How much do dehumidifiers cost?

3 Key Takeaways:

πŸš€ The ideal healthy humidity level to be maintained for a home should be around 45%. It is considered too dry when the humidity drops below 30% and too damp when the humidity goes over 50%.

πŸš€ The amount of moisture that a dehumidifier unit removes from the room per day will vary depending on the unit’s inbuilt capacity.

πŸš€ The homeLabs 4,500 Energy Star 50 Pint dehumidifier is equipped to extract 50 pints of moisture from the air per day. It is designed with special features, including continuous draining and a 24-hour continuous dehumidification cycle for effortless moisture extraction.

When it comes to dehumidification, the expenditure does not stop with buying the device. How much does it cost every month to run a dehumidifier is a common question those who do not have the device yet, find themselves asking.

In this article let us explore the average cost range of different kinds of dehumidifiers and how much these units cost and consume energy when they operate. Let us get started!

Should a dehumidifier run all the time?

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It is understandable that the average cost to run a dehumidifier is not cheap. How much electricity a dehumidifier consumes to control high humidity levels in a room and the resulting energy cost is a huge concern.

There are different types of dehumidifiers and each type has a specific task and capacity to dehumidify a room efficiently. The whole house dehumidifier, crawl space dehumidifier, basement dehumidifier, HVAC system, etc; are a few of the many types of units used. The time required to run a dehumidifier, for removing moisture is going to depend on certain factors.

A new home or room is bound to have a higher relative humidity level. Depending on its humidity and area coverage required, it is recommended to go in for a suitable dehumidifier. A new home or room will require a dehumidifier to run for longer hours. Using a large capacity dehumidifier will help to remove the moisture quicker, however, the dehumidifier’s capacity must depend on the room size.

Most dehumidifiers available in the market currently are energy-efficient models. An energy star unit is going to remove your worries over energy cost and power usage. Apart from worrying over the cost to run a unit, you must be careful to choose the right pint dehumidifier.

Since the latest models available come with advanced features like humidistat and timer, you can take help from the technology to understand how long the dehumidifier must run. 40% to 60% is the ideal humidity level that most people opt for. Once the humidity level has reached the desired level you have set, the unit will maintain the level itself. Features like auto shut off, auto restart, etc., make it easier to run the unit unattended for long hours.

If your reason to run the dehumidifier is to prevent or remove mold growth, get some fresh air and boost air quality, you can get run the dehumidifier for 6 to 8 hours. This is the fairly recommended time to not just reduce mold growth but for also seamless extraction of moisture from the air. The monthly cost of running the unit for long hours will be less with an energy star model.

Know the average cost of different types of dehumidifiers and why?

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Most homeowners prefer to invest in a unit within their budget, and this works out for the good in almost all cases. Finding the right dehumidifier that fits within the need and the budget is a win-win situation.

Dehumidifier cost is not cheap, but there are many affordable options even for homes with the worst moisture problem. As we go along with the article, you will also learn that it does not cost a ton of your money to run a dehumidifier, as you might have probably assumed.

It is important to note that different models come at a varied price range, based on their size, function, capacity, and brand. For example, whole-house dehumidifiers will cost more than a crawl space unit because of their size, capacity, and function.

Let us take a look at the various kinds of dehumidifiers and their average price on the market.

1. Mini Dehumidifier

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Mini dehumidifiers are available in the range of $20 to $90. The price will vary for the brands and moisture extraction capacity.

2. Portable Dehumidifier With Continuous Drain

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Portable dehumidifiers with continuous drain options are available between the cost range of $80 to $300. Here again, the size of the unit and its capacity determine the price. The cost of the unit will vary across the brands.

3. Crawl Space Dehumidifier

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Crawl space units are on the higher side of the price range. They are available for a cost from $800 to $1,500. Some homeowners prefer to install the crawl space unit into their HVAC system to make the dehumidification process effective.

4. Desiccant Dehumidifier

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Desiccant dehumidifiers are usually available for a cost of $80 to $200.

