What a dehumidifier costs to run in each state
The table prices a small compressor unit running six hours a day.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $9.03 | $108 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $10.21 | $123 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $10.29 | $123 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $11.56 | $139 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $12.10 | $145 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $12.14 | $146 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $13.49 | $162 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $15.30 | $184 |
Compressor and desiccant dehumidifiers
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small compressor dehumidifier | 200 W | 7c | $145 |
| Large compressor dehumidifier | 450 W | 15c | $327 |
| Desiccant dehumidifier | 600 W | 20c | $435 |
Compressor
- Lower power draw
- Most efficient in warm, humid conditions
- Common and affordable
- Less effective in cold rooms below about 15°C
- Noisier compressor
Best for: Living areas and humid climates such as Brisbane and the north.
Desiccant
- Works well in cold rooms
- Lighter and quieter
- Gives off a little warmth
- Higher power draw
- Costs more per hour to run
Best for: Cold bedrooms and winter use in Melbourne, Hobart and Canberra.
Drying clothes with a dehumidifier
A dehumidifier running for a few hours in a closed laundry or bedroom with clothes on a rack is a common winter alternative to a dryer. A 200 W unit running four hours uses 0.8 kWh, well under the 3.3 kWh a vented dryer uses for a 6 kg load according to the SA Government's figures. Our cheapest way to dry clothes guide compares every method.
Set the humidistat, not just the timer
A target of around 50% to 60% relative humidity is enough for most homes. Running the unit to a lower figure uses more power for little benefit.
Questions about dehumidifier running costs
A 200 W compressor unit running six hours uses 1.2 kWh, about 40c a day on the Ausgrid reference rate. A 600 W desiccant unit for the same hours costs about 119c.
Not usually. Running a 200 W unit 24 hours would cost around $48 a month, but the humidistat cycles the compressor off once the room is dry, so actual use is normally lower.
Compressor dehumidifiers draw less power and are cheaper per hour in normal room temperatures. Desiccant units draw more but work better in cold rooms, where a compressor unit struggles.
Usually. A small dehumidifier running a few hours uses around 1 kWh, while the SA Government puts a vented dryer at about 3.3 kWh for a 6 kg load. A heat pump dryer uses about 1.4 kWh for the same load.
Around 50% to 60% relative humidity suits most homes. Setting it lower makes the unit run longer and use more power.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.