Dehumidifiers Can Slash Electricity Use

Blog post written by: Bruce Daggy, a member of the Washington Grove Sustainability Committee

Technology improvements and higher minimum standards have resulted in many new home appliances becoming more energy efficient over time. For example, a new standard refrigerator today uses about a quarter as much electricity compared to one bought in 1974. The Department of Energy sets mandatory efficiency standards on many categories of appliances, while the EPA’s voluntary Energy Star program helps companies benefit by attracting customers who buy their energy efficient offerings. Using less electricity where possible helps free up generation resources (and money) to electrify transportation and home heating.

Many homeowners use a portable room-size dehumidifier to control moisture and prevent mold growth in a basement or other damp parts of the home. Dehumidifiers function much like refrigerators, so it’s no surprise that they too have become more efficient. Older room-size dehumidifiers often used 500 W or more; if running constantly, that would consume more than 4000 kwh per year, although in most cases it would not be that extreme due to the unit cycling on and off.

The ENERGY STAR program maintains a list of the most efficient dehumidifiers. Pepco offers an instant $50 discount on efficient models purchased at Lowe’s or Home Depot and will also pay $25 if you recycle your old working dehumidifier – pickup and disposal included.

To maximize your savings, minimize sources of excess moisture entering the space you are dehumidifying, and follow maintenance instructions (such as periodic filter cleaning). One Grover found that his crawlspace dehumidifier was using more than 6 kwh per day. He reduced that somewhat by repairs to gutters and downspouts that moved rainwater falling on the roof at least 10 feet away from the foundation. Then he bought a new Energy Star top-rated dehumidifier. The new unit is using less than 2 kwh per day. Even without the Pepco incentives, it should pay for itself in 1-2 years.

Do room dehumidifiers have a reliability problem?

Overall, yes, room dehumidifiers can be prone to reliability issues, and they often have a shorter lifespan compared to some other major appliances.

Here’s why and what you should know:

• Shorter Lifespan: Portable dehumidifiers, commonly used in individual rooms, generally last 3 to 5 years, according to HVAC.com. While some can last up to 8 years with proper maintenance, it’s safer to anticipate replacement within the 3-5 year range, notes Air Comfort Service, Inc.