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How much does it cost to run a desiccant dehumidifier?
A desiccant dehumidifier costs about 17p an hour to run.
Work out your cost
Find the wattage on the label or rating plate, usually on the back or underneath.
Low, typical and high running costs
Using 6 hours a day.
| Rating | Unit cost | Per week | Per winter (Oct to Mar) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 320W | 8p / hour | £3.54 | £91.97 |
| Typical | 650W | 17p / hour | £7.19 | £186.82 |
| High | 650W | 17p / hour | £7.19 | £186.82 |
How it compares
| Appliance | Typical use | Per day | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dehumidifier (desiccant) | 6 hours a day | £1.03 | £31.22 |
| Tumble dryer (condenser or vented) | 3 cycles a week | 51p | £15.44 |
| Heated clothes airer | 8 hours a day | 46p | £14.09 |
| Dehumidifier (compressor) | 6 hours a day | 32p | £9.61 |
| Heat pump tumble dryer | 3 cycles a week | 24p | £7.41 |
| Washing machine (40°C) | 4 cycles a week | 12p | £3.66 |
| Iron | 15 minutes a day | 8p | £2.40 |
How we work it out
Cost per hour = watts ÷ 1,000 × share of time at full power × price per kWh. For a 650W dehumidifier (desiccant) at 100%: 650 ÷ 1,000 × 1 × 26.32p = 17p.
The low, typical and high figures are for models sold in the UK, taken from the sources below. Your own appliance may differ, so check its rating plate or energy label for the most accurate figure.
Sources
- Ofgem: changes to the energy price cap, 1 October to 31 December 2026
- Meaco: dehumidifier running costs by model
Questions
How much electricity does a desiccant dehumidifier use?
Most use between 320W and 650W. A 650W model running at full power uses 0.65 kWh an hour.
How much does a desiccant dehumidifier cost to run per day?
Used for 6 hours a day it costs about £1.03, based on the Ofgem price cap rate of 26.32p per kWh.
Where does the electricity price come from?
We use the Ofgem price cap average for Great Britain, paying by Direct Debit: 26.32p per kWh for 1 Oct 2026 to 31 Dec 2026. Electricity rate includes 0% VAT, which applies from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. Storage heater and EV pages use an off-peak rate instead. Your own tariff may be higher or lower, so check your bill and enter your rate in the calculator.