Do Humidifiers Use a Lot of Electricity?

On this page (9 sections)

1. How much electricity does a humidifier use?
2. Does humidifier type change power use?
3. How can daily run time affect the bill?
4. Do whole-house humidifiers use more electricity than room models?
5. What affects a portable humidifier's electricity use?
6. How do you estimate electricity cost before buying?
7. How can you choose an efficient humidifier?
8. Do humidifiers use more electricity than dehumidifiers?
9. What's the practical way to keep humidifier energy use low?

Most humidifiers don't use a lot of electricity, but the amount depends on the type, its power draw, and how many hours it runs. Ultrasonic and wick models generally use less power than warm-mist units, while a fan-powered or whole-house system can add fan and HVAC run time.

The quickest way to estimate use is to find the unit's wattage and multiply it by the hours it runs. That gives watt-hours; divide by 1,000 for kilowatt-hours, then multiply by your electricity rate to estimate the cost.

How much electricity does a humidifier use?

A humidifier's electricity use is its power draw multiplied by operating time. A small unit that runs briefly can use less energy than a larger one running all day, even if the larger model is more efficient per hour.

Use this formula:

Watts × hours used ÷ 1,000 = kilowatt-hours (kWh)

For example, a hypothetical 30-watt unit running 8 hours uses 240 watt-hours, or 0.24 kWh. Multiply 0.24 by your electricity rate to estimate that day's electricity cost.

Check the appliance label or manual for its wattage. Some units cycle automatically, so estimate actual running hours rather than counting every hour they're plugged in.

Does humidifier type change power use?

Yes. The way a humidifier makes or moves moisture affects how much electricity it needs, though the specific model and its operating time still matter.

• Ultrasonic: Uses a vibrating plate to create mist, without heating water. Many models use relatively little electricity.
• Evaporative wick: A wick draws up water while air moves through it. A fan uses electricity, so fan speed and run time matter.
• Warm mist: Heats water to produce steam, which can require more power than mist made without heat.
• Whole-house: Adds moisture through the home's HVAC system. A fan-powered model uses electricity for its fan, and some controls may also call for the HVAC blower to run.

These are broad comparisons, not exact rankings for every model. Compare wattage on the models you're considering, and include any additional HVAC operation in your estimate.

How can daily run time affect the bill?

Run time can matter as much as the unit's wattage. A humidifier that operates for a few hours uses less electricity than the same model running around the clock.

Use an automatic humidistat if you want the unit to stop or cycle when the room reaches its target humidity. Keep doors and windows closed where practical, and address drafts or other conditions that make it hard to maintain humidity.

Don't set a humidifier higher than needed just to make it run less often. Follow the manual's humidity guidance, and stop if you see condensation on windows or other surfaces.

Do controls help limit electricity use?

Controls can help reduce unnecessary operation by turning the humidifier off or adjusting its target when conditions change. They don't tell you how much energy a specific system will use, so check the appliance wattage and the HVAC instructions too.

The AprilAire 60 control adjusts a home's relative humidity based on outdoor temperature when used in Automatic Mode. Its display shows relative humidity and the set point, and its indicator lights signal when the humidifier is on or needs service.

This control is designed for compatible AprilAire whole-house humidifiers. Confirm compatibility with your system before choosing it, and see our guide to the best whole house humidifier control for more on control options.

Do whole-house humidifiers use more electricity than room models?

They can, especially if they use a powered fan or extend HVAC blower operation. The exact difference depends on the humidifier, how it is controlled, and how often your heating system runs.

A bypass or evaporative system may use the furnace's moving air, while a fan-powered unit has a built-in fan. AprilAire's Model 700M is a fan-powered whole-house evaporative humidifier; its built-in fan pulls heated air from the furnace through the humidifier.

Check the humidifier's electrical requirements and your HVAC manual when estimating use. The humidifier for HVAC system comparison explains how whole-house options differ, and whether a whole-house humidifier also dehumidifies can clear up the separate jobs these systems perform.

What affects a portable humidifier's electricity use?

For a portable model, wattage, fan speed, mist setting, and daily run time are the main factors to check. A unit with an automatic shutoff or humidistat may stop before its tank is empty or before it runs all day.

The AIRCARE Space Saver is an evaporative whole-house unit with digital controls, an auto humidistat, and automatic shutoff when the desired humidity is reached or the unit is empty. Its product details don't specify wattage, so use its manual or label to make an electricity estimate.

Don't assume that a large coverage area tells you its power use. For comparisons focused on portable units, see Do Portable Dehumidifiers Use a Lot of Electricity?.

How do you estimate electricity cost before buying?

Find the wattage, estimate daily hours, and apply your electricity rate. This gives you a useful comparison between models without relying on size or marketing terms.

For example, if a hypothetical 50-watt humidifier runs 10 hours, it uses 500 watt-hours, or 0.5 kWh. Multiply 0.5 by your local rate for an estimated daily electricity cost, then multiply by the number of days you expect to use it.

Check whether the humidifier's rated power covers its full operation or only a particular setting. A warm-mist feature, fan speed, or HVAC blower may change total system use.

How can you choose an efficient humidifier?

Choose a unit that matches the space and has controls suited to your routine. A small room model may be enough for a bedroom, while a whole-house system should be sized and installed for the HVAC setup.

Compare the type, wattage, available humidity controls, and expected run time. Look for automatic shutoff or a humidistat if you want the unit to stop when it reaches its target.

For a whole-house system, consider the interaction with your furnace and blower. Installation and control choices can affect when the humidifier runs, so use the system manuals and a qualified HVAC professional when needed.

Do humidifiers use more electricity than dehumidifiers?

The answer depends on the models and how long each runs. A dehumidifier removes moisture and often uses a compressor, while a humidifier adds moisture using a different method; compare actual wattage and operating time for a fair estimate.

See Do Dehumidifiers Use a Lot of Electricity? for the factors that affect dehumidifier energy use. If you're comparing room-sized units, Do Portable Dehumidifiers Use a Lot of Electricity? covers portable models.

What's the practical way to keep humidifier energy use low?

Pick the right size, use a reasonable humidity target, and let automatic controls manage run time. Check wattage and calculate kWh if you want an estimate tied to your own electricity rate.

Choose a portable model when you only need moisture in one room. For whole-house coverage, compare HVAC compatibility and whether the system's fan or controls add run time.

If you want to compare whole-house options, start with a humidifier for your HVAC system. The main decision is simple: a lower-power model run for fewer hours generally uses less electricity than a high-power unit running continuously.

Frequently asked questions

Do humidifiers use a lot of electricity?

Usually, no. Many room humidifiers draw modest power, but warm-mist models and units with fans can use more.

Total use also depends on wattage and run time, so check the label or manual and multiply watts by hours to estimate energy in watt-hours.

Which type of humidifier uses the least electricity?

Ultrasonic and wick-based evaporative humidifiers are often among the lower-power options because they don't heat water to make mist. Exact use varies by model, and a fan-powered evaporative unit uses electricity for its fan.

Compare the rated watts and the time you expect to run it.

Does a whole-house humidifier increase the electric bill?

It can add electricity use, especially if the humidifier has a fan or causes the HVAC blower to run longer. The change depends on the system and operating schedule.

Check the humidifier and furnace manuals for electrical information, and remember that water use is separate from electricity use.

How do I calculate a humidifier's electricity cost?

Multiply the unit's watts by the hours it runs, then divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours. Multiply that figure by your electricity rate for an estimated cost.

If the unit cycles on and off, use its average run time rather than assuming it operates all day.