Dehumidifiers are commonly used to remove excess moisture from the air in homes and other indoor spaces. While they can be a helpful tool for preventing mould growth, reducing allergies, and improving overall indoor air quality, many people are concerned about the cost of running a dehumidifier.
Specifically, they may wonder if dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity and if they are expensive to run. Don’t worry, I’m here to answer all your questions and provide some tips on how to choose an energy-efficient dehumidifier.
What Is A Dehumidifier?
A dehumidifier is an electrical appliance designed to reduce and maintain the level of humidity in the air.
It works by drawing in moist air from the surrounding environment, passing it through a cooling system that causes the moisture to condense into water droplets, and then collecting the water in a container or draining it directly.
By removing excess moisture from the air, dehumidifiers can help to prevent mould and mildew growth, reduce allergens, and improve indoor air quality.
They are commonly used in homes, basements, garages, and other indoor spaces where high humidity levels can be a problem.
Advantages Of Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers offer several advantages, including:
- Prevents mould and mildew growth: High humidity levels can contribute to the growth of mould and mildew in indoor spaces, which can cause health problems and damage to your home.
Dehumidifiers can help to prevent this by removing excess moisture from the air.
- Reduces allergens: Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens thrive in moist environments. By reducing humidity levels, dehumidifiers can help to control these allergens and improve indoor air quality.
- Helps to control odours: Moisture in the air can contribute to musty and stale odours. By removing excess moisture, dehumidifiers can help to control these odours and create a fresher, more pleasant indoor environment.
- Protect your home: High humidity levels can cause damage to wood, wallpaper, and other materials in your home. By reducing moisture levels, dehumidifiers can help to protect your home from damage and prolong its lifespan.
- Improves comfort: High humidity levels can make indoor spaces feel sticky and uncomfortable, particularly in the summer months.
Dehumidifiers can help to create a more comfortable indoor environment by reducing humidity levels and creating a drier, cooler atmosphere.
Dehumidifiers can offer several benefits for your health, home, and overall comfort, particularly in humid environments or during the summer months.
Disadvantages Of Dehumidifiers
While dehumidifiers can offer several advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider:
- Higher energy costs: Dehumidifiers use electricity to operate, and running them for extended periods can lead to higher energy bills.
- Noise: Some dehumidifiers can be quite loud when in operation, which may be a concern if you plan to use them in living areas or bedrooms.
- Maintenance: Dehumidifiers require regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filters and emptying the water tank. Failure to maintain the unit properly can lead to reduced effectiveness or damage to the unit.
- Initial cost: Dehumidifiers can be relatively expensive to purchase, particularly for larger units or those with advanced features.
- Effectiveness limitations: Dehumidifiers may not be effective in extremely humid environments, or in areas with significant water damage or mould growth. In these cases, additional remediation may be required.
It’s important to consider these factors when deciding whether a dehumidifier is the right choice for your needs. However, for most people in moderately humid environments, the benefits of using a dehumidifier outweigh the potential drawbacks.
How Much Electricity Do Dehumidifiers Use?
The amount of electricity that a dehumidifier uses will depend on several factors, including the size and capacity of the unit, the humidity level of the environment, and how often the unit is run.
On average, a small, portable dehumidifier that is rated at around 200-300 watts may use between 0.2 to 0.3 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per hour of operation. This means that if you run the unit for 10 hours per day, it may use around 2 to 3 kWh per day.
Larger, more powerful dehumidifiers with a capacity of 50-70 pints per day or more may use between 500-900 watts of electricity per hour, which can add up to significantly higher energy costs if run for extended periods.
However, it’s important to note that the actual electricity usage of a dehumidifier will depend on a range of factors, including the specific model, the settings used, and the conditions of the environment in which it is used.
To determine the actual electricity usage of a dehumidifier, you can check the unit’s energy rating label or consult the manufacturer’s specifications.
Additionally, some models may offer energy-saving features, such as automatic shut-off or energy-efficient settings, that can help to reduce electricity usage.
Are Dehumidifiers Actually Worth The Cost?
Dehumidifiers can be worth the cost if you live in an area with high humidity, suffer from allergies or respiratory issues, or have a moisture problem in your home.
They can help to reduce the growth of mould and mildew, prevent damage to your home and belongings, and improve air quality.
While they do consume electricity, choosing an energy-efficient model and using it properly can help to minimise operating costs. Ultimately, the decision of whether a dehumidifier is worth the cost depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
Tips For Choosing Energy-Efficient Dehumidifiers
Choosing an energy-efficient dehumidifier can help to reduce your energy costs while still effectively removing excess moisture from the air. Here are some of my tips to help you choose an energy-efficient dehumidifier:
- Look for ENERGY STAR certification: ENERGY STAR is a program run by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies energy-efficient appliances. Dehumidifiers that are certified by ENERGY STAR meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and can help to save on energy costs.
- Choose the right size: It’s important to choose a dehumidifier that is the right size for the space you want to dehumidify. A dehumidifier that is too small for the space will have to work harder to remove moisture, which can increase energy usage.
Conversely, a dehumidifier that is too large for the space may cycle on and off more frequently, using more energy than necessary.
- Consider the humidity level: If you live in an area with high humidity, it may be worth investing in a dehumidifier with a built-in humidistat.
This will allow the unit to automatically turn on and off based on the humidity level, rather than running constantly.
- Look for energy-saving features: Some dehumidifiers may have additional energy-saving features, such as automatic shut-off, energy-efficient settings, or timers that can help to reduce energy usage.
- Check the unit’s power consumption: Dehumidifiers can vary significantly in their energy usage. Checking the unit’s power consumption and energy efficiency ratings can help you to choose a model that uses less energy.
Final Thoughts
Dehumidifiers are an effective solution for reducing excess moisture in your home, but they do consume electricity. However, with proper usage and by choosing an energy-efficient model, you can minimise the energy consumption and operating costs of your dehumidifier.
By following the tips for selecting an energy-efficient dehumidifier, you can make an informed decision and choose a unit that meets your needs while also saving on energy costs.
