A dehumidifier in a damp basement can run for most of the year, so efficiency matters more than it does for most appliances. The good news is that you do not have to guess: every ENERGY STAR certified dehumidifier has a public test record with its capacity, its integrated energy factor (IEF, liters of water removed per kWh) and an estimated annual energy use. We pulled those records from ENERGY STAR's open data for this guide.
Whether you want the most efficient dehumidifier money can buy, the best energy efficient dehumidifier for a basement, a low energy dehumidifier for a bedroom, or simply the most economical dehumidifier to keep running, the same data answers the question. An economical dehumidifier is not always the cheapest one to buy, but an energy saving dehumidifier pays back over years of use.
Yearly costs below multiply ENERGY STAR's annual kWh estimate by the U.S. Energy Information Administration's 2026 forecast for the average residential electricity price, about 18.2 cents per kWh. Your rate may be higher or lower.
Efficiency table
| Model | Pints/day (DOE) | IEF (L/kWh) | Est. kWh/yr | Est. cost/yr | Most Efficient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AlorAir HD55S | 36.33 | 2.08 | 379 | $69 | No |
| Midea Cube 50 (pump) | 49.67 | 2.01 | 515 | $94 | No |
| Midea Cube 50 (no pump) | 49.67 | 2.01 | 515 | $94 | No |
| Frigidaire 50 (pump) | 49.95 | 2.01 | 520 | $95 | No |
| Hisense 50 Lift-Up (pump) | 49.95 | 2.01 | 526 | $96 | No |
| Midea Cube 35 | 35.82 | 2.01 | 378 | $69 | No |
| AlorAir Helios D35 | 24.0 | 1.95 | 274 | $50 | Yes |
| Midea Cube 20 | 20.16 | 1.70 | 249 | $45 | No |
Most energy efficient dehumidifier overall
AlorAir Sentinel HD55S Crawl Space Dehumidifier (drain hose)
Among the models we track, the AlorAir Sentinel HD55S has the highest IEF: 2.08 L/kWh on ENERGY STAR's DOE test, removing 36.33 pints a day for an estimated 379 kWh a year (about $69). It is a crawl space and basement unit, rated to run down to about 33.8F and drained by gravity hose. If you need a high efficiency dehumidifier for a basement or crawl space, this is it.
| Model number | HD55S |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (crawl space / basement, low temp) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 55 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 1,300 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published for this SKU |
| Low-temperature operation | Compressor rated down to 33.8F (retailer listing) |
| Capacity at saturation | Up to 120 pints/day |
| Note on the name | The original Sentinel HD55 is listed at 53 pints AHAM and 1,200 sq ft; HD55S and pump version HD55P are newer variants |
| Warranty | 6-year limited (Amazon listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 36.33 pints/day, IEF 2.08 L/kWh, about 379 kWh/yr (record for Sentinel HD55S) |
| Price tier | Premium (about $400 to $900) |
Pros
- IEF 2.08 L/kWh
- Low-temperature rating
- Built for continuous duty
Cons
- No pump
- Premium price tier
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Sylvane listing Sentinel 55 pint drain hose; AlorAir HD55 spec sheet; Sylvane listing original HD55 (53 pints, 1,200 sq ft); ENERGY STAR certified product record (Sentinel HD55S).
Best Energy Star dehumidifier (50 pint)
Midea Cube 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier with Pump
Most certified 50 pint portables score the same IEF (2.01), so the tie-breaker is estimated annual energy. The Midea Cube 50 (MAD50PS1QWT-A) has the lowest estimate of the 50 pint models here at 515 kWh a year, about $94, and it adds a pump and Wi-Fi.
Heads up: Midea sells several SKUs (MAD50PS1QWT, gray MAD50PS1QGR, MAD50S1QWT without pump). Check the exact model number.
| Model number | MAD50PS1QWT |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 4,500 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Maker: as low as 42 dB(A). RTINGS measured 54.3 dBA (low fan) to 56.2 dBA (high fan) |
| Bucket / capacity | Expandable bucket; listed as 3x more water capacity than a standard bucket |
| Humidity setting range | 35% to 85% |
| Rated power input | 480 W (Canadian MAD50PS1QGRC spec sheet) |
| Drain options | Bucket, gravity hose, or built-in pump that lifts water to a sink or window |
| Pump lift | Up to 16.4 ft vertical per Midea's spec sheet (a Midea support answer on Home Depot says 14 ft) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.67 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 515 kWh/yr (record for MAD50PS1QWT-A) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Lowest kWh/yr of our 50 pint picks
- Pump and app
Cons
- Measured noise 54 to 56 dBA (RTINGS)
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Midea US product page (MAD50PS1QGR, 4,500 sq ft, pump); Midea Canada spec sheet MAD50PS1QGRC; Home Depot listing (42 dB(A), ENERGY STAR, 3X water capacity); RTINGS review MAD50PS1QWT (measured noise, efficiency); ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD50PS1QWT-A).
