Electricity calculator · UK
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run?
Change the wattage, hours and electricity tariff. Use real model figures rather than guessing from a headline litres-per-day rating.
Quick answer: roughly 4p per hour at 151W
At the Ofgem October–December 2026 Great Britain standard variable tariff benchmark of 26.32p/kWh, a dehumidifier drawing 151W costs about 3.97p an hour while running at that draw. Eight continuous hours would use 1.208kWh, costing approximately 32p. Real-life use depends on the humidistat and conditions.
Your dehumidifier electricity estimate
Adjust the settings below. Default prices use the October–December 2026 Ofgem benchmark, not your personal tariff.
Formula: (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × (pence per kWh ÷ 100). Illustrative continuous draw at the listed wattage. Real dehumidifiers change electrical draw with fan setting, humidity, defrost and temperature, and can cycle off automatically. These results are NOT measured laundry drying costs.
Where do the default wattages come from?
Meaco publishes the following active power measurements at 20°C and 60% relative humidity. They are used as transparent examples in the calculator rather than assumptions about every room:
| Product | Active power | Cost/hour at 26.32p/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| MeacoDry Arete Two 12L compressor | 136W | 3.6p |
| MeacoDry Arete One 12L compressor | 151W | 4.0p |
| MeacoDry Arete Two 20L compressor | 207W | 5.4p |
| Meaco DD8L Pro desiccant · fan speed 3 | 623W | 16.4p |
Do not conclude that the 136W model dries twice as efficiently as a higher-power model: dehumidifier extraction rate and ambient temperature also matter. The cold-room comparison includes water removal data at matching conditions.
What should you buy if running costs matter?
For a normally heated flat, start with a documented compressor dehumidifier that has an adjustable humidistat and laundry mode, rather than choosing the biggest litre rating. Our flat laundry guide examines a Meaco Arete One 12L and an AEOCKY 25L-labelled alternative. The AEOCKY is available through a tracked Awin listing; confirm its own power data before comparing.
Tracked affiliate link. The wattages in the calculator are manufacturer measurements for named Meaco products, not measured values for this AEOCKY listing.
Frequently asked questions
Is a compressor cheaper than a desiccant dehumidifier?
It often has lower active draw for a heated room, but the answer depends on how much water each model removes per kWh at your actual room temperature. Desiccant models can be much faster in a cold room while drawing more power.
Should I run a dehumidifier all night?
Follow the manufacturer instructions, and check noise, safe placement, tank capacity and moisture needs. A humidistat can maintain a target without continuous full-power running.
How do I know my actual running cost?
Use your supplier electricity unit rate and a compatible kWh meter if the appliance manufacturer allows one. Metered consumption over several representative days is more informative than a nameplate wattage.
Other useful comparisons: Heated airer vs dehumidifier · Humidity monitor for a damp bedroom · Dehumidifier for cold rooms.
Sources verified 21 October 2026: Ofgem October–December 2026 tariff; Meaco One 12L; Meaco Two 12L; Meaco Two 20L; Meaco DD8L Pro. No hands-on tests have been performed.