How Much Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost?

Dehumidifier Costs by Type

There are several types of dehumidifiers, which will impact the total cost of its purchase and installation. Factors that affect your unit’s price include how many pints it can condense in a day, whether or not it comes with a humidistat, and whether or not you need extra ductwork.

Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost

Costs for whole-house units generally range between $1,100 and $2,500, depending on the size and efficiency level. These are also known as furnace or central units. Professional HVAC technicians attach the dehumidifier to the return ductwork of your HVAC system. To accommodate the dehumidifier, the technician can also add a new, dedicated return duct to your HVAC system.

Permanent Basement Units

Permanent basement dehumidifiers typically cost between $800 and $1,200 for a 75-pint model, $1,000 to $1,400 for a 100-pint model, and $1,700 to $2,000 for a high-capacity 130-pint model. 

Permanent basement dehumidifiers help maintain safe moisture levels and protect the space from mold and water damage. You’ll need to choose the dehumidifier size based on the size and moisture level of your basement. For example, basements over 2,500 square feet that are very wet will need a model that pulls over 100 pints per day. 

Under the House or Crawl Space

Models designed for under the house range between $800 and $1,200 and are more durable and size-appropriate. Since crawl spaces and under the house areas are small and narrow, your dehumidifier options are more limited than other types of models.

You also can't use the lower-cost, appliance-grade units because they will not be able to keep up with the humidity levels or the colder temperatures. To work with a 2,000-square-foot space, consider a unit that draws up to 90 pints per day. 70 pints per day would accommodate a 1,800- square-foot area, and 155 per day would accommodate a 3,600-square-foot space.

Portable 

Portable models do not require professional installation and typically cost between $250 and $450, though some models can cost up to $1,000. These standalone appliances use a fan to push air over coolant-filled coils, thus removing moisture. The air then circulates back into your home, and the moisture is collected in a basin which you must empty periodically. Some models have a drain, and others require manual emptying. Portable dehumidifiers should be placed wherever there is unrestricted airflow, but never directly against a wall. 

Dehumidifier Installation Cost Factors

Here are some factors which might affect the dehumidifier installation cost.

Unit Capacity

A dehumidifier with a large capacity, typically used in spaces such as basements, might require the addition of an external pump, which costs $50 to $300. Some dehumidifiers can connect to a hose and rely on gravity to drain collected water into an adjacent drain.

Electrical Work 

If there aren’t any outlets near your preferred humidifier location or you need to convert old outlets to accommodate your dehumidifier, you will need to hire an electrician to tackle the job. Professional electricians charge $50 to $100 per hour.

Ductwork 

If your current HVAC system’s return duct is unavailable, you might need to install a new, dedicated duct to connect to the dehumidifier. New duct installation costs about $1,160, or $10 to $20 per linear foot.

Installation Area

If the area where you’d like to install the dehumidifier is hard to reach, the installation process might take longer, resulting in more billable labor hours.

Dehumidifier Costs by Brand

Look for these top dehumidifier brands when shopping for a whole-home unit.

• Aprilaire: $1,000-$1,700. This is one of the top companies for whole-house dehumidifiers, and they also sell crawl space units. Models are available from 70 pints to 130 pints and are very reliable. The products have 5-year warranties and user-friendly controls.

• SaniDry: $1,200-$2,500. Highly efficient products with large capacities. This company specializes in basement and crawl space applications. Their models cost about the same as Santa Fe models, though you must request a quote from your local dealer.

• Santa Fe: $1,200-$2,500. This company specializes in basement and crawl space dehumidifiers, and it’s one of the leading producers in the industry. They have whole-house units available for purchase, ranging from 70 pints to 155 per day.

• Honeywell: $1,000-$2,000. Honeywell has a selection of whole-home products available in 65-pint, 90-pint, and 120-pint capacities. They have 5-year warranties.

• LG: $300. This company carries two models: a 55-pint and a 70-pint. These are appliance-grade models, and may not be sufficient for whole-home or under-home. Consult with a local HVAC professional before purchasing.

• Wave: $1,500-$1,700. Wave has their own version of the dehumidifier, known as a 'ventilation type.” It’s a large-capacity unit and comes with a ten-year warranty, plus it has lower operating cost than regular units. The effectiveness of this equipment is still debated.

Dehumidifier Installation Costs

It takes about 6 hours to install dehumidifier systems, adding $550 to $650 in labor costs to your total. HVAC technicians are the best option for setting these systems up. Experts can guarantee that your unit is right for the space, set accurately, and operates at optimum efficiency.