These dehumidifiers are the cheapest of the lot since they can be recharged by changing the absorbent material.

4. Whole House Dehumidifier

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Whole-house dehumidifiers are the most expensive units among them all. These are placed between the cost range of $1,100 to $2,500.

Many homeowners find it helpful to integrate whole-house dehumidifiers into the HVAC system to achieve intense dehumidification throughout the home. The size, efficiency, moisture absorption capacity makes whole-house dehumidifiers expensive.

5. Dehumidifier Rod

Best Dehumidifier For Gun Safe

You can get these gun safe dehumidifier rods for a price under $50.

The compact size, design, and function make this gun safe dehumidifier, an affordable purchase to make sure your safes have ideal humidity.

6. Water Damage Restoration Dehumidifier

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Water damage restoration units are priced between $500 to $1000. These are high-performance devices and hence come at a higher price range.

Dehumidifier Running Costs

Dehumidifier cost of running is a big cause of concern. Those who are new to dehumidifiers are constantly worrying over how much electricity it takes to run a dehumidifier and the resulting energy bill.

Are the average costs that one must face to extract excess moisture from the air in order to maintain the relative humidity levels of an area steep?

Is it true that dehumidifiers cost a ton of money to control high humidity levels?

It is time to debunk the myths about dehumidifier costs for operation, even for the higher capacity models.

You might be surprised to learn that dehumidifiers are actually categorised under ‘low electricity expenditure’ HVAC system units by the US Department of Energy (DOE). For a portable or small dehumidifier model, it is going to cost you bout $25 annually.

The cost to run a 30-pint dehumidifier with 300W power usage, with an average electricity price of $0.1 kWh will work up to $0.03 per hour.

Whereas for a 70-pint dehumidifier with a 700W power usage with a charge of $0.2 kWh electricity will work up to around $0.16 per hour. You must be aware that for large capacity units the average price of running the unit can even go up to $350 per year. 

How much does it cost to run any electrical appliance is a question that is good to be discussed. As far as dehumidifiers go you must be thoroughly prepared to accept that different units with different capacities are going to have a varied monthly cost. Whole-house dehumidifiers, crawl space dehumidifiers or crawl space units, basement dehumidifiers, central units, etc. Each of these types has different capacities and a humid indoor environment to encounter.

Higher relative humidity will require the unit to run longer hours to achieve optimum efficiency. Therefore it is important to get a suitable dehumidifier for the humid indoor environment that you have to deal with.

‘How many pints are needed’ to provide you moisture control, or prevent mold growth, improve air quality from humid air to fresh air, etc; are points to note on your checklist before you purchase the unit.

As the dehumidifiers’ capacity increases, the average price to run it and the energy bill that HVAC companies charge will also increase. Reducing dehumidifier costs and ensuring that you do not waste energy and money can be done by investing in good energy star models.

How to Lower Your Electric Bill With Dehumidifier

Dehumidifier cost does not come cheap. Getting the best suitable dehumidifier that will dehumidify the room efficiently is going to be a big investment, especially for higher capacity models (with the additional installation costs). Rather than worrying over ‘How much does it cost to run a dehumidifier?’, practice ways that will enable reducing dehumidifier costs during operation.

Right size

The first step to save on power usage and minimize the average cost spent on electricity is to use the right unit. Ensure you purchase the right size unit for the area. A dehumidifier’s capacity to use energy depends largely on its ability to capture moisture from the air.

Although all dehumidifiers reduce moisture and deal with humid air, the suits with a larger capacity will use a whole lot of energy and power. Find the right size for the area you wish to cover. Whole-house dehumidifiers, crawl space dehumidifiers, a basement dehumidifier, an HVAC system, etc.; each of these has specific potential that will be helpful for their designed space. Using a large pint model for a small area will make humidity levels hit a pit bottom, plus spike the energy bills.

