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Whole house dehumidifiers cost range between $1,140 to $1,700. Most basic dehumidifiers cost $1,140 to $1,250 to purchase, while higher end models will cost between $1,550 to $1,700.
Atlanta HVAC companies say humidity control in the region always presents a challenge, especially during the summer heat. The average morning relative humidity in Atlanta in July reaches 88 percent, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Center.
Controlling humidity provides comfort and prevents moisture buildup, which can attract problems such as mold and pests, says Martin Hoover, president of Empire Heating & Air Conditioning in Decatur, Georgia. “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” says Hoover, who recommends keeping indoor humidity in Atlanta below 60 percent.
Benefits of a Whole-House Dehumidifier
For 16 years, Angie’s List member Steve Squires put up with difficulty regulating the temperature and humidity in different areas of his Sandy Springs, Georgia, home.
Last year, Squires finally tackled the problem after high humidity in his son’s Atlanta-area home contributed to mold growth that required extensive cleanup. Squires says his son helped convince him to install a whole-house dehumidifier along with a dual-zone, variable-speed A/C system, which allows separate thermostats to control their basement and main floor.
It wasn’t cheap — Squires paid ARS Universal in Norcross, Georgia, more than $13,000 for everything, including new duct work — but he looks forward to more comfortable temperatures and regulating humidity year-round. “You can keep temperature lower and be more comfortable with lower humidity,” Squires says. “Now the question is, what’s the temperature and what’s the humidity? The thermostat shows both, so you can decide if you want more of one.”
In addition to comfort, the advantages of a whole-house dehumidifier include reduced health risks and allergies, as humidity creates a breeding ground for mildew, bacteria and dust mites. A whole-house dehumidifier discourages the growth of these allergens. It also reduces musty odors, delivers fresh, filtered air and balances the humidity level on cold days when the humidity may be high but the temperature is lower.
Improving Comfort with a Variable-Speed A/C
Increasingly, Hoover recommends two-stage air conditioners that adjust to the current air temperature to maximize dehumidification. “An air conditioner is a very good dehumidifier, if it’s sized right and if it’s two-speed,” Hoover says.
Jeff Johnson of Shumate Air Conditioning & Heating in Duluth, Georgia, says a variable-speed A/C works most efficiently when paired with a combination thermostat/humidistat, which displays and controls both the temperature and humidity level. “To lower the humidity, the thermostat will tell the blower to slow down, causing the coil to get colder and thus pulling more moisture out of the air,” he says.
Some new models and smart thermostats even allow users to monitor and adjust settings from their smartphones or computers, he says. These combined with variable-speed blowers have become more popular options as prices decreased in recent years.
The average single-speed system costs about $6,000, and a variable-speed system will be more efficient, but cost about $1,000 more, he says.
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For homes that need more, such as those near bodies of water, whole-house dehumidifiers are an add-on option. Hoover says they range from about $2,200 to $4,800 depending on capacity, but cautions the downside is it means another piece of equipment to maintain.
Both HVAC companies also find leaky air ducts contribute to high humidity in the Atlanta region, which makes Georgia’s hot summer days seem even hotter. Leaks let cool air escape into the attic or crawl space. That air loss creates negative pressure inside, causing it to suck in humid air through cracks. This is especially problematic if the crawl space isn’t encapsulated, because it pulls the moist air touching the ground below, says Hoover. He recommends asking for air duct testing and sealing when you have your air conditioning system serviced before summer.
Dehumidifier Materials & Installation Cost Factors
Once you have purchased a unit, the installation cost will add another $500 to $700. Installation expenses mainly involve labor. The cost will cover the unit being assembled, fastened and secured in place. An inlet and outlet supply will also need to be connected to the current air supply, and appropriate wiring added to power the dehumidifier.
Installation cost should also cover controllers being mounted and configured for operation. These controllers are important, as they will determine the settings used to vary humidity settings within the home. If you need to purchase additional equipment such as mounting supplies and fasteners, these can cost about $20 to $25.
Consider Labor Cost
For more complex installations, you may need to hire an electrician to carry out additional wiring and outlet installation. Electricians will typically cost $50 to $70 per hour. The whole house dehumidifier cost will also be affected by the need to remove previous units.
Removing waste from the home (such as old systems and debris from installation) can cost $35 to $40. The style of home will also play a factor in the overall labor costs. Old bungalows may require more complex installation processes than contemporary homes.
After adding installation and labor to the purchasing cost of the dehumidifier, most basic models will end up costing about $1,760, medium-range units will cost $2,000, and higher end units will result in a damage of $2,300.
Additional Cost Factors
To properly manage the whole house dehumidifier cost and get the best value for your money, follow these tips:
Look to purchase your unit during off peak periods (towards the end of fall or when winter kicks in) in order to obtain discounts on the purchase and installation costs.
Always budget slightly above what you expect to spend. Extra costs may arise if the installation is complex or when prices fluctuate according to demand.
The dehumidifier cost will vary according to your HVAC unit. If your unit works well, there will be less pressure on the dehumidifier and you can end up spending less on a new unit.
On the other hand, if your HVAC will need to be removed or disconnected during installation, you should expect to incur $90 to $115 for this work.
Compare prices among several contractors to get the best available deal and service.
How do you deal with summer humidity? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.