Typical wattage by capacity
- 30-pint: ~300 W. Good for 700-1,000 sq ft moderate humidity.
- 50-pint: ~550 W. Good for 1,200-1,500 sq ft basement.
- 70-pint commercial: ~700 W. Good for very damp basements or crawlspaces.
Cost per hour and per month
At the US average of $0.17/kWh:
- 30-pint × 8 hr/day × 30 days = $12/month
- 50-pint × 12 hr/day × 30 days = $34/month
- 70-pint × 16 hr/day × 30 days = $57/month
Why ENERGY STAR matters here
ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers remove 15% more water per kWh than the federal minimum. Over a humid season that's $20-$40/year saved with no behavior change.
Cut runtime in half
- Set the humidistat to 50%, not 40%. Each 5% drop sharply increases runtime.
- Air seal rim joists, the bulkhead door, and any plumbing penetrations.
- Insulate cold water pipes — they shed water the dehumidifier must remove.
- Re-grade soil away from the foundation and extend downspouts.
- Run continuous fan, not "auto" — circulation reaches dead spots faster.
Try the calculator
Dehumidifier Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of running a dehumidifier in your basement.
DIY safety & liability notice
This guide is for general information only. Any work you do on your home is at your own risk. Energy Savings Toolkit is not responsible for improper installation, property damage, or injury. Follow product instructions and local codes, and hire a licensed professional for electrical, gas, HVAC, roofing, or structural work. See our Disclaimer.