Cost is a common concern among homeowners when buying a dehumidifier. It’s true that some high capacity whole-house dehumidifiers can be very expensive, going up to $2,000, not including the costs of installation, operation, and maintenance. However, not everyone needs that type of dehumidifier. Some small, portable units cost no more than $50 and work well enough in most tiny rooms.
Dehumidifier costs are directly related to the moisture removal capacity, but it can vary greatly depending on other features and the brand. The type of installation, including the drainage system, should also be taken into account when costing your dehumidifier. You might need a portable dehumidifier for temporary solutions in multiple rooms, or a permanently installed unit for one large area or the entire house.
The best cheap dehumidifier costs way less than a specialty commercial desiccant dehumidifier. To find a good estimate of costs in buying and operating a dehumidifier, it’s good to be aware of the following key factors.
Type of Dehumidifier
There are three main types of portable dehumidifiers, there are compressor-based, desiccant, and Peltier dehumidifiers. We differentiate them by the process of moisture removal they use. As the names suggest, compressor dehumidifiers are composed mainly of a compressor and refrigerant coils, the desiccant uses some kind of desiccant substance, while the Peltier units use a small fan and a Peltier module.
Compressor Dehumidifier
Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Typically, compressor dehumidifiers are more affordable than desiccant models, but the performance declines in lower temperatures. Most dehumidifiers work more effectively in warmer climates. Compressor models, in particular, are perfect for humid areas with 65F temperature or higher.
This is because this type works by using cold coils to condense the moisture in the air into water droplets. When the air is cooler than the coils, moisture cannot condense. Instead it may freeze inside the machine, causing significant damage after prolonged periods. Compressor dehumidifiers can go anywhere from $100 to $500 depending on the brand, capacity, and other features.
Peltier Dehumidifier
Similar to the compressor type, a Peltier or thermoelectric dehumidifier decreases effectiveness in extreme temperatures. The main difference is the smaller Peltier type does not use a compressor but a Peltier module where electricity is converted into a difference in temperature. Because this dehumidifier only consists of a small fan and a Peltier module with two heat sinks, it’s the cheapest type you can get. The smallest units cost as low as $30, while larger units with additional features come at less than $100.
Desiccant Dehumidifier
On the other hand, if you need the unit to operate in colder conditions, a desiccant dehumidifier is probably the best option. It works by absorbing or adsorbing moisture from the air. There are different types of desiccant dehumidifiers depending on its renewability and moisture removal capacity, which we will get to later.
Disposable desiccant dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers are very cheap and typically come in small tubs or buckets costing $20 to $30 for a pack of six or eight. Renewable, cordless dehumidifiers are also very cheap but small. However, full-size units can cost about twice a compressor model of similar capacity. So, you need to really think about the type of dehumidifier you’ll get to avoid wasting money on the wrong unit.
Dehumidifier Size
Next to the type of dehumidifier, the moisture removal capacity, typically measured in pints per day or PPD, is a crucial factor to consider. The volume of excess moisture in the environment, and the total square footage area of your space determine the dehumidifier capacity you should look for. It will also directly affect the cost of your dehumidifier.
As a general rule, the larger the area and the more humid the air is, the higher the capacity you need. However, it doesn’t mean that you should get the biggest dehumidifier you can find. Most 20 or 22-pint units are recommended for spaces within 1,500 square feet, while 30 to 35-pint are for spaces up to 3,000 square feet, and the 50-pint units can cover up to 4,500 square feet. Use only the right size for your space to maximize its effectiveness and efficiency. Naturally, a higher capacity will cost more on initial purchase.
Portable dehumidifiers have a capacity ranging from 20 to 70 pints per day for compressor units, which cost $100 to $500 depending on the brand and other features. For example, as of this writing a 22-pint Ivation dehumidifier is currently priced at $200, while a 50-pint model from the same brand is almost $270, and a similar 50-pint with additional drainage pump functionality and Wi-Fi capability is even more pricey at $340. For comparison, a similar 50-pint dehumidifier by Frigidaire is on the higher end with a price of almost $300.
Meanwhile, Peltier units range from 8 to 25 oz or 0.5 to 1.5 pints, for about one-tenth the price of a 50-pint compressor dehumidifier. Taking another example from Ivation dehumidifiers, the 8.5-oz IVADM10 is around $40, while the bigger, 20-oz IVADM35 costs $80. However, the coverage area for these units do not differ by a huge number. Peltier dehumidifiers are recommended for spaces around 100 to 250 square feet.
Desiccant dehumidifiers, on the other hand, range from 10 to 20 pints for full-size models. For instance, the 13-pint and 19-pint Ivation, cost $180 and $200, respectively. Renewable dehumidifiers like this mini Eva-Dry unit, are much cheaper at $15 to $40. However, these mini dehumidifiers have very little capacity, as low as 4 to 6 oz. They are designed for tiny spaces that accumulate moisture, such as a closet, kitchen pantry, gun safe, and even a car or boat cabin. They will not impact the humidity in a regular room.
If you’re looking for a crawl space or whole-house dehumidifier, these units start at $800 for a 50-pint capacity and go up to $2,000 for a 200-pint or higher. Likewise, desiccant models are even more expensive.
