If sticky summers or musty shoulder seasons are a thing at your place, a whole‑home system can make your air feel lighter and your AC work easier. But what’s the whole house dehumidifier installation cost—equipment, labor, and the extras that pop up once you open the ductwork?
Quick answer: Across national cost guides and contractor data, most homeowners spend about $1,500–$3,500 installed, with simpler tie‑ins landing nearer the bottom and complex attic/crawl‑space or new‑duct installs pushing higher.
The Short Version (so you can budget fast)
- Typical installed total: $1,500–$3,500 (national range).
- Unit price (whole‑house/central): about $1,100–$2,500+, depending on capacity, features, and brand.
- Labor to install: usually $500–$1,500, depending on access and complexity.
- Common add‑ons:
- Internal/external pump: $150–$500
- New ductwork (if needed): $1,000–$2,700
- Electrical permit/labor: $50–$200 permit; electricians often $50–$100/hr
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Monthly energy: roughly $15–$25
(You won’t need all of these, but they’re the usual suspects.)
Reality check: Some HVAC contractors report “most jobs we do” come in around $2,000–$3,500 for a professional install, which aligns with the national averages above.
What Drives Your Price (and how to control it)
1) Capacity & efficiency
Bigger homes or wetter basements need higher pint‑per‑day (PPD) capacity. Higher‑efficiency units cost more up front but may cost less to run. Expect unit prices to step up as capacity climbs.
2) Installation method
- Tie‑in to existing HVAC return/supply (often called central or furnace dehumidifier): usually the most seamless and common path.
- Dedicated ducting/standalone (ventilating): costs more if you add a separate return or fresh‑air intake. Duct runs and tight spaces (attic, crawl) increase labor.
3) Drainage
Gravity drain is cheapest if a floor drain/sump is nearby. If not, budget an internal/external pump.
4) Access & local labor
Attic installs, cramped mechanical rooms, or long condensate/drain runs add time. Labor also varies by city—high‑cost metros trend higher.
5) Electrical & permits
New circuit/GFCI or longer wire runs add small but real line items. Many municipalities require a minor permit.
Whole‑Home Dehumidifier Cost by Size (what you’re paying for)
You’ll see options marketed as whole‑house, central, HVAC, or furnace dehumidifiers. Entry models for smaller homes are typically in the low $1,000s; larger‑capacity systems with app control or fresh‑air integration push above $2,000 before labor. For reference, an in‑stock whole‑house category shows ~$1,299 to $2,499 across capacities sized for ~2,300–4,500 sq. ft.
Your whole house dehumidifier cost (equipment only) often lands between $1,100 and $2,500+, then you add installation. Many homeowners see an all‑in, installed number of $1,500–$3,500 depending on size and complexity.
Labor: Cost to Add a Dehumidifier to HVAC (a.k.a. “central” or “furnace” dehumidifier)
What the crew actually does:
- Mounts/levels the unit, ties return/supply into ductwork
- Runs drain to a floor drain/sump (or installs pump)
- Wires control (humistat/thermostat integration), configures setpoints
- Tests for condensate leaks and airflow, confirms defrost/reheat operation
Typical labor: $500–$1,500 in most homes; complex spaces or long duct runs can add more time. Some contractor price pages cite $2,000–$3,500 including both equipment and labor as their most common jobs.
Common extras:
- Pump kit: $150–$500
- New ducting: $1,000–$2,700 if you add a dedicated return/branch
- Electrical permit: $50–$200 (varies by city)
- Old unit removal: $35–$200
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HVAC disconnect/reconnect: ~$90–$120 if needed for access
These appear regularly in cost guides and can swing your dehumidifier installation cost up or down.
Real‑World Budgets (3 quick scenarios)
These examples combine national guide ranges with typical contractor experience to help you sanity‑check quotes. Your home may differ.
Scenario A — Tie‑in, easy access (closet/garage), gravity drain
- Unit: $1,200–$1,800
- Labor & materials: $600–$900
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Total: $1,800–$2,700 installed
This looks like the classic “cost to install whole house dehumidifier” in average homes with decent access.
Scenario B — Attic or crawl space, pump required
- Unit: $1,500–$2,300
- Labor: $800–$1,400
- Pump & misc.: $150–$400
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Total: $2,450–$4,100 installed
Hard‑to‑reach spaces and pumps nudge budgets into the higher band some contractors report.
