How Does a Dehumidifier Use Energy in Your Home

A dehumidifier can be an effective way to decrease moisture in the home, but what you might not know is that a dehumidifier can increase overall energy efficiency, too. You may be wondering, do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity? And if they do, how can a dehumidifier increase energy efficiency? Read on to learn why your dehumidifier is worth the investment in resources and to learn more about potential dehumidifier energy costs.

Dehumidifiers can work in two ways. Desiccant dehumidifiers use a desiccant material that absorbs moisture to pull the water from the air. Refrigerant dehumidifiers draw in humid air and then cool it, which condenses the moisture and then traps it. This water must be removed from the unit and emptied. By decreasing the humidity in a room, dehumidifiers help prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other bacteria in your home. Dehumidifiers are especially needed in rooms where moisture tends to collect, such as your basement or rooms that have a musty or stale odor.

Key Factors That Influence Dehumidifier Energy Usage

Although a dehumidifier uses energy, these appliances typically use less energy than other household appliances. Additionally, because they remove the moisture from your air, they can actually help increase energy efficiency in your home by balancing the moisture levels, improving indoor air quality, and enabling your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to run more efficiently. Certain factors influence dehumidifier energy use, so it’s helpful to know what to take into consideration before choosing your dehumidifier. Here are the factors you should consider.

• Size: Dehumidifier energy use varies depending on the size of the unit. Large dehumidifiers technically use more energy, but they also tend to be more energy-efficient than smaller models.
• Age: Like most appliances, newer models are much more efficient than those of previous generations.
• Humidity and temperature: The temperature and humidity level where you live impact how hard your dehumidifier has to work. The higher the temperature and humidity, the harder your unit has to work.
• Type: Desiccant dehumidifiers use less energy than refrigerant dehumidifiers, but they don’t work as well in high humidity.
• Frequency and duration of use: Leaving your unit on nonstop, or running it too frequently, increases dehumidifier energy use and wears it out.
• Efficiency rating: Some dehumidifiers are made to be high-efficiency, reducing the amount of energy used. They may cost more upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run.

Energy Costs of Running a Dehumidifier

So, do dehumidifiers use a lot of energy? The average range of energy usage for a desiccant dehumidifier is quite low, usually between 240 to 480 watts. The average energy usage range for a refrigerant dehumidifier is still lower than most appliances and typically runs between about 300 to 700 watts. For comparison, a microwave uses about 600 to 1000 watts of electricity.

The cost of running your dehumidifier will depend on many factors, including those listed above. However, your state’s electricity rate, which is typically measured in cents per kilowatt hour, will also be a deciding factor in your costs. The average cost per month is probably somewhere between $20 and $100, depending on various factors. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be a surprise to you when you buy your unit. You can approximate your dehumidifier’s energy cost with just a little research and a simple calculation. To calculate your dehumidifier energy use:

1. Determine Your Watts Per HourThis should be provided on the unit or in its manual. The number will be labeled “Watts Per Hour.”
2. Calculate Daily Operating CostOnce you’ve established your expected Watts Per Hour, you can use a simple formula to calculate the daily cost of operating your unit. Use the following formula: (watts per hour) x (daily hours of use) / 1000 x (your state’s electricity rate in cents per kilowatt hour) = Daily Operating Cost

You may be surprised to see how efficient your unit is—particularly if you have an energy-efficient dehumidifier. If your unit is older or small, it may be less efficient than you had hoped for. Consider upgrading your portable dehumidifier or whole-home unit with help from your local Aire Serv^® for optimal energy efficiency.

What To Look For In an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

The best way to ensure that you have an energy-efficient dehumidifier is to get a model that meets Energy Star certification requirements. Dehumidifiers that meet these requirements save energy but don’t sacrifice performance or features. These models use more efficient compressors, fans, and refrigeration coils that remove the same amount of moisture as a conventional model, but use 13% less energy. That savings on energy is passed on to you in your energy bills.

Tips To Lower Dehumidifier Energy Costs

There are ways to ensure that your dehumidifier is as energy-efficient as possible and, therefore, to lower your costs. Ideally, you’ll start with an energy-efficient model, but even if you can’t do that, knowing how to use your dehumidifier properly makes a big difference. These are the steps you can take to reduce your energy usage.

• Practice regular maintenance: Maintaining your unit by cleaning (or replacing) coils and filters as necessary helps lower your dehumidifier energy use and keeps it running well longer.
• Avoid overuse: Running your dehumidifier constantly uses significantly more energy and puts more wear and tear on the unit. Instead, run your unit during the most humid parts of the day to get the greatest benefit.
• Set reasonable levels: Set your humidity control levels to about 40-50%. This is enough to keep you comfortable and reduce excessive humidity without overworking your unit.
• Use the right size: A unit that’s too large for your space will waste energy, while a unit that’s too small will have to work too hard.
• Keep excess moisture out: If you have any plumbing issues or drafty windows, you’ll have a hard time controlling the moisture in your home.

Contact Aire Serv Today To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home

Using an electric dehumidifier will come with some energy costs, but the improvement to your indoor air quality can actually save you money in the long run. Using a dehumidifier in your home not only helps prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home but also promotes energy efficiency in your HVAC system. Plus, you’ll get to experience all the benefits that come with cleaner and drier air in your home.

Want to learn more about improving the air quality in your home with items like whole-home dehumidifiers that can be integrated into your HVAC system? Aire Serv has professional technicians ready to help you. You can trust all our services, too, because all of our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise^™. Contact us today to find out how a dehumidifier can improve the function of your entire HVAC system, plus your comfort. Breathe