Brief
Energy expert details running cost of a typical dehumidifier in the UK
Uswitch energy expert breaks down hourly and monthly electricity costs for a standard dehumidifier and outlines factors that affect usage.
By Felo News Desk · Published
With electricity prices set to increase in October, Natalie Mathie, an energy expert at Uswitch.com, calculated the cost of operating a typical 185‑watt dehumidifier. She said the unit costs 4.83p per hour, which works out to about £1.16 a day if run continuously.
What happened
Mathie’s calculation is based on current UK electricity tariffs. She noted that the energy price cap is expected to rise in October, which could push the hourly cost to roughly 4.92p, or £1.18 per day for nonstop operation. The government’s 1 October cut to VAT on electricity is projected to offset part of the increase, potentially saving households around £45 a year.
What the reports add
Ofgem’s data on modern domestic compressor dehumidifiers (12‑20 litre capacity) shows a typical power draw of 200‑300 W, translating to 5‑8p per hour. Running an eight‑hour overnight cycle would cost between 40p and 65p, amounting to £12‑£20 per month if used daily. Larger units can consume up to 500 W, which Mathie said would cost about 13.06p per hour.
What was said
"A typical dehumidifier using 185W costs 4.83p to run for one hour, based on current electricity prices," Mathie told Independent.co.uk. She added, "The energy price cap is forecast to rise in October, meaning the cost of electricity is likely to increase for customers on their supplier’s standard variable rate. Some of that increase will be offset by the government's cut to VAT on electricity, which also comes in on 1 October and should take around £45 a year off the average bill."
How it came about
The analysis follows earlier Felo News coverage of household energy‑saving measures, which highlighted the impact of rising electricity costs on everyday appliances. By comparing dehumidifier consumption with that of tumble dryers, the article underscores how moisture control can sometimes reduce overall energy use during colder months.
Key facts
- A 185W dehumidifier costs 4.83p per hour at current UK electricity rates. (independent.co.uk)
- Running the same unit nonstop would cost about £1.16 per day. (independent.co.uk)
- If the energy price cap rises in October, the hourly cost could increase to 4.92p, or £1.18 per day. (independent.co.uk)
- Modern 12‑20 litre compressor dehumidifiers use 200‑300W, costing 5‑8p per hour. (independent.co.uk)
- Larger 500W units would cost roughly 13.06p per hour. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Experts reveal how much it really costs to run a dehumidifier”
