How Much Does It Cost to Run a Humidifier?
Humidifier energy use varies widely by type. Ultrasonic models use 20-40W, evaporative 30-50W, while warm mist models can use 200-400W due to heating. Use this calculator to estimate your costs.
Enter Your Details
$ / kWh
US average is ~$0.12/kWh. Check your electric bill for your actual rate.
Estimated Costs
Daily Cost
$0.00
Monthly Cost
$0.00
Yearly Cost
$0.00
kWh per Month
0
Energy Use by Humidifier Type
Ultrasonic Cool Mist 25W
Evaporative 40W
Impeller (Cool Mist) 35W
Warm Mist 250W
Steam Vaporizer 400W
How Energy Cost is Calculated
Energy cost is calculated by converting watts to kilowatts, multiplying by hours used, then by your electricity rate.
Daily Cost = (Watts / 1000) × Hours × Rate
- 1 Find your humidifier's wattage (on label or manual)
- 2 Estimate hours of daily use
- 3 Find your electricity rate (check your bill)
- 4 Multiply: (W / 1000) × hours × rate
Energy Saving Tips
Ultrasonic models are most energy efficient (20-40W)
Warm mist uses 5-10× more energy than cool mist
Use a humidistat to avoid running when humidity is adequate
Larger rooms may be more efficient with evaporative vs ultrasonic
Energy Cost FAQ
Why do warm mist humidifiers use so much more energy?
Warm mist models boil water to create steam, which requires significant energy (like an electric kettle). Cool mist ultrasonic models use vibration which is much more efficient.
Is it expensive to run a humidifier 24/7?
For ultrasonic models, running 24/7 costs only $2-4/month. Warm mist models running continuously could cost $15-25/month depending on your electricity rate.
Do larger humidifiers use more energy?
Not necessarily. A 2-gallon ultrasonic uses similar wattage to a 0.5-gallon model. The difference is output capacity and tank size, not power consumption.