How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier all day?

A 550W dehumidifier running 24 hours costs $71.28/month at the U.S. average rate of $0.18/kWh. Running 12 hours daily costs $35.64/month.

Is it expensive to run a dehumidifier?

Moderately. At average rates, expect $20–40/month depending on wattage and runtime. That's roughly $0.10/hour for a standard 50-pint model.

Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?

A standard dehumidifier (550W) uses about half the electricity of a space heater (1,500W) but typically runs much longer — 12+ hours daily. Monthly costs: $35.64 for a dehumidifier vs $32.40 for a space heater at 4 hours.

Does a dehumidifier reduce my AC bill?

Yes. Dry air feels cooler, so you can raise the thermostat 2–3°F. Each degree saves roughly 3% on cooling costs. The dehumidifier may pay for itself by reducing AC runtime.

Should I run my dehumidifier 24/7?

Usually not. A humidistat set to 45–50% will cycle the unit off when humidity drops, saving 15–25% on electricity. Continuous operation at $71.28/month is rarely necessary.

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Dehumidifier Cost in California: Monthly Calculator

California has one of the highest residential electricity rates in the US.

Electricity in California costs 0.33 per kWh — higher than the national average of $0.18/kWh. Here's what that means for your dehumidifier bill.

Data sources:EIA (US)Ofgem (UK)Last verified: July 2026