How Much Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost?
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A humid home can cause numerous issues, including mold, mildew, and health problems. A whole-house dehumidifier costs about $1,300 to $2,800 to install, with a national average cost of $1,500.
Highlights
- The typical cost range to install a whole-house dehumidifier is from $1,300 to $2,800, with a national average cost of $1,500.
- Some of the factors that affect the final cost of this project include the dehumidifier type, capacity, efficiency, and brand; the installation location; and the cost of labor.
- Installing a whole-house dehumidifier can help improve indoor air quality, increase cooling efficiency, extend the life of the HVAC system, and decrease the risk of mold and mildew.
- Since a whole-house dehumidifier is installed directly into the HVAC system, it’s not a project that most homeowners can safely complete themselves.
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Installing a whole-house dehumidifier is an excellent way to improve indoor air quality, decrease the risk of mold, and reduce allergy symptoms within a home. Additionally, a whole-house dehumidifier can alleviate some of the strain put on the HVAC system, extending the life of the air conditioner and furnace by sharing some of the burden. A home dehumidifier system works by pulling air into the unit, where it is filtered and cooled, converting humidity into condensation. The collected water is then stored in a tank or drained through a connected drain line.
While the benefits are noteworthy, if a homeowner chooses to install a whole-house dehumidifier, they need to be prepared for the cost. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the cost of a dehumidifier installation ranges from $1,300 to $2,800, though the average cost falls slightly lower than the median at $1,500. There are a variety of factors that influence the expected price of the HVAC dehumidifier installation, so before researching local installers to get the job done, it’s best for homeowners to have a clear understanding of the whole-house dehumidifier cost.
Factors in Calculating Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost
In order to come up with a reasonable budget for the whole-house dehumidifier installation, homeowners will benefit from considering the various factors that can affect the cost. While some factors are strictly limited to the geographical location and labor involved, other factors depend on the product the homeowner has selected for the installation. Homeowners will want to keep in mind the following key factors to get a better understanding of the variables at play when they put together a budget for dehumidifier installations.
Unit Capacity
When looking for a central dehumidifier for the home, homeowners are advised to look at the product specifications provided by the retailer or manufacturer. Among the considerations is unit capacity, which is essentially the amount of moisture the best dehumidifiers can remove from the air over the course of a full day. This measurement is typically provided in pints, with low-capacity dehumidifiers starting at about 60 pints per day and high-capacity units capable of removing more than 150 pints.
However, it’s important for homeowners to note that the higher the capacity, the more expensive the unit will cost, so before a central air dehumidifier is selected for the home, it’s recommended that they speak with an installation professional to find out the right capacity for their house.
Dehumidifier Type
There are three main types of dehumidifiers to choose from, based on a homeowner’s budget, a home’s layout, and the needs of the home, including basement units, whole-house units, and two-stage air-conditioning units. The best basement dehumidifiers, as indicated by the name, are intended for installation in the basement, where they work to decrease the risk of mold and mildew growth. These units range from about $800 to $2,000, depending on the model, brand, and capacity.
Whole-house dehumidifiers treat high humidity problems throughout the home, instead of focusing just on the basement. However, some homes may actually require more than one unit to handle the whole home. The typical whole-house dehumidifier cost ranges from about $1,300 to $2,800.
Two-stage air-conditioning units are high-end products that can handle the dehumidification of the home due to a built-in dehumidifier in the AC unit. This type of HVAC with a dehumidifier can dehumidify a room, the basement, or the entire home by automatically slowing the blower when humidity levels in the home reach a set threshold. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that the cost for a two-stage air-conditioning unit is higher than the typical whole-house dehumidifier cost, so they can expect to pay about $5,000 to $7,000 for the installation.
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Dehumidifier Efficiency
Another factor to consider when homeowners are choosing a dehumidifier is the efficiency rating of the unit. The more efficient the dehumidifier, the lower the energy costs to operate the unit. However, high-efficiency whole-house dehumidifiers typically cost more than low-efficiency units, so homeowners will want to be prepared to spend more up front for the purchase of a high-quality product.