Efficient 50 pint without a pump
Midea Cube 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier (no pump)
The no-pump Midea Cube 50 (MAD50S1QWT) shares the pump version's certification numbers: 49.67 pints a day, 2.01 L/kWh and 515 kWh a year ($94). Choose it if you have a floor drain and do not need a pump.
| Model number | MAD50S1QWT |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 4,500 sq ft (Amazon listing) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published for this SKU (RTINGS measured the pump version at 54 to 56 dBA) |
| Bucket / capacity | Expandable large-capacity bucket (same Cube design as the pump version) |
| Drain | Bucket or gravity drain hose (no pump) |
| App | Wi-Fi, works with Alexa (Amazon listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.67 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 515 kWh/yr (record for MAD50S1QWT-A) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- IEF 2.01
- Lowest kWh/yr of our 50 pint picks (tied)
- Wi-Fi
Cons
- No pump
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Amazon listing B0GL7B1FC8 (model MAD50S1QWT); Midea US store page MAD50S1QWT; ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD50S1QWT-A).
Efficient 50 pint with pump and Wi-Fi
Frigidaire 50 Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump and Wi-Fi
The Frigidaire FHDP5033Y1: 49.95 pints a day, 2.01 L/kWh, 520 kWh a year ($95), plus a pump and Wi-Fi.
Heads up: Canadian version is FHDP5033W1.
| Model number | FHDP5033Y1 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Not stated by maker |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| ENERGY STAR test result | 49.95 pints/day, integrated energy factor 2.01 L/kWh |
| Fan speeds | 2 |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.95 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 520 kWh/yr (record for FHDP5033Y1) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- IEF 2.01
- Pump and Wi-Fi
Cons
- 2 fan speeds
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): ENERGY STAR certified product record; Staples listing FHDP5033Y1 (Wi-Fi, 2-speed, ENERGY STAR); Frigidaire dehumidifier lineup; ENERGY STAR certified product record (FHDP5033Y1).
Efficient 3-speed pump model
Hisense 50 Pint Lift-Up Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump
The Hisense ADH50KP26: 49.95 pints a day, 2.01 L/kWh, 526 kWh a year ($96), three fan speeds and a pump.
| Model number | ADH50KP26 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Not stated by maker |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Low-temperature operation | Down to 38F (Amazon listing) |
| Fan speeds | 3 (High, Low, Auto) |
| Modes | Auto, Continuous, Manual |
| Drain | Quick-connect pump hose to a sink or window |
| Pump lift | Up to 16 ft with a 16 ft hose (Sylvane spec sheet for the Hisense 50 pint Lift-Up) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.95 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 526 kWh/yr (record for ADH50KP26) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- IEF 2.01
- 3 speeds and pump
Cons
- Slightly higher kWh estimate than rivals
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Amazon listing B0GWFVLJF3 (Model Number ADH50KP26); Sylvane spec sheet: Hisense 50 Pint Lift-Up; ENERGY STAR certified product record (ADH50KP26).
Most economical mid-size dehumidifier
Midea Cube 35 Pint Dehumidifier
If a 50 pint unit is more than you need, the Midea Cube 35 (MAD35S1QWT) keeps the 2.01 IEF and cuts estimated use to 378 kWh a year ($69).
| Model number | MAD35S1QWT (white) / MAD35S1QGR (gray) |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 35 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 3,500 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Weight | 39.62 lb (retailer listing) |
| Warranty | 1 year (retailer listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 35.82 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 378 kWh/yr (record for MAD35S1QWT-A) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- IEF 2.01 at a smaller size
- Wi-Fi
Cons
- No pump on this SKU
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Midea US product page MAD35S1QWT; Electronic Express listing MAD35S1QWT; ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD35S1QWT-A).
Most economical small dehumidifier
AlorAir Helios D35 Portable Dehumidifier
The AlorAir Helios D35 meets ENERGY STAR's Most Efficient criteria: 24 pints a day at 1.95 L/kWh and 274 kWh a year ($50). That IEF is well above the 1.70 that most 20 to 25 pint models post. It is a newer model with few published specs beyond its certification record, so check the listing for drain options.
