What Is an Energy Star Dehumidifier?

What Energy Star means for dehumidifiers

An Energy Star dehumidifier is a portable or whole-home unit that has earned Energy Star certification. To qualify, the unit must meet the Department of Energy's energy conservation standards and use more efficient refrigeration coils, compressors, and fans. The Energy Star program says a certified dehumidifier removes the same amount of moisture as a similarly sized conventional unit while using 20% less energy. Because a dehumidifier in a damp space can run for long stretches, that efficiency difference is worth checking before you buy. Start with our Energy Star dehumidifier picks if you want to compare certified models.

The reason most people buy a dehumidifier is moisture control. The EPA says the key to mold control is moisture control, and the CDC advises keeping indoor humidity no higher than 50% all day long. A dehumidifier is one of the tools that helps you do that in a basement, crawl space, or other damp area. University extension guidance makes the same point: if a basement is damp, use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. For common damp-room choices, see basement dehumidifiers or crawl space dehumidifiers.

Integrated Energy Factor and DOE standards

Dehumidifier efficiency is described by the Integrated Energy Factor, or IEF, measured in liters of water removed per kilowatt-hour, written as L/kWh. The more liters a unit removes for each kilowatt-hour, the more efficient it is. IEF replaced the older Energy Factor rating, and unlike the old rating it includes the electricity used when a unit cycles off. That makes it a better estimate of what happens over a year of normal use. For a fuller explanation, see IEF explained and energy factor vs. IEF.

The Department of Energy sets minimum efficiency standards for residential dehumidifiers. The standards that took effect in June 2019 are based on IEF, and all new dehumidifiers are rated using the current DOE test procedure. That procedure tests portable units at 65 degrees Fahrenheit rather than the older 80 degrees, which is closer to real basement conditions. In a 2025 DOE proposal for portable dehumidifiers, the agency cited these minimum IEF levels by capacity:

Why new capacity ratings look smaller

If you compare a current dehumidifier with an older model of the same physical size, the new pint rating may look smaller. That is not a downgrade. The Department of Energy changed the way capacity is measured, using cooler conditions that match a basement setting. Cooler air holds less moisture, so the same unit can show a lower number under the new rating while still removing the same amount of water in normal use. The Energy Star page gives this rough correlation for portable models:

Choosing the right certified size

Size still matters. Capacity is reported in pints per 24 hours, and the right number depends on the size of the space and how damp it is. Energy Star publishes a simple sizing table for portable dehumidifiers based on the condition of the room without a dehumidifier:

What to check before you buy

Beyond the Energy Star label, look at the details that determine whether a dehumidifier fits your space and your routine.

If you want continuous water removal, a model with a pump or a gravity drain can save you from emptying a bucket. See pump-included dehumidifiers or models with a drain hose if that matters to you. The Energy Star label does not guarantee these convenience features, so check the specs.

• Certification: Look for the Energy Star label and, when available, the Energy Star Most Efficient recognition for the most efficient units on the market.
• Integrated Energy Factor: Compare L/kWh values only within the same capacity class. A higher IEF is better.
• Capacity rating: Make sure the current DOE pint rating matches your space and dampness level, and remember that current ratings are lower than pre-2020 ratings.
• Operating temperature: If the space routinely drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, consider a model specified for low temperatures and look for an anti-frost sensor that can shut the unit off automatically.
• Water removal: Decide between a bucket with automatic shutoff, a hose fitting, a built-in pump, or a whole-home drain before you buy.

Whole-home versus portable

Energy Star certification covers both portable and whole-home dehumidifiers. Portable units are meant for a single room or space and can be moved where they are needed. Whole-home units are installed permanently and use the home's air ducts to condition several rooms. For most buyers, the decision is less about the label and more about whether you want one room treated or the whole house. Our portable vs. whole-house comparison explains the trade-offs.

Whole-home systems make the most sense if you live in a humid climate, have central air conditioning, and see humidity readings above 55% consistently through the house. When sized and installed correctly, a certified whole-home unit can improve comfort and help prevent mildew and bacterial growth. The unit needs proper ducting and professional installation, and home sealing and duct sealing improve its performance. If that sounds like your situation, a whole-home certified model is worth planning around.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is an Energy Star dehumidifier?

An Energy Star dehumidifier is a portable or whole-home dehumidifier certified by the Energy Star program. It meets Department of Energy efficiency standards and uses about 20% less energy than a conventional model of the same capacity. Look for the Energy Star label on the product page or packaging.

How is dehumidifier efficiency measured?

Efficiency is measured by the Integrated Energy Factor, in liters of water removed per kilowatt-hour, written as L/kWh. A higher IEF means the unit removes more moisture for each kilowatt-hour. IEF includes the energy used while the unit is cycled off, so it reflects real operation better than the older Energy Factor rating.

What is a good IEF for a dehumidifier?

There is no single number that is good in every size class. Compare IEF values among units with similar capacities, and look for the highest value you can find in the capacity range your space needs. DOE minimums step up as capacity increases, so a larger unit can have a higher minimum IEF than a smaller one.

Why do new dehumidifiers have lower pint ratings?

DOE changed the test procedure in 2019 and began using cooler, more realistic basement conditions. Because cooler air has less moisture, the same unit may rate lower in pints per day than an older unit with the old rating. The change does not mean the new unit removes less water in real use.

Does an Energy Star dehumidifier prevent mold?

A dehumidifier helps by keeping indoor humidity lower, and the CDC recommends no higher than 50% humidity. Mold prevention starts with fixing leaks and drying wet areas within 24 to 48 hours. If mold is already growing, clean it up and correct the moisture problem. An Energy Star label alone is not a mold treatment.

Are whole-home dehumidifiers covered by Energy Star?

Yes. Energy Star certified models include both portable and whole-home dehumidifiers. Whole-home units are installed permanently, connect to the home's air ducts, and should be sized and installed by an HVAC professional.