6 Secret Tips to Reduce Dehumidifier Running Costs (Nov 2025 update)

Are you wondering, are dehumidifiers expensive to run? Let’s break it down with a specific example: the Morris 12L Dehumidifier, which operates at just 200 watts. With the current standard electricity tariff in the UK at 26.35p/kWh, running this efficient unit for one hour will cost you approximately 5p (£1.2 per day). It’s a small price to pay for enhanced air quality and comfort in your home!

 

Yet, many people hesitate to invest in a dehumidifier, fearing high energy bills. The truth is, modern dehumidifiers are designed to be energy-efficient, making them a smart choice for tackling issues like dampness, mould, and musty smells without breaking the bank. The key is to learn how to avoid high energy bills with dehumidifier best practices. In this post, we’ll reveal six secret tips to help you maximise efficiency and minimise costs, ensuring your dehumidifier works effectively without straining your budget. Let’s dive in!

 

 

A common misconception is that dehumidifiers are expensive to operate because of their high energy requirements. However, there are modern and high-end dehumidifiers that can filter out 12L to 20L of excess humidity while only using 200 watts and 330 watts of power. You just need to know where to look!

 

It is normal to want an efficient way to control high humidity, but are worried about high dehumidifier running costs. Especially with the rising cost of energy in the UK. Fortunately, you can enjoy ample relative humidity at home without breaking the bank if you know the best type of dehumidifier to go for. For context, the average monthly cost of running a dehumidifier UK can be as low as £36 (to run it 24 hours per day for one month) for an efficient model, which is far less than many people assume.

 

Here are some secret tips you can implement in your home, office, or garage, to reduce dehumidifier running costs.

1) Choose a High-Quality Dehumidifier

Modern high-quality dehumidifiers are more energy-efficient compared to their conventional counterparts. They are designed with energy-saving features that work spontaneously or can be set by the user for optimal humidity control. There are top-notch dehumidifiers that do a better job of improving indoor air quality than a normal AC unit.

2) Check the Power Rating

A dehumidifier’s power rating, measured in watts, can quickly tell you if the unit will be energy efficient or not. The higher the power rating, the more energy the unit is perceived to use. However, nothing is set in stone, as you can still tweak a high-powered dehumidifier to run efficiently and reduce energy costs.

 

Once you've narrowed down the best high-quality units on the market, choose the one with the lowest power rating. For example, a top-quality dehumidifier like the Morris 36db portable dehumidifier filters up to 12L of indoor humidity and only consumes 200 watts of power.

 

 

 

 

If you live in a highly humid environment, a more powerful dehumidifier will work faster to reduce humidity down to optimal levels. A unit like the 330-watt Morris Dehumidifier with a 24 hour timer will suffice in this case. A built-in timer helps you set the dehumidifier to run at specific hours to reduce energy costs.

3) Choose a Dehumidifier With Fast Drainage

The faster a dehumidifier drains, the shorter the time it takes to reduce high humidity. A 12L portable dehumidifier has enough capacity to filter as much moisture from the environment to reduce humidity. In addition to a large tank capacity, the Morris line of 12L dehumidifiers also includes a fast drainage port that will shorten operation time and, hence, reduce dehumidifier running costs.

4) Refrigerant vs Desiccant Dehumidifiers

If the cost of running a dehumidifier is of great concern, then you will have to choose between a refrigerant or a desiccant dehumidifier based on the climate in your region. Desiccant dehumidifiers are ideal for reducing humidity in cold regions. Refrigerant dehumidifiers go the extra mile of being cheaper to run and are more energy efficient compared to desiccant dehumidifiers.

5) Go For More Smart Features

Always look for smarter features that will reduce the cost of running a dehumidifier in your home, office, garden, or hobby room. Some Morris Smart Dehumidifiers have built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to control the unit using a mobile app. This gives you more freedom to run the dehumidifier effectively while monitoring its energy consumption, whether at home or when out and about.

 

6) Check The Fan Speeds

Another hidden tip that will reduce dehumidifier running costs is monitoring dehumidifier fan speed. Most quality dehumidifiers will have smart features to control fan speed. The lower the dehumidifier fan speed, the less energy the unit will consume. This setting is ideal for maintaining optimal humidity levels in your home or office.

Alternatively, allow your dehumidifier to run on high or low fan speed to reduce indoor humidity faster. However, if using dehumidifier high or low fan speed settings, reducing the running time to say 2 hours to 3 hours will further reduce energy consumption and eventually electricity costs.

 

 

More Tips For Reducing Dehumidifier Running Costs

• Improve ventilation in your home. A dehumidifier will only reduce high humidity, but it does nothing for the heat. Add an AC to circulate cool air and make the room feel comfortable within minutes.This will reduce your dependency on the dehumidifier, hence reducing running time and cost. While at it, ensure you know how much it will cost to run an air conditioner in each room, together with a dehumidifier.
• Find ways to reduce humidity levels before switching on the dehumidifier. Install an extractor fan above your stove to absorb steam while cooking. Take shorter showers during the summer to reduce steam from the bathroom. Also, set a specific time for doing laundry and dishes to reduce the amount of moisture released into the air. Less moisture in the air means less work for your dehumidifier.
• Keep your dehumidifier well-maintained. Clean the inbuilt filter or replace it to facilitate a seamless flow of air. Always empty the inbuilt tank to create room for moisture extraction. Dehumidifiers with smart features can alert you on when to empty the tank. Clean the condenser coils if they are covered in frost.
• Seal off any air entry points. In humid weather, air from outside carries moisture into your property, which makes the dehumidifier work harder to filter it out. Close all windows and doors while running the dehumidifier. Seal any cracks or gaps in your insulated walls for efficient humidity control.
• Dry any wet fabrics in your home. Ensure your laundry dries completely before taking it inside. Damp, dirty clothes should be kept outside or in a well-ventilated room to reduce moisture build-up.If you don't have drying space outside, a great alternative is using a dehumidifier to dry wet laundry.
• It can also be cheaper to run a tubular heater to reduce indoor moisture, which further reduces dehumidifier running costs.
• Also, take your carpet outside during the hot months. Carpet fabric can absorb moisture, which will be released into the air when it gets too hot.
• Add plants to your home. Go for plants like ferns that do well in humid environments. These plants absorb moisture from the air, which helps reduce humidity.

