Home energy & efficiency

Dehumidifier Cost Calculator

Estimate the running cost of a basement or whole-home dehumidifier based on its capacity and how many hours a day it actually runs.

1. Unit & Usage

Unit Capacity

Hours Running Per Day (actual compressor run time, not just plugged in)

Your Electricity Rate ($/kWh)

2. Running Cost

kWh × rate

MONTHLY COST

$—

SEASONAL COST (6 months)

$—

Real run time is usually less than 24 hours. Most dehumidifiers cycle on a humidistat — 6–10 hours of actual compressor time per day is typical, not constant running.

Tips for lower running cost

Set the humidistat target closer to 50–55% rather than as low as possible — a lower target means the unit runs more.
Seal obvious moisture sources (sump pit lids, window gaps) so the dehumidifier isn't fighting a constant leak.
A correctly sized unit for the space runs less overall than an undersized one working overtime.

Cost per hour at typical rates

Ontario-style rate of ≈ 13.3¢/kWh — adjust for your actual bill rate.

Appliance	Power	¢ per hour	$ per hour
Portable space heater	1,500 W	20.0¢	$0.20
Window air conditioner	900 W	12.0¢	$0.12
Dehumidifier	500 W	6.7¢	$0.07
Refrigerator (average draw)	150 W	2.0¢	$0.02
LED bulb	10 W	0.13¢	$0.0013
Electric dryer	3,000 W	40.0¢	$0.40
Level 2 EV charger	7,200 W	96.0¢	$0.96

kWh = watts × hours ÷ 1,000. Check your utility bill for your exact rate (TOU rates vary by time of day).

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