If a homeowner’s installation budget isn’t flexible enough for a high-end unit, they can invest in a dehumidifier with a lower efficiency rating. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that they may end up paying just as much for a low-efficiency unit as they would for a high-efficiency unit after factoring in the ongoing costs of higher energy bills.
Dehumidifier Brand
While other factors like capacity, efficiency, and dehumidifier type are more important to the functionality of the unit, the cost of the dehumidifier can still be affected by the brand. Top brands may charge as much as $2,500 for a whole-house dehumidifier, while manufacturers that do not specialize in HVAC products may have units available for more affordable prices.
LG is relatively limited in product selection, though the company offers appliance-grade models at just $300. However, these units may not be substantial for whole-house dehumidifying. Aprilaire and Honeywell have whole-house dehumidifiers available for moderate prices, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. If a homeowner has a large budget, they could also consider products from Santa Fe or SaniDry. These brands offer whole-house dehumidifiers from $1,200 to $2,500. The following table lists these brands and their average costs.
| Brand | Average Cost |
| LG | $300 |
| Aprilaire | $1,000 to $1,700 |
| Honeywell | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Santa Fe | $1,200 to $2,500 |
| SaniDry | $1,200 to $2,500 |
Installation Location
The cost of dehumidifier installation varies depending on where the unit will be installed inside the home. For instance, if a homeowner has planned for the installation to take place in a clean, unfinished basement with easy access to the HVAC system and the outdoors for ventilation, then the cost will likely be lower than the cost of a more complex installation in a crowded attic space.
Before opting for the easiest location for installation, it’s necessary for a homeowner to consider whether the location will be central enough for the dehumidifier to be effective throughout the home. Homeowners will want to speak to an installation expert or contact the unit manufacturer to get a better idea of the best place to put a dehumidifier in a 2-story house or a single-story home. Some installation companies may even have the option of sending an installation expert out to inspect the home before suggesting the ideal placement for the dehumidifier.
Labor
After coming to a decision about which whole-house dehumidifier is best for the home, a homeowner will need to consider the cost of the installation, including the labor rates of the installation company or independent HVAC professional. Typically, the cost of the labor ranges from about $500 to $700 after the purchase of a dehumidifier. This accounts for the time it takes for the installer to assemble the unit, secure the dehumidifier in the selected location, connect the inlet and outlet supply to the central air supply, and add any necessary wiring.
The installation and configuration of the dehumidifier controllers may be included in the installation costs, or they may be an extra cost added to the total. Homeowners will want to check with the installer before the project begins to get a written breakdown of the costs.
Geographic Location
It isn’t just the location of the installation that a homeowner needs to think about when budgeting for a whole-house dehumidifier. They also need to consider the geographic location, because the cost of the installation can vary depending on where a homeowner lives. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay more for labor rates and installation costs if they live in a large urban area, while those who live in smaller, rural locations will typically get the same service for a lower rate.
This difference in cost can generally be attributed to supply and demand. HVAC professionals are in higher demand in densely populated areas due to the high number of people there. However, it’s important for homeowners to note that if their home is in a location that falls outside of the service area of the installation company, then they may end up paying an additional fee for the installers to travel to their home.
Running Costs
Once the whole-house dehumidifier has been installed, the homeowner will need to consider the running costs of the unit. While a dehumidifier can help to increase the efficiency of the HVAC system, dehumidifiers still use a fair amount of energy, so homeowners can expect to pay an additional $15 to $25 per month on their energy bill, or an average increase of about $180 to $300 per year. The following table shows how much homeowners can expect their energy bill to increase after a whole-house dehumidifier installation.
| Time Frame | Average Energy Bill Cost Increase |
| 1 month | $15 to $25 |
| 3 months | $45 to $75 |
| 6 months | $90 to $150 |
| 9 months | $135 to $225 |
| 1 year | $180 to $300 |
To help cut down on these costs, it’s a good idea for a homeowner to invest in a high-efficiency whole-house dehumidifier. They can look for products that are labeled Energy Star certified to ensure that they are getting a dehumidifier that will operate at a high efficiency level resulting in a lower utility bill.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Factoring in the main cost considerations for the installation of a whole-house dehumidifier is only the first step in putting together a budget for this project. There are also a variety of additional costs that a homeowner will need to consider, including the cost of permits, ductwork, electrical work, and drainage.
