Danny as been writing about air purifiers for 10+ years. He is a major fan of home technology, which makes him the perfect person to test and evaluate products for HouseFresh
With the spotlight firmly placed upon global warming, many of us are concerned about climate change and the importance of being energy efficient to help save our planet. We can all do our bit to make a difference and one of them is switching to an energy-efficient dehumidifier.
When researching energy-efficient units, bear in mind that the fan, compressor, and refrigerant coils all impact power consumption. The key thing to look out for is the Energy Star rating of a unit. A dehumidifier with this label means that it uses more efficient components than a conventional model. Furthermore, you can take comfort that you’ll be using around 15% less energy with any certified dehumidifier.
When you’re searching for the right unit, it’s a good idea to keep in mind your budget as well as room size. The Danby DDR030BJWDB 30 Pint Dehumidifier is our top modest buy and covers up to 2,500 square feet. But if you’re looking for a more high-end model, the LG UD501KOJ5 PuriCare 2019 50-Pint Pump and Wi-Fi in Black Energy Star Dehumidifier is great value and encompasses up to 2,000 square feet.
When picking out our top choices we looked at weight and tank size alongside special features such as:
- Wi-Fi connectivity so you can operate the unit from your smartphone
- Smart features that can adjust humidity settings based on ambient room temperature
- Alarm to let you know when the condensate tank is full
To ensure we found the best energy-efficient dehumidifiers for your needs, we used consumer reports analysis to remove any false reviews. This meant that all our recommendations came from genuine people like you who have previously used these particular models.
Last update on 2023-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. TOSOT 50 Pint Dehumidifier
The TOSOT 50 Pint dehumidifier offers high-capacity dehumidification for large spaces. It has nearly invisible rolling casters on the bottom and has integrated handles at the top of the sides to make moving the unit easier. The unit has automatic humidity control, displays the current humidity level, and has three different fan settings to more effectively serve the room size and starting humidity level.
You have the option of both an internal condensate reservoir and a continuous drain feature. The internal reservoir has a 2-gallon capacity, needing to be emptied only three times a day when running at its peak. The continuous drain works with a standard garden hose, allowing you to connect whatever length hose you need. The reservoir has an automatic shutoff when it fills, with an indicator light on the control panel. You’ll also be able to check the condensate level with the level indicator window on the front of the reservoir.
Don’t worry about needing to reset the unit if there’s a power interruption. It has an automatic restart, including resetting the previous settings when the power comes back online. You’ll also have an indicator when it’s time to clean the air filter, reducing the risk of damaging the unit from low airflow. If you do need a pump then be sure to check out our list of the best dehumidifiers with a pump.
- Tank Size: 2 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 4,500 sq. ft
- Weight: 47.4 lbs
- Special Features: An alarm lets you know when the bucket is full or when it has been removed for more than three minutes
- Energy Consumption: 770 Watts
What we love
- The power cord is a lengthy 5ft, giving you flexibility as to where you set it up
- The operational range goes down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so it works well in basements
- It has a low-noise operation, rating a mere 51dB with the fan on high
- The condensate reservoir has a lid and handles to assist with mess-free emptying
We don't like this as much
- The continuous drain doesn’t have a pump, so you need to keep it close to the floor drain
- The wheels are small, making them less effective on carpet
2. GE Energy Star Portable Dehumidifier
GE continues to service the consumer appliance market with the 50-pint Energy Star Dehumidifier. This powerful dehumidifier will serve a room of up to 3,000 square feet, drawing a massive 200 CFM while on high. You have the option of using the 1.8-gallon internal condensate reservoir or the continuous drain function. The condensate reservoir has a clear window to allow you to keep an eye on the reservoir level.
The controls include a simple power button, humidity control, and three fan settings. Once the unit is running, you can set a timer to automatically turn the unit off in either two or four hours.
The unit operates most efficiently between 41 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity between 30% and 90%. This range helps prevent reducing your humidity beyond a healthy level.
It has several safety features to help keep your unit safe and working for years to come. First, there’s an automatic shutoff when the condensate reservoir gets full. It also alerts you with an alarm and indicator light. There’s also an automatic defrost to protect your evaporator coils from freezing. Finally, the unit includes the standard washable air filter, located on the front. There is an indicator light to let you know when it’s time to wash the filter, about every 250 operational hours.
- Tank Size: 1.8 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 3,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 46.8 lbs
- Special Features: This model has a built-in condensate pump for more flexibility using the continuous drain
- Energy Consumption: 770 Watts
What we love
- The unit has a 6-foot power cable, giving flexibility to where you set it up
- There is very little noise during operation, with a rating of 51dB on high
- You can place the unit up to 16 feet away from the drain with the condensate pump
- The condensate reservoir has a lid to help prevent spilling while emptying
We don't like this as much
- We’d like to see a timer to delay the start of the unit
- The reservoir is a little tricky to put back into the unit without also holding the back of the dehumidifier
3. LG PuriCare 50-Pint Pump and Wi-Fi Energy Star Dehumidifier
LG continues to offer exceptional consumer products, including this 50-pint dehumidifier. This unit is sleek, curvy, and black, making it easy to include in modern decor. It measures 12.6 x 16.8 x 26.2 inches and weighs in at 45.2 lbs. There are rolling casters on the bottom and integrated handles on the side.
The massive 50-pint capacity will service a room of up to 2,000 square feet. The fan offers two speeds, circulating air at 158.9 and 194.2 CFM. Despite the incredible air movement, the noise caps out at 50dB while on high. There is also an internal condensate reservoir that will hold an impressive 1.7 gallons, with an integrated bucket cover and full-length handle to aid in emptying. The unit will shut down when it’s full to prevent overflowing, and will illuminate an indicator light on the control panel.
If you prefer to allow the unit to run without supervision, you can attach the included drainage line for continuous draining. This unit also features a built-in condensate pump to allow you to run the hose up to 16 feet away from the pump.
The control panel has an integrated humidistat to allow you to set the ideal humidity for your room. The display will show you both the set humidity and the current humidity. There is a timer to allow you to automate turning the unit off, with 1-hour increments up to 12 hours.
The automatic defrost and clean filter reminder also protect your unit. These features prevent damage from restricted airflow caused by neglect or frozen coils.
- Tank Size: 1.7 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 2,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 45.2 lbs
- Special Features: Offers integration with your smartphone or connected home assistant to make controlling the unit easier
- Energy Consumption: 575 Watts
What we love
- The condensate pump automatically turns itself on and off based on the level of water in the condensate reservoir
- There is a built-in 1-hour shutoff after 23 hours of continuous operation to prevent overheating
- It includes an auto-restart after a power interruption with a reset of the last programmed settings
- You can attach a longer hose to reach a sink if you don’t have a floor drain
We don't like this as much
- The condensate pump does not completely empty the condensate reservoir, so you still have to empty it weekly to avoid odors
- We wish the product app indicated when the reservoir is full
4. Danby 30 Pint Dehumidifier
If you’re looking for a compact but high-capacity dehumidifier, look no further than the Danby 30 Pint Dehumidifier. This model easily fits into just about any space, with a footprint measuring only 10.94 x 15.2 x 19.72 inches. It has molded handles on the side along with rolling casters on the bottom to assist with maneuvering the 33.7 lbs unit.
This Energy Star certified model keeps dehumidification simple, with easy-to-use controls and low energy consumption. You simply turn the model on, set the humidity level, and choose one of the two fan speeds. If you need to run the unit continuously, there is a simple button to set for continuous operation. The timer feature allows you to both delay start or automatically shut down the unit. You can set it for 30-minute increments up to 10 hours, or in 1-hour increments up to 24 hours.
The unit has a 1.9-gallon condensate reservoir, so you’ll only have to empty the bucket twice a day at the most. If you prefer for your unit to function without much supervision, you’ll want to use the gravity-fed continuous drain feature. To use this, you’ll simply need to connect a standard garden hose and feed it to a nearby floor drain.
Your unit is protected with an automatic defrost function to prevent coil freezing while using in low temperatures. There is also a filter indicator to remind you to clean the filter about every two weeks. This protects your unit from burning out the compressor because of too little airflow.
- Tank Size: 1.9 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 2,500 sq. ft
- Weight: 33.7 lbs
- Special Features: Smart dehumidify feature automatically sets humidity and fan settings based on ambient room temperature and humidity.
- Energy Consumption: 374 Watts
What we love
- The small footprint is easy to use in just about any space
- There’s an automatic restart if there’s a power interruption
- When the condensate reservoir is full, you’ll be alerted with a beeping alarm as well as the indicator light
- Unlike many other models, the timer allows you to set both a delayed start and stop simultaneously
We don't like this as much
- The molded handles are shallow, making them difficult to get a good grip for lifting
- The model runs louder than other similar models, up to 56dB on high
5. Midea 3000 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier
Midea brings to market a quality 35-pint dehumidifier to serve rooms up to 3,000 square feet. This model measures 15.31 x 10.51 x 19.80, taking up little room in whatever space you need to control humidity. Its 33.5 lbs weight, along with the rolling casters and integrated side handles, makes it manageable to set up and move into the desired location.
You have the option to collect the condensate in the 1.6-gallon condensate reservoir or use the continuous gravity drain. The reservoir includes a level window on the front so that you can keep an eye on how much is in the tank. It also has a swiveling handle to help remove the tank for emptying.
The controls allow you to set your desired humidity level, and choose from normal or turbo operation. You can choose the comfort mode to have the unit automatically select the best humidity and fan settings given ambient conditions. If you have an exceptionally damp space, choose the continuous feature to keep the unit running and draw the maximum moisture from the air.
You have a sophisticated timer allowing you to set automatic on and off cycles. You can set both a delayed start and an automatic shutoff simultaneously. The unit remembers these settings to create controlled repeating cycle lengths, such as running for 4 hours and switching off for 2 hours before turning back on. Don’t worry about trying to remember your cycle settings with the automatic restart feature if the unit loses power.
- Tank Size: 1.6 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 3,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 33.5 lbs
- Special Features: Received Energy Star Most Efficient rating in 2021
- Energy Consumption: 295 Watts
What we love
- It includes an automatic defrost to prevent coil damage during low-temperature operation
- The unit operates in temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit
- The Energy Star certification is a reflection of this unit’s superior energy efficiency
- The filter indicator reminds you to clean the unit to prevent compressor damage
We don't like this as much
- This unit does produce noticeable warm air, which is important to remember if placing the unit next to furniture
- We wish the unit came with a remote control for greater ease-of-use
6. hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
hOmeLabs brings sophistication and style to your next high-capacity dehumidifier. This model boasts an impressive 50-pint maximum dehumidifying capacity while maintaining a compact design. The footprint measures only 15.4 x 11 inches and it stands just over 24 inches tall. With an airflow capacity of up to 188 CFM, the unit can effectively service a room of up to 4,500 square feet.
The unit is a sleek white, tall and slender, allowing it to fit in your room without disrupting the ambiance and decor. It has integrated molded handles on the sides and rolling casters on the bottom. These help move the 40 lbs unit so that you can easily set it up and maneuver the unit around your space.
It has a 1.6-gallon internal condensate tank so that you don’t have to worry about it only running for short intervals between emptying. That tank also has a swiveling handle to help more easily manage the reservoir while emptying it. You also have the option of using the continuous gravity drain feature to allow for longer uninterrupted operation.
The control panel allows you to simply set your desired humidity level and choose between normal and turbo fan speeds. There is also a single button continuous operation option to rapidly set the unit to run. Finally, your unit is protected from coil and compressor damage with the automatic defrost function and the indicator to remind you to clean the filter. You also don’t have to worry about overflowing the condensate reservoir with the automatic shutoff once it fills.
- Tank Size: 1.6 gallons
- Room Size Suitability: 4,500 Sq. Ft.
- Weight: 40 lbs
- Special Features: Single-button comfort setting to automatically set the humidity based on ambient room temperature and humidity
- Energy Consumption: 780 Watts
What we love
- The condensate reservoir has a clear indicator to keep track of the level in the tank
- There’s a three-minute delay to protect the compressor against short cycling
- The automatic restart feature resumes operation with the previous settings in the event of a power interruption
- You can set both the timer on and off simultaneously to set up a repeating cycle for more automated operation
We don't like this as much
- There's no lid on the tank, increasing chances of spills when emptying the unit
- We wish the water tank was made of a stiffer material, as it currently flexes a bit when trying to remove or install it
7. Honeywell, White TP50WK Energy Star Dehumidifier
If you want quality small appliances, Honeywell is a name you see everywhere and trust. The 30-pint Energy Star certified dehumidifier matches the quality you’d expect. The unit weighs only 34 lbs and has rugged rolling casters and a sturdy swiveling handle to help get it set up. The handle will sustain a massive 150 lbs, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking if you need to use it to lift the unit.
The entire unit measures 10.5 x 13.2 x 20.1 inches, leaving it to easily fit in most bathrooms, bedrooms, basements, or other spaces. The unit sports a stylish black and white design, making it aesthetically pleasing.
You can easily capture the condensate with the internal 7-pint reservoir. There is a clear level window to allow you to monitor how much moisture is in the tank. You’ll empty the reservoir without hassle thanks to the integrated handle and splash guard. If you prefer to run the unit with less oversight, the continuous drain option allows the condensate to drain automatically. The unit comes with a 3-foot drain line so that you can start using the drain feature immediately.
The unit offers smart humidity control, with the ability to control your moisture between 30% and 90% relative humidity. There are two fan speeds, both of which run quietly with a maximum noise rating of 49.5dB.
Your unit is protected from damage with the automatic defrost, an automatic full reservoir shutoff, and a filter indicator when it needs cleaning. The unit also comes equipped with an automatic restart following a power interruption.
- Tank Size: 7 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 3,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Special Features: WiFi feature to connect and control the unit from the smartphone app
- Energy Consumption: 518 Watts
We recently did a hands-on review of the Honeywell TP30WKN which has a slightly smaller capacity but otherwise is exactly the same as this unit.
What we love
- A lengthy 5-foot power cord for extra versatility in unit placement
- There is a dual display, showing the humidity on both the primary display and on the front of the unit
- There is a cord bracket on the back of the unit to store the power cable
- The unit offers a 24-hour timer to simultaneously schedule both delay start and auto-off functions
We don't like this as much
- The condensate reservoir is a little on the small side for the dehumidifying capacity
- The included condensate drain line is quite short, reducing flexibility for unit placement if you intend to use this feature
8. Ivation 3,000 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
Ivation is known for its quality household appliances. The 50-pint Energy Star certified dehumidifier meets the expectations of the brand while also keeping a high-efficiency rating from Energy Star. While operating at its peak, the unit will pull up to 50 pints of moisture from the air daily, suitable for up to 3,000 square feet.
The unit measures 14.76 x 11.38 x 24 inches and weighs in at 35.3 lbs. The unit has rolling casters and integrated handles on the sides. You’ll choose between the internal 6.7-pint reservoir and the continuous drain. The internal reservoir has a swiveling handle and a lid to help prevent spilling. The reservoir also has a clear window on the front so that you can keep an eye on the level. The continuous drain works with a standard garden hose to run to a nearby floor drain.
The controls are simple, with power, humidity selection, and three different fan speeds. There is also a timer to allow you to delay start or set it to automatically shut off after either 2 or 4 hours. The system will shut off when the condensate reservoir reaches capacity. There is also an indicator on the control panel to remind you to wash the air filter every 250 operational hours.
Should you lose power while using the dehumidifier, it has an automatic restart that saves the previous settings. When the power returns, it automatically resets those settings and restarts the unit. There is also a frost sensor that will turn off the compressor and keep the fan running to evaporate the frost during low-temperature operation.
- Tank Size: 6.7 pints
- Room Size Suitability: 3,000 sq. ft
- Weight: 35.3 lbs
- Special Features: An alarm will sound for 10 seconds to alert you when the condensate tank reaches capacity
- Energy Consumption: 810 Watts
What we love
- The power cord is 6 feet long, allowing for maximum placement flexibility
- It weighs less than most other similar capacity and efficiency models
- There are three fans to offer greater flexibility in airflow
- The unit operates in temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit
We don't like this as much
- You can only set the timer to either start or stop the machine, but not to set up a schedule
- The condensate reservoir is a little small, leading to frequent emptying
Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Efficient Dehumidifiers
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of electricity?
Different dehumidifiers use different amounts of energy, determined in part by the size of the system. This size is commonly measured in how many pints of moisture it’ll pull from the air every day. For compressor units, larger capacity means a larger compressor, and therefore more energy used.
A 30-pint dehumidifier will commonly pull about 300 Watts of electricity per hour. Most models operate with different modes, and the higher the motor speed, the more electricity it’ll use.
To determine how much this will affect your monthly bill, you have to estimate how many actual operational hours the unit will run, and then multiply by your wattage. This gives you your figure of watt-hours. Divide that by 1,000, and you’ll get how many kilowatt-hours you’ll use, which is how you’re charged. For a unit that pulls 300 Watts, you’re looking at a maximum of 216 kWh used if you leave it to run constantly for an entire month. A properly sized unit for your space will not need to run constantly, so you can cut that by about half.
What makes a dehumidifier energy efficient?
Not all dehumidifiers are the same, even if two different models are both compressor models rated at the same size. Rather, different technology inside will change how much energy it uses.
The compressor, refrigerant coils, and fan all affect the energy consumption. The refrigerant also plays a key role, as different refrigerants boil and condense at different pressures. Finally, how you care for your unit also determines how efficiently it runs. If you neglect to clean the air filter regularly, it won’t circulate as much air, making it run longer to do its job.
An Energy Star certified unit will generally use less electricity than similarly sized non-certified models. In fact, the certification alone means you can expect to save about 15% of the electricity required to run the unit annually.
Do dehumidifiers lose efficiency over time?
A major contributor to your unit’s efficiency is the ambient temperature in your home. Humidity is commonly measured and reported as relative humidity. This refers to how much moisture is in the air at any given temperature. The warmer the air, the more moisture it’ll hold.
As such, dehumidifiers work best at warmer temperatures, though they may continue operating down to temperatures as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit. When you look at the capacity of what a dehumidifier will pull each day, it usually means it will do so based on running at a certain temperature with a minimum starting relative humidity. As the temperature drops, the unit will have to run longer to have a noticeable effect on the room’s humidity.
As your unit ages, it may also start losing some efficiency. This is generally caused by a buildup of airborne contaminants on the refrigerant coils. Consult your owner’s manual for how to properly clean your unit to maintain its rated efficiency.
Which dehumidifier is best for you?
To get the most from your dehumidifying experience, it’s important to get the right unit for your space. Getting a unit too small for your space will leave you dissatisfied with the results. However, too big of a unit will cost you more without increasing the benefit.
Start by looking at the size space you’re looking to dehumidify. Even if a unit is rated for 4,000 square feet, the chances of effectively dehumidifying an entire home are not likely. This is in part due to how air moves around your home, and an inability to effectively circulate enough air to affect the entire space. Consider looking at it on an area basis, or even room by room, and getting smaller units to maintain several areas.
Next, consider where you’ll place the unit compared to your power outlet, and whether you’ll use the continuous drain feature. If you want more flexibility, be sure to find a unit with a longer power cord.
For the continuous drain, consider how close you are to the drain, and if you’re trying to drain to a sink or a floor drain. If you’re not right next to a floor drain, be sure you get a unit with a condensate pump.
Finally, consider your budget for your unit, both as an initial investment, as well as your operational cost. Larger units require more energy while they run. However, smaller units may run longer, ultimately costing you more to dehumidify your space.
- Budget Model – Danby DDR030BJWDB 30 Pint Dehumidifier
- Mid-range Model – hOmeLabs 4,500 Sq. Ft Energy Star Dehumidifier
- High-End Model – LG UD501KOJ5 PuriCare 2019 50-Pint Pump and Wi-Fi in Black Energy Star Dehumidifier