How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?

One day costs about 52.6p

A typical dehumidifier costs about 52.6p per day to run. At 7 days a week that is £3.68 a week, or £191.61 a year, based on 250 W for 8 hours (2.00 kWh) at 26.32p per kWh.

Adjust for your dehumidifier

Power250 W

Compressor models draw up to about 350 W while running, and desiccant models can draw more. The compressor switches off when the room reaches the target humidity, so the average over a day is lower than the rating.

Time per day8 hours

Days per week7

Electricity rate (pence per kWh)

Set to the Ofgem price cap average. Use the rate on your own bill if it differs.

Energy per day2.00 kWh

Cost per day52.6p

Cost per week£3.68

Cost per year£191.61

Worked example

250 W is 0.25 kW. Running for 8 hours uses 0.25 × 8 = 2.00 kWh. At 26.32p per kWh that costs 52.6p.

Eight hours a day, every day, comes to £191.61 a year. Running it for half the time, with the humidistat doing the work, would save about £95.80.

How to cut the cost

Set the humidistat to around 50 to 60 per cent rather than the lowest setting, keep doors and windows closed in the room, and clear the filter. Drying washing in a small closed room with a dehumidifier can cost less than a tumble dryer, but check against the tumble dryer page.

Questions

Does a dehumidifier use a lot of electricity?

A compressor dehumidifier is moderate: 250 W for 8 hours uses 2.00 kWh, which costs 52.6p a day at 26.32p per kWh. Desiccant models usually cost more to run.

Is it cheaper to dry clothes with a dehumidifier than a tumble dryer?

Often, if you dry the washing in a small closed room, because a dehumidifier draws far less power than a dryer. It takes longer, so compare the cost per load with the tumble dryer page.

Other appliances

Electricity rate: Ofgem energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026, Great Britain average, Direct Debit, default tariff: 26.32p per kWh. Your own tariff and region may differ, so change the rate above to match your bill. Appliance figures are typical estimates; your appliance's energy label or manual is more accurate. Last checked 2026-11-03. Next review: January 2027, when Ofgem announces the next quarter's cap.