Dehumidifier Running Costs UK: How Much Electricity Do They Use?

If you’re struggling with condensation around your home or looking for a cheaper alternative to using a tumble dryer, a dehumidifier can be a great solution.

But once you’ve bought one, the obvious question is:

How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?

The good news is that most dehumidifiers are actually very cheap to run, especially when compared with appliances like tumble dryers or electric heaters.

Let’s take a look at the figures.

Quick answer

Most dehumidifiers cost between 5p and 10p per hour to run in the UK.

If you run one for eight hours per day, the typical cost works out at roughly:

• 40p – 80p per day
• £3 – £6 per week
• £13 – £25 per month

These estimates are based on the Ofgem electricity price cap of around 24.67p per kWh.

Your exact cost will depend on the size and power of your machine.

Why I Started Using a Dehumidifier

I actually don’t mind winter too much. I’m the kind of person that finds it much easier to warm up than cool down.

What I do hate is what winter does to the house.

Condensation everywhere.

Some mornings I used to open the curtains and every window would be dripping. That meant wiping them down before I’d even had a coffee.

Opening the windows helped, but then the house felt freezing and the family complained.

Eventually I bought a dehumidifier and it solved most of the problem almost immediately.

Now I just run it for a few hours when needed and let it pull the moisture out of the air.

What Does a Dehumidifier Do?

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air until it reaches a comfortable humidity level.

Lower humidity can help:

• reduce condensation on windows
• prevent mould growth
• dry clothes faster indoors
• remove musty smells
• make rooms feel warmer

Most homes should ideally sit between 40% and 60% humidity.

Anything higher than that can lead to condensation and mould problems.

If condensation is something you struggle with, it’s also worth reading 👉 Cheap Ways to Remove Condensation From Windows.

How Much Electricity Does a Dehumidifier Use?

The running cost mainly depends on the wattage of your machine.

Most dehumidifiers use between 200 watts and 400 watts, although small units can use less and large desiccant models can reach 600–650 watts.

Here’s a rough guide.

To work out the running cost, multiply the electricity used by the unit rate.

Using the electricity price cap of 24.67p per kWh, the costs look like this.

Dehumidifier Running Costs (UK)

Even larger units usually cost less than £10 per week if used for eight hours per day.

Why Your Dehumidifier May Cost Less Than the Table Suggests

The figures above assume your dehumidifier runs at full power continuously.

In reality, most modern machines include a humidistat, which automatically switches the compressor on and off once the target humidity level is reached.

For example, if you set the machine to 50% humidity, it may only run at full power part of the time.

A 300W dehumidifier left on for eight hours might actually only consume 1.2–1.5 kWh instead of the full 2.4 kWh.

That means the real cost could be closer to:

• 30p – 40p instead of 60p

This is why many people find their dehumidifier costs less to run than expected.

Are Dehumidifiers Expensive to Run?

No. Compared with many household appliances, they’re actually very cheap.

For example:

Because of this, many people now use a dehumidifier instead of a tumble dryer when drying clothes indoors.

You might also want to read:

👉 How Much Does a Tumble Dryer Cost to Run?
👉 Tumble Dryer Alternatives: Cheaper Ways to Dry Clothes

Types of Dehumidifier

There are two main types available.

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

These are the most common type used in UK homes.

They work best in temperatures above about 10°C and are usually more energy efficient.

They’re ideal for:

• bedrooms
• living rooms
• general household use

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

These work better in colder environments, such as garages or conservatories.

They remove moisture more aggressively but generally use more electricity.

They’re useful for:

• colder homes
• garages
• drying laundry in winter

How Long Should You Run a Dehumidifier?

This depends on how humid your home is.

Many people assume they need to run one all day, but that’s rarely necessary.

Most machines now include a humidity sensor (humidistat) that switches the appliance off once the target humidity level is reached.

Typical usage might be:

• 2–4 hours per day for general humidity control
• 6–8 hours when drying clothes
• longer initially if tackling a damp room

Once humidity levels fall, the machine will run far less often.

Tips for Reducing Dehumidifier Running Costs

If you want to keep electricity use as low as possible, a few simple habits can help.

Keep windows and doors closed
Otherwise moisture will keep entering the room.

Clean the filter regularly
Dust can restrict airflow and reduce efficiency.

Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom
This removes moisture before it spreads through the house.

Set a target humidity level
Most homes feel comfortable at around 50% humidity.

Is a Dehumidifier Worth It?

For many homes, absolutely.

For just a few pounds per week you can:

• reduce condensation on windows
• prevent mould growth
• dry clothes faster indoors
• improve indoor air quality

Lower humidity can also make your home feel warmer. Damp air takes more energy to heat, so removing excess moisture can make your heating feel more effective.

FAQ