“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity” is a common expression in the summer. Usually, it’s referring to outside conditions, especially during muggy Minnesota summer days. However, humidity places a large role in the overall comfort inside your home. The recommended indoor humidity level is between 30-50%. Any higher and your home will feel warmer than the temperature may indicate. Even if you have an air conditioning system, you may find it difficult to keep the humidity level in the ideal range. That’s where a whole-home dehumidifier comes to the rescue.
As an informed homeowner, we’re sure you’re wondering how much a dehumidifier system costs. The simple answer is: it depends. The price of a home-whole dehumidifier is determined by a few factors, including capacity of the system, state of your air conditioning, drainage method, electrical needs, ductwork, and experience of the installer.
Cost factors of a whole-home dehumidifier system Capacity – The size or capacity of a dehumidifier is measured by how many pints of water can draw from the indoor air over 24 hours. Determining the right capacity will come down to the size of your home and how much moisture is typically inside (which can be due to the climate, the home’s insulation, and other factors). In general, the more powerful a system you need, the more expensive it will likely be. State of your air conditioning – Because a whole-home dehumidifier works with your existing HVAC system, the air conditioning unit must be relatively new and in good shape. A dehumidifier won’t work as well with an old AC. In that case, you may need to upgrade your air conditioning, which would increase the overall cost.
Drainage method – Once the dehumidifier pulls water out of the air (called condensate), it needs a way to remove it from the home. There are two common drainage methods. The less expensive option is gravity-assistance drainage, where the water naturally flows through a tube and is discharged in a drain or outside.
The second method is a pump drainage system, which forces the water to where it needs to go. A pump is generally more expensive but necessary if gravity assistance isn’t an option, such as in a basement.
Electrical needs – If your home doesn’t have an adequate electrical supply for the dehumidifier system, a new outlet may need to be installed, which will increase the cost of the project.
Ductwork requirements – In some cases, a dehumidifier can work with all your existing ductwork, which is the most affordable method. However, if your ductwork needs repairs or the humidifier unit needs a dedicated return vent, it will require additional work and increase the price.
Experience of the installer – You should expect to pay a bit more for professional installation, but this is not an area where cheaper means better. Having your dehumidifier installed correctly can save you money in the long run by avoiding repairs and optimizing energy efficiency. Whole-home humidifier installation in Buffalo, MN A whole-home humidifier is an investment in both the comfort and health of your household. At DeZiel Heating & AC, we work to make sure you get the best system at the best price. For a consultation and free estimate, call us today at (763) 200-5453 .
