As defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 10 CFR 430.2, “dehumidifier” means a product, other than a portable air conditioner, room air conditioner, or packaged terminal air conditioner, that is a self-contained, electrically operated, and mechanically encased assembly consisting of: (1) A refrigerated surface (evaporator) that condenses moisture from the atmosphere; (2) A refrigerating system, including an electric motor; (3) An air-circulating fan; and (4) A means for collecting or disposing of the condensate. Manufacturers have been required to comply with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) energy conservation standards for residential dehumidifiers since 2007.
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DOE has published a Federal Register notice proposing to rescind the amended standards for all dehumidifiers (excluding whole-home dehumidifiers) hereinafter (“dehumidifiers” or “non-whole-home dehumidifiers”), which constitute a distinct class of dehumidifier for which energy conservation standards are not statutorily prescribed. This will return the standards for dehumidifiers manufactured on or after October 1, 2012, to 1.35 liters/kWh for dehumidifiers with a capacity of up to 35.00 pints/day; 1.50 liters/kWh for dehumidifiers with a capacity of 35.01-45.00 pints/day; 1.60 liters/kWh for dehumidifiers with a capacity of 45.01-54.00 pints/day; 1.70 liters/kWh for dehumidifiers with a capacity of 54.01-75.00 pints/day; and 2.5 liters/kWh for dehumidifiers with a capacity of greater than 75.00 pints/day.
For the latest information on the planned timing of future DOE regulatory milestones, see the current Office of Management and Budget Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. All planned dates are preliminary and subject to change.
Standards
Proposed Rule - Federal Register, 90FR20864 (May 16, 2025)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Federal Register, 88FR76510 (November 6, 2023)
- Technical Support Document
Notification of Availability of Preliminary TSD, Public Webinar and Request for Comment - Federal Register, 87FR37240 (June 22, 2022)
- Technical Support Document
Request for Information - Federal Register, 86FR29964 (June 4, 2021)
The residential dehumidifier energy conservation standard rulemaking docket EERE-2019-BT-STD-0043 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
The comment period is closed.
Test Procedure
Final Rule - Federal Register, 88FR48035 (July 26, 2023)
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - Federal Register, 87FR35286 (June 9, 2022)
Request for Information - Federal Register, 86FR34640 (June 30, 2021)
The residential dehumidifier test procedure rulemaking docket EERE-2019-BT-TP-0026 contains all notices, public comments, public meeting transcripts, and supporting documents pertaining to this rulemaking.
Public Meeting Information
There is no public meeting scheduled at this time.
Submitting Public Comments
The comment period is closed.
Residential dehumidifiers manufactured and distributed in commerce, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 6291(16), must meet the energy conservation standards specified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 10 CFR 430.32(v).
To determine that residential dehumidifiers that are currently manufactured or distributed into commerce are in compliance with current DOE standards, manufacturers must follow the test procedure methods specified at 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix X1.
Compliance
DOE has established regulations on certification, compliance, and enforcement in the CFR at 10 CFR Part 429. These regulations cover statistical sampling plans, certified ratings, certification reports, record retention, and enforcement. More information on these regulations is available here.
Waivers
For information on current test procedure waivers, see DOE’s Waivers webpage.
For information about obtaining test procedure waivers, see 10 CFR 430.27.
Exceptions
DOE's Office of Hearings and Appeals has not authorized exception relief for residential dehumidifiers.
For information about obtaining exception relief, see 10 CFR part 1003.
Guidance and Frequently Asked Questions
For information on further guidance and answers to Frequently Asked Questions on all covered products, see DOE’s Further Guidance database.
State Exemptions to Federal Pre-emption
DOE has not exempted any state from this energy conservation standard. States may petition DOE to exempt a state regulation from preemption by the federal energy conservation standard. States may also petition DOE to withdraw such exemptions. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart D.
Small Business Exemptions
Any manufacturer of a covered product with annual gross revenues that do not exceed $8,000,000 from all its operations and meets certain other conditions may apply for an exemption to the energy conservation standard. For details, see 10 CFR part 430, subpart E.
ENERGY STAR®
DOE supports the testing and verification of ENERGY STAR® products in close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR qualified dehumidifiers use about 15% less energy than a conventional unit.
Find tips and guidance for making your home, workplace, or vehicle more energy efficient visit EnergySavers.gov.
For more information related to this product, please email:
ApplianceStandardsQuestions@ee.doe.gov