How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air to tackle condensation and damp, and many have a laundry mode for drying clothes indoors. Compressor models typically use 150–300W and desiccant models 300–650W, making them cheap to run compared with heaters or tumble dryers.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 200W dehumidifier running 8 hours a day costs about £0.42 per day (£153 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.05
- Per day
- £0.42
- Per week
- £2.95
- Per month
- £13
- Per year
- £153
- kWh per year
- 582
Based on 200W ÷ 1,000 × 8h × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Dehumidifier running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 4 hrs | 8 hrs | 12 hrs | 24 hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150W | £0.16 | £0.32 | £0.47 | £0.95 |
| 200W | £0.21 | £0.42 | £0.63 | £1.26 |
| 300W | £0.32 | £0.63 | £0.95 | £1.90 |
| 500W | £0.53 | £1.05 | £1.58 | £3.16 |
| 650W | £0.68 | £1.37 | £2.05 | £4.11 |
Typical dehumidifier cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 0.20 kWh | £0.05 |
| Per day | 1.60 kWh | £0.42 |
| Per month | 48.5 kWh | £13 |
| Per year | 582 kWh | £153 |
What affects the cost
Type
Compressor models are usually cheaper to run.
Humidity level
With a humidistat the unit switches off once the target is reached.
Room temperature
Cold rooms reduce compressor efficiency.
Run time
Laundry mode often runs for 6–8 hours.
Cheaper alternatives to a dehumidifier
• Better ventilation and extractor fans • Opening windows for 10 minutes after showers • Heated airer for laundry • Fixing the source of damp
How to reduce the cost
- Use the humidistat — aim for 50–60% humidity
- Run it in laundry mode with the door shut
- Desiccant models suit cold rooms and garages
- Empty and clean the tank and filter regularly
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dehumidifier cost per hour in the UK?
About £0.05 per hour for a 200W model at 26.32p/kWh.
How do I work out what my dehumidifier costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier all day?
A 200W compressor dehumidifier running 24 hours costs about £1.26 at 26.32p/kWh.
Compressor or desiccant — which is cheaper?
Compressor models use less power in normal room temperatures. Desiccant models work better below about 15°C and give off a little heat.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.