How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers can significantly improve the comfort of your home, especially in humid environments, but this comfort comes with ongoing costs. In the UK, due to its unique geographical location and climate characteristics, there is abundant rainfall throughout the year, and humid air often causes families to face problems such as mould growth and furniture damage.

Therefore, for those British people who suffer from high humidity, condensation and mould, dehumidifiers can be their lifesavers. But how much does a dehumidifier cost to run? Is it expensive to run? This article will give you a detailed analysis.

Besides, we highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station for charging your dehumidifier and other appliances, which will help you save on your home's electric bills.  

Do Dehumidifiers Consume a Lot of Electricity? 

The purpose of a dehumidifier is to reduce and maintain humidity in the air and prevent the growth of allergens such as mould. However, many consumers are concerned about how much electricity a dehumidifier consumes. Below, we will look at how much electricity a dehumidifier consumes in the UK and how to calculate electricity consumption.

How do you calculate the amount of electricity a dehumidifier consumes?

The amount of electricity a dehumidifier consumes depends mainly on its power and the time it is used. The power is usually given in the dehumidifier's specifications in watts (W). Here are the basic steps to calculate the power consumption of a dehumidifier:

Step 1: Determine the power

First, look in the dehumidifier's manual or on the device's label to find its power—for example, a 200W dehumidifier.

Step 2: Record usage time

Determine how many hours a day or month the dehumidifier is used. If you use it for 8 hours daily, the daily usage time is 8 hours.

Step 3: Calculate daily power consumption

The daily power consumption of a dehumidifier can be calculated using the following formula:

Power consumption (kWh) = Power (kW) × time of use (hours).

For example, if a 200W dehumidifier is used 8 hours a day, how much power does it consume? In this case, the dehumidifier's power is 0.5 kilowatts (500 watts ÷ 1000).

200W = 0.2kW

0.2kW × 8 hours = 1.6 kWh

Does a dehumidifier consume a lot of electricity?

The power consumption of a dehumidifier depends mainly on its power and the time it is used. The higher the power of the dehumidifier, the stronger the dehumidification capacity, but the corresponding power consumption is also greater.

In the UK, dehumidifiers consume a medium amount of electricity compared to other electrical appliances. Generally speaking, a household dehumidifier ranges from 200 watts to 500 watts and consumes about 1.6 to 4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity when running for 8 hours a day.

The power consumption of dehumidifiers and other commonly used electrical appliances is listed below to help people understand and compare more intuitively.

The data and information involved in the table are all estimated values and may differ from the actual occurrence.

Overall, dehumidifiers' power consumption in the UK is not exceptionally high, but they are not low-power appliances either.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier? 

Many consumers are more concerned about the running costs than the purchase cost of the equipment when buying a dehumidifier. Below is a detailed analysis of the costs of running a dehumidifier in the UK and how to calculate these costs.

How to calculate the running costs of a dehumidifier?

You need to determine the following two factors to calculate the cost of running a dehumidifier:

• The amount you pay per kilowatt-hour of electricity

• The power consumption of the dehumidifier

The Power Consumption of a Dehumidifier: Generally speaking, a domestic dehumidifier's power ranges from 200 watts to 500 watts, and it consumes about 1.6 to 4 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity when running for 8 hours a day.

Electricity Prices: The UK's electricity price varies depending on the region, supplier, and time of day. According to the latest price cap (January 2025), it is 24.86 pence per kilowatt-hour.

Calculation Formula: After knowing the electricity price and the power consumption of the dehumidifier, the running cost of the dehumidifier can be calculated by the following formula:

Power consumption of the dehumidifier (kWh) × Fee paid per kilowatt-hour of electricity (kWh/hour) = running cost of the dehumidifier

For example, Assuming a 350W (200W to 500W) dehumidifier runs for 8 hours a day, what is the monthly running cost?

Convert the power of the dehumidifier to kilowatt-hours: 350W / 1000 = 0.35kW

Running cost for one day: (0.35kW × 8hours) × 24.86p/kWh = 69.608p

69.608p ≈ 0.7 pounds

Running cost for one month: 0.7 pounds/day × 30 days = 21 pounds

A 350W dehumidifier runs 8 hours a day, and the running cost for one month is 21 pounds.

Running costs of several popular dehumidifiers in the UK

With the above calculation method, people can estimate the running costs of dehumidifiers. (There are also certain maintenance costs to run a dehumidifier in the UK.) Below are the running costs of several popular dehumidifiers in the UK (according to ideal home statistics).