Energy star

Most dehumidifiers that are available nowadays come with energy star certification. Purchasing an energy-efficient model comes with plentiful benefits. While you get the excess moisture removed and air quality improved as the high humidity levels are being brought under control; with an energy star unit you can also have the monthly cost that you spend on power reduced.

Models that come with auto-shutoff features and energy star ratings will act smartly on independent dehumidification. While the auto-shutoff will make sure you do not waste energy or pave way for water damage in your absence, you can also save money after an expensive unit purchase and installation cost.

Let us be sensible here, HVAC companies charge for energy consumption is not cheap. Saving money on usage after a purchase and installation costs do make sense.

Outlet supply

Another way to take off the pressure from dehumidifiers is to find natural ways that help push air out or within the room. A poorly ventilated room is going to accumulate moisture. Discuss with your HVAC technician the easy ways to improve water, air, and power outlet supply. Installing dehumidifiers into central units or HVAC systems often work out to be the best decision to handle humidity. They also drastically reduce mold growth.

Another way to remove moisture build-up from a room effectively is to have a few standing fans and ceiling fans in the room. Running a few standing fans or ceiling fans in the room will help to circulate or exchange the damp water vapor in the air for fresh air or outdoor air. Pushing air out will also reduce the pressure on the dehumidifiers to exert more energy and lower temperatures in the area.

FAQ Section

1. How Much Does A Dehumidifier Cost To Install?

The installation cost of a dehumidifier is going to depend on various technical factors. The size of the unit and the area it has to be installed into will certainly play a role in determining the installation cost. The dehumidifier cost to install can vary anywhere from $ 1,300 to $ 2,800.

Remember, the installation cost for whole-house dehumidifiers is going to work up to way higher than a crawl space dehumidifier, wall-mounted dehumidifier, basement dehumidifier, HVAC system, etc. Most of the time the installation costs of the whole house dehumidifier may turn out to be expensive than the unit itself. For a clear idea of the installation cost, you can contact an HVAC technician to know how much does it cost to install the unit.

2. Should you buy or rent a dehumidifier?

Dehumidifiers reduce moisture with a great potential that cannot be matched by either device like fans or air conditioners. Buying or renting a unit depends entirely on how important removing moisture is to your home.

If the price to run a dehumidifier for long hours is almost equivalent to the cost of buying even a small pint dehumidifier that is portable, you can benefit from its optimal efficiency at extracting water vapor. However, in cases of water damage, it makes sense to rent a unit.

Buildings with temporary or accidental water damage can make use of a rented unit to handle the problem, rather than purchase one and have more expenditure on monthly cost, installations, and the external pump.

3. How much does it cost to service a dehumidifier?

To know how much does it cost to service a dehumidifier unit, you must know what is the depth of the problem. The service cost will depend on the severity of the damage to the unit and the technician.

Factors like a model with an internal or external pump and what pint dehumidifier it is will also have an influence on the service cost. On average, it can cost you anywhere between $50 to $ 200.

4. Do Old Dehumidifiers Use A Lot of Electricity?

Not all old dehumidifiers have an energy star rating. The monthly cost of power usage from using older models will be high.

Handling high humidity and pushing air in and out of the unit demands a lot of energy. As the unit ages, its ability to capture moisture and optimum efficiency is also compromised. However, this can be avoided when the device is maintained to perfection. But, without an energy star rating, any unit will consume more electricity.

4. What dehumidifier has best warranty?

Santa Fe and Frigidaire dehumidifiers come with an excellent warranty program. You can check their models to have a better understanding of the warranty policies they offer.

Wrapping Up

We have reached the end f the article. Hope all your questions on how much does it really cost to run a dehumidifier. Let us know in the comments below how much does the unit currently own cost and what is the average monthly bill when you own a dehumidifier operating at all times.

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About The Author

Olivia β€” a self-confessed air quality addict β€” is a home climate enthusiast, fresh air advocate, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about mold extermination. Her work was mentioned in countless notable humidity publications. Previously she was an editor at Mold Remediation.