Living in high-humidity areas like New Orleans, where humidity averages at 86%, can make a dehumidifier a necessity. However, before purchasing one, it is important to consider their energy consumption. The average wattage of a dehumidifier is 483 watts, with an average cost of $1.50 per day and potentially $45 per month. But do dehumidifiers really use a lot of electricity?

In order to understand the electricity consumption of dehumidifiers, it is important to understand how they work. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air by using various components such as the compressor, fan, and refrigeration coil. The size of the room and the humidity level also play a role in determining the energy consumption. Although small and medium-sized dehumidifiers have low energy consumption, long-term use of older, less energy-efficient models can add up to a substantial amount.

Wattage Consumption of Dehumidifiers

The average wattage for a dehumidifier is 483 watts, with a consumption of 0.427 kWh per hour. Dehumidifiers can be categorized into low, medium, and high wattage categories, each with varying electricity consumption. Low wattage dehumidifiers consume between 124W and 466W, medium wattage between 467W and 700W, and high wattage between 701W and 970W. The average dehumidifier falls into the medium wattage category.

Monthly Electricity Consumption of a Dehumidifier

Assuming a medium wattage dehumidifier runs for 24 hours a day and uses 10.24 kWh, the average monthly consumption would be 307.2 kWh.

Energy-Efficient Dehumidifiers

ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifiers use nearly 15% less energy, making them the most energy-efficient option. These certified dehumidifiers are not brand specific and can be found in both whole home and portable models. Additionally, dehumidifiers have an IEF rating which measures the amount of water a dehumidifier can remove from the air using 1 kWh of energy. The higher the IEF rating, the more energy-efficient the dehumidifier.

Low wattage dehumidifiers, with a wattage range of 124W to 466W, are typically the most energy-efficient models. However, it is important to consider that a dehumidifier runs for hours a day and even energy-efficient models will have a considerable electricity consumption.

Cost of Running a Dehumidifier

Assuming a dehumidifier runs for 24 hours a day and uses 10.24 kWh, the average daily cost would be approximately $1.54.

Saving Energy with Your Dehumidifier

If you’re looking to save on electricity costs, there are several things you can do to help reduce the amount of energy your dehumidifier uses:

1. Use an ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifier. These models are rated to be the most energy-efficient, so they’ll cost less to run than other models.
2. Size your dehumidifier correctly. A unit that’s too small will run continuously and use more energy than a larger unit that runs less frequently. Conversely, a unit that’s too large will cycle on and off too often, using more energy than it needs to.
3. Make sure the dehumidifier is in a well-ventilated area. The more air that can circulate around the unit, the more efficiently it will run.
4. Use the dehumidifier only when necessary. If you have a dry day, turn it off. If the humidity level is below 50%, there’s no need to run it.
5. Maintain your dehumidifier properly. Clean the filter regularly, and keep it free of dust and debris. If the unit is running inefficiently, it may be due to a clogged filter or a dirty air intake.

In conclusion, while dehumidifiers use electricity, the Energy Star rating and IEF rating can help determine the most energy-efficient option. Additionally, it is important to consider the size of the room and humidity level, as well as the daily running time, when determining the potential electricity cost.