Is It Cheaper to Run a Dehumidifier or AC Unit?

Do you instinctively reach for your AC remote to get rid of sticky air? Do you do this frequently? If your answer is yes, it could be costing you more than you think. When it comes to addressing indoor humidity, many homeowners like yourself wonder whether it is cheaper to use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier. 

The answer depends on various factors such as climate, indoor conditions, budget, and specific needs. Choosing a dehumidifier or AC unit isn’t just about your budget. As energy prices continue to rise, this can impact your utilities in the years to come. If you choose the wrong option, it could cost a lot more than you think. 

Let’s find out the financial aspect of running a dehumidifier or AC unit and see which can be more economical in the long run.

Is It Cheaper to Run a Dehumidifier or AC Unit?

Weighing the cost factor is important when managing your indoor climate. So, you might want to know which is more cost-effective—a dehumidifier or an AC unit? 

Let’s break down the costs associated with running both a dehumidifier and an air conditioner.

1. Initial costs

If you compare the initial investment or purchasing cost of a dehumidifier and an air conditioner, a standard dehumidifier generally costs much less than an air conditioner. A regular dehumidifier for home ranges from $50 to $500 depending on the quality and features. The dehumidifiers for residential purposes fall in this price category.

However, heavy-duty dehumidifiers can cost you $2,000 or more. But they are suitable for heavy-duty use only. For your home, a standard humidifier works well. Since normal humidifiers are more affordable, this makes them an attractive option for those dealing with high humidity. 

In contrast, an air conditioner costs much more than a dehumidifier. A small window unit can cost you $200 or more, whereas a central air conditioning unit can cost you over $2,000. And this is just the initial upfront cost. A central air conditioning system often requires professional installation, and your overall cost might go over $4,000.

2. Operational Costs

When comparing a dehumidifier with an air conditioner in the context of operational cost, dehumidifiers continue to prove a cost-effective option. Since dehumidifiers are primarily designed for a singular task, which is to reduce humidity, they cost much less to run than an air conditioning system.

On average, a dehumidifier uses 300 watts to 700 watts, whereas an AC unit may use between 1,000 watts to 3,500 watts or even more, depending on the size and efficiency. So the hourly cost of running a dehumidifier might range from $0.03 to $0.16. On the other hand, an AC unit can cost you between $0.06 to $0.88 an hour. 

So, there is a noticeable difference between the operational costs of a dehumidifier and an air conditioning system. This is because an air conditioner performs the dual task of both cooling and dehumidifying the air in your home.

3. Maintenance Costs

As air conditioning systems have complex installations, they also have highly demanding maintenance needs. However, a dehumidifier comes with a simple design and is very easy to maintain. Maintenance tasks such as replacing dehumidifier filters, cleaning coils, and emptying the water reservoir can all be done easily without professional help. 

Air conditioners have such designs that are too complex for a layperson to handle maintenance tasks. To clean an air conditioner, particularly a central air condensing system, you need to consult an HVAC professional, which can be highly costly as well. 

An air conditioner consumes more electricity. Since they perform both tasks of cooling and dehumidifying the air, they have higher day-to-day operational costs. And, their maintenance is complex and costly, all of which add to the overall costs.

When to Choose a Dehumidifier over an Air AC Unit?

When should you prefer a dehumidifier over an air conditioning unit? If you’re running a dehumidifier, it doesn’t mean you don’t need an AC unit. 

However, there are some cases where a dehumidifier can be particularly beneficial. You should choose a dehumidifier when: 

The climate is cool and mild, but you feel sticky and muggy. In this case, cooling isn’t necessary, so running a dehumidifier can make your indoor environment more comfortable. Some parts of your home are exposed to high humidity. 

Basements and crawl spaces are often prone to excess moisture due to leaks or their proximity to the ground. A dehumidifier for basement or crawl can be an effective solution for managing such conditions. 

You may also need a dehumidifier when there is persistently high humidity in your home, even after running your air conditioning unit. 

In these situations, using a dehumidifier can be very helpful, allowing you to avoid turning on the air conditioner. This helps prevent power wastage and can save you money on your energy bill.

When an AC Unit Might be a Cost-Effective Option?

Sometimes, just running your air conditioning unit might be a cost-effective option. So, try to turn your AC unit on in certain situations, such as when there is extreme heat in your home. In situations when high humidity isn’t your primary concern, an AC unit can do both jobs of cooling and dehumidifying well at the same time. 

Also, air conditioning systems can effectively manage both humidity and temperature in large and open areas. So, you don’t need a dedicated dehumidifier for dehumidification. Besides, homes with integrated HVAC systems also don’t require a separate dehumidifying system, as some HVAC systems include air dehumidification features.

Read this to learn how to find the right dehumidifier for your home.

How to Choose the Most Suitable Option?

You need to keep certain factors in mind to find out whether it is cheaper to run a dehumidifier or AC unit in your home. These factors include your indoor conditions, primary concerns, budget, local climate, space size, and the type of solution you prefer, like a whole-home solution or a room-specific one. 

By carefully considering these factors and your personal preferences, you can choose an option that is a cheaper solution for your specific problems. This way, you ensure that your indoor environment is comfortable as well as healthy. 

Remember, choosing between a dehumidifier and an air conditioner isn't just about cost. It's about creating a perfect balance of comfort and efficiency. While a dehumidifier may be a cheaper option to address high humidity, using both appliances can produce better results in certain cases.

Conclusion

Is it cheaper to run an air conditioner or a dehumidifier? If you just want to remove humidity from your home, a smart dehumidifier will be the more affordable option. Also, it’s cheaper to buy and maintain. Besides, the operational costs are significantly lower as well. 

However, it won’t give you the desired outcome if extreme heat is your primary concern. In this case, running a dehumidifier can be a waste of resources. Instead, you should choose an air conditioning unit. 

It’s not just about selecting the cheaper option, it’s about making the right decision. So, you should opt for one or both depending on your specific needs. 

Not sure which best fits your indoor environment—a dehumidifier, an AC unit, or both? You can explore our website or contact our support team right now. At Baseaire, we help visitors like yourself choose the best solution for their needs.