If you’re looking for a way to save money on your energy bill, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll compare the cost of running a dehumidifier vs an air conditioner. We’ll also give you tips on saving money on your energy bill, no matter which appliance you choose to use.
The cost to run a dehumidifier vs an air conditioner
Maintaining the ideal level of humidity in your home is important for both your comfort and your health. And while there are a number of ways to achieve this, using a dehumidifier or an air conditioner are two of the most popular choices. But which one is right for you and how much will it cost to run?
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a comparison of the cost of running a dehumidifier vs an air conditioner.
1. The dehumidifier’s or air conditioners’ wattage. Most dehumidifiers are powered by 300-700 watts; you can find this number on the product information sheet that comes with the device, or on the manufacturer’s website.
2. The number of hours you want your dehumidifier to run.
3. Electricity cost in the United States averages $0.167 per kilowatt hour (kWh). (Check your current rate).
Most appliances have their wattage stamped on the bottom, back, or nameplate. The listed wattage is drawn by the appliance at its highest setting. Many appliances have lower settings that use less power.
Dehumidifier:
(500W dehumidifier × 8 hours per day) ÷ 1,000 = 4 kWh
Annual energy consumption: The dehumidifier is used almost every day of the year.
4 kWh × 365 days = 1460 kWh
Annual cost: The utility rate is 0.167 cents per kWh.
1460 kWh × $0.167/kWh = $243,82/year for a 500W dehumidifier
Air conditioner:
Let’s say you have a window air conditioner and on average those use about 850W. If you use your air conditioner for 8 hours a day, that would be:
(850W air conditioner × 8 hours per day) ÷ 1,000 = 6.8 kWh
Annual energy consumption: The air conditioner is used almost every day of the year.
6.8 kWh x 365 days = 2482 kWh
Annual cost: The utility rate is 0.167 cents per kWh.
2482 kWh × $0.167/kWh = $414,49/year for a 850W AC
There is an almost $200 difference in the cost to operate these two appliances. In this case, the dehumidifier is the cheaper option. But there are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.
The first is that the air conditioner will not only remove humidity from the air, but it will also cool the air. So, if you live in a hot climate, the air conditioner may be a better choice.
So, which is the better option? If you only need to remove a small amount of moisture from the air, then a dehumidifier is likely your best bet.
However, if you need to cool your home as well as remove excess moisture, then an air conditioner is probably your best option. Of course, ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference and what will work best for your needs.
How to save money on your energy bill, no matter which appliance you choose
- Choose an appliance that is energy efficient. Look for an ENERGY STAR® label when shopping for a new dehumidifier or air conditioner.
- Use your appliance less. One of the best ways to save money on your energy bill is to use your dehumidifier or air conditioner less. Don’t have the appliance running if you don’t need it.
- Use the automation features on your appliance. Many dehumidifiers and air conditioners come with features that allow you to automate the operation of the appliance. For example, you can set a timer so that the appliance turns on and off at specific times of the day.
- Clean or replace the filter regularly. A dirty filter can make your appliance work harder and use more energy.
- Chose the right size. An appliance that is too big or too small for the space will not work as efficiently as one that is sized correctly.
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when shopping for a new appliance. ENERGY STAR appliances frequently exceed minimum federal requirements by a significant margin.
- The federal government requires most appliances to display bright yellow and black EnergyGuide labels in order to help consumers figure out which appliances are energy efficient. The labels show the annual energy consumption and operating cost for each appliance so that buyers can make informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to deciding whether to buy a dehumidifier or air conditioner, there are many factors to consider. The most important thing is to choose an appliance that is the right size for your needs and is energy efficient. Use the tips in this article to help you save money on your energy bill, no matter which appliance you choose.