How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier? (UK 2026)
Based on the active UK Ofgem price cap of 24.5p per kWh (1 January 2026 – 31 March 2026).
A typical 300W dehumidifier costs £0.07 per hour of continuous use at current UK electricity rates (24.5p/kWh). For typical daily usage (6 hours daily during laundry drying or damp winter periods (~1.8 kWh/day)), it costs approximately £0.44 per day or £162.13 per year.
Manufacturer specs: MeacoDry Arete One & Pro Breeze 12L-20L compressor dehumidifiers (250W–350W rated electrical draw)
* Includes 1W standby consumption outside active hours (£1.61/year).
How to Save Money Running a Dehumidifier
- Set the humidistat to 50% relative humidity; drying air below 45% wastes electricity and causes dry skin.
- Place clothes on an airer in a small closed room alongside the dehumidifier in "Laundry Mode" to dry clothes for a fraction of tumble dryer costs.
- Clean the washable air intake dust filter every two weeks to prevent compressor strain and maintain airflow.
- Empty the water tank promptly or use the continuous drainage hose so the auto-shutoff switch does not stop operation.
Alternative Appliances Compared
vs. Tumble Dryer
View running cost →Drying a load of laundry with a 300W dehumidifier over 5 hours uses roughly 1.5 kWh (~37p) compared to 3.5 kWh (~86p) for a condenser tumble dryer.
vs. Desk / Standing Fan
View running cost →Pairing a low-wattage fan (30W) with a dehumidifier circulates dry air faster around hanging laundry, reducing drying time by 30%.
Dehumidifier Technical Power Profile
Source data: MeacoDry Arete One & Pro Breeze 12L-20L compressor dehumidifiers (250W–350W rated electrical draw)
Frequently Asked Questions: Dehumidifier Electricity Costs
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier for 6 hours in the UK?â–¾
A 300W compressor dehumidifier running for 6 hours consumes 1.8 kWh. At 24.5p/kWh, that costs approx. 44.1p per day (or about £13.20 per month).
Is it cheaper to dry clothes with a dehumidifier than a tumble dryer?â–¾
Yes, significantly. A tumble dryer uses 3 to 4 kWh per load, whereas hanging laundry on an airer in a small room with a dehumidifier consumes only about 1.2 to 1.8 kWh.
Does a dehumidifier heat the room as it runs?â–¾
Yes. Compressor dehumidifiers discharge air that is roughly 1°C to 2°C warmer than the ambient room air, providing subtle supplementary heat.
What is the difference between compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers?â–¾
Compressor models draw 200W to 350W and work best above 15°C. Desiccant models draw 500W to 650W but excel in unheated spaces below 10°C (like garages).
Can a dehumidifier lower heating bills?â–¾
Yes. Moist air requires substantially more energy to heat than dry air. Maintaining humidity between 45% and 55% makes rooms feel warmer and reduces central heating demand.