How Much Does it Cost to Run a Dehumidifier?

How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers can be incredibly handy, helping us to stop damp and dry clothes quickly in winter.

There is a misconception that electrical dehumidifiers and similar bulky appliances that must work hard to clear your home of unwanted conditions are expensive. The truth is most modern appliances are not noisy, heavy, energy-guzzling machines.

But we are all still trying to keep an eye on the energy we use, both in terms of the cost of living and trying to help the planet. The energy an appliance uses will depend on how hard it has to work, which setting it is on and the size of the room it needs to work in.

Dehumidifiers rarely run 24/7; thanks to their built-in humidistat, they will turn themselves on and off when required. This is one benefit of their work and will keep costs slightly lower.

 

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Dehumidifier Running Cost

There are a few things that need consideration here:

• extraction of water per kilowatt
• where the dehumidifier is being used
• the environment it is being used in
• the time of year
• how long it needs to run for, and how constant it is

Look at the dehumidifier's wattage. This will tell you how much energy it uses when at its maximum setting.

Look at how much you pay for electricity on your tariff; the average pence/kWh of electricity is 20p.

A 400w dehumidifier would use 0.40kWh (0.4 kilowatts every hour) of electricity. If the pence/kWh of electricity is 20p, an hour of use would cost 8p.

This cost will be less if the dehumidifier is used in a lower setting.

If the dehumidifier is being used in a small room, it will be able to work quicker than a large room, so it will be needed for a shorter period. But if that room is really steamy, such as a bathroom or kitchen, it will need to run until all humidity is cleared. Most dehumidifiers can be set to run until the room is at an acceptable level, so they'll have to run for longer.

In winter, there is less airflow in our homes, and the inside is warmer than the outside, making condensation more likely. Again, dehumidifiers may have to work harder and longer to reduce humidity.

 

Types of dehumidifiers:

There are two different types of dehumidifiers: desiccant and compressor. Given the correct conditions, both will cost a very similar amount to run.

• Desiccant humidifiers are great for colder rooms. As they use warmed material to trap the moisture, they can release heat as a by-product, which makes use of this and helps you save on heating costs in return.
• Compressor dehumidifiers create a cold surface, so any warm air that comes into contact with the coils turns into condensation and is collected as water.

 

How can I cut the cost of running a dehumidifier?

1. Opt for a model with a humidistat

Most dehumidifiers come with this as standard. A humidistat detects high humidity levels, telling the dehumidifier when to turn on and off. This prevents the dehumidifier from running constantly, saving you some running costs in downtime.

Some advanced humidistats can check for humidity at regular intervals, shutting down the dehumidifier into sleep mode. This is seen as the most eco-friendly option, as the dehumidifier doesn’t have to keep running to detect moisture levels.

 

2. Limit excess humidity

A high temperature indoors when the outside is cold will naturally create additional condensation on windows, causing the dehumidifier to work harder. Keeping the heating off while the dehumidifier is working at its hardest will mean it just has to deal with the room's natural humidity before removing any excess.

You should also limit other humidity-creating tasks, such as showering or cooking when the dehumidifier starts to work. Once the original humidity is cleared, they can be used to prevent further humidity.

 

3. Close the windows

While you might think cold, fresh air will help, it actually just means the dehumidifier has to work harder. Also, shut any outside doors and even the internal doors if you want to focus on a particular room.

 

4. Keep the filter clean

All dehumidifiers have an internal filter that traps dust or other particles. Ensure this remains clean at all times, as the dehumidifier will stop working if it can’t trap any more particles.

The same applies to the water reservoir if you need to manually empty it. The device won’t capture any more moisture if the reservoir is full, but the machine will still be on as the humidity isn’t lowered.

 

5. Keep the heating off

Just until the excess humidity is gone. Once the moisture is gone from the air, it should automatically feel warmer. This will hopefully mean you don't need to turn the thermostat up quite so far.

 

IS THERE DEHUMIDIFIER HIRE NEAR ME?

Yes. Speedy Hire, the UK's leading tool hire company, offers a range of dehumidifiers for hire nationwide. With more than 200 service centres across the nation, hire counters in selected B&Qs, and nationwide 4-hour delivery, tool and appliance hire has never been easier.

You’ll find everything you need right here. Why not start planning your next DIY project and open a Speedy account today online or in-store?