A 200 W dehumidifier running 8 hours a day at S$0.30/kWh costs roughly S$0.48 per day or S$14.40 over 30 days. Actual consumption depends on room conditions, the unit's compressor cycling and your electricity plan.
The formula: watts, hours and your tariff
Every dehumidifier has a rated power in watts (W) printed on its label or datasheet. The electricity cost depends on three things: the rated power, how many hours you run it per day and the price you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
The formula is:
Daily kWh = (watts ÷ 1,000) × hours per day
Daily cost = daily kWh × price per kWh (S$)
Period cost = daily cost × number of days
Worked example
Suppose you have a dehumidifier rated at 200 W. You run it for 8 hours a day and you pay S$0.30 per kWh.
- Daily energy: 200 W ÷ 1,000 = 0.2 kW. Then 0.2 kW × 8 hours = 1.6 kWh per day.
- Daily cost: 1.6 kWh × S$0.30 = S$0.48 per day.
- 30-day cost: S$0.48 × 30 = S$14.40.
This is a hypothetical example using editable defaults. Your actual cost will differ based on your tariff, your unit's power rating and how long you run it.
Estimate your own cost
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- Daily energy
- 1.60 kWh
- Daily cost
- S$0.48
- Period cost (30 days)
- S$14.40
Hypothetical editable defaults. The rated watts on your unit's label may differ from its actual average draw.
Common scenarios
All figures below are hypothetical examples at S$0.30/kWh using selected wattage and runtime combinations. They do not represent verified typical market specifications; actual draw varies by model, settings and room conditions.
| Scenario | Watts | Hours/day | Daily kWh | Daily S$ | 30-day S$ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small unit, limited use | 150 | 4 | 0.60 | 0.18 | 5.40 |
| Medium unit, daily use | 200 | 8 | 1.60 | 0.48 | 14.40 |
| Higher-capacity unit, extended | 350 | 12 | 4.20 | 1.26 | 37.80 |
| Overnight in a bedroom | 200 | 10 | 2.00 | 0.60 | 18.00 |
Nameplate watts versus actual draw
The wattage printed on the dehumidifier label (nameplate power) is a rated figure measured under specific test conditions such as a stated temperature and relative humidity. Some datasheets also list a higher maximum power at more demanding conditions. The nameplate figure is a constant-power assumption; it does not account for compressor cycling, standby draw or operating-mode differences, which vary by model and room conditions.
A plug-in energy meter (available at hardware shops) can measure the actual kWh drawn over a day or a week and will give a closer estimate than a formula using nameplate watts alone. The formula above uses the nameplate figure because it is typically printed on the unit's label; consult the model datasheet if the label is not available. The result is an estimate based on that assumption, not a guaranteed bill figure. Your actual electricity plan and metered consumption determine the bill.
Your electricity tariff
The regulated electricity tariff in Singapore is set quarterly by EMA. If you are on an Open Electricity Market (OEM) retailer plan, your rate may differ. The calculator defaults to a hypothetical S$0.30/kWh so that all examples are independently verifiable; enter your own rate for a closer estimate. Your actual tariff appears on your electricity bill.
A dehumidifier does not replace source removal
Running a dehumidifier can reduce room humidity and may reduce condensation on surfaces. However, if the moisture source is a water leak, poor ventilation or rising damp, a dehumidifier addresses humidity without repairing the source. A dehumidifier also does not remove mould that has already grown on walls, ceilings or furniture.
For persistent mould problems, identifying and addressing the moisture source is more effective than running a dehumidifier indefinitely. A professional mould inspection can check visible surfaces and moisture patterns, though not all concealed sources are accessible without investigation.
Sources: EMA regulated tariff; NEA lifecycle cost calculator. This guide provides general information about estimating dehumidifier running costs; it does not endorse specific models, forecast tariffs or diagnose building moisture. Checked 18 October 2026.
Dehumidifier Electricity Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier in Singapore?
That depends on the unit's wattage, how many hours you run it and your electricity price per kWh. A 200 W unit running 8 hours a day at S$0.30/kWh costs roughly S$14.40 over 30 days as a hypothetical estimate.
Is a dehumidifier expensive to run?
Using the hypothetical examples in this guide (150 to 350 W, 4 to 12 hours per day), the estimated monthly cost ranges from roughly S$5 to S$38 at S$0.30/kWh. Actual cost depends on your unit's specifications, your electricity plan and room conditions.
Should I run my dehumidifier 24 hours a day?
Some dehumidifiers have a humidity target setting that affects compressor operation, but how each model behaves varies. Running one continuously can increase the electricity bill. Consider whether the moisture source itself needs addressing rather than running a dehumidifier continuously.
Will a dehumidifier stop mould from growing?
A dehumidifier can lower room humidity and reduce condensation on surfaces, which can slow mould growth. However, it does not remove existing mould or repair underlying issues such as leaks, poor ventilation or building defects. For recurring mould, a professional moisture assessment can help identify the cause.