Installation and Other Additional Costs
Depending on the type of dehumidifier you get, installation may incur additional costs for the tools, equipment, and hiring a licensed contractor. Portable units usually don’t require any extras, but if necessary you may purchase a hygrometer for a more accurate tracking of humidity levels.
When installing a dehumidifier, you’ll also need to think about where the condensate will go. All dehumidifiers (except the mini desiccant units) collect water in an internal reservoir. For higher capacity units (like crawl space dehumidifiers), it may be more convenient to use a drain hose or pump for automatic drainage. You may need to purchase the hose separately, or if you want, an external condensate pump, adding $50 to $100 to your total costs.
Most dehumidifiers also come with a filter to catch dust and other pollutants in the air that enters the unit. These are usually washable and last as long as the unit itself, but you may also need to replace the filters. Check with the manufacturer for the type of filter and the duration of cleaning or replacement.
If you choose to install your dehumidifier permanently in your crawl space or HVAC system, you may need hanging brackets and ducting supplies specifically designed for it. Some units also work with a remote control you can purchase separately. Finally, professional installation can cost upward of $1000, not including the tools you need.
Cost of Operation
Now that you know how much it costs to buy a dehumidifier, your next question may be how much it costs to operate your unit. To estimate the cost of running a dehumidifier, you need to know how much power it draws. For reference, a 30-pint compressor dehumidifier draws around 300 to 500 Watts, while a 50-pint can go from 500 to 800 Watts. Peltier dehumidifiers have very low power consumption, from 20 up to 50 Watts.
Unsurprisingly, a higher capacity unit draws more power. To optimize your consumption, make sure your dehumidifier is rated to remove a little more than the amount of moisture in the room so that the unit will not always run on its highest settings.
For a more precise calculation of your electricity bill, you must also know the rate of electricity in your area, aside from the amount of power your dehumidifier draws. At this time, the average cost of electricity in the US is around $0.13/kWh at the time of writing. To estimate the hourly cost of running your dehumidifier, multiply the power consumption in kW with the rate of electricity in cents per kWh. Remember that one kilowatt is equivalent to 1000 Watts, so you need to divide the value by 1000 if the power consumption is expressed in Watts.
For example, the Pro Breeze Peltier Dehumidifier draws 23 Watts, so we can estimate the hourly cost to $0.003 if your electricity rate is $0.13/kWh. Meanwhile, a Frigidaire 50-pint draws 545 Watts and the estimated electricity cost is $0.071 per hour. Note that these are only estimates given our assumptions. Your actual electricity cost will vary depending on your area and the frequency of usage.
Tips on Reducing Dehumidifier Costs
Find the right size dehumidifier.
Again we mention how critical it is to use the right size dehumidifier for your space to maximize its effectiveness and efficiency. If you use a dehumidifier with a smaller capacity than you need, it has to work harder for a longer period, leading to higher consumption and an overworked device. To find the right size dehumidifier, measure the area of the space you need to dehumidify. If you notice visible signs of moisture like condensation, mold, or rust, go with a higher capacity unit. In case of extreme dampness, it may be better to get the next bigger size recommended for your square footage.
Choose an energy efficient model.
To further reduce your electricity costs, get a dehumidifier with an Energy Star certification. This label is only given to products that meet the EPA’s energy efficiency requirements for dehumidifiers. Energy efficient models can save energy by up to 20% more than a non-rated dehumidifier of the same size. Larger dehumidifiers are generally more energy efficient, but you should only get the right size for your space.
Remove the sources of humidity.
Some common household activities can cause relative humidity to rise for certain periods. When you use the bathroom or cook in the kitchen, open a vent or window and run an exhaust fan to keep the moisture out and improve air circulation. Also avoid drying your laundry indoors. Finally, if you still have humidity problems, check your plumbing. If there’s a leak somewhere in your house, you’ll notice damp spots on your walls or floor. Clogged gutters can also raise humidity levels so make sure to keep them clean and clear.
Use your dehumidifier properly.
Dehumidifiers generally perform well in a warm, humid indoor environment and start to experience problems in lower temperatures. If you get really cold winters in your area, get a dehumidifier designed to operate at the given temperature. Additionally, frequent cleaning of your dehumidifier helps maintain proper functioning. Depending on the type of dehumidifier, there is a recommended way of cleaning. Refer to your manual for more specific instructions.
Conclusion
So, how much does a dehumidifier cost? It varies greatly depending on the capacity and many other factors. A dehumidifier may seem like a costly appliance to own, but you need not be intimidated by these figures if you know exactly what to look for. Find the right type of dehumidifier based on the size of your space, humidity levels, and temperature. Assess your home to have a clear idea where and how you’ll install and operate your dehumidifier. Some brands may offer add-ons for more flexibility in operation and drainage. For a more complicated installation, you may want to hire a professional. This will all add to your dehumidifier costs. Luckily, there are many ways you can reduce your expenses in buying, operating, and maintaining your dehumidifier. The most important among these is to find the right size dehumidifier for your space. Now if you need a unit for more specific purposes, we have many buying guides and recommendations to help you choose.