The running costs of dehumidifiers presented in the table are estimated values calculated based on an electricity rate of 24.86 pence per kWh (the energy price cap in the UK from January to March 2025).

What Factors Affect Dehumidifier Running Costs?

In the UK, various factors affect the running cost of a dehumidifier. To reduce running costs, consumers should consider these factors comprehensively when choosing and using a dehumidifier.

Energy Efficiency and Energy Consumption

Energy efficiency and consumption in the UK affect a dehumidifier's running cost. For example, a high-efficiency dehumidifier can achieve the same dehumidification effect with lower energy consumption.

Usage Habits

The running cost of a dehumidifier is closely related to the frequency and time of its use. The longer the use time leads to greater power consumption, the greater your running cost. In addition, frequent switching on and off will increase energy consumption and damage the dehumidifier's compressor.

Environmental Factors

The cost of running a dehumidifier is closely related to indoor humidity. Humidity is high in some parts of the UK, especially in coastal areas, which increases the cost of running a dehumidifier.

In addition, in the UK's humid seasons, such as spring and autumn, the dehumidifier may need to run for a long time, thereby increasing electricity bills.

Thermal Insulation of the Building

The running cost of a dehumidifier is also affected by the size and thermal insulation of the room. The larger the room, the larger the space the dehumidifier needs to handle and the longer it will run. Rooms with poor insulation will cause humidity to accumulate more efficiently, increasing the dehumidifier's operating burden.

Equipment Maintenance

The cleanliness of the dehumidifier filter directly affects its working efficiency. If the filter is not cleaned regularly, the dehumidifier will operate less efficiently and increase electricity bills. Besides, as the dehumidifier ages, its components will age, and its energy efficiency will decrease, eventually leading to increased running costs.

Are Dehumidifiers Energy-Efficient?

Many families have prioritised choosing energy-saving appliances. However, many consumers have doubts about whether dehumidifiers are energy-saving. The following will analyse dehumidifiers' working principles and compare their energy consumption with other appliances.

Working Principle of Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers mainly work through a compressor system, absorbing moisture from the air and condensing it into water, thereby reducing indoor humidity. In this process, the compressor must consume electricity to drive the fan and refrigeration system. Although dehumidifiers consume a certain amount of electricity when running, their primary function is not to heat or cool the air but to regulate humidity.

Comparison of Energy Consumption with Other Appliances

So, compared with other common household appliances, are dehumidifiers energy-saving? The following will compare the energy consumption of air conditioners, refrigerators and dehumidifiers (200-500W).

Compared with Air Conditioners (1200-2000W)

Air conditioners consume more electricity than other electrical appliances, especially in extreme weather conditions. Dehumidifiers' primary function is dehumidification, and their energy consumption is usually lower than that of air conditioners.

A commonly used dehumidifier consumes about 0.2 to 0.5 kWh per hour, while an ordinary air conditioner may consume 1.2 to 2 kWh per hour.

Compared with Refrigerators (300-800W)

Refrigerators must run 24 hours a day to keep the internal temperature low, and their energy consumption is relatively stable. An ordinary refrigerator consumes about 0.3 to 0.8 kWh per day. Compared with refrigerators, dehumidifiers are usually used for a shorter time and can be flexibly adjusted according to indoor humidity conditions.

Therefore, in the UK, dehumidifiers have certain energy-saving advantages over other common household appliances. Although they consume electricity when running, their total energy consumption is usually lower than that of air conditioners and refrigerators.

How to Cut Down the Cost of Running a Dehumidifier?

While choosing the right dehumidifier for your home or space is crucial, using a dehumidifier can sometimes lead to high electricity bills. Here are some strategies to reduce the cost of using a dehumidifier:

Strategy 1: Choose an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

According to the EU energy efficiency standards, the energy efficiency levels of dehumidifiers range from A+++ to D, with A+++ being the highest energy efficiency level, which can significantly save energy consumption. Energy-efficient dehumidifier models may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run.

Strategy 2: Use Dehumidifiers Wisely

Please avoid using your dehumidifier continuously for long periods and only use it when needed, usually during months with higher humidity. Running the dehumidifier during the dry season is unnecessary, which saves energy and costs.

