Average dehumidifier cost

Summary: How much does a dehumidifier cost, average running cost of a dehumidifier and average price of a dehumidifier.

A high humidity level – excess moisture in the air – is a common household complaint. More recently built properties are better sealed with double glazing and often have less ventilation, while older houses can have solid walls that allow damp to enter. Drying laundry, using the bath or shower, cooking and using dishwashers and washing machines can all exacerbate the problem.

The excess moisture created can lead to condensation, damp, mould growth, warped wood and peeling paint or wallpaper. It can also cause a musty smell.

Clothes moths, dust mites, fleas and cockroaches also thrive in high humidity levels. Crucially, dust mites can cause asthma so using a dehumidifier to dry the air could help reduce symptoms because drier air makes it more difficult for them to survive. High humidity levels can also make it hard to dry clothes in winter and to sleep.

Average Cost

Factors to consider

A dehumidifier is an appliance which removes excess moisture out of the air and allows you to control humidity at the recommended levels of 35- 45% in summer and 25% in winter.

Apart from improving the air quality in your home, investing in a dehumidifier could help to reduce heating bills because if there is too much moisture in the air your house will take longer to warm up and therefore cost more to heat. It can also lead to less repair work needing to be carried out on areas damaged by condensation.

There are several factors you should take into account when choosing a dehumidifier. As with any product, the more features it has the more it is likely to cost.

First you will need to decide what size to buy and the extraction rate. This generally depends on how big an area you want to cover. For a small space such as a cupboard or wardrobe then a small rechargeable dehumidifier will be enough. If you are looking to use it in a small room then a compact or midi-dehumidifier will be suitable, while a whole house needs a larger unit that can extract up to 30 litres of water over a 24-hour period. This kind of dehumidifier is also suitable if you need to remove excessive amounts of moisture after a flood or leak.

There are a number of features on the units to consider. Some have a built in hygrometer which will automatically maintain the set humidity level. A more basic model will need you to turn it on and off. Consider the size of the bucket which collects the water, as this will impact on how frequently it will need to be emptied. Check also that the dehumidifier turns itself off when the bucket is full. You could look for a model which has a hose attachment and is self-draining. The noise levels of the machine could be important especially if you are going to use it at night or near a bedroom. A unit with more than one fan speed setting will allow you to run it at a quieter level.

Costs to consider

The running costs of a dehumidifier will obviously depend on how much you pay for your electricity and how many watts of power it uses, but typically should be between one and four pence per hour. Remember, the dehumidifier has a warm air outlet so will also help to heat the room it is in which could be used say to help your washing dry more quickly, cutting down on expensive tumble drying.

Dehumidifiers are very easy to buy online or in electrical or DIY stores. Read the instructions carefully then just plug it in. Make sure you keep up any basic maintenance required.

If your humidity problem is more extensive and you need to remove excess moisture in the air in more than three rooms at the same time then a whole-house dehumidifier system could be the answer. They are considerably more expensive and will be connected to the existing central air conditioning or heating system, though not every system will be compatible. The water is collected and piped out of the house meaning it’s easy to maintain. The installation can be done professionally but there are also some DIY systems for those with competent skills. However, it may still be a good idea to use a qualified electrician.

The cost of a compact dehumidifier will generally range between £100 and £200, with larger units costing more. A DIY system which can be fitted into the loft space will cost around £350. The installation costs of a whole house dehumidifier will make it the most expensive option.