DIY vs. Hiring a Dehumidifier Installation Pro

Except for portable models, installing a whole-house dehumidifier is a very involved process that should be left to professionals. A professional HVAC technician will typically charge $70 to $100 per hour, and spend five or six hours on the task. Hiring a local HVAC technician ensures the appliance is running at maximum efficiency, which can save money on future utility bills.

Dehumidifier Rental Costs

On average, dehumidifier rentals cost $40 to $50 per day, depending on the size of the machine. Larger-capacity models cost $60 to $70 per day, but you’ll likely need the unit for more than a day, so it’s wise to ask about weekly rates. Weekly rates range from $200 to $300, depending on size. 

There are many situations in which a rented dehumidifier would be useful, such as:

• Water damage: Storms, burst pipes, and leaks can significantly affect your home. The process of removing water damage is much more involved than simply running a dehumidifier. If it's been a long-standing issue, you may have mold. You’ll also need to address the source of any leaks. Dehumidification is a vital part of the process, but it won't solve the larger issue.

• Sealing crawl space or basement: When you encapsulate your crawl space or seal your basement as part of waterproofing, it is important to dehumidify the area. Waterproofing costs an average of $4,000, but considering that the costs to repair water damage can get as high as $7,000, it may be worth the investment.

• Carpet repair: If your carpet floods and doesn't dry, you should probably replace it. However, if it's rippling, one potential cause is high humidity. You may be able to repair it by dehumidifying the air for a period. Carpet repair costs typically range from $120 to $260. 

• Radiant heating: Radiant heating will affect the humidity in your home. You may need to rent a dehumidifier unit during seasons which prove to generate more moisture. 

FAQs

What's the difference between a dehumidifier and an AC unit?

Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are similar, but they perform two very different functions. Dehumidifiers reduce moisture in the air and air conditioners cool the home. Dehumidifiers pull the air in and reheat it before sending it back into the room. They can also handle excessive levels of moisture, but AC systems cannot.

How much electricity does a dehumidifier use?

The amount of electricity used will depend on your model. The following are average watts per hour.

• 30 pints = 300-400 watts

• 50 pints = 400-500 watts

• 70 pints = 600-700 watts

How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?

Depending on the size of your unit, you could pay $15-$25 per month. Yearly averages range from $60 to $300.

How much water should it collect per day?

The average water collection per day depends on the capacity of your model. Dehumidifier systems are available in a range from 30 to 150 pints per day.

How much area will a 30-, 50-, and 70-pint dehumidifier serve?

You should choose your dehumidifier size depending on the humidity of the space.

• 30-pint models: Up to 2,000 square feet, but if the area is exceedingly moist, it may only serve up to 1,500 square feet.

• 50-pint models: Up to 2,000 square feet. In basements, they will only work at 1,500 square feet.

• 70-pint systems: 2,000 square feet at any humidity level.

How much does dehumidifier repair cost?

The cost to repair a dehumidifier averages $65 to $500 and involves a basic fee, an hourly rate, and the price of materials or parts. HVAC companies charge the basic fee of $50 to $100 to cover the cost of responding to the service request. Labor is typically $50 to $70 per hour. 

You can also troubleshoot small problems with the guidance of your owner's manual and a call to the manufacturer. However, it’s always best to call a certified HVAC technician. Some common problems associated with dehumidifiers include dirty coils, power problems, component failure, blockages, freeze-ups, and loose screws.

How do you maintain a dehumidifier?

Each dehumidifier comes with an owner's manual that you can use to properly maintain your unit. However, a few things are relatively universal to all models, and you should monitor them to keep your unit functioning properly.

• Check the humidistat: If the humidistat is set at too low of a humidity level, your system will work harder than necessary and waste energy. If it is set too high, you won't be using the unit to its full potential.

• Change the filter: Change the filter once a year, and check it mid-way through the year. Clean it if necessary after confirming the filter is washable by consulting the manual.

• Clean and check the coils: The coils get dusty so you should clean them at least once per year. They may also get icy in temperatures under 60 degrees. Follow your manual's instructions for de-icing.

• Clean the reservoir: If your unit has a reservoir, clean it regularly to prevent mold and bacteria from getting into the water, putting your health at risk.

• Check the motor and pumps: In large-capacity models, you may need to lubricate the motor.

• Monitor the water: In models with reservoirs and those with hoses and drainage, you should keep an eye on the water. In reservoirs, don't let your container get full or your unit will shut down. In drainage styles, check to ensure the water isn't blocked from draining.