Cost of Whole House Dehumidifier: Prices, Labor, Factors

A whole-house dehumidifier is a moisture-removal system that ties into your home’s HVAC or ductwork to pull humidity from every room, not just a single space. Instead of emptying buckets from portable units, it drains automatically and maintains a set indoor humidity level for better comfort, fewer musty odors, and less risk of mold or wood damage. Because it’s integrated and sized to your home, the total cost includes the equipment plus professional installation. Most homeowners can expect a ballpark of roughly $1,300–$3,500 installed, with simpler setups on the low end and complex, tight-access, or large-capacity projects reaching higher.

This guide breaks down that number so you can plan with confidence. You’ll see typical prices for the unit and labor, what add-ons (like pumps, controls, or new duct runs) do to the bill, and how home size, capacity (pints/day), drainage, and install location influence cost. We’ll cover brand and efficiency differences, regional and seasonal price swings, ongoing operating and maintenance costs, and lifespan and total cost of ownership. You’ll also get a quick comparison with portable units, guidance on when a whole-home system makes sense—or when to fix moisture sources first—plus notes on DIY vs. pro installation and how to get and compare accurate quotes. Let’s unpack what a fair price looks like and what drives it.

What a whole-house dehumidifier costs (unit and installation)

Expect the installed cost of a whole-house dehumidifier to land between $1,300 and $3,500 for most homes. Industry sources commonly cite $1,500–$3,000 as typical, with the unit itself running about $1,200–$2,000 and professional installation adding roughly $500–$1,500 depending on access, drainage, and duct tie-ins. Some brands quote ranges as low as $1,000–$2,800 for straightforward installs, while larger-capacity units or challenging locations (attic or crawl space), new ductwork, or electrical upgrades can push totals toward $3,500–$4,000+. This is the practical baseline for planning your whole house dehumidifier cost.

Price breakdown: equipment, labor, and typical add-ons

Once you know the ballpark, it helps to see where the dollars go. Here’s how the cost of a whole house dehumidifier typically breaks down, with ranges pulled from industry sources and national pricing guides so you can spot a fair quote.

• Equipment: $1,200–$2,000 typical (some brands/models up to ~$2,500).
• Labor: $500–$1,500 depending on access, drainage, and duct tie-ins.
• Condensate pump: +$150–$500 for an internal pump; ~$125 for an external pump.
• Ductwork (if needed): $1,000–$2,700 for new or significant modifications.
• Electrical, permits, misc.: $50–$100/hr (electrical); $50–$200 (permits); $35–$40 (old unit removal); $20–$25 (supplies); $90–$115 (HVAC disconnect).

Home size and capacity (pints/day) and how they influence price

Whole-house dehumidifiers are sized by capacity in pints per day. Lower-capacity models start around 60 pints/day, while higher-capacity units exceed 150 pints/day. Larger homes and homes in high-humidity climates generally need more capacity, which pushes equipment prices to the top of the typical range and can bring installed costs into the $3,000–$3,500+ tier (and up to ~$4,000 when combined with other complexities). Your square footage, baseline indoor humidity, and whether you have moisture-prone areas (like finished basements) are key inputs a pro uses to right-size the system and avoid under- or over-spending.

• Smaller spaces/moderate humidity: Lower-capacity (~60 pints/day) units often suffice, keeping costs near the low end.
• Larger homes/persistent humidity: Higher-capacity (150+ pints/day) units raise equipment cost and may require more involved duct tie-ins.

Drainage method and pumps (gravity drain vs. condensate pump)

How you drain the moisture can swing the total cost of a whole house dehumidifier and the installation complexity. If you have a nearby floor drain and a clear downhill path, a simple gravity drain is cheapest. If the unit sits below the drain line or there’s no fall, you’ll need a condensate pump.