Strategy 3: Timing and Setting Humidity

Please set the dehumidifier's relative humidity to around 40% to 50% (the UK Environment Agency recommends keeping the relative humidity in the room between 45% and 65%) to avoid overloading the dehumidifier.

Most dehumidifiers have a timing function, which can set the dehumidifier's working time according to your daily activity patterns. You can also use a timer to run the dehumidifier during off-peak electricity usage hours (usually at night) to take advantage of lower electricity bills.

Strategy 4: Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Dust and dirt accumulation will reduce your dehumidifier's efficiency and increase energy consumption. Therefore, please clean the dehumidifier's filter and evaporator regularly. The British Consumers Association recommends washing the filter at least once a month.

Strategy 5: Try to Limit Humidity in Your Home

Good sealing can reduce the entry of external humid air and reduce the workload of the dehumidifier.

First, when the weather is clear and the humidity is low, try opening the windows for ventilation and using natural wind to dry the indoor air. Secondly, please avoid drying clothes indoors and use gas stoves with exhaust functions. Finally, promptly address any moisture issues, such as leaky pipes or roofs.

Strategy 6: Choose Another Way to Power Dehumidifier

There are many other ways to power a dehumidifier in your home. You can choose solar panel systems, portable solar generators, traditional generators, and even portable power stations, except for the utility grid.

Compared to traditional generators, solar generators are a more renewable and sustainable way to power appliances with solar energy. If you worry about the bad weather conditions in the UK, a portable power station could be a wise choice.

Taking Jackery Portable Power Station and Jackery Solar Generator as an example, if you choose to use the solar generator to power your home appliances, you can save about 50.76 pence per day. If you use it for 10 days, you can save 5 pounds.   

If you use a 500W dehumidifier, it can support working for 4 hours. Moreover, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus has an expandable capacity of 12 kWh. This can ensure a dehumidifier works for over 19.2 hours, a 3-day extended use period (if using 6 hours daily). You can recharge them with Jackery Solar Panels, wall sockets, carports, or other generators. 

Jackery Portable Power Stations Explained

Although dehumidifiers' running costs are lower than those of other large household appliances, you need to use many appliances at the same time, which could be a big number considering your home's electric bills. So, how can you reduce your power consumption? We recommend trying solar energy products like portable power stations and solar generators.  

We recommend Jackery Portable Power Stations to charge your heating appliances and save on your electric bills. Jackery offers portable power solutions ranging from 99W to 12 kWh, capable of powering up to 99% of appliances, including electric blankets, portable space heaters, portable ACs, electric hand warmers, etc.      

Also, the Jackery Portable Power Stations are compact and easy to carry, so you can put them everywhere in your home. Compared to gas or other traditional generators, they are safer to use, and you can even use them while sleeping.

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

First, we recommend Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 for powering dehumidifiers. From its capacity to its design, it is suitable as a portable power supply to provide enough electricity for small to medium heating appliances.  

The Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station has an excellent 1500W output and 1070Wh capacity, 50% higher than the Explorer 1000. It can power high-demand items like portable space heaters, kettles, etc. Equipped with USB-A/C connections and dual PD charging up to 100W, it can simultaneously charge several devices (phone, laptop), rendering it the ideal companion for all your power requirements.

The app's Emergency Charge Mode allows the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station to be fully charged in less than an hour, offering vital power backup when the battery runs low. Moreover, charging from 0% to 100% within two hours via an AC wall outlet prolongs battery longevity.

Experience serenity with its nearly silent operation, maintaining noise levels below 22dB while energising your devices. This power station guarantees uninterrupted enjoyment during camping, work, or relaxation so that you can power your electric blankets and other electronics without noise.

Review from Our User:

I purchased this after having trouble with petrol generators that were hard to start and unreliable in the field for my horses. I also needed a backup for my touring caravan. I've only used it a few times so far, but I'm happy with its ease, and I got it at a great pre-sale price.

Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus

Compared to Explorer 1000 v2, the Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus is more suitable for powering high-capacity dehumidifiers and other household appliances with 2 to 12 kWh battery capacity.

A large dehumidifier may consume 500W of electricity. An Explorer 2000 Plus can ensure it works for over 19.2 hours (if you choose the expandable capacity to 12 kWh), especially during a power outage or peak hours, to save electric bills at home. It is expandable to 3000W, a 30% rated power increase above other 2 kWh models on the market. It powers practically all necessary tools and appliances.

