How Much Energy Do Dehumidifiers Use?

How Much Energy Do Dehumidifiers Use?

A dehumidifier is an effective way to reduce moisture in your home while increasing your overall energy efficiency. But you may be wondering, do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity? Read on to learn why your dehumidifier is worth the investment, resources and potential dehumidifier energy costs

How does a dehumidifier work?
Although a dehumidifier uses energy, it can actually help increase the energy efficiency of your home by balancing humidity levels, improving indoor air quality, and making your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system run more efficiently.

A dehumidifier uses a fan to capture moisture in the air and condense it into water before releasing the dry air back into the room. By reducing the humidity in a room, a dehumidifier helps prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other bacteria in your home. A dehumidifier is especially needed in rooms prone to water accumulation, such as basements or rooms with musty or stale smells.

Do dehumidifiers consume a lot of electricity?
The amount of electricity used by a particular dehumidifier varies by size and energy efficiency. Larger dehumidifiers tend to be more energy efficient than smaller ones, and like most appliances, newer models are more efficient than previous generations.

Calculate Your Dehumidifier Energy Costs
So, how much energy does a dehumidifier consume? With a little research and simple calculations, you can estimate the energy costs of your dehumidifier.

First, determine your wattage per hour
This should be available on the device or in its manual. This number will be labeled "Watts per Hour".
Calculate daily operating costs
Once you've determined your expected hourly wattage, you can use a simple formula to calculate the daily cost of running the appliance. Use the following formula: (watt/hour) x (hours of daily usage) / 1000 x (electricity rate in your state in cents/kWh) = daily operating cost
You might be surprised how efficient your equipment can be. If your equipment is older or smaller, it may not be as efficient as you expect. Consider upgrading your portable dehumidifier or whole home unit for optimal energy efficiency with the help of your local Aire Serv.

Dehumidifier Energy Costs: Worth the Investment
There are some energy costs associated with using an electric dehumidifier, but improving your indoor air quality can actually save you money in the long run because you won't have to pay for mold removal and make your HVAC system more energy efficient.