How Much Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost in 2025?
A whole-house dehumidifier costs an average of $1,500
On average, a whole-house dehumidifier costs $1,500, or between $1,300 and $2,800.
Core cost factors include unit capacity, efficiency, ductwork, labor, and electrical work.
A whole-house dehumidifier is crucial for controlling moisture and preventing mold.
Balanced humidity can reduce indoor allergens and improve HVAC efficiency.
Hiring a professional ensures code compliance and proper installation.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A whole-house dehumidifier costs an average of $1,500, or between $1,300 and $2,800 for most homeowners. Key cost factors include unit type, capacity, efficiency, and labor. A whole-house dehumidifier keeps humidity in check and shields your home from mold and moisture damage. Budget thoroughly and line up a licensed HVAC professional to install your system safely and effectively.
Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost Factors
A handful of variables push your price up or down—from the unit’s capacity to the hours your HVAC crew needs on-site.
Unit Capacity
Capacity measures how many pints of water the unit can pull from the air each day. Bigger homes need a higher pint rating, but anything under 2,600 square feet feels fine with a 100-pint model.
Climate, season, and even daily life all matter. A drafty, older house in a humid region—or a home packed with people cooking and showering—may require a more powerful unit than a tight, newer build in a dry climate.
Cost by Type
Whole-home dehumidifiers are the standard for adding comprehensive humidity control to your home. Other comparable options are also available, such as basement dehumidifiers or two-stage air conditioners, which cater to other needs and have varying costs, features, and functions.
| Dehumidifier Type | Features | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-house | Integrates with HVAC return or supply ducts | $1,100–$2,500 |
| Basement | Prevents water damage, mold, and other basement issues | $800–$2,000 |
| Two-stage air conditioner | AC unit with built-in humidity control | $5,000–$7,000 |
Efficiency
Efficiency shows up as pints per kilowatt-hour. Energy Star-rated models cost more up front, but they sip electricity, so you’ll spend less on utilities over time.
Ductwork
Most central units tie directly into your ductwork so they can pull humid air in and push dry air back out. Portable “whole-home” models exist, but they rarely match the even results of a ducted system.
Drainage
Units can dump water through a simple gravity hose or a pump. Gravity set-ups work only for short runs—around 10 to 20 feet—so if the drain is farther away, you’ll need a dedicated line or an external pump ($125, plus plumber’s labor). Installs below grade almost always call for a condensate pump to lift water up to the drain.
Labor
Plan on $500 to $700 for installation. Most local HVAC technicians quote a flat price that covers a two-person team, a few hours on-site, and basic supplies. Higher rates often mean the pro is highly specialized, the job is tough to access, or you live in a pricey metro area. In rural zones, rates drop, but crews may charge extra for long travel times.
Complex installations, electrical upgrades, and permits can increase your price. Placing the unit in a cramped crawl space or running new return ducts takes extra hours. Electricians run $50 to $100 per hour, and permits hover between $50 and $200. Smart controls, zoned dampers, or an extended warranty will also add to the tab. Done right, the system shields your home from mold and protects its long-term value.
Electrical Work
Your installer might call in an electrician, costing $50 to $100 per hour, to add a GFCI outlet or run a dedicated circuit so the unit meets code.
Permits
Permits cost between $50 and $200. You may skip them for a straight swap, but you’ll need one if you’re altering ductwork or wiring. Many HVAC companies roll the fee into their quote and handle the paperwork for you.
Add-Ons
Optional upgrades can boost performance and convenience, but they’ll bump up the price tag. Basic models use simple knobs, while premium units offer digital touchscreens. You can also opt for:
Wifi connectivity and smart features
Zoned dehumidification
Extended warranties
Removal of old dehumidifier
Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Increase Home Value?
Besides comfort, whole-home humidity control can protect— and even boost—your property’s value by keeping mold and moisture at bay. Key perks include:
Improved indoor air quality
Enhanced comfort
Lower risk of mold growth or pest infestation
Reduced strain on your HVAC system
Budgeting for a Whole-House Dehumidifier
Whole-house dehumidifiers offer numerous benefits for a significant upfront investment. Streamline your whole-house dehumidifier costs with these budgeting strategies:
Research incentives: Utility companies and other organizations may offer rebates and incentives to offset the cost of the unit and installation.
Proper sizing: Consult with your HVAC technician to ensure your dehumidifier is correctly sized for your home.
Energy efficiency: Optimize long-term costs and lower your monthly electricity bill by opting for an energy-efficient unit.
Humidity control: Consider other ways to improve your home’s humidity and reduce capacity requirements, such as upgraded window sealing or repairing leaks.
Warranties: Inquire about built-in warranties or extended service agreements to cover future dehumidifier repair or maintenance costs.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aim for indoor humidity between 30% and 50%, with the sweet spot around 45%. That range keeps mold, dust mites, and musty odors in check while protecting drywall and woodwork. Staying in the zone also helps your HVAC system run more efficiently and supports healthier air for you and your family year-round, during hot summers and cold winter months.
With routine filter changes and coil cleanings, most whole-house units run for eight to 15 years. Heavy use, poor air quality, or bargain-bin equipment can shorten that span, while a well-maintained, high-quality model often makes it to the upper end of the range. Ask your installer about recommended service intervals to get the most mileage from your investment.
It depends on your climate. Homes in cold, dry regions can often shut the dehumidifier off once winter sets in. If you live in a warm, humid area—or your house tends to trap moisture—you may need to keep it running year-round. Use a simple hygrometer: if readings stay below 50%, give the unit a rest. Just remember to restart it when humidity climbs again to avoid mold and condensation.
Dry air feels cooler, so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. By stripping out excess moisture, the dehumidifier lets you raise the thermostat a few degrees without losing comfort. A shorter AC runtime reduces electricity use and can shave a noticeable amount off your summer power bill. Energy-efficient models further enhance those savings.
If your home is under about 2,000 square feet, a well-placed portable unit can handle the load. Just remember they’re less efficient and need hands-on upkeep—think emptying tanks and cleaning filters. If you prefer set-and-forget convenience or plan to expand your living space, a whole-house model still offers better long-term comfort and lower energy use per square foot.
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