Humidity presents a challenge, especially during the summer heat. High humidity can make the air feel heavy and may lead to become a breeding ground for mildew, bacteria, and dust mites’ growth. Excessive moisture in the basement leads to the deterioration of furnishings, such as carpet, wood, and structural elements. Items stored in the basement, especially those made from paper, cardboard, or cloth, are vulnerable to the effects of moisture and can also worsen asthma and other allergies. Mold reproduces by putting microscopic spores into the air that can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory ailments.
Effective dehumidifying in below-grade spaces like the basement or crawl space can end this severe form of indoor air pollution. Installing a basement dehumidifier can alleviate allergy symptoms, maintain an ideal relative humidity (RH) level, and improve the air quality to make your home feel more comfortable. A fan cycles humid air on the dehumidifier’s refrigerant coils, which absorbs heat from the air and condenses on the coil. This condensed water is drained away via a drainage outlet or collected in a water reservoir, and the air gradually becomes drier and more comfortable.
Benefits of Installing a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers discourage allergens’ growth, reduce musty odors, improve air quality, and balance the humidity level during cold weather when the humidity is high but the temperature is lower. In areas experiencing high humidity, a whole-house, crawl space, or basement dehumidifier is suitable for covering larger areas and equipped with high dehumidification capacity. Whole-house dehumidifiers can be connected to your HVAC system and remove moisture from the air that circulates viaducts. Basement and crawl space units can pull moisture out of these spaces to reduce mold growth, minimize the building structure’s deterioration, and capture moisture before it can rise into the home.
See also: Choosing a Dehumidifier – Pump vs No Pump
Dehumidifier Prices
Whole-house dehumidifiers, also known as a furnace or central units come with larger fan motors and compressors, consume more electricity and are priced higher than off-the-shelf portable models. The average price for a whole-house dehumidifier ranges between $900 and $2000, excluding installation costs. They can be attached to your HVAC system’s return ductwork, or you can install a dedicated return duct to your HVAC system to accommodate the dehumidifier. Basement and crawl space dehumidifiers retail around $800 to $1,200.
You can determine the machine’s size based on the area coverage and the levels of humidity in the area. Basements larger than 2,500 square feet experiencing very wet conditions require a dehumidifier that can pull over 100 pints per day. A dehumidifier with a 75 ppd would be enough for a semi-wet basement with a coverage area of around 2000 square feet. Higher-capacity models that can remove more than 130 ppd will cost in the range of $1,700 to $2,000.
You can also consider a portable dehumidifier that can move from one space to another as-needed. A mobile style is suitable for places that experience a moderate humidity level or only for a brief period of time. These dehumidifiers typically range from $100 to $300.
Related read: How Much Does a Dehumidifier Cost
Dehumidifier Installation Cost and Other Factors
Suppose you are purchasing a whole-house dehumidifier or a heavy unit. It is better to take professional help for setting these systems, carry out additional wiring and outlet installation for more complex installations as they can ensure that the dehumidifier is set up accurately and operates at optimum efficiency. The installation cost primarily involves labor charges, including the unit’s price assembled, fastened, and secured in place. The inlet and outlet supply need to be connected to the existing air supply, and appropriate wiring needs to power the machine. Installation cost also covers controllers that determine the settings used to vary humidity settings within the home mounted and configured for operation. Also, it depends on the House’s structure, as old bungalows require more complex installation processes such as removing waste from home such as aging systems and debris from installation. Equipment such as mounting supplies and fasteners cost extra and cost around $20 to $25.
Average Dehumidifier Installation Costs
| Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Whole House | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Crawl Space | $1,500-$2,000 |
| Basement | $1,300-$1,800 |
Factors for costing include the capacity of the unit, installing a designated outlet, adding a designated return duct, and the accessibility to the installation area. Electricians will typically cost $50 to $70 per hour. After adding installation and labor to the dehumidifier’s purchasing cost, medium-range units will cost $2,000, and higher-end units will damage around $2,300.
Related read: How to set up a Dehumidifier
Average Cost of Running a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers don’t represent a significant electricity expenditure. The US Department of Energy (DOE) classifies dehumidifier under ‘low electricity expenditure’ HVAC devices. The average cost of running small dehumidifiers or portable dehumidifiers — cost about $25 annually. Running a small 30-pint dehumidifier with 300W power in an area with an average electricity price of $0.1 kWh comes around $0.03 per hour. On the other hand, running a sizeable 70-pint dehumidifier with a 700W power with a charge of $0.2 kWh electricity price comes to around $0.16 per hour. As the dehumidifiers increase in capacity, it also increases the running costs. Large capacity dehumidifiers with a capacity of 70 points per day can reach around $350 per year. If you run a dehumidifier 24/7, that amounts to $0.72 to $3.84 per day.
Dehumidifier Repair Prices & Troubleshooting
Repair charges for dehumidifier’s average around $50-$200 and include a basic hourly rate and the cost of materials. HVAC companies charge about $50-$100 for servicing the machine that covers the standard servicing charges. Labor is typical $50-$70 per hour. You can also do the essential servicing and troubleshoot most of the problems yourself following the owner’s manual or call the manufacturer for guidance. Ensure that you do not make any changes that can void the warranty. If you have issues troubleshooting the equipment or have difficulty accessing the equipment, call a professionally certified HVAC technician.
Dehumidifier Cleaning & Maintenance
Periodically check the humidistat: Ensure that your humidistat is set appropriately. If it is set too low, the unit will need to work harder than necessary and waste energy. If the humidistat is set too high, you will not get the desired benefit of the machine.
Periodically change filter: Most dehumidifier filters need to be replaced annually. However, it is ideal for checking the filter mid-way through the year and cleaning if necessary. Some filters are washable; hence check your manual for guidance before cleaning.
Clean and check the coils: Dehumidifier coils get dusty and should be cleaned thoroughly at least once annually. The coils also get frosting in temperatures under 60 degrees. Follow the manual’s instructions for de-frosting the dehumidifier.
Clean the water tank: If your dehumidifier comes with a water reservoir, ensure to periodically clean it thoroughly, as stale maybe become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria growth that will be hazardous to your health.
Should You Run the Dehumidifier 24/7?
How long the dehumidifier needs to run depends on factors such as room size and humidity levels. New houses generally have higher relative humidity and will benefit from running the dehumidifier for a long time.
The recommended level of humidity use keeps the humidity between 40 and 60% to prevent mold and other bacteria’s growth. In addition, many dehumidifiers are fitted with a timer and humidistat, which allows you to set your preferred levels. The dehumidifier will then continue to run until the set level is acquired and then turn off. Another smart feature is the auto-shutoff that turns the unit off when the bucket is full.
Tips for Reducing Dehumidifier Costs
Choosing a unit that can only cover 250 square feet and placing it in a large basement won’t help your bills. As a result, the dehumidifier is likely to run for 24 hours each day, pushing air through without dehumidifying it properly. If you want to move the machine from room to room, consider how large the biggest room is. Thus, you can find a suitable dehumidifier that can easily cover each room efficiently.
By improving the air circulation within your home, you can lessen the need for the dehumidifier. If you have a few standing fans or ceiling fans, let them run a few moments each day. Also, you can open a window or two to help bring some fresh air in.
One of the leading causes of a humid indoor environment is because moisture has nowhere to escape. By opening a few windows and running a fan, you can effectively exchange the water vapor for some crisp outdoor air.
Buying a dehumidifier is a significant investment. If you already have a dehumidifier and want to lower the monthly bills, there are plenty of ways to do so, such as increase the air circulation inside by working a fan and opening a window.