The cost of installing a whole-house dehumidifier is $1,500 on average, but it can cost between $1,300 and $2,800 or more depending on the capacity and efficiency of the model you choose.
Installing a whole-house dehumidifier costs about $1,500, but it ranges between $1,300 and $2,800. A central dehumidifier is a great way to ensure humidity stays at 30% to 50%, which is a home's ideal relative humidity level. Let's break down the cost factors at play when purchasing a whole-house dehumidifier.
The dehumidifier design and type will change the overall cost, ranging from whole-house versions to basement units.
| Type | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-house dehumidifier | $1,100 to $2,500 | Attach to the return ductwork of your pre-existing HVAC system; multiple sizes and power ratings |
| Basement unit | $800–$2,000 | Dehumidifier exclusive to basement; prevents mold, mildew, water damage |
| Two-stage air conditioner | $5,000 to $7,000 | AC unit and dehumidifier for entire home |
Lowering the humidity in your home can help prevent mold growth and reduce dust. Check out the cost factors that determine dehumidifier pricing.
Capacity refers to how much moisture a dehumidifier can remove from the air, measured in pints per day. Lower-capacity dehumidifiers start at around 60 pints, while higher-capacity units can remove more than 150 pints per day. The greater the capacity, the more you can expect to pay.
A dehumidifier's efficiency indicates how much energy it uses when removing humidity from the air. Higher-efficiency models use less energy per pint, which can help you save on your monthly energy bills. However, they also cost more than lower-efficiency units.
If you need to install a dehumidifier underground or in a basement, aka below grade, you might need to install an internal pump to adequately pump moisture up and out of your home. Internal pumps add $150 to $500 to the whole-house dehumidifier installation cost.
If you're installing a dehumidifier in an easy-to-reach location, such as a clean garage, you can expect to pay less than you would if the installation location is difficult to access. That's because hard-to-reach locations will cause the installation to take longer, driving up labor costs.
Once you purchase a unit, the installation cost will add another $500 to $700, depending on where you live. The installation cost includes the labor to assemble the unit, fasten it, and secure it in place. A contractor will connect the inlet and outlet supply to the central air supply and add the appropriate wiring.
Installation costs should also cover controllers being mounted and configured for operation. These controllers are important, as they will determine the settings used to vary humidity within the home. If you need to purchase additional equipment, such as mounting supplies and fasteners, these can cost about $20 to $25.
If you need to install a new electrical circuit and wiring to connect your new dehumidifier, you might need a permit. Permit fees vary by municipality, but they typically range from $50 to $200.
Where you live can also affect dehumidifier costs, especially with respect to labor. Typically, regions with high living costs, like large cities, tend to have higher labor costs than rural areas and regions with lower living costs.
| Location | Average Cost* | Average Cost w/ Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $1,700–$2,000 | $2,800–$3,400 |
| Dallas, TX | $1,600–$1,900 | $2,500–$3,000 |
| Nashville, TN | $1,600–$1,900 | $2,600–$3,000 |
| New York, NY | $1,800–$2,100 | $3,200–$3,800 |
| Cheyenne, WY | $1,600–$1,900 | $2,600–$3,200 |
| Newark, NJ | $1,700–$2,000 | $3,000–$3,600 |
| Juneau, AK | $1,700–$2,100 | $3,200–$3,800 |
*Not including labor.
There are additional factors to consider when budgeting for the cost to install a whole-house dehumidifier.
Air duct installation: $1,000–$2,700
Electrical work: $50–$100 per hour
External drainage pump: $125
Removing old dehumidifier: $35–$40
HVAC disconnect during installation: $90–$115
Monthly energy cost: $15–$25 per month
Unless you have professional expertise in electrical and HVAC work, installing a whole-house dehumidifier yourself is not recommended since it's a fairly complex project. Improper installation can lead to very costly damage down the line.
The cost to hire a local HVAC company to install a whole-house dehumidifier (including the cost of labor) can range from around $2,000 to upwards of $3,500. However, if you decide to take on the project yourself, you can skip labor costs altogether. Instead, you'll only pay for the dehumidifier and any tools needed to install it.
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Yes. Getting a whole-house dehumidifier can help you save money on energy bills. How? Your home automatically feels cooler when there’s less humidity in the air (“It’s the humidity that gets ya!” is such a true statement). This means that you won’t need to run your AC as much as you would if you had all that extra humidity in your home.
A whole-house dehumidifier is a major investment, despite the benefits of comfort and safety. Research the local HVAC contractor and their company ahead of time to make sure they have the appropriate insurance and licensing. You should also perform a quick search via the Better Business Bureau and pour through reviews online to look for any red flags.
Finally, call them and discuss the project. A reputable contractor will be more than happy to get into specifics regarding the installation process, the pricing, and other beneficial HVAC upgrades to consider.
Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are actually quite similar, though they perform different jobs. Dehumidifiers reduce moisture in the air, while air conditioners work to cool the home. A good central AC unit will naturally perform a certain level of dehumidification due to its design, but it will not be able to handle excessive levels of moisture.
Dehumidifiers typically use 300 to 700 watts of electricity per hour, whereas portable dehumidifiers use about 40 watts per hour. The exact amount of electricity your dehumidifier will generate depends on its capacity and energy efficiency. Generally, higher-capacity dehumidifiers generate more electricity than lower-capacity units, but they also usually have better energy efficiency over the long run.
If your house is less than 2,000 square feet, you might be able to use a portable dehumidifier for your entire home. However, you’ll need to install the dehumidifier in an area with optimal circulation. But remember that portable dehumidifiers are typically less energy efficient than permanent dehumidifiers, so they can drive up your utility bills over time.
Ideal humidity conditions generally range from 30% to 50%, with 45% considered optimal humidity for most homes. If your humidity levels drop below that range, you can turn your dehumidifier off. Additionally, suppose the temperature where the dehumidifier is installed falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In that case, it's best to turn it off and unplug it since cooler temperatures can cause the unit's coils to freeze.
