Are Dehumidifiers Expensive to Run?

Dehumidifier Running Costs

There is a misconception that electrical dehumidifiers and similar bulky appliances that need to 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; they will turn themselves on and off when required, thanks to their built-in humidistat. This is one benefit of the way they work and will keep costs slightly lower.

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How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?

Look at the wattage of the dehumidifier. This will tell you how much energy it will use when at its maximum setting.

For example, a dehumidifier which is 400w would use 0.40kWh. Then look at how much you pay for electricity on your tariff; if the pence/kWh of electricity is 20p, an hour of use would cost 8p. If used in a lower setting, this cost will be less.

There are two different types of dehumidifiers--desiccant and compressor. Both will cost a very similar amount to run, given they are in the correct conditions.

• 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 is turned into condensation and collected as water.

How do you cut the cost of running a dehumidifier?

1. Opt for a model with a humidistat

Most dehumidifiers will have this as standard. A humidistat will detect high levels of humidity, telling the dehumidifier when it has to turn on and off.

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 for it to be able 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 natural humidity of the room before removing any excess.

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

3. Close the windows

While you could 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 just want to focus on a particular room.

4. Keep the filter clean

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

IS THERE DEHUMIDIFIER HIRE NEAR ME?

Yes. Speedy Hire, the UK's leading tool hire company, have a range of dehumidifiers for hire nationwide. Speedy has 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?