Whole House Dehumidifier: Will it Work for My Property?

Dehumidifiers are useful appliances that work to remove moisture from the air in your home. These useful appliances help maintain consistent indoor relative humidity, therefore keeping your property drier, more comfortable, healthier and help to prevent structural damage caused by mold.

If high indoor humidity is a concern in your property, dehumidification will help control the moisture and prevent indoor mold growth. Before purchasing a whole house dehumidifier for your property there are six important factors that will help you decide if this is the right system for your situation.

6 Factors to Consider Before Installing a

Whole House Dehumidifier

COST
INSTALLATION
EFFICIENCY
HVAC INDEPENDENT
TYPE OF PROPERTY
NOISE

1. COST