How Much Does a Dehumidifier Cost
Dehumidifiers are used to clear out moisture in the air of an indoor space, which makes them a necessity in homes that have moisture-related issues such as mold growth.
It doesn’t make sense that a dehumidifier that’s in your basement is going to cost as much as one which covers the whole house, though, so how much does a dehumidifier cost exactly?
A dehumidifier can set you back $1000, $1500, or more, depending on the type and installation fee. Don’t be fooled into thinking that’s it, though, since this is just the initial cost of investment. To run a dehumidifier you’re looking at $25-400 a year.
It’s hard to know exactly how much a dehumidifier is going to set you back, unless you’re clear on what type you need and how long you expect to have it running for.
A crawl space dehumidifier is more expensive than a basement dehumidifier, but perhaps the basement unit will need to be running for more time to clear out the excess moisture.
So before you get your money out, take some time to think about exactly what you need from a dehumidifier so you don’t end up spending more than you budgeted for.
There are several different types of dehumidifiers, and it’s worth getting familiar with all of them if you want to get the most from your money.
Each type of dehumidifier is designed for a different-sized space, so pick accordingly.
Whole House
A whole house dehumidifier also goes by the name of a central unit, and is usually attached to the return ductwork in your home’s HVAC system. If your house doesn’t already have a return duct, then that will have to be installed too for the whole house dehumidifier.
The way this device works is by dehumidifying the air that flows through the house’s air ducts, which sucks a lot of excess moisture out of your home.
Many people like whole house dehumidifiers because they are cost-effective, and save you from having to buy several dehumidifiers for different rooms.
If you live somewhere with high humidity, it almost becomes an essential investment, since you can control the moisture in the air of your home, even when it’s unbearable outside!
Cost: A whole house dehumidifier will set you back between $1000-2000, and an additional $1500-2800 for installation.
Basement
A basement dehumidifier is very handy if you have problems with excess moisture at the bottom of your house.
This is common, of course, since the basement is often a very humid room.
To keep on top of potential mold growth issues and wood rot, you should consider installing a basement dehumidifier so you can maintain safe levels of moisture.
The worse the moisture issue, the bigger the unit you’ll need to buy.
The capacity of a dehumidifier is measured in terms of how many pints of moisture it can extract from the air in a single day.
For example, a 75-pint model would suffice for your average basement, whereas a 130-pint model is needed for severe moisture problems.
Cost: A basement dehumidifier will cost anywhere in the range of $800-1200, plus $1,300-1,800 for installation.
Crawl Space
A crawl space dehumidifier is a model that is designed for the space underneath the house.
You need a specially-designed dehumidifier for a crawl space given how tight this space can be.
They also need to be able to work overtime, due to the cold temperatures and high humidity levels associated with crawl spaces.
Again, you’ll need to think about which dehumidifier is best based on how many pints of moisture it can extract from the air in a single day.
While a 90 pint unit might be fine for a 2,000 square foot space, you will need to go for a 155 pint unit for a space in excess of 3,500 square feet.
Cost: A crawl space dehumidifier will cost a similar amount to a basement model, at around $800-1200, plus an additional $1,500-2,000 for installation.
Cost by Capacity
Another factor to consider is the running cost of the dehumidifier, and this will be dictated in large part based on the capacity of the unit.
The capacity of a dehumidifier is measured by how many pints of moisture it can take out of the air in a single day.
There are many different options, and the right one for you will depend on the size of the room you want to put it in, the type of room, and how much you’re willing to pay in running costs.
Here’s a brief guide to the various sizes of dehumidifiers and how much you can expect to pay to run each:
30-pint: The 30-pint dehumidifier is perfect for a space of 500-3,000 square feet, depending of course on the amount of humidity in the room it will be placed in. If the humidity is less than 85%, then it will be better suited to rooms smaller than 1,500 square feet, and if the humidity is less, than it can cover rooms of up to 3,000 square feet.
This model will cost around $1.70-$3.80 per day if you have it running for 24 hours straight.
50-pint: The 50-pint dehumidifier is suitable for very humid rooms that are medium-sized. Generally, you shouldn’t use this unit for spaces smaller than 1,500 square feet, but for those up to 3,000 square feet with a humidity level of 70-85%.
This model will cost $2-4 per day if you run it for 24 hours.
70-pint: The 70-pint dehumidifier is an excellent option for large rooms or even whole houses. It works exceptionally well even in the most humid of spaces. You generally shouldn’t use this size dehumidifier for a space that’s smaller than 2,000 square feet, but if it’s 2,500 square feet or larger with a humidity level of 85% or more, then it’s your best option.
This model will cost you around $3-5 per day if you have it running for 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dehumidifiers
How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier for 24 hours?
The cost of running a dehumidifier for 24 hours will depend on the type of dehumidifier you’re using and the capacity tank.
But to give you a general idea of how much you’d pay to have it running for a whole day, you’re looking at between $0.03 and $0.16 for each hour, so it won’t be a huge total sum.
If you want to run your dehumidifier for a long time but you’re afraid of how much it might cost you, look up the particular model you own to see if you can find more information on the running costs.
How much should I spend on a dehumidifier?
Dehumidifers can cost you anywhere between $25 and $400 a year, depending on various factors such as how long you have it running for and how large it is.
As for the cost of the unit itself, you’re looking at north of $1000 when you include an installation fee.
Again, though, it’s worth bearing in mind that the cost will vary depending on the type of dehumidifier you’re looking to buy.
Do dehumidifiers cost a lot to run?
Yes and no.
Dehumidifiers can prove expensive if you have them running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, yes. You can spend upwards of $400 on running costs in a year, which isn’t insignificant.
But when you consider the damage you could be preventing from moisture, it might just end up saving you more money than it costs you to run.
A Final Word From Wellness Nova
A dehumidifier is a sound investment if you care about your home and/or have issues with moisture or mold.
While it can be a steep investment that you will keep paying for over time, it can be a shrewd one too, since it can prevent moisture damage to your home.
