What Size Dehumidifier Do I Need?

Explore a capacity range for your room conditions

Quick Answer

Current ENERGY STAR guidance groups portable dehumidifiers by room size and moisture condition and gives capacity ranges rather than an exact universal prescription. Capacity is rated in pints removed per 24 hours under specified test conditions. Older ratings tested at 80°F and newer ratings tested at 65°F are not directly comparable, so compare the current label or manufacturer data for the exact model.

Electricity rates: U.S. EIA, May 2026

WattItCost is an independent appliance energy-cost calculator project.

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Citation-ready summary

Summary

Current ENERGY STAR guidance groups portable dehumidifiers by room size and moisture condition and gives capacity ranges rather than an exact universal prescription. Capacity is rated in pints removed per 24 hours under specified test conditions. Older ratings tested at 80°F and newer ratings tested at 65°F are not directly comparable, so compare the current label or manufacturer data for the exact model.

Formula

Cost = (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours used × electricity rate per kWh.

Data used

Calculator results use user-entered wattage and usage hours, combined with residential electricity rates for the selected U.S. state or the rate entered from a utility bill.

Sources

EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A residential

EIA data period: May 2026EIA source release date: WattItCost site update date:

Limits

These estimates do not reproduce a utility bill. Actual costs depend on your tariff, taxes, appliance cycling, efficiency, and how you use the appliance.