How many watts does a dehumidifier use?
Every number here comes from a named source. Generator charts give a generous figure for sizing a generator or power station. Test data and manufacturer specs show what the appliance draws.
- Running
- 488 to 700 W
- Voltage
- 120 V
How long it runs on a battery
| Battery | Runtime |
|---|---|
| 1 kWh | 1.7 h |
| 2 kWh | 3.5 h |
| 3 kWh | 5.2 h |
| 5 kWh | 8.7 h |
Running nonstop at 488 W, with 85% of the battery usable after inverter losses.
What each source says
| Figure | Value | Source and basis |
|---|---|---|
| Running | 488 (485 to 490) W | ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifiers datasetENERGY STAR portable dehumidifiers rated 40 pints a day or more: capacity divided by IEF, spread over 24 hours. Median of 173 models; range is the 10th to 90th percentile. |
| Running | 700 W | Amana Product Help, Generator Usage with AppliancesManufacturer's rough generator guide, dehumidifier. |
By size
| Size | Running |
|---|---|
| under 25 pints/day | 258 (105 to 270) W |
| 25 to 40 pints/day | 344 (242 to 358) W |
| 40 pints/day and up | 488 (485 to 490) W |
ENERGY STAR portable dehumidifiers: capacity divided by IEF, spread over 24 hours. Each row is the median of the certified models in that group, with the 10th to 90th percentile in brackets.
Good to know
- These figures come from DOE's standard lab test. Draw in a real basement can be different.
Sources
ENERGY STAR data downloaded on 2026-10-25. We publish the median of the certified models and the range from the 10th to the 90th percentile.