How Much Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost? [2026 Data]

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Cost Insights:
  • Whole-house dehumidifier installation costs between $1,300 and $2,800, based on your home size and ductwork.

  • Your unit’s capacity and efficiency rating shape humidity control and your monthly energy use, especially in damp climates.

  • You should budget for internal pumps ($150 to $500), electrical work, permits, and removal of your old dehumidifier.

  • Hiring a local HVAC company ensures proper ductwork connections, correct wiring, and protects your home from moisture damage.

In 2026, the national average cost to install a whole-house dehumidifier is $1,500. Most homeowners spend between $1,300 and $2,800, with the spread driven by home size, ductwork complexity, and the unit's capacity and efficiency rating. Budgeting for extras like internal pumps, electrical work, and permits will help you plan for the full project cost.

How Much Does a Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost by Type?

Dehumidifier costs range from $800 for a basic basement unit to $7,000 for a two-stage air conditioner that also dehumidifies the whole home. The table below compares average costs across three dehumidifier types, along with a description of each one:

TypeAverage Cost in 2026Description
Whole-house dehumidifier$1,100 to $2,500Attaches to the return ductwork of your existing HVAC system; available in multiple sizes and power ratings
Basement unit$800–$2,000Dehumidifies the basement only; helps prevent mold, mildew, and water damage
Two-stage air conditioner$5,000 to $7,000Combines an air conditioner and a dehumidifier to treat the entire home; the highest-cost option because it also provides cooling

Whole-House Dehumidifier Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Lowering the humidity in your home helps prevent mold growth and reduce dust, and several key factors shape what you'll pay for a whole-house dehumidifier. The breakdown below covers the cost variables that matter most.

Capacity

Capacity measures how much moisture a dehumidifier removes from the air each day, and it’s one of the primary drivers of unit cost. Lower-capacity models start at around 60 pints per day, while higher-capacity units can remove more than 150 pints per day. As capacity increases, so does the price you can expect to pay.

Efficiency

A dehumidifier's efficiency rating reflects how much energy the unit consumes per pint of moisture removed. Higher-efficiency models cost more upfront but use less energy per pint, which can meaningfully reduce your monthly energy bills over time.

Internal Pump

Installing a dehumidifier below grade, such as in a basement or underground space, typically requires an internal pump to move moisture up and out of the home, adding $150 to $500 to your installation cost.

Location in the Home

The installation location within your home directly affects what you pay, since hard-to-reach spaces require more time to work in and drive up labor costs. An easy-to-access spot like a clean garage will cost noticeably less than a cramped or obstructed area.

Labor

Labor to install a whole-house dehumidifier runs $500 to $700, covering assembly, fastening, connecting the inlet and outlet supply to your central air system, and adding the appropriate wiring. That cost should also include mounting and configuring the humidity controllers that govern your home's settings. If you need additional supplies such as mounting hardware and fasteners, budget an extra $20 to $25.

Permits

Installing a new electrical circuit and wiring for your dehumidifier may require a permit, with fees ranging from $50 to $200 depending on your municipality.

Geographic Location

Where you live affects your total dehumidifier cost, with labor rates in high-cost cities running noticeably higher than those in rural or lower-cost regions. The table below shows how whole-house dehumidifier costs vary in different cities across the U.S.:

LocationAverage Cost Without Labor in 2026Average Cost With Labor in 2026
Los Angeles, CA$1,700–$2,000$2,800–$3,400
Dallas, TX$1,600–$1,900$2,500–$3,000
Nashville, TN$1,600–$1,900$2,600–$3,000
New York, NY$1,800–$2,100$3,200–$3,800
Cheyenne, WY$1,600–$1,900$2,600–$3,200
Newark, NJ$1,700–$2,000$3,000–$3,600
Juneau, AK$1,700–$2,100$3,200–$3,800

Whole-House Dehumidifier Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Beyond the unit and standard installation, several additional expenses can affect your total budget for a whole-house dehumidifier.

  • Air duct installation: $1,000–$2,700

  • Electrical work: $50–$100 per hour

  • External drainage pump: $125

  • Removing old dehumidifier: $35–$40

  • HVAC disconnect during installation: $90–$115

  • Monthly energy cost: $15–$25 per month

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Unless you have professional expertise in electrical and HVAC work, installing a whole-house dehumidifier yourself is not recommended since it's a fairly complex project. Improper installation can lead to very costly damage down the line. 

The cost to hire a local HVAC company to install a whole-house dehumidifier (including the cost of labor) can range from around $2,000 to upwards of $3,500. However, if you decide to take on the project yourself, you can skip labor costs altogether. Instead, you'll only pay for the dehumidifier and any tools needed to install it.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Getting a whole-house dehumidifier can help you save money on energy bills. How? Your home automatically feels cooler when there’s less humidity in the air (“It’s the humidity that gets ya!” is such a true statement). This means that you won’t need to run your AC as much as you would if you had all that extra humidity in your home.

A whole-house dehumidifier is a major investment, despite the benefits of comfort and safety. Research the local HVAC contractor and their company ahead of time to make sure they have the appropriate insurance and licensing. You should also read reviews online to look for any red flags.

Finally, call them and discuss the project. A reputable contractor will be more than happy to get into specifics regarding the installation process, the pricing, and other beneficial HVAC upgrades to consider.

Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are actually quite similar, though they perform different jobs. Dehumidifiers reduce moisture in the air, while air conditioners work to cool the home. A good central AC unit will naturally perform a certain level of dehumidification due to its design, but it will not be able to handle excessive levels of moisture.

Dehumidifiers typically use 300 to 700 watts of electricity per hour, whereas portable dehumidifiers use about 40 watts per hour. The exact amount of electricity your dehumidifier will generate depends on its capacity and energy efficiency. Generally, higher-capacity dehumidifiers generate more electricity than lower-capacity units, but they also usually have better energy efficiency over the long run.

If your house is less than 2,000 square feet, you might be able to use a portable dehumidifier for your entire home. However, you’ll need to install the dehumidifier in an area with optimal circulation. But remember that portable dehumidifiers are typically less energy efficient than permanent dehumidifiers, so they can drive up your utility bills over time.

Ideal humidity conditions generally range from 30% to 50%, with 45% considered optimal humidity for most homes. If your humidity levels drop below that range, you can turn your dehumidifier off. Additionally, suppose the temperature where the dehumidifier is installed falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In that case, it's best to turn it off and unplug it since cooler temperatures can cause the unit's coils to freeze.

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