30 per month and 365 per year, with the same daily use. Hours and electricity price are examples. Hours mean time at the entered power draw; cycling can change actual use.
Use this formula:
Watts ÷ 1,000 × hours of operation × price per kWh = electricity cost
For a monthly estimate, multiply the daily result by the number of days you expect to use it. Use the electricity rate from your bill, including usage-based delivery charges where applicable. Fixed monthly charges do not increase just because you run this appliance.
If you already have a measured kWh total for the machine, multiply that total by your rate instead. That avoids having to estimate its average power and running time separately.
Being switched on is not the same as running at full power
A humidity-controlled machine can stop removing moisture once it reaches the target. Depending on the model, the fan may keep running or restart to check conditions. Defrost and standby periods can also change its power use.
Multiplying a rated wattage by every hour it is switched on is a rough scenario, not a measurement. Check the exact model’s power information rather than borrowing a wattage from another size or version. Actual consumption also changes with room conditions and settings.
Why two rooms can have different bills
A damper room, incoming outdoor air or an ongoing moisture source can keep a machine working longer. A unit that struggles to handle the space may also run for long periods without reaching the setting you want.
The energy-efficiency figure called IEF measures liters of water removed per kWh under test conditions. A higher IEF means more water removal per unit of electricity on that test basis. It does not tell you how many hours a machine will run in your home.
Reduce wasted running before buying another machine
Keep outside doors and windows closed while dehumidifying. Leave the vents clear, clean the filter as directed and choose a humidity target instead of leaving continuous mode on by habit. Address leaks or other continuing moisture sources rather than asking the appliance to keep up indefinitely.
Choose capacity for the room and its dampness, then compare energy use on a consistent basis. Our dehumidifier sizing guide explains that first step. For the working location and airflow space, see where to put a dehumidifier.
Power for our dehumidifier models
Use these watts as a starting estimate in the calculator. Actual draw can change with conditions, settings and cycling. A lower wattage alone does not mean a lower bill.
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| Model | Power |
|---|---|
| Midea Cube 20 PintMAD20S1QWT | 214 W |
| BLACK+DECKER 22 PintBDM22WCDA | 250 W |
| Frigidaire 22 Pint Wi-FiFHDD2234W1 | 260 W |
| Midea 22 Pint Wi-FiMAD22C1AWS | 295 W |
| Midea Cube 50 PintMAD50S1QWT | 425 W |
| Frigidaire 50 Pint Wi-FiFHDD5034Y1 | 470 W |
| Midea 50 Pint with PumpMAD50P1AWS-A | 470 W |
| GE 50 Pint with PumpADHE50PWF | 530 WEstimated |
The GE ADHE50PWF value is an estimate, not a published specification. Other values are listed specifications. Check your unit’s label for a better starting value.
If these two no-pump models are on your shortlist, our Midea Cube vs Frigidaire comparison explains the bucket and storage differences without assuming either costs less to run.
Before choosing a lower target, see what humidity to set your dehumidifier to. The room reading, selected target and operating mode tell you more than the bucket total alone.