Dehumidifier vs Heated Airer: Which Is Cheaper to Run?

Dehumidifier Running Costs

A typical dehumidifier uses 200-300W and costs 30-80p per drying session.

Compressor dehumidifiers used for clothes drying typically consume 200-300W on average during a drying cycle [S1]. A desiccant dehumidifier uses more (300-700W) but works faster, especially in cold rooms.

At the current Ofgem rate of 26.32p per kWh, an 8-hour drying session with a 250W dehumidifier costs approximately 53p [S1]. The dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, which helps clothes dry even when the unit cycles off periodically.

• Average power: 200-300W during drying
• Drying time: 6-10 hours per load
• Cost at 26.32p/kWh: approximately 30-80p per load
• Works by removing moisture from the air

Heated Airer Running Costs

A heated airer uses 200-400W and costs 20-50p per load, depending on drying time.

Heated airers typically use 200-400W, with the most common models at around 300W [S2]. Drying time is 4-8 hours depending on the load, room temperature, and air circulation.

At 26.32p/kWh, a 300W heated airer running for 6 hours costs approximately 47p [S2]. However, once the airer is switched off, clothes stop drying — there is no continued moisture removal from the air.

• Typical wattage: 200-400W
• Drying time: 4-8 hours per load
• Cost at 26.32p/kWh: approximately 20-50p per load
• Clothes only dry while the airer is on

Side-by-Side Cost Comparison

The heated airer is slightly cheaper per hour, but the dehumidifier is more effective in enclosed spaces.

Comparing cost per hour, the heated airer is marginally cheaper — typically 200-300W versus 200-300W for the dehumidifier, so they are broadly similar [S1][S2]. The key difference is effectiveness.

A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air, creating a drier environment that speeds up evaporation from clothes. A heated airer warms the air around clothes, encouraging evaporation but not removing the moisture [S1]. In a small, closed room, the dehumidifier creates better drying conditions.

Using Both Together

Running a dehumidifier alongside a heated airer provides the fastest and most effective drying.

Many households use both a dehumidifier and a heated airer together for the best results [S1]. The heated airer warms the clothes directly, while the dehumidifier removes the moisture released into the air.

This combination typically dries clothes in 3-5 hours instead of 6-10 hours for a dehumidifier alone. The combined cost is roughly 60p-£1.20 per load, but the faster drying and better results make it popular [S1][S2].

• Heated airer warms clothes directly
• Dehumidifier removes moisture from the air
• Combined drying time: 3-5 hours
• Combined cost: approximately 60p-£1.20 per load

Annual Cost Comparison

Drying 5 loads per week: dehumidifier costs approximately £78-£208/year, heated airer approximately £52-£130/year.

For a household drying 5 loads per week (260 loads per year), the annual cost difference is meaningful [S1][S2]. A dehumidifier at 53p per load costs approximately £138 per year. A heated airer at 47p per load costs approximately £122 per year.

Using both together at 90p per load costs approximately £234 per year, but with significantly faster and more reliable drying results [S1][S2].

• Dehumidifier alone: approximately £78-£208/year
• Heated airer alone: approximately £52-£130/year
• Both together: approximately £156-£312/year
• Based on 5 loads per week at 26.32p/kWh

Which Should You Choose?

Choose a heated airer for cost and simplicity, a dehumidifier for effectiveness, or both for the best results.

If cost is the primary concern and you have a warm room, a heated airer is marginally cheaper to run [S2]. If you need reliable drying in a cold or damp room, a dehumidifier is more effective [S1].

For households that dry many loads per week, using both together provides the best combination of speed and effectiveness, albeit at a higher total cost [S1][S2].

• Cold or damp room: dehumidifier is more effective
• Warm room on a budget: heated airer is cheaper
• Heavy laundry use: consider both together
• Small spaces: heated airer takes less room

Frequently asked questions

Bottom line

A heated airer is marginally cheaper to run (20-50p per load) than a dehumidifier (30-80p per load) at 26.32p/kWh [S1][S2]. However, a dehumidifier is more effective at removing moisture, especially in cold rooms. Using both together provides the fastest and most reliable drying.