A dehumidifier is an essential need of every household in winter. Most dehumidifiers shut off automatically. But on average, Brits use them 12 hours per day.
So, do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity? Since we use them for a prolonged period. Are they expensive to run?
Well, if this question pops up in your mind, here is the information you should know.
Mostly the power ratings of a dehumidifier vary from 250 watts to 750 watts. Running a 250 watts dehumidifier costs you 10p per hour. On average, using them for 12 hours per day costs around £1.
But does this fix the problem once and for all? Well, the actual cost may vary depending on the type and the size of the property.
To guide you properly, our technical professionals have done detailed research. So, sit back and keep on reading for detailed information.
Do Dehumidifiers Use A Lot Of Electricity?
Energy consumption mainly depends on the type and size of your appliance. Mini models use as little as 22 watts, while high-volume models can consume up to 750 watts.
Common household dehumidifiers can extract 18-20 liters of water per day using 480 watts. This sums up to 16p per hour.
Dehumidifier Power Consumption Calculator
Electricity prices in the UK are rising. Currently, the energy cap per kWh is 0.34. The power range of dehumidifiers varies from 22 watts to 750 watts for homes. Have a quick look at the table below for a better understanding.
| Category | Wattage | Cost Per Hour | Cost Per Day | Cost Per Month |
| Low Wattage | 20 – 220 | 3p – 9p | 36p – £1 | £15 – £30 |
| Medium Wattage | 250 – 400 | 10p – 13p | £1.20 – £1.5 | £35 – £45 |
| High Wattage | 450 – 950 | 16p – 30p | £1.8 – £2 | £50 – £60 |
- The cost per day is calculated on the basis of 12 hours usage per day.
- Low-wattage dehumidifiers are commonly used in homes, and they are the most efficient.
- High-wattage dehumidifiers are preferred in areas with high humidity. They can extract 30 litres of water per day.
Best Place To Put Dehumidifier In Bedroom
You should place it where the air circulation is good. It is highly recommended not to put it near the wall or furniture.
Ensure that the humidifier is at least 10 inches away from the furniture. Furthermore, never forget to shut the windows before you run them to cut energy consumption.
Types Of Dehumidifiers – Which One Is The Most Efficient?
In the UK, they widely fall under three categories.
- Desiccant
- Refrigerant
- Whole House
Desiccant models are best for large and industrial settings where the temperature is expected to drop below 15 degrees Celsius.
Which Type Of Dehumidifier Is Best?
It mainly depends on the surrounding environment. But refrigerants or compressors dehumidifiers are considered ideal. As they consume less electricity than desiccants.
Both types are best to get rid of dampness and produce hot air. The air coming out from compressors models is 2 degrees warmer than the room temperature.
On the contrary, The air coming out from the desiccant is 10 degrees Celsius warm. Attaining high heat will consume more electricity in desiccant humidifiers.
Whole House Dehumidifier Cost To Run
Whole house models are more expensive. They can extract up to 30 liters of water per day. They take longer to decrease the humidity level. Using them for an hour costs you 25p to 50p, depending on the size of your home.
How Long Does It Take For A Dehumidifier To Work?
In a nutshell, it can take 3 to 5 days for a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity to your desired level.
Usually, it mainly depends on the size of the room and how long you run it.
Do Dehumidifiers Help With Heat?
Yes, they can increase the temperature of your room. But, the heat is gradually increasing over time.
Using it in a cozy room will increase the heat by around 2 degrees Celsius within 12 hours of usage.
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Dehumidifier 24 Hours A Day?
Usually, the humidifiers that are used in regular households are of medium wattage. They can use up to 400 – 480 watts. This sums up to 16p – 20p per hour.
Running it for a whole day will cost you £2. Expect to pay more as the electricity night rate during the peak hours is a bit high.
Dehumidifiers Electricity Consumption FAQ’s
Are dehumidifiers expensive to run?
Yes, they could be expensive to run. A 480 watts model can cost you 20p. Regularly using it for 12 hours per day will cost you £1.5.
How much electricity does a dehumidifier use per hour?
Usually, it differs from model to model. Mostly it can consume 250 watts to 480 watts per hour.
Are dehumidifiers good for drying clothes?
Yes, they can be used to dry clothes. But they can’t match the performance of regular energy efficient tumble dryers. It will take a whole day to dry a shirt using a dehumidifier.
How much water should a dehumidifier collect in a day?
A regular dehumidifier can collect up to 12 -15 litres of water within twelve hours. The quantity depends on the humidity levels in the air.
Are Dehumidifiers Noisy?
Yes, they can produce noise up to 60 dB. Whole-house dehumidifiers tend to be noisier compared to the mini models.
Are dehumidifiers safe?
No dehumidifiers are not completely safe. There is always a threat of fire eruption while using them.
But, it is considered safe for babies, pets and plants. As they don’t cause any potential health issues.
Can a dehumidifier dehydrate you?
Contrary to popular belief, a dehumidifier can’t dehydrate you. It only extracts water from the surrounding environment rather than the human body.
Is it safe to leave a dehumidifier unattended?
Yes, it is safe to leave it unattended. You can also leave them running all night. But it is best to turn them off when no one is around. As they can cause a fire.
When to turn off dehumidifier?
The rule of thumb is to turn them off when they decrease the humidity to your desired level. But you must turn them off when the relative humidity falls below 45%
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run per month?
A dehumidifier can consume 120 – 150 kWh of energy per month. Using this much energy will cost £40 – £45 per month.
Wrapping It Up!
Dehumidifiers are not expensive at all. Mainly the electricity consumption depends on the daily usage.
In a nutshell, they use 400 – 480 wattage. That sums up to £1 per day. Most of the mini and portable dehumidifiers auto shuts-off after a specific period.
Even though they are safe to run unattended the whole day. But we suggest you shut them off when you are not around due to a potential fire threat.
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