The multiple recharging methods make it simple to power electric cookers. You can recharge it with six pieces of Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels for 2 hours on a sunny day, or you can recharge it by wall sockets (1.7 hours) and carport (25 hours).

Leading-edge quick charge technology from Jackery, Charge Shield offers 62 protective mechanisms, 12 protective algorithms, and four forms of physical safety protection. This technology improves safety and extends battery pack life by 50% by applying a unique stepped variable-speed charging technique.

Review from Our User:

This product is fantastic! It charges quickly and is perfect for power outages at home and charging our eMTB from the van while we're on the go. I can't wait to get solar panels for a complete off-grid experience!         

How to Choose the Right Dehumidifier for Your Home?

Choosing the right dehumidifier for your home requires a combination of factors, including dehumidification needs, versatility, brand and technology, and noise.

Identify Dehumidification Needs

First, you need to identify your home's dehumidification needs. In simple terms, consider the size of your home, the humidity level, and whether there are particularly humid areas (such as basements, bathrooms, etc.).

Here are three steps to determine your dehumidification needs:

Step 1: Check the room's humidity

Generally, rooms with damp surfaces or a frequent musty odour may need a dehumidifier. You can measure the room's humidity with a hygrometer or assess it based on the following general criteria: (A space is considered damp if any of the following criteria are met.)

• Musty odours or occasional damp or slimy sensations during humid weather.

• A space is always damp and mouldy.

• Occasionally, there is noticeable condensation on the ceiling or walls.

Step 2: Measure the size of the room

Once you've determined that the room's humidity is too high, measure the room's dimensions to determine the humidifier size you need.

Step 3: Choose the Right Dehumidifier Size

When choosing a dehumidifier, you need to consider the dehumidification capacity and the space size. With the 2019 revision of the testing standards, dehumidifiers generally come in three sizes:

• Large (45 to 50 pint capacity)

• Medium (30 pint capacity)

• Small (20 to 22 pint capacity)

If the space you need to dehumidify is 500 square feet or less, you need a small dehumidifier with a 10-pint capacity. If it is more significant than 500 square feet, increase the dehumidifier's capacity by 4 pints for every additional 500 square feet.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the dehumidification needs, there are some factors to consider.

Versatility

Modern dehumidifiers are not limited to dehumidification functions but often have multiple functions, such as drying clothes, sterilising, and purifying air. For the rainy climate in the UK, a dehumidifier with a clothes-drying function is particularly useful.

Brand and Technology

Choosing a dehumidifier with a well-known brand and mature technology can ensure the quality of the product and after-sales service. For example, Ognal in the UK market has a significant dehumidification effect and multiple practical functions.

Noise

Dehumidifiers generate noise during operation, especially in bedrooms or places used for a long time. Therefore, please choose a dehumidifier with a low-noise design, such as a model with a noise-reducing air duct and a low-noise compressor.

FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the running costs of dehumidifiers in the UK:

1. How much does running a dehumidifier for 1 hour UK cost?

Currently, it costs between 0.40 and 1 GBP in the UK to run a dehumidifier (200-500W) for one hour (24.86p/kWh). So, the running cost of a dehumidifier for 24 hours is between 9.6 and 24 GBP. The above figures are estimates, and the exact running cost depends on many factors.

2. How much does a dehumidifier cost to run 24 hours?

Currently, in the UK, it costs between 0.40 and 1 GBP to run a dehumidifier (200-500W) for one hour (24.86p/kWh). So, the running cost of a dehumidifier for 24 hours is between 9.6 and 24 GBP. The above figures are estimates, and the exact running cost depends on many factors.

3. How many hours a day should a dehumidifier be run?

Generally speaking, homeowners should leave their dehumidifiers running for 4-12 hours daily. However, the time you should run a dehumidifier depends on many factors, including the size of your home, the humidity level, and the quality of the dehumidifier.

If your home is small, humidity is limited, and your dehumidifier has a high dehumidification rate, you may only need to run it for an hour or two per day. However, if your house is large and humid, you may need to run the dehumidifier for 12 hours daily.

Final Thoughts

Dehumidifiers are essential equipment for maintaining dry indoor air, and they are critical in the humid climate of the UK. However, in general, the power consumption of using dehumidifiers in the UK is not exceptionally high, and most families can accept it. Through reasonable selection and use, dehumidifiers can effectively improve the indoor environment and help save energy costs. If you still think the running costs of dehumidifiers are high, you can choose another way to power them, such as Jackery Portable Power Station.