How Much Does a Whole House Dehumidifier Cost?

Controlling humidity levels is crucial for creating a comfortable and healthy home environment. Investing in a whole house dehumidifier can provide comprehensive humidity control and enhanced indoor air quality throughout your home. But how much does a residential dehumidification system cost? In this guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with purchasing and installing whole house dehumidifiers. You’ll learn about the price range for different units, what impacts pricing, and the key factors to consider when budgeting for a whole-home humidity control solution. We’ll also explore the valuable benefits a dehumidifier offers to make this investment worthwhile.

How Much Does a Whole House Dehumidifier Cost?

On average, you can expect to spend between $1,200 and $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour) for the dehumidifier unit itself. Installation fees typically range from $500 to $1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour), bringing the total installed cost to $2,000 to $5,000+ (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour).

The total cost of a whole house dehumidifier includes both the upfront purchase price of the unit and installation fees. The installation expenses encompass labor charges for ductwork modifications, HVAC integration, electrical wiring, and testing/commissioning of the system.

Higher-capacity and more energy-efficient dehumidifiers sit at the higher end of this price spectrum. More complex installations also increase costs.

According to BobVila.com, the typical cost range to install a whole-house dehumidifier is from $1,300 to $2,800 (≈1.1 months working every single day at $15/hour), with a national average cost of $1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour).

At Homewyse, the cost to install a whole-house dehumidifier starts at $2,589 - $3,062 (≈1.2 months of your working life at $15/hour) per dehumidifier.

Carrier Residential notes that the installed cost of a whole-home dehumidifier can range between $1,000 and $2,800 (≈1.1 months working every single day at $15/hour) or more.

Average Pricing for Whole House Dehumidifier Systems

Now, what is the actual price range for whole home dehumidifiers?

For a 2,000 sq ft home with a moderate climate:

• Dehumidifier unit: $1,500 - $2,200 (≈3.7 weeks of employment at a $15/hour wage)
• Installation: $800 - $1,200 (≈2 weeks dedicated to affording this at $15/hour)
• Total installed system: $2,500 - $3,500 (≈1.3 months trading your time for $15/hour)

For a 3,000+ sq ft home in a hot and humid region:

• Dehumidifier unit: $2,400 - $3,000 (≈1.1 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour)
• Installation: $1,000 - $1,500 (≈2.5 weeks of non-stop employment at $15/hour)
• Total installed system: $3,500 - $4,500 (≈1.7 months of non-stop employment at $15/hour)

As you can see, the total cost ranges from $2,000 (≈3.3 weeks trading your time for $15/hour) on the low end to over $5,000 (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour) on the high end for larger homes requiring substantial dehumidification capacities and integration work.

Factors driving price in these ranges include proper sizing for home size and climate, ENERGY STAR ratings, controlling features, warranty coverage, installation complexity, and reputable brands known for reliability.

Factors Influencing the Price of a Dehumidifier

Several factors determine the overall investment for a whole home dehumidification system:

• Unit Capacity: The required dehumidification capacity depends on your home’s size and climate conditions. Larger homes in humid climates need higher-capacity (and more expensive) units.
• Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR rated dehumidifiers have a higher upfront cost but provide long-term energy savings.
• Features: Units with advanced controls, air purification, and automation compatibility cost more.
• Brand: Reputable brands like Aprilaire, Honeywell, and Carrier carry a price premium.
• Installation Complexity: Homes requiring substantial ductwork modifications or electrical upgrades have higher installation fees.
• Warranty: Look for 5–10-year warranties on the dehumidifier unit for peace of mind.

Benefits of Investing in a Whole House Dehumidifier

At first glance, spending thousands on a whole home dehumidifier may seem excessive. But this investment pays dividends through:

• Enhanced Comfort: Balanced humidity relieves sticky, muggy air.
• Improved Air Quality: Reduced humidity minimizes mold, mildew, and dust mites.
• Energy Savings: Less moisture reduces the workload for cooling equipment.
• Protection for Your Home: Controlling moisture helps avoid structural damage.
• Better Health: Proper humidity creates a cleaner home environment.

For many homeowners, these benefits are well worth the upfront investment in a dehumidification system.

You might also like our articles about the cost of galvanized pipes replacement, HVAC duct replacement, and dishwasher installation.

The Right Dehumidifier for Your Home

Selecting the appropriately sized dehumidifier prevents issues with underperforming or oversized units. Consider these tips:

• Have an HVAC professional calculate the required dehumidification capacity.
• Choose an ENERGY STAR rated model for efficiency.
• Select advanced controls for humidity monitoring and automation.
• Ensure compatibility with your existing HVAC system.
• Confirm the unit and installation are backed by strong warranties.
• Choose a reputable brand known for durability and performance.

This due diligence upfront will pay dividends with a dehumidifier that reliably provides comfort and air quality for years to come.

Final Words

The total cost to purchase and install a whole house dehumidifier typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000+ (≈1.9 months of your working life at $15/hour), with higher-end systems approaching $6,000 (≈2.3 months locked to your job at $15/hour) or more. But this investment in home humidity control provides invaluable benefits that enhance comfort, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and humidity protection.

The optimal dehumidifier depends on your climate conditions, home size, installation requirements, and specific performance needs. By understanding the cost factors and benefits involved, you can make an informed decision if a whole home dehumidification system makes sense for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective are whole house dehumidifiers?

Whole house dehumidifiers are highly effective at controlling humidity levels when properly sized and installed. They can reduce relative humidity to around 45-50% throughout an entire home, preventing mold, mildew, and musty odors. Advanced humidistat controls precisely regulate moisture levels.

Can a dehumidifier affect the whole house?

Yes, a whole house or central dehumidifier is designed to impact humidity levels in the entire home. Ducted systems work with the HVAC air handler to circulate dehumidified air through supply vents in all living spaces. This provides whole-home humidity control.

When should I run my whole house dehumidifier?

Most homeowners run their central dehumidifier continuously during humid summer months. You can also add a humidistat control to automatically activate the dehumidifier when humidity rises above a set point, around 50-55%. This maintains optimal moisture levels year-round.