Although the energy consumption for small and medium-sized dehumidifiers is relatively low, long-term usage (especially older, less energy-efficient models) can add up to be quite a substantial amount. This is compounded by the fact that most dehumidifiers run 12 to 24 hours daily.
Yes.
While the wattage (483.24W is average) and the hourly electricity usage (0.427 kWh is average) are not substantial, the long duration of use results in dehumidifiers consuming a considerable amount of electricity. At up to 23.6 kWh per day, older dehumidifiers can use a substantial amount of electricity.
Yet just looking at the average estimates, we can see a clear winner: a dehumidifier costs on average $0.03 and $0.16 per hour to run, while an AC unit will run you $0.06 and $0.88 on average per hour.
Should you keep your dehumidifier running all the time? In order to achieve the ideal indoor relative humidity levels of 35 to 50 percent, it is recommended that you run a dehumidifier for 12 hours a day.
A dehumidifier typically needs between 24 and 72 hours to completely dry out a room. It's critical to continue using the dehumidifier until the humidity levels are normal.
As a general rule of thumb you may need to empty your dehumidifiers bucket at intervals ranging from once every two days to twice a day, depending on the conditions.
For example only, using an average energy rate of 33c per kWh (as per guidelines from the South Australian government), then the 16L Goldair dehumidifier with a wattage of 410W should cost just 14c per hour to use on average.
So for example, a dehumidifier that can extract up to 20 litres a day, with a wattage of 480w would use 0.48 kWh, would mean an hour's usage (0.34) would cost just under 16p. Whereas a dehumidifier that can extract up to 12 litres a day, with a wattage of 157w (0.157 kWh) would cost just over 5p an hour.
The bottom line
Running your dehumidifier can help you feel cooler. However, this is because it lowers your room's relative humidity level, not because it changes the room temperature.
Do you live near a large body of water? If so, you've probably noticed the astronomical levels of humidity. Well, an AC unit won't be able to sufficiently remove all that moisture from the air. You'll likely need a dehumidifier to feel comfortable in your home.
Using a dehumidifier is cheaper than heating your home all day. Not only does a dehumidifier remove excess moisture, but it also emits heat.
It seems obvious to say, but dehumidification reduces humidity levels, which means levels of comfort are immediately increased. Dehumidification will help you feel more comfortable without dramatically lowering the thermostat settings on your air conditioner (which means it's more energy efficient too).
Mini models can use as little as 22 watts, while high-volume dehumidifiers go up to around 500 watts. An example dehumidifier that can extract up to 20 litres a day, with a wattage of 480w would use 0.48 kWh, meaning that an hour's usage would cost just over 14p.
Well, the answer to this question is yes, and no. In the end, whether you can leave your dehumidifier on overnight or not will largely depend on what type of appliance you have. The truth is that all dehumidifiers vary in size and power. As such, there's really no universal limit on how long to run them.
How often you should use a dehumidifier will depend on your home, climate and other factors. To achieve the highest energy efficiency, run a dehumidifier for at least 12 hours a day. This will allow you to remove moisture from the air without racking up the energy costs.
So, does a humidifier stop and get rid of mould? The short answer is – it does not. But since mould loves to grow in damp areas, a dehumidifier plays an important role in preventing mould growth by reducing humidity and removing excess moisture.
A dehumidifier can be invaluable when it comes to reducing the humidity that fuels the growth of mould spores. Many people don't realise that reducing humidity is also very important for keeping the house dust mite population under control.
A dehumidifier makes the external conditions less welcoming to mold; by removing moisture, they reduce the chances of mold growth. An air purifier, however, removes mold spores from the air, making it harder for mold and mildew to create new colonies. HEPA filters are one of the most important tools for removing mold.
Yes, a dehumidifier can be an effective tool in combating damp in the home. Dampness can be a major problem for many homes in the UK, particularly in areas with high levels of humidity or rainfall. Left unchecked, damp can lead to mould growth, musty odours, and damage to furniture and other belongings.
A common misconception is that dehumidifiers are expensive to operate because of their high energy requirements. However, there are modern and high-end dehumidifiers that are capable of filtering out 12L to 20L of excess humidity while only using 185 watts and 378 watts of power. You only need to know where to look!
If you can reduce your air conditioning use by only an hour a day because of the action of a dehumidifier, you will save around $20 a day… and you will probably manage to reduce your use much farther. Air conditioning systems do reduce humidity through their action of absorbing moisture onto the evaporator coils.
We do not recommend placing a dehumidifier directly against a wall or piece of furniture. Instead, put it at least six inches away from these vent-blocking surfaces. For dehumidifiers that cover large areas, it's a good idea to place them somewhere central such as a hallway or landing.
Dehumidifiers can't attract the moist air with the doors closed! Opening your doors slightly allows sufficient airflow so your dehumidifier can do its job.
If your dehumidifier's water basin is filling up too quickly, you probably have extra water in the air due to an issue like a cracked pipe, water leak or open crawl space. If you're hardly getting any water in the basin, you may need to simply turn the control to a drier setting.