• Gravity drain: Lowest cost and quiet; just a hose to a floor drain with continuous downward slope. Minimal added labor.
• Internal pump: Adds about $150–$500 to the project; pushes water up to a drain when gravity won’t work. Adds a component to service.
• External pump: Roughly $125 plus labor; flexible placement with similar pros/cons as an internal pump.

Installation location and access (attic, basement, crawl space)

Where you place the unit directly affects labor time—and therefore the cost of a whole house dehumidifier. Easy, open locations like a basement, garage, or utility closet are faster installs; tight, hot attics or low crawl spaces take longer and can complicate drainage. Attics and crawls often lack a downhill path to a floor drain, increasing the chance you’ll need a condensate pump. In short, difficult access can push labor toward the top of the typical $500–$1,500 range cited earlier.

Ductwork, electrical, and permits that can add to the bill

Beyond the unit and basic labor, “infrastructure” work can nudge the cost of a whole house dehumidifier up or down. If your system needs new or modified duct runs for proper airflow, a safe power source, or code-required paperwork, your installer will price these as separate line items.

• Ductwork: $1,000–$2,700 for new runs or significant modifications.
• Electrical: $50–$100 per hour for wiring or a new circuit, if needed.
• Permits: $50–$200 where required for electrical/mechanical work.
• Small add-ons: $20–$25 for supplies, $90–$115 for an HVAC disconnect, $35–$40 to remove an old unit.

Brand, features, efficiency, and warranties

Brand tier and feature set can swing the equipment price of a whole-house dehumidifier by several hundred dollars. Higher-efficiency models and premium brands generally cost more up front but can run quieter, integrate smarter controls, and ease day‑to‑day use. Add-on capabilities (built‑in pumps, advanced filtration, wall controllers) also nudge the price. Solid warranties and optional service agreements help cap repair risk over a typical 5–8+ year lifespan.

• Brand tier: Premium manufacturers tend to price higher for build quality and support.
• Features: Smart controls, integrated pumps, and filtration increase cost and convenience.
• Efficiency: Higher-efficiency units cost more initially but can trim AC workload.
• Warranties: Broader coverage/extended agreements can reduce lifetime ownership costs.

Regional market and seasonality effects on pricing

Location matters for the cost of a whole house dehumidifier. Labor rates vary across the U.S. (higher in large, high‑cost metros), and national guides show installed totals trending higher in places like New York or Los Angeles than in mid‑markets such as Dallas or Cheyenne. Climate also plays a role: areas with persistently high humidity often need higher‑capacity units, pushing equipment costs upward. Seasonality mainly affects demand and scheduling—request quotes before peak summer to compare bids without time pressure.

Operating costs and maintenance over time

After the upfront cost of a whole house dehumidifier, your ongoing spend is mostly electricity plus a light maintenance routine. Expect roughly $15–$25 per month in energy during humid seasons, depending on capacity, climate, and run time. Whole‑home units are designed to be efficient and run automatically, and by lowering indoor humidity they can reduce some AC workload.

• Energy use: Driven by unit size, setpoint, and hours of operation; a condensate pump adds a small power draw when it runs.
• Annual service: A quick yearly visit to clean filters, inspect/flush drainage lines, and check performance/pump operation.
• Homeowner upkeep: Keep the return filter clean, ensure the drain path stays clear, and verify your humidity setpoint (often 45–50% RH).

Lifespan and total cost of ownership (TCO)

Plan on a 5–8+ year service life for a whole‑house dehumidifier when installed and maintained properly. Your total cost of ownership combines the upfront install with seasonal electricity and light maintenance. Expect roughly $15–$25/month in energy during humid months, plus a quick annual service to clean filters and check drainage. Solid warranties and correct sizing/drainage help reduce repair risk and extend life.

TCO = upfront install + (energy_per_month × humid_months_per_year × years) + (annual_service × years)

• Right‑size capacity: Avoids excessive runtime and premature wear.
• Prefer gravity drain when possible: Fewer moving parts, lower cost.
• Ensure easy access: Simplifies service and keeps labor down.

