The most energy-efficient dehumidifier you can buy in 2026 is the LG PuriCare UD501KOG5 (50-pint), with an IEF of 2.80 L/kWh — 56% above the ENERGY STAR minimum for its class. It costs roughly $13–$16/month to run, compared to $25–$33 for average-efficiency models. Below, we rank the top performers in every size category by their Integrated Energy Factor.
IEF (Integrated Energy Factor) is the only metric that matters for dehumidifier efficiency. It measures how many liters of water a unit removes per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed, including standby power. A higher IEF means lower running costs. Period.
How We Ranked: IEF Explained
The DOE mandated IEF reporting for all dehumidifiers starting in 2019. It replaced the older Energy Factor (EF) metric and provides a more accurate real-world efficiency measurement because it accounts for standby power, not just active dehumidification.
IEF = Liters removed ÷ kWh consumed (including standby)
ENERGY STAR sets minimum IEF thresholds. The best models significantly exceed these minimums:
The 25–50 pint class has the widest efficiency range. Choosing a top-IEF model over a barely-qualifying one in this class saves $60–$90 per season in electricity.
Top Energy-Efficient Dehumidifiers: 50-Pint Class
The 50-pint category is the most popular for home use and has the widest selection of high-efficiency models.
*Estimated at $0.17/kWh, 8 hrs/day effective compressor runtime, 30 days.
The efficiency difference between the top and bottom of this list translates to real money. The LG (IEF 2.80) costs approximately $8.50 less per month to run than the hOmeLabs (IEF 1.85). Over a 6-month season, that's $51 in savings — and over the unit's 7–10 year lifespan, $357–$510.
Top Energy-Efficient Dehumidifiers: 35-Pint Class
*Estimated at $0.17/kWh, 8 hrs/day effective compressor runtime, 30 days.
Top Energy-Efficient Dehumidifiers: 70-Pint Class
*Estimated at $0.17/kWh, 8 hrs/day effective compressor runtime, 30 days.
Top Energy-Efficient Whole-House Dehumidifiers
*Estimated at $0.17/kWh, 5 hrs/day effective compressor runtime, 30 days.
Whole-house dehumidifiers look expensive upfront ($1,100–$2,000 for the unit alone), but their higher efficiency and lower daily runtime often make them cheaper to operate monthly than large portable units. The Santa Fe Advance120 removes 120 pints/day at a monthly cost similar to a 50-pint portable.
Efficiency vs. Other Features: What to Prioritize
When Efficiency Should Be Your #1 Priority
- You live in a state with high electricity rates (>$0.20/kWh): CT, MA, CA, NY, HI
- The unit will run 6+ months per year
- You have a large space requiring a 50+ pint unit
- You're replacing an older, less efficient model
When Other Features Matter More
- Built-in pump (essential if no floor drain): Accept slightly lower IEF for a pump model
- Low-temperature operation (crawl spaces, garages): Prioritize cold-weather performance over peak IEF
- Noise level (bedrooms, living spaces): A quieter unit at IEF 2.2 may be worth more than a noisy unit at IEF 2.8
- Compact size (tight spaces): The Midea Cube design sacrifices some efficiency for a smaller footprint
Annual Running Cost Comparison: Efficient vs. Standard
Here's what the efficiency difference means in real dollars over time:
Real payback calculation: The most efficient 50-pint LG costs about $300. A budget non-certified model costs about $190 — saving $110 upfront. But the LG saves $14/month in electricity. After 8 months of operation (one full season plus two months), the LG has paid back its higher purchase price entirely. Every month after that is pure savings.
Real-World Efficiency Examples
Example 1: High-Efficiency in Connecticut (Expensive Electricity)
Unit: LG PuriCare 50-pint (IEF 2.80) Electricity rate: $0.30/kWh Runtime: 10 hrs/day, May through October (6 months) Monthly cost: $28.22 Season cost: $169.34 If using a non-certified model (IEF 1.50) instead: $52.63/month → $315.78/season Savings from choosing efficient model: $146.44 per season
Example 2: Standard Efficiency in Louisiana (Cheap Electricity)
Unit: Frigidaire 50-pint (IEF 2.01) Electricity rate: $0.12/kWh Runtime: 12 hrs/day, April through October (7 months) Monthly cost: $15.10 Season cost: $105.70 If using the most efficient model (IEF 2.80) instead: $10.84/month → $75.89/season Savings from upgrading: $29.81 per season — still worth it but less dramatic
Example 3: Whole-House in Atlanta
Unit: Santa Fe Advance120 (IEF 2.90) Electricity rate: $0.15/kWh Runtime: 5 hrs/day, May through September (5 months) Monthly cost: $13.73 Season cost: $68.63 AC savings from reduced cooling demand: ~$30/month → $150 savings Net season cost: The dehumidifier effectively saves $81 over its operating period
- IEF (L/kWh) is the definitive efficiency metric — higher is better, always
- In the 50-pint class, IEF ranges from 1.50 to 2.80 — a 87% efficiency spread that translates to $84+/year in electricity savings
- The most efficient models pay back their higher purchase price within 8–12 months of operation
- In states with expensive electricity (>$0.25/kWh), choosing the most efficient model saves $100–$150 per season
- Whole-house dehumidifiers combine high efficiency with AC energy savings, often resulting in a net-positive financial impact
- Always check the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient list for the latest verified IEF ratings
Frequently Asked Questions
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