In an increasingly technological world, many people are hesitant to add even more appliances to their homes for fear of running up the energy bill even further.
The downside to this is that many do not properly account for savings in other areas rather than just the energy consumption of appliances. Dehumidifiers are a prime example of this.
A dehumidifier doesn’t use a lot of electricity compared to other home appliances such as a refrigerator or hairdryer. Typical home portable dehumidifiers can use on average between 300 and 700W of energy, depending on the model and mode they’re in.
Our own dehumidifier has a max rated input power of 755W but it’s often working in a lower power mode as the humidity in our home never reaches very high levels (and so doesn’t always have to be working as hard)
Read on to learn more about dehumidifiers and their energy usage.
Dehumidifiers Use Little Energy
Larger dehumidifiers will typically draw more power and use more electricity than smaller ones, but this can depend on the make and model and how efficient it has been designed to be.
An average 30-pint unit can use 300 watts of energy, while a 70-pint model can use up to 700 watts on high.
Since dehumidifiers are relatively low in electricity usage, there’s not much need for concern when purchasing one with higher wattage.
When it comes to energy usage, dehumidifiers are typically a cost-effective appliance.
They can extract about five gallons of water from the air for under 99 cents. In addition, you can be saving money from various other costs around your home.
A dehumidifier means your air conditioner does not have to work as hard, saving on energy costs. It also helps keep the AC unit and heater drier so that they won’t wear down prematurely. Moisture inside these units, particularly the electrical components, can make them wear out faster, resulting in more frequent maintenance.
In regard to running your air conditioner or heat, a dehumidifier can help ease your electric or heating bill because it is easier to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Excessively damp-heat or cold feel more extreme, so maintaining a drier atmosphere means that you can set your AC a little higher and your heater a little lower.
Dehumidifiers can help save money in several ways:
- They reduce maintenance and upkeep costs on major appliances in your home.
- It can help lower your energy bills through the energy consumption of other appliances.
- It reduces the temperature your air conditioner and heater need to stay at to keep you comfortable. Humidity makes the ambient temperature feel hotter than it actually is.
- Keeping a lower humidity level in your home will prevent mold and mildew damage to your property, which can be extremely expensive to rectify.
- Maintaining a more comfortable atmosphere with a dehumidifier can eliminate other costs associated with staying comfortable, such as running and purchasing fans or space heaters.
Suppose you want an excuse for keeping your house cool this summer without spending too much money on power or reducing dampness inside your home because of excessive humidity. Investing in a good-quality dehumidifier could be just what you need.
Desiccant And Refrigerant Model Energy Consumption
With different types of dehumidifiers on the market, it is common to wonder which one to get when you are concerned about your energy bill.
This section will break down the energy usage of various types of dehumidifiers, as well as their pros and cons.
Generally, what matters most is the model that you purchase, not necessarily the type.
Whether you’re buying a refrigerant or desiccant unit, each type has models that are energy star rated and other models that aren’t.
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers
Refrigerant-based units are typically more energy-efficient, but they require a constant power supply to function properly and produce can unpleasant odors without adequate ventilation.
On the upside, these units can connect directly into your air conditioner or heating units, which can lower energy costs by reducing run time.
The refrigerant dehumidifier is ideal for:
- Warmer climates
- Attics
- Basements
- Connecting with central air
One of the best ways to handle excessive humidity is by using a refrigerant dehumidifier.
These models can operate at high temperatures and have some of the highest capacity ratings available, making them perfect for humid spaces that other machines cannot effectively manage.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers
Desiccant models work by absorbing moisture from their surroundings through adsorption that does not emit any smells whatsoever. These are often recognizable as the small free-standing units placed around a home.
The desiccant dehumidifier is ideal for:
- Colder climates
- Maintaining a quieter atmosphere
- Smaller areas
- Reducing odor
Desiccant humidifiers are not limited by low temperatures, which means you can use them to dehumidify your space even if it is below 41 degrees.
These are ideal for use in colder climates or during the winter months. They also operate more efficiently due to the desiccants they incorporate in their design.
Since desiccant models use a combination of silica and heat to remove humidity, they tend to use more energy than their refrigerant counterparts. Generating heat takes more energy than other functions on most appliances.
Even with this, energy-efficient desiccant models can be found, but they tend to be on the more expensive end.
If you live in a colder climate, you may have to bite the bullet and get a desiccant, even if they are less energy efficient.
[We live in a colder and wetter climate and would thoroughly recommend getting a quality and efficient desiccant dehumidifier, even if the upfront cost is higher.]
Dehumidifier Sizes And Energy Usage
The larger your dehumidifier unit is, the more important energy consumption becomes.
What many people do not realize is that if you purchase a unit that is too small for your needs, you will end up using more energy than if you buy the properly sized unit.
Overworking an appliance can cause overheating and constant usage, which leads to its mechanisms working even harder to keep peak performance.
Of course, you can also save energy by opting for more efficient models, too.
The Energy Star rating standard is a fantastic metric for consumers who want to keep an eye on their energy usage. This government-backed rating system breaks down the average cost of running an appliance by hours, days, and years.
Energy Star information and the product’s energy usage are typically displayed very prominently on product packaging since energy efficiency is a top consumer priority.
If you’re at the store looking at dehumidifiers and see one with the energy star logo, you can rest assured that the model is efficient for its size and purpose.
To pick the right dehumidifier for your space, you will need to assess how large and damp it is.
Then, if you want to save money on energy bills and get the most out of your unit purchase, consider an Energy Star model with the proper recommended capacity for your space size and ambient humidity level.
Does A Dehumidifier Use A Lot Of Electricity?
If you’re looking for a way to save energy and money in your home, investing in an efficient dehumidifier can be the answer.
Dehumidifiers don’t typically use as much electricity as many other common household appliances.
Consider the additional energy savings, such as reduced heating and cooling bills or appliance maintenance. Factoring these in can easily eliminate the cost of operating your new dehumidifier.
Keep an eye out for Energy Star logos and be sure to pick the humidifier size that’s right for your space rather than simply the cheapest option at the store. This can save you money in the long run.
Further Reading
Best Time Of Day To Use A Dehumidifier?