U.S. residential electricity EIA data: July 2026 US average 18.3¢/kWh Updated
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Cooling · Montana

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Dehumidifier in Montana?

The short answer

In Montana, a dehumidifier drawing 500W costs about $0.07 per hour — roughly $18.24 a month if it runs 8 hours a day.

That’s based on Montana’s average residential rate of 15.0¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026), 18% below the US average.

Source: U.S. EIA, July 2026 data · Updated

Dehumidifier cost by daily use in Montana

Cost at 15.0¢/kWh, the Montana average (EIA, Jul 2026)
Daily usekWh/monthPer dayPer monthPer year
1 hour/day 15.2 $0.07 $2.28 $27.36
2 hours/day 30.4 $0.15 $4.56 $54.71
4 hours/day 60.8 $0.30 $9.12 $109
8 hours/day 121.7 $0.60 $18.24 $219
12 hours/day 182.5 $0.90 $27.36 $328
24 hours/day 365.0 $1.80 $54.72 $657

Montana vs other states

At typical use, a dehumidifier costs $219 a year in Montana — $482 less than in Hawaii and $33.14 more than in Louisiana.

Montana has the 14th-cheapest residential electricity of the 50 states and DC. electricity prices in Montana · all states ranked

Electricity price trend in Montana

15.0¢/kWh in July 2026 — ▲ +5.0% from a year earlier.

How to lower the cost of running a dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers work like small air conditioners, using a compressor to condense moisture out of the air. Most home units draw 300–700W depending on capacity, and the humidistat switches the compressor off once the room reaches the target humidity. Basements in humid climates may need several hours a day in summer. ENERGY STAR models remove noticeably more water per kWh.

  • Set the humidistat to 45–50% — lower settings make it run much longer for little benefit.
  • Keep doors and windows closed in the room being dehumidified.
  • Clean the filter and coils regularly so the compressor works efficiently.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier for 24 hours in Montana?

Running a 500W dehumidifier for 24 hours uses about 12.0 kWh, which costs about $1.80 at Montana’s average rate of 15.0¢/kWh.

How many kWh does a dehumidifier use per month?

At 8 hours a day, a typical dehumidifier uses about 122 kWh a month. In Montana that costs $18.24.

Is it expensive to run a dehumidifier in Montana?

Montana has the 14th-cheapest residential electricity of the 50 states and DC at 15.0¢/kWh — cheaper than most. Running a dehumidifier here costs about $219 a year at typical use, compared with $267 at the national average rate.

What is the electricity rate in Montana right now?

The average residential electricity rate in Montana was 15.0¢ per kWh in July 2026, according to the latest EIA data — up 5.0% from a year earlier.

Should I run my dehumidifier 24 hours a day?

Usually not. Set the humidistat to 45–50% and let it cycle on its own; it will only run as long as needed to hold that level.

Dehumidifier costs in nearby states

Cheapest and priciest states

Sources & method