Updated 2 November 2026 · By Diego Gómez
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run in the UK? (2026 prices)
Running costs per hour, day and month for compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers at the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh (October to December 2026).
Under the Ofgem price cap for 1 October to 31 December 2026, electricity costs 26.32p per kWh on average for direct debit customers. That's the figure we use below.
| Type | Typical power | Per hour | 8 hours a day for a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Peltier (mini) | 30 W | 0.8p | £1.90 |
| 12L compressor | 170–200 W | 4.5p–5.3p | £10.74–£12.63 |
| 20L compressor | 300–400 W | 7.9p–10.5p | £18.95–£25.27 |
| Desiccant | 450–650 W | 11.8p–17.1p | £28.43–£41.06 |
| Heated clothes airer | 230–300 W | 6.1p–7.9p | £14.53–£18.95 |
With a humidity sensor, the dehumidifier switches off when the room reaches your target, so the real cost is usually lower than running it flat out.
Is it cheaper than a tumble dryer?
For drying clothes, a compressor dehumidifier in a small closed room usually costs less per load than a vented tumble dryer, and it dries the house at the same time. A heat-pump tumble dryer is also efficient but costs far more to buy.
Price source: Ofgem, energy price cap 1 October – 31 December 2026.
Recommended
Pro Breeze OmniDry 12L
- 12 L/day
- up to 15 m²
- 2 L
The best-selling dehumidifier on Amazon UK right now: 12 litres a day, automatic humidity sensor, laundry mode and a drain hose option.
EcoAir DD2 Simple (desiccant)
- 9 L/day
- 1 °C
- 3 L
A light desiccant dehumidifier that keeps working in cold, unheated rooms down to 1 °C, where compressor models struggle.
ThermoPro TP49 hygrometer (4-pack)
- temperature and humidity
- 4
- AAA
Cheap digital hygrometers with a comfort-level face.
Affiliate links: if you buy, Amazon pays us a small commission at no extra cost to you. More info
FAQs
Should I leave my dehumidifier on all day?
Set it to around 50–55% and leave it in auto mode: it will switch on and off by itself. Running it for a few hours after showers, cooking and laundry is usually enough.