Live Direct Debit rates for UK average since 1 October 2026.
Cost per hour and per day
| Dehumidifier power | Per hour | 8 hours a day for a month |
|---|---|---|
| 300 W | 7.9p | £19.21 |
| 500 W | 13p | £32.02 |
| 700 W | 18p | £44.83 |
National Energy Action puts typical dehumidifiers at 300 to 700 watts. Check the label on yours, and remember most switch off automatically when the air reaches the set humidity.
Is it cheaper than a tumble dryer for drying clothes?
It depends on the dryer. Drying a load on an airer with a 500 W dehumidifier running for 6 hours uses about 3 kWh, which costs 79p. That's cheaper than a vented or condenser tumble dryer at £1.37 a load, but a heat pump tumble dryer at 57p is cheaper still.
A dehumidifier also helps prevent damp and mould while clothes dry indoors, which a radiator doesn't.
Tips
- Close the door of the room and put the dehumidifier near the clothes.
- Use the laundry mode if it has one.
- Set the humidity to around 50%. Lower settings use more power for little benefit.
Sources: National Energy Action, Marks Electrical, Ofgem price cap via Uswitch, Octopus Energy tariff data.