 

• Set the dehumidifier to automatically shut off when the optimal humidity is achieved. This should be when the indoor humidity is below 50%.

 

Conclusion

Running a dehumidifier, especially in hot, humid weather, can increase the cost of electricity in your home. However, with a few energy-saving secrets, you can avoid high energy bills with dehumidifier use and enjoy a comfortable indoor environment at any time.

 

Start by choosing a high-quality portable dehumidifier designed with energy-saving features. Always check the power rating of the dehumidifier and ensure it is below 200 watts. A low-powered dehumidifier requires less energy to run and, hence, won't consume a lot of electricity. This is one of the most effective ways to control the average monthly cost of running a dehumidifier in the UK.

 

Consider a dehumidifier with a fast drainage port to reduce the time it takes to filter moisture from your home. In addition, choose a refrigerant dehumidifier that runs efficiently on low power in warm and humid environments.

 

Always set fan speeds to low or medium to use less power and maintain optimal indoor humidity. Lastly, always go for dehumidifiers with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity. These features allow you to remotely monitor the dehumidifier, ensuring it runs efficiently and uses less energy.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How Long Should a Dehumidifier Run Per Day in the UK?

In the UK, the ideal duration for running a dehumidifier largely depends on the humidity levels in your home. Generally, it's recommended to run a dehumidifier for about 8 to 12 hours a day, particularly in areas prone to dampness. This duration helps to effectively manage humidity and prevents issues like mould and mildew.

However, Morris dehumidifiers are designed to be efficient and can run all day if needed. They can adapt to various conditions, ensuring your home remains comfortable and dry without significantly increasing your energy bills.

 

Do Dehumidifiers Use a lot of Electricity?

Dehumidifiers can vary in electricity usage, but many modern units are designed to be energy-efficient. Generally, the amount of electricity a dehumidifier uses depends on its size and power rating.
A common concern is, "is a dehumidifier expensive to run?" The answer often depends on the model you choose. Smaller units typically consume less electricity, while larger models may use more. However, even larger units are often optimised to minimise energy consumption while effectively controlling humidity levels.
To illustrate, consider Morris’s models:
✅ The Morris 12L Dehumidifier uses just 220W, making it relatively low in energy consumption.
✅ The Morris 12L Dehumidifier with Wi-Fi operates at an efficient 178W, making it both convenient and cost-effective for managing humidity in your home.
✅ The Morris 20L Dehumidifier, operating at 330W, provides greater capacity while still being efficient.

In general, the question, "does a dehumidifier use a lot of electricity?" can often be answered with a no. Many efficient models, like those from Morris, won't significantly increase your utility bills, making them a smart choice for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

 

Why Are Dehumidifiers So Expensive?

Dehumidifiers can sometimes seem expensive due to their technology and features, which are designed to effectively control humidity levels and improve indoor air quality. Higher-end models often come with energy-efficient mechanisms, advanced filtration systems, and additional features like smart controls and settings that contribute to their cost.

For example, Morris offers a 12L Dehumidifier and a 20L Dehumidifier, each designed for durability and efficiency. While the upfront investment may appear high, these units provide long-term savings by preventing moisture-related issues in your home, making them a worthwhile addition.

 

Where to Use a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier can be the key to comfort and protection in many areas of your home. Here are some common applications to consider:

✅ Bathroom: Reduce high humidity levels after showers to prevent mould and mildew.

✅ Bedroom: Ensure a healthier sleeping environment by controlling overnight moisture.

✅ Garage: Protect your tools, car, and stored items from dampness and rust.

✅ Wardrobe: Protect your clothing and fabrics from damp-related damage.

✅ Kitchen: Manage steam from cooking and prevent condensation on your windows. 

✅ Hallway: Improves overall air circulation and comfort in a central home space.

✅ Loft: Prevent structural damage and insulation issues caused by trapped, moist air.

✅ Conservatory: Combat condensation and cold dampness in this glass-walled room.

✅ Basement: Tackle persistent dampness and protect your foundation from water damage.
✅ Caravan: Keep the interior dry and comfortable during storage and between trips.
✅ Boat: Protect the cabin from damp, mould, and corrosion during the off-season.

 

How Much Does a Dehumidifier Cost to Run?

A lot of customers, worried about rising electricity costs, are calling our support team to ask, 'How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?
How much it will cost to run a dehumidifier will depend on its power rating and your local electricity tariffs.

The lower the power rating, the lower the dehumidifier's running costs.

 

Use our electricity cost calculator below to find out exactly what the running costs of your dehumidifier will be!

 

1. Add the wattage of your device.

2. Include the time of use.

3. Confirm if it’s in minutes or hours.
4. Press the "Calculate Cost" button.

5. Voilà! Now you know the cost of your dehumidifier!

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