Internal Pump Installation
A whole-house dehumidifier works by pulling humidity out of the air and collecting the moisture in a collection tank or allowing the accumulated water to empty into a drain line. However, dehumidifiers that are installed in the basement or crawl space may require an internal pump in order to sufficiently pump moisture up and out of the home. This is because the location of the dehumidifier is below grade, so a homeowner cannot take advantage of gravity to handle dehumidifier drainage. If a whole-house dehumidifier requires an internal pump due to a below-grade installation location, then this can add about $150 to $500 to the total cost of the project.
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Old Unit Removal
If an old dehumidifier isn’t working or if the operating efficiency is costing the homeowner too much on their energy bills, then they may want to replace the existing unit with a new whole-house dehumidifier. However, before a new unit can be installed, the existing unit will need to be removed. Depending on the installation company, the removal of the old unit may be bundled with the cost of the new unit, though this isn’t the case with every HVAC company.
Most dehumidifier installation companies will typically charge about $35 to $40 to remove a disconnected system from the home during installation, but if the old unit is still installed, the process to disconnect the dehumidifier and remove it from the home may cost from $90 to $115 for the labor involved.
Permits
Permits are often required for more involved home improvement projects, so it’s a good idea for a homeowner to look into whether a permit is necessary for this type of work. Homeowners can speak to their local permit office or discuss the matter with the dehumidifier installation professionals to determine whether they need to pay for permits before starting the installation. Typically, permit fees range from about $50 to $200, though the actual cost can vary by municipality. Some HVAC installation companies may handle the acquisition of the permits for the project, so it’s important for a homeowner to ask whether the permit fees are included in the cost of the installation or if they will be required to pay an additional amount to cover the cost of the permits.
Ductwork
In most cases, the installation of a whole-house dehumidifier involves attaching the unit to the return duct for the HVAC system. However, depending on the existing configuration of the home’s ductwork, the installation technician may need to install additional ductwork to accommodate the location of the dehumidifier. This generally includes the installation of a dedicated return air duct for the dehumidifier, as well as any extra pieces that are required to connect the ductwork to the existing system. If this step is required for the installation at a home, the homeowner could end up paying about $1,160 or $10 to $20 per linear foot for new air ducts. The average cost for new ductwork by length is shown in the table below.
| Ductwork Length | Average Cost |
| 1 foot | $10 to $20 |
| 10 feet | $100 to $200 |
| 50 feet | $500 to $1,000 |
| 75 feet | $750 to $1,500 |
| 100 feet | $1,000 to $2,000 |
Electrical Work
HVAC installers can typically handle any minor electrical connections that are required to install the whole-house dehumidifier, but for a complex installation a homeowner may need to hire a professional electrician to complete the electrical work. This can include installing new wiring or new outlets or converting existing outlets in order to accommodate the whole-house dehumidifier. If a home requires this additional electrical work, the homeowner will need to be prepared to spend about $50 to $100 per hour for the electrician to complete this portion of the project.
Drainage
Depending on the location of the dehumidifier, as well as the functionality of the specific unit, a homeowner may end up paying more for the installation of the whole-house dehumidifier due to the need for a dedicated external drainage pump. This piece of equipment typically costs about $125 and is used to pump water to a nearby drain or directly out of the home.
Additionally, if the dehumidifier is located a long distance from the nearest drain or it is in a central spot of the home, the installation cost may increase to account for the extra materials necessary to complete the job. So, if a homeowner is looking to save on the cost of the installation, it’s recommended that they select an area close to a drain that is located slightly above the drain line, allowing the installer to simply direct a hose from the dehumidifier down into the drain.
Customizations
Any additions or customizations to the whole-house dehumidifier will typically increase the total cost of the project. Common customizations include Wi-Fi compatibility, touch-screen controls, an integrated internal pump, and the addition of an external pump to a more basic unit. The cost of these customizations tends to vary depending on the brand and manufacturer, so while a homeowner is putting together a budget for this project, i