Heads up: Amazon lists it as a 70 pint (saturation-condition) crawl space unit with a drain hose; its ENERGY STAR DOE-test rating is 24 pints/day.
| Model number | Helios D35 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (crawl space / basement, low temp) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 24 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 1,000 sq ft (Amazon listing) |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Warranty | 6-year limited (Amazon listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 24.0 pints/day, IEF 1.95 L/kWh, about 274 kWh/yr; meets ENERGY STAR Most Efficient (record for Helios D35) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient
- High IEF for its size
Cons
- Limited published specs
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Amazon listing B0F5Q4VJY3 (Model Name: Helios D35); ENERGY STAR certified product record (Helios D35).
Lowest running cost overall
Midea Cube 20 Pint Smart Dehumidifier
For a single room, the Midea Cube 20 uses the least energy of any unit here: 249 kWh a year ($45). Its IEF (1.70) is typical for its size class.
| Model number | MAD20S1QWT |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 20 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 1,500 sq ft (maker claim); Sylvane suggests about 300 sq ft |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published by Midea for this SKU |
| Bucket / capacity | 3.2 gal (12 L) expandable bucket, per the user manual |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (Sylvane listing) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 20.16 pints/day, IEF 1.70 L/kWh, about 249 kWh/yr (record for MAD20S1QWT) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Lowest total kWh
- Compact, Wi-Fi
Cons
- Only for small spaces
- Lower IEF than the Helios D35
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Midea US product page MAD20S1QWT; Sylvane listing (suggested room size, warranty); User manual (capacity, tank); ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD20S1QWT).
Highest efficiency dehumidifiers in ENERGY STAR's data
The very highest IEF scores in ENERGY STAR's portable list belong to lesser-known brands, mostly sold online. We have not reviewed these models beyond their certification records, but they are worth a look if efficiency is your top priority:
| Brand and model | Pints/day | IEF (L/kWh) | Est. kWh/yr | Most Efficient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vellgoo TAURUS PRO-RCS50(Y)-N4-3-25 | 45.00 | 2.24 | 444 | Yes |
| Aeocky LEO PRO-RCS50(Y)-N4-3(B)-25 | 44.94 | 2.21 | 438 | Yes |
| ZAFRO D026W-50Pt3M | 49.86 | 2.20 | 504 | Yes |
| Waykar CTH150B | 49.43 | 2.20 | 471 | Yes |
| AERIC AERD501P | 49.32 | 2.10 | 502 | No |
Search these on Amazon by model number: Vellgoo, Waykar CTH150 (paid links).
Energy Star vs non
| ENERGY STAR certified | Not certified | |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | Meets EPA's IEF minimum for its size; ENERGY STAR says about 20% less energy than conventional units | No minimum beyond federal standards |
| Public test data | Yes: capacity, IEF and kWh/yr in the ENERGY STAR finder | Usually only maker claims |
| Rebates | Some utilities offer rebates for certified models | Rarely |
How efficiency (L/kWh) is measured
Since 2019, dehumidifiers are rated by integrated energy factor (IEF): liters of water removed per kWh of electricity, measured at 65F and 60% humidity for portables. IEF replaced the older energy factor (EF) and includes the power the unit uses while cycled off. Higher is better. Because the test is cooler than the pre-2019 test, IEF values are lower than old EF values for the same machine, so do not compare a 2018 spec sheet with a 2026 one.
| Old rating (80F test, through 2019) | Approximate new rating (65F test, 2020 on) |
|---|---|
| 30 | 20 |
| 40 | 25 |
| 50 | 30 |
| 55 | 30 to 35 |
| 60 | 35 |
| 70 | 40 to 45 |
| 90 | 55 |
Source: ENERGY STAR, Dehumidifier Testing and Capacity, which calls this "a rough correlation" that varies by model. Some makers label their own conversions differently: Honeywell and Hisense, for example, market former 70-pint models as 50 pints under the 2019 standard.
Tips to cut running cost
- Set the humidistat to 45 to 50%, not lower. Every point below 50% costs power for little benefit.
- Close doors and windows to the space you are drying.
- Clean the filter monthly in the damp season; a clogged filter cuts airflow and efficiency.
- Use continuous drain or a pump so the unit is not stopping and restarting around a full bucket.
- Fix moisture sources first: downspouts, dryer vents, leaks.
- Size correctly. An undersized unit runs nonstop; ENERGY STAR advises that oversizing is better than undersizing.
- Check your utility for rebates on ENERGY STAR models.
Frequently asked questions
Which dehumidifier uses the least electricity?
Are Energy Star dehumidifiers worth it?
Do dehumidifiers use a lot of power?
Sources
- ENERGY STAR Certified Dehumidifiers dataset (data.energystar.gov)
- ENERGY STAR: Dehumidifiers buying guidance and sizing chart
- ENERGY STAR: Dehumidifier testing and capacity
- U.S. EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook: residential electricity prices