If you live in a humid climate, chances are you've considered getting a dehumidifier to keep excess moisture at bay in your home.
Elevated humidity levels can lead to mold growth, musty odors, and an overall uncomfortable living environment. However, many homeowners hesitate to run a dehumidifier regularly due to concerns about high energy consumption and cost.
In this article, we'll discuss just how much energy these handy appliances require and provide tips to minimize their impact on your utility bills.
How Dehumidifiers Use Energy
At their core, dehumidifiers work by drawing in warm, hot humid air from your home, condensing the moisture from that air, and then expelling the drier, cooler air back into the room.
This process requires energy to run the fan that circulates the cold air as well as the refrigeration coils or desiccant materials that extract the humidity.
The amount of energy a dehumidifier consumes depends on several key factors:
Size/Capacity: Larger dehumidifiers designed to service bigger spaces or higher humidity levels will naturally use more energy than smaller, compact units made for single rooms. Most residential units range from 20 to 70 pints of moisture removal per day.
Efficiency Rating: Models with higher energy efficiency ratings, such as those rated Energy Star by the U.S. Department of Energy, require less wattage to operate and can save a significant amount on your energy bills over time.
Environmental Conditions: Dehumidifiers have to work harder (and consume more power) in very humid environments or during seasons when outdoor relative humidity is at its peak.
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity? On average, a typical 30 pints dehumidifier running continuously will consume between 300 and 800 watts of power or somewhere between 7 and 19 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity cost per day. To put that into perspective, the average central air conditioning system uses around 3,000 watts while running.
So an electric dehumidifier does add a noticeable load, though far less than air conditioning.
What It Means for Your Utility Bills
So how much can you expect to pay to run that dehumidifier month after month? Let’s calculate the cost of running a dehumidifier. Electricity bill rates vary across different utility providers and regions, but the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates the average American household pays about 14 cents per kWh of power.
Using that average rate and our example 30-pint dehumidifier operating around the clock:
- At 7 kWh/day, that's 210 kWh/month, costing about $29
- At 19 kWh/day, that's 570 kWh/month, costing around $80
This is a pretty accurate representation of dehumidifier energy costs. However, most homeowners don't need to leave their dehumidifiers running 24/7 unless dealing with extreme humidity issues or water damage situations. More typical use of running the appliance whenever indoor humidity exceeds 50% (up to maybe 8-12 hours daily in summer) could trim that monthly cost estimate in half.
How to Reduce the Energy Consumption of Dehumidifiers
While dehumidifiers certainly increase your home's energy footprint, there are some effective ways to keep those costs as low as reasonably possible:
Buy an Energy Star certified model: Dehumidifiers awarded the Energy Star label are at least 15% more efficient than conventional models, saving energy and money over the appliance's lifetime.
Ensure proper sizing for your square footage: An undersized unit will have to work harder, consuming more energy. Make sure to choose a dehumidifier capacity that aligns with your home's square footage and relative humidity levels.
Use the built-in humidistat: Most newer dehumidifiers come equipped with humidistat sensors that monitor moisture and cycle the unit on and off as needed to maintain desired humidity levels instead of running continuously when not required.
Limit usage to occupied areas: Focus on only dehumidifying the rooms or areas of your home that you spend the most time in and that are most prone to excess moisture.
Promote air circulation: Proper air flow can help the dehumidifier operate more efficiently. Use fans to keep air circulating and easily reach humid pockets.
Investigate underlying moisture sources: Addressing any moisture intrusion through leaks, cracks, or poor ventilation can reduce the required dehumidification load.
Living comfortably in a humid climate or damp home doesn't have to break the bank on your energy bills. With some smart strategies like purchasing efficient models, aligning capacity to your needs, and only using dehumidifiers when and where necessary, you can strike the right balance between ideal moisture levels and reasonable energy expenditures. A little advanced planning can prevent major energy drains and associated costs over time.
FAQs
1. How much energy does a dehumidifier consume?
The energy consumption of a dehumidifier varies depending on factors such as size, capacity, and operating conditions. Energy-efficient models typically consume less energy than non-rated units.
2. Are Energy Star-rated dehumidifiers worth the investment?
Yes. Dehumidifiers with the Energy Star label are worth the investment as they are designed to meet strict efficiency standards set by the EPA, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs over time.
3. What size dehumidifier do I need for my space?
To determine the appropriate size dehumidifier for your space, consider factors such as room dimensions, humidity levels, and intended usage. Consult manufacturer guidelines or seek professional advice for personalized recommendations. The best energy-efficient dehumidifier is the one that is suited to your needs.
4. How can I reduce the energy consumption of my dehumidifier?
To reduce energy consumption, choose an appropriately sized unit, position it for optimal airflow, and perform regular maintenance such as cleaning or replacing filters and keeping coils free of debris.
Efficient Humidity Control for Any Space
Alorair offers a comprehensive line of ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers designed to help homeowners and businesses effectively control humidity levels while minimizing energy costs. From compact 70-pint models for smaller spaces to high-capacity 198-pint units for large basements and crawlspaces, Alorair has an ENERGY STAR dehumidifier to fit the needs of any home or commercial application.
By choosing an ENERGY STAR-certified dehumidifier from Alorair, you can enjoy reliable moisture removal with up to 30% greater energy efficiency compared to conventional models. This translates to significant long-term savings on your utility bills without sacrificing performance.
Visit our website to explore our full selection of ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers and find the right model to keep your home or business comfortable and dry, all while maximizing energy efficiency and cost savings.
