Eliminate the issues caused by too much humidity in your home
Whole-house dehumidifiers play a significant role in making a home comfortable and safe. Not only does a dehumidifier help with mold prevention, but it helps you achieve the ideal indoor humidity level of between 30% to 50%. Learn how to install a whole-house dehumidifier, as well as a few considerations to keep in mind before starting this project.
There are a few considerations to keep in mind with this project. Before installing a whole-house dehumidifier, you should assess your home’s humidity levels. This important step will help you choose the right dehumidifier model for your home. You’ll also want to take time to gather necessary materials, and read manufacturer instructions.
Assessing the humidity levels throughout your home will help you determine the type, size, and capacity of the whole-house dehumidifier you need. Using a hygrometer device is one of the easiest and most common ways to measure humidity levels in your home. The basic models, which can be found at most local hardware stores, cost between $15 and $25. Place the hygrometer throughout your home–in the basement, bedrooms, and living room–for an accurate reading of humidity levels..
There are a few important aspects to consider when choosing the right whole-house dehumidifier for your home.
Energy Efficiency: Look for units with Energy Star certification to save on future utility bills.
Capacity: The size of your home and its location will inform the type and size of dehumidifier you need. For example, you may need a high-capacity dehumidifier if you have a large, multi-story home or live in a high-humidity location.
Noise Level: Check the model decibel ratings to ensure you’re getting a unit that will run on the quiet side.
Features: Some higher-end units may have programmable settings, digital displays, and automatic shut-off.
If you’re stumped over which model to go with, a local HVAC professional can walk you through the pros and cons of each type, as well as assess what might work best for your home.
Typically, whatever whole-house dehumidifier you purchase, it will come with installation directions and the needed parts. Depending on what’s included with your unit, you may need to purchase additional materials, such as PVC pipes. What’s included and what you’ll need can vary between manufacturers and humidifier types. Consult the manufacturer’s installation instructions for specific information.
To ensure your safety, shut off the power supply before installing a whole-house dehumidifier. This project will require work with electrical wires, so taking this precaution is crucial to overall safety. After locating the circuit breaker panel and identifying the correct circuit, switch off the circuit breaker. Double-check to ensure that the power is off before continuing.
There are different types of whole-house dehumidifiers, but this how-to guide will focus on installation steps for a bypass whole-house furnace dehumidifier, which are the least expensive to install out of the available options.
When choosing a location for the dehumidifier, look for an area in the ductwork that’s close to a power source, water source, and drain. Clean off the area and use a pen or marker to trace your humidifier template onto the duct. There should be a template for this included with your dehumidifier. Drill into the corners of the marked area, and carefully cut a hole using your aviation snips.
Once the hole is cut, hold the unit up to the hole to ensure it matches. Consider adding foam backing around the cut opening before mounting the unit to keep it airtight. Use your pocket knife to remove extra foam. Use a level to make sure the placement is even and balanced. (This way, water will trickle into the drain instead of out the sides.) Secure the unit with a drill.
Your whole-house dehumidifier will come with a humidistat, which gives you control over the humidity setting. Refer to the manufacturer’s directions to determine where to place the humidistat. Repeat the tracing and cutting method used to mount the humidifier. Secure the humidistat into the new hole using the screws included in the installation kit. Connect the humidistat to the furnace control based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
This next part of the process can be tricky, as it involves wiring the whole-house dehumidifier to electricity. Wiring can vary from model to model. If you are unfamiliar with electrical work, you may want to call a local electrician for this part of the installation process. If you decide to proceed, ensure that the power supply is off, and follow the manufacturer’s wiring directions.
The bottom of the whole-house dehumidifier will have a drain; the installation kit may have a plastic tube included for the drain. If this is not included in the kit, you’ll need 3/4-inch PVC pipes and fittings to create this. Extend the tube or pipe to the floor drain. If using PVC pipes and fittings, consider using PVC cement to seal the fixtures in place.
The dehumidifier’s installation kit will include a water supply line. Insert that line into the dehumidifier’s compression fitting. Tighten it with an adjustable wrench. Using the manufacturer’s directions as a guide, extend the water supply line to a water pipe in close proximity, and connect it to the saddle valve’s fitting. Check local building codes to see if saddle fittings are allowed. If they aren’t, install a tee fitting in the supply line.
The dehumidifier’s vent should stretch from the supply or return duct. Using a marker, trace the vent’s bypass collar onto the duct that sits opposite the dehumidifier. Cut a hole, and secure the collar with the installation kit’s screws. Then, attach the flexible duct to the collar and then to the dehumidifier.
Look back over your work to ensure that the unit and bypass vent are secure. Then, turn the water and power supplies back on, and open the saddle valve. Check for any leaks in the saddle valve. If there are no leaks, install the filter material (which should come with the installation kit) in the dehumidifier, and close the cover.
Knowing how to install a whole-house dehumidifier can save you money–if you have the know-how and an extra set of capable hands. However, if you don’t have professional experience in HVAC and electrical work, it is best to hire a pro who installs whole-house dehumidifiers. This is a complex project, and an improper installation can lead to costly damages and repairs down the line. Also, a pro will help ensure that the whole house dehumidifier functions properly and meets local compliance codes.
Typically, hiring a pro to install a whole-house dehumidifier costs between $1,300 and $2,800. If you decide to take the DIY route, you’ll save on labor costs, as you’ll only pay for the whole house dehumidifier and any tools needed for the installation.
This service was great. My air conditioner went out during the heat spell that we had. My husband has health issues and they came out that night and at 9:30pm the air conditioner was fixed and running. We are sooo very thankful, this is the company I will be using from now on and would...
Mr. Mechanical OhioI normally do not leave reviews, but my experience with Worthington Air was extremely frustrating and disappointing. About 30 days ago, I had a consultation done for an HVAC replacement and was quoted approximately $15,079. Based on that quote, I applied for financing through their company...
ARS Columbus Worthington AirGreat company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon MitigationRaven and crew does absolutely fantastic job. They are very professional if any concerns were to occur with any of her work she always took responsibility and finished out with a great job. I have worked with her business for a year and have always been satisfied. Very trusted business and...
Creations of Transformation LLCI would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCAce Fireplace Services' chimney sweep service is truly exceptional. They used advanced technology to ensure a thorough cleaning process, and my chimney has never looked better. I highly recommend their services.
Ace Fireplace ServicesThe technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimneyExcellent experience with hiring Tether House to Mount our 77’ Samsung TV in our bedroom. Fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Tether HouseOn time, clean and finished fast. Windows seem sturdy and the finish is good. Caulking was done with no smudges. Would recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
How much does a whole-house dehumidifier cost? The final price can vary. Explore our cost guide to see what impacts the price and start budgeting now.
Crawl space dehumidifier costs are worth it if you consider their effect on energy bills and avoiding moisture damage. Learn what makes up the total cost of the project.
Discover the primary whole-house air filtration system cost factors when installing one in your home to help remove airborne contaminants and allergens.
A whole-house dehumidifier is a necessity when the relative humidity levels surpass 50%. Find out who installs dehumidifiers—and why you need one—here.
Can a dehumidifier be added to a furnace? Yes, whole-house dehumidifiers can occupy a central spot in your HVAC system. Here’s what you need to know.
Knowing all the whole-house dehumidifier pros and cons will help you decide if an advanced air treatment system like this is worth it.
