How much does a crawl space dehumidifier cost?
How much does a crawl space dehumidifier cost?
$300 – $2,000 average cost (unit alone)
$1,000 – $3,000 average total cost (unit + labor)
Average cost of a crawl space dehumidifier
A dehumidifier for a crawl space costs $1,000 to $3,000 with installation on average, depending on the size and brand. A dehumidifying unit alone costs $300 to $2,000. Running a dehumidifier in your basement or crawl space can help prevent mold, mildew, odor, and water damage.
| Factor | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Unit | $300 – $2,000 |
| Labor | $700 – $1,000 |
| Average total cost | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Crawl space dehumidifier cost by size
The cost of installing a crawl space dehumidifier depends on its size and type. Units with a higher capacity generally cost more than smaller units.
| Capacity (pints) | Average unit cost | Average installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $300 – $1,500 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| 60 | $500 – $1,700 | $1,200 – $2,700 |
| 70 | $800 – $2,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Dehumidifier cost by location
The table below shows the average cost to install a dehumidifier in a crawl space or basement or an entire house. In extremely humid climates, you may need a whole-house dehumidifier to prevent moisture damage and mold. In other cases, you may only need a smaller unit at a lower level of the house.
| Location | Average installed cost | Capacity (pints) |
|---|---|---|
| Crawl space / basement | $1,000 – $3,000 | 40 – 70 |
| Whole house | $1,500 – $3,500 | 70 – 200+ |
If you need a temporary or small-scale dehumidifier for a bathroom, bedroom, or closet, a portable unit costs $50 to $500. These machines are convenient and don't require professional installation.
Crawl space / basement
Installing a dehumidifier in a crawl space or basement costs less than installing a larger, more powerful, whole-house unit. However, most experts recommend finishing or encapsulating the crawl space first, as dehumidifiers can freeze in uninsulated spaces during winter weather. Crawl space encapsulation costs $3,000 to $8,000, including a dehumidifier.
Whole house
A whole-house dehumidifier costs $1,500 to $3,500 with installation, depending on the machine's capacity. Most high-capacity dehumidifiers tie into your home's existing ductwork or HVAC system, while some use a dedicated return duct.
If you use a heat pump to heat or cool your home, you do not need a dehumidifier because it already removes moisture from the air to function.
Crawl space dehumidifier installation cost factors
The following factors may influence the cost of installing a dehumidifier in your crawl space:
Location: If you live in a humid or muggy environment, you'll need a more powerful model.
Advanced features: Units that use Wi-Fi, touchscreens, or automated systems cost more than standard or manual models.
Drain: If the installer has to run any extra piping to reach the nearest drain or the home's exterior, they may charge more.
Electricity: Running a dehumidifier costs $10 to $30 per month on average, depending on the size and how humid your location is. ENERGY STAR-rated units cost more up front but cost less to run over time.
Removal: If you're replacing an existing dehumidifier, the installer may charge $40 to $200 for removal and disposal fees.
Repairs: Repairing a dehumidifier costs $70 to $400 on average, depending on what the problem is.
Labor
The labor cost to install a dehumidifier to an existing HVAC system is about $700 to $1,000, depending on the dehumidifier type, how difficult your basement or crawl space is to access, and the professional you hire.
An HVAC technician charges $75 to $150 per hour.
A handyperson charges $50 to $80 per hour.
Crawl space dehumidifier FAQs
Do you need a dehumidifier if you encapsulate a crawl space?
Even if you encapsulate a crawl space, you'll still need a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate. Encapsulating creates a barrier, but it doesn't completely seal out all moisture permanently.
What size dehumidifier do I need for a crawl space?
You should use a 40- to 70-pint dehumidifier for a crawl space or basement, depending on how tightly the space is sealed and the relative humidity (RH) of your location. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends maintaining an RH of 30% to 50% indoors.
Should I put a dehumidifier in my crawl space?
You should install a dehumidifier in your crawl space if you live in a humid climate, if you have allergies, or if you notice any of the following signs:
Musty odor
Mildew or mold growth
Standing water
Pests or moisture damage
Getting estimates from dehumidifier installers
Before hiring an AC technician to install a dehumidifier in your crawl space or basement:
Get 3+ estimates to compare quotes with similar equipment.
Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience.
Read customer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Avoid picking the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a written estimate, contract, and warranty before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the installation.
Questions to ask dehumidifier installers
Ask these questions to find the best dehumidifier installer in your area:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What experience do you have installing crawl space dehumidifiers?
Do you also perform encapsulations? How much does that cost?
What type and size of dehumidifier do you recommend?
How long will the installation take?
Is there a warranty? What does it include?
What do you include in this estimate?
Are there any additional costs I can expect?
What permits will I need for this? Will you obtain them?
What do you charge for a maintenance checkup?
How often should I change the filter?
How do the controls work for this model?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.