If you plan to use a dehumidifier, it helps to understand how to keep electricity costs under control.
How much you pay in electricity depends on the type of dehumidifier you use.
If you are using a dehumidifier to manage indoor moisture or prevent condensation, we will also introduce practical ways to use it more economically, so please use this guide as a reference.
How much does electricity cost by type of dehumidifier?
Household dehumidifiers sold at electronics retailers and similar stores can generally be divided into four main types.
Each uses a different dehumidification method, with differences in performance, price, and other characteristics.
Electricity costs also vary by type, so let us first review the features of each kind of dehumidifier and the approximate running cost.
Zeolite dehumidifier
This type removes moisture using a method also known as the desiccant system, lowering humidity by absorbing incoming moisture into the drying agent zeolite.
A key feature of zeolite dehumidifiers is that they warm the air with an electric heater and blow out warm air.
Because they raise the indoor temperature, they are generally not well suited to summer use.
They also consume more power in order to produce warm air, so electricity costs tend to be higher.
They are effective even in colder weather, lightweight and easy to move, and relatively quiet, which makes them practical for winter uses such as condensation control.
Compressor dehumidifier
This type removes moisture by running a compressor electrically and using refrigerant-based heat transfer.
The principle is the same as air-conditioner dehumidification: the air is cooled, forced to condense, and the moisture is removed.
Although these units tend to be heavier and noisier, they offer strong dehumidifying power.
Because this method does not dehumidify efficiently when room temperatures are low, it is not suitable for winter use.
It is recommended for summer use, and electricity costs are comparatively low.
Hybrid dehumidifier
A hybrid dehumidifier combines both the zeolite and compressor methods.
Electricity costs are moderate.
In summer, when both humidity and room temperature are high, it operates in compressor mode, while in winter, when room temperature is lower, it can operate in zeolite mode.
This allows efficient dehumidification without being heavily affected by the surrounding environment.
It can be used throughout the year, although the unit price is relatively high.
Its electricity cost is in the middle range and not especially high.
Peltier dehumidifier
This is a dehumidifier that works using a Peltier element.
Because it can cool without using a compressor, the unit price is relatively affordable.
Since its dehumidifying performance is lower than that of other types, it is best used as a secondary dehumidifier in places such as closets.
Electricity costs are very low.
Dehumidifier or air conditioner: which is more cost-effective to run?
A dehumidifier does more than lower humidity throughout a room and improve comfort. It can also be used selectively to help prevent condensation and mold, and it is convenient for drying laundry indoors. However, if you rely on it too heavily simply because it is convenient, electricity costs may become a concern.
From here, we will explain how to use a dehumidifier and an air conditioner in a more cost-effective way.
Electricity cost of an air conditioner
Air-conditioner electricity costs vary by model and size, and in many cases only the power consumption for heating and cooling is publicly listed.
For that reason, it is difficult to know the exact power consumption in dehumidification or dry mode, so let us estimate using 320W, a typical power consumption level for a standard air conditioner.
If an air conditioner is used for one hour, the electricity cost is about 8.3 yen per hour.
In other words, if you reduce humidity using only the air conditioner during the rainy season or summer, the electricity cost will be about 8.3 yen per hour, or 5,976 yen per month (24 hours a day for 30 days).
Using both together can save money by shortening operating time
A compressor dehumidifier, which is suitable for summer use, costs about 4.7 yen per hour to run, making it cheaper than an air conditioner.
A hybrid dehumidifier costs about 8.3 yen per hour, which is not very different from an air conditioner.
If you want to lower room humidity in summer while keeping electricity costs down, using an air conditioner together with a compressor dehumidifier gives you two advantages at once: it shortens the time needed to reach a comfortable humidity level and reduces electricity costs.
How to use a dehumidifier while saving money
A zeolite dehumidifier, which is well suited to winter use and has strong dehumidifying performance, costs about 17.2 yen per hour to run, which is relatively high.
A hybrid dehumidifier also costs about the same as an air conditioner to operate.
That is precisely why it is important to understand how to reduce the electricity cost of running a dehumidifier.
Choose the right dehumidifier for the season
If you want to reduce the electricity cost of your dehumidifier, try using different types depending on the season.
In particular, if you plan to use a dehumidifier mainly in summer, we recommend a compressor model with lower power consumption.
However, because compressor dehumidifiers do not work efficiently in winter when room temperatures drop, a zeolite model is a better choice if you want to dry laundry indoors in winter or prevent condensation.
Using a dehumidifier that matches the season ultimately shortens operating time and helps reduce electricity costs.
Use dehumidifying methods other than a dehumidifier
Using a dehumidifier is not the only way to lower humidity in a room.
For example, ventilating the room, placing rolled-up newspaper, or using moisture-absorbing items such as bamboo charcoal can also help reduce humidity.
It is also worth finding ways to dehumidify without using electricity.
If you are planning a new home, adopting a desiccant air-conditioning system is another option worth considering.
A desiccant air-conditioning system offers strong dehumidification performance and, unlike an air conditioner, does not overcool the room during dehumidification.
If you are planning interior renovation work, switching to wallpaper with humidity-regulating properties can also be effective.
Do not overuse clothes-drying mode
The clothes-drying mode on a dehumidifier uses more power than normal operation.
Depending on the model, it may use two to three times as much electricity as standard operation.
If you want to dry laundry hung indoors more quickly, it is effective to use the dehumidifier together with a circulator or similar device to keep air moving over the clothes.
Switch to a lower-cost electricity plan
There are now new electricity providers available across Japan, so another practical way to save money is to switch to a more economical electricity plan that matches how you use your dehumidifier.
It is worth checking whether there is a plan that is more affordable than your current electricity rate.
If you use the dehumidifier only during the hours when electricity rates are lowest, you can reduce electricity costs quite easily.
Summary
In this article, we explained practical ways to reduce the electricity cost of using a dehumidifier.
As homes have become more airtight and better insulated, dehumidifiers have become an increasingly essential household appliance.
By understanding the features of each dehumidification method and the general electricity cost trends, you can choose the right unit for your needs and use it efficiently while keeping energy costs down.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a dehumidifier cost to run per day?
As a general guide, compressor models cost about 5 to 7 yen per day, while desiccant models cost about 14 to 17 yen per day.
Which is more economical for dehumidification, a dehumidifier or an air conditioner?
In many cases, an air conditioner’s dehumidification mode is cheaper to run, but a dehumidifier generally offers stronger dehumidifying performance.
What are the advantages of a hybrid dehumidifier?
It combines the strengths of compressor and desiccant systems and can be used efficiently throughout the year.
