CostCandid

A whole-house dehumidifier can cost far more upfront than a portable unit. But purchase price alone does not tell you which option costs less over time. A whole-home system can involve equipment, professional installation, ductwork or duct modifications, drainage, electrical work, maintenance and years of electricity use. Portable dehumidifiers are cheaper to buy, but a large or humid home may require more than one unit. That makes the better financial question: Which option costs less over the number of years you expect to own it? Use the calculator below to compare a whole-house dehumidifier with one or more portable units. Quick Answer A whole-house dehumidifier has a much higher upfront cost than a typical portable dehumidifier because the project can include both equipment and installation. However, the long-term comparison depends on your specific home, how many portable units you would otherwise need, electricity consumption, replacement frequency and maint...