Scenario C — Add dedicated return duct / ventilation intake
- Unit: $1,600–$2,500
- Labor: $900–$1,500
- Ductwork & parts: $1,000–$2,700
- Total: $3,500–$6,700 installed (less common; plan carefully)
If your quote is far above/below these, check the scope: ductwork, electrical, pump, and location drive most differences.
“How much do whole‑house dehumidifiers cost to run?”
Plan on ~$15–$25 per month, assuming moderate runtime and average electric rates. Portables, by comparison, are often quoted around $12–$32/month, but you may need two or three of them and you’ll empty buckets. A central unit is quieter, automatic, and treats the whole home.
Picking Size & Features (so you don’t overspend)
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Match capacity to square footage and moisture load. Homes with finished basements or coastal climates typically need higher PPD. A hygrometer helps you size honestly. Basic models cost about $15–$25. Aim to maintain 30–50% RH indoors for comfort and mold prevention.
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Drainage first. Gravity drains are cheaper; go pump only when you must.
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Controls. Simple wall humidistat is fine. App/Wi‑Fi control is a convenience, not a must‑have, but can help you fine‑tune runtime.
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Service life. Well‑maintained systems commonly reach ~5–8 years or more; filters and periodic checks matter.
Whole‑Home vs. Portable (and why “furnace dehumidifier cost” looks higher)
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Portable units (one per room) have a low sticker price but are noisier, need emptying, and don’t fix humidity in distant rooms.
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Central/HVAC dehumidifiers cost more installed but handle the entire home automatically, reduce AC strain, and hide in mechanical spaces. Many homeowners find the comfort/maintenance trade‑off worth it, which is why you’ll see national averages $1,500–$3,500 installed for the whole‑house route.
Sample Products & Prices (so you can sense‑check quotes)
A typical whole house dehumidifier cost (equipment only) in the U.S. storefronts runs ~$1,299–$2,499 across models sized for roughly 2,300–4,500 sq. ft. You’ll see features like internal pump or fresh‑air/fan modes, app connectivity, and low‑temperature operation. Use those prices as a baseline, then add your local labor.
Shopping note: If you’re browsing TheDryAir’s Whole House Dehumidifiers category, prioritize capacity (PPD @ AHAM), operating temp range for your install location (attic/basement), and drainage method.
Ways to Save (without compromising performance)
- Use existing returns where possible; avoid new duct runs unless airflow or IAQ requires it.
- Plan the drain path to keep it gravity‑fed. Skip the pump unless your layout demands it.
- Bundle work (AC maintenance/coil cleaning + dehumidifier install) to reduce truck rolls.
- Right‑size capacity. Oversizing hikes central dehumidifier cost with little benefit; undersizing runs constantly and disappoints.
- Collect apples‑to‑apples quotes. Confirm each estimate includes unit model/capacity, duct scope, pump (Y/N), electrical, controls, and permits. (National tables show large swings when ductwork is added.)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a whole house dehumidifier—installed?
Most projects fall between $1,500 and $3,500 installed, depending on unit size, tie‑in vs. new ducting, access, and drainage. Simple tie‑ins tend to be closer to the low end.
What’s the cost to add a dehumidifier to HVAC (sometimes searched as “cost to add dehumidifier to hyac”)?
When you’re just adding a duct‑mounted unit to an existing return/supply with a gravity drain, many homeowners see totals around $1,600–$2,700. Pumps, attic/crawl installs, or added ducts can lift that into the $2,500–$4,000+ range.
What’s a “furnace dehumidifier cost” vs. a basement unit?
“Furnace” or central HVAC dehumidifiers tie into your air handler and treat the whole home; basement systems may be localized but can influence upstairs humidity. Installed costs overlap, with whole‑home systems commonly $1,500–$3,500 and basement installs often $1,100–$2,800 depending on size and ducting.
How long do whole‑house dehumidifiers last?
Around 5–8 years or longer with proper maintenance, according to manufacturer guidance. Usage and climate matter.
How much will it add to my power bill?
Plan on about $15–$25/month for a whole‑house unit under typical use. Portables are often quoted at $12–$32/month each, but you may need more than one.
Bottom Line
- Whole home dehumidifier cost installed: $1,500–$3,500 for most homes; higher when adding new ducts or working in difficult spaces.
- Plan for small extras (pump, permit, electrical) to avoid surprises.
- Size first, then features. The right capacity and a simple gravity drain save money and headaches.
When you’re ready, browse TheDryAir’s Whole House Dehumidifiers category to compare capacities and shortlist your best fit.