Whole-home vs. portable dehumidifiers: cost and coverage trade-offs

If you’re comparing the cost of a whole house dehumidifier to portables, look past sticker price. A whole-home system typically runs $1,300–$3,500 installed. Portables are $150–$400 each, but most homes need 2–3 units to cover basements, bedrooms, and living areas. Whole-home units integrate with HVAC, drain automatically, keep humidity consistent, and can reduce AC workload, while portables add daily bucket-emptying and uneven results.

• Coverage: Whole-home treats every room via ductwork; portables only dry the room they’re in.
• Convenience: Automatic control and drainage vs. manual emptying or add-on hoses.
• Noise/placement: Remote, quieter operation vs. room-based units you see and hear.

Use portables for a single damp room; choose whole-home when humidity is widespread.

When a whole-house dehumidifier makes sense—and when to solve moisture sources first

Choose a whole-house dehumidifier when humidity is persistent and widespread—musty odors, sticky rooms, or RH that stays high even with the AC running—especially in homes with finished basements, allergy sensitivities, or older construction. It delivers consistent, automatic control across the entire home, which portables can’t. But tackle root causes first: fix plumbing/roof leaks and bulk water entry, improve grading/drainage, add/repair bathroom and kitchen exhaust, and address damp crawlspaces. After source control, the cost of a whole house dehumidifier pays off with reliable, whole‑home comfort.

Alternatives and complements: ventilation and whole house fans

If the cost of a whole house dehumidifier gives you pause, smart ventilation can be an effective alternative—or a complement. Use bath and kitchen exhaust and leverage an insulated whole house fan to purge heat and stale air at night. In many climates, this can cut cooling energy 50–90% and, when outdoor air is drier, lower indoor humidity. Just remember: fans ventilate; persistent dampness still calls for a whole‑home dehumidifier.

DIY vs. professional installation: safety, warranty, and code

If you’re handy, you can place the unit and run a drain, but a whole‑house dehumidifier is an HVAC appliance tied to ductwork and power. Manufacturers recommend pro installation because mistakes cause leaks, electrical hazards, failed inspections, and poor control. A pro sizes the unit, sets gravity drain or a pump, wires controls, and commissions airflow to spec and support coverage. If you DIY, keep it to a basement with a gravity drain, expect permits ($50–$200), and hire an electrician for new circuits ($50–$100/hr).

How to get accurate quotes and compare bids

To get apples‑to‑apples pricing on the cost of a whole house dehumidifier, give each contractor the same information and require a site visit. Share home square footage, layout, humidity pain points, preferred install location, and drainage options. Ask for written, line‑item quotes and model numbers.

• Unit details: Capacity (pints/day), brand/model, and controls.
• Scope extras: Ductwork, electrical, permits, and any pump.
• Assumptions: Install location/access and drain method (gravity vs. pump).
• Protection: Warranty on parts, labor, and workmanship.
• Project terms: Final price, timeline, commissioning, and haul‑away.

Key takeaways and next steps

You’ve seen what really drives price: unit capacity, drainage, access, and scope extras like ductwork or electrical. Keep the install simple where you can—choose a location with easy access, aim for a gravity drain, and right‑size capacity. Get line‑item bids before peak season so you can compare apples to apples without time pressure.

• Installed cost: $1,300–$3,500; complex jobs can reach ~$4,000+.
• Biggest adders: Ductwork, hard access (attic/crawl), pumps, electrical/permits.
• Sizing: Match pints/day to home size, climate, and moisture load.
• Ongoing: ~$15–$25/month in humid seasons; quick yearly service.
• Priority: Fix moisture sources first; choose whole‑home for widespread humidity.

Next, document square footage, symptoms, and a preferred drain path, then gather two or three site‑verified quotes with model numbers and scope. If you also want low‑energy cooling and fresh‑air relief, explore modern insulated whole house fans at Whole House Fan.