What humidity level should I set my dehumidifier to?

Set it to 45-50% relative humidity. Below 30% causes dry skin, static electricity, and cracking wood. Above 60% promotes mold growth. Most dehumidifiers have a built-in humidistat that maintains your target level automatically.

How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?

A 50-pint dehumidifier running 12 hours daily costs roughly $15-25 per month depending on your electricity rate. Energy Star certified models (all in this guide) use 15-20% less energy than non-certified units. The cost is far less than repairing mold damage.

Should I run my dehumidifier 24/7?

Let the humidistat control the run time. Set your target humidity and the unit will cycle on and off automatically. Running 24/7 wastes energy once target humidity is reached. Most units run 12-18 hours per day in humid conditions and cycle off when the target is met.

Can I use a dehumidifier in winter?

Yes, but below 65 °F, the coils can freeze. Look for units with auto-defrost (all models in this guide have it). The unit pauses the compressor to melt ice buildup, then resumes. In very cold spaces below 40 °F, a desiccant dehumidifier is more effective than compressor-based models.

Best Dehumidifiers 2026