Dehumidifier Sizing & Energy Cost

Right-size your basement unit by dampness level — compare legacy vs Energy Star running costs.

Uses EPA-style moisture removal tables and L/kWh efficiency to estimate pints per day and seasonal electricity spend.

Space & Conditions

12 hrs
120 days

Sizing & Running Cost

Recommended capacity

Shop for a unit rated at this capacity (24 hr).

Annual running cost comparison
Legacy unit (1.2 L/kWh)
Modern Energy Star replacement
Legacy annual kWh
Modern annual kWh
Liters / day removed
Your unit cost

Practical tips & common mistakes

Pints ≠ tank size

Rated pints per day assumes continuous run at 80°F/60% RH. Real basements need oversizing or you run 24/7 at noise max.

Draining into a sump without trap

Pump-out setups that lose prime or cycle incorrectly leave humidity high while the unit appears "running."

Recharge tank pre-charge

Whole-home humidity drops when HVAC runs more — size for July-August standalone dehumidification hours, not spring shoulder season.

Energy Star gap

Modern 50-pint class units use far less kWh than legacy 70-pint dinosaurs. Compare annual run cost, not sticker pints alone.

Note: Sizing follows standard basement moisture tables. Actual removal rates depend on temperature, airflow, and unit maintenance. Energy Star ratings are manufacturer-reported at 65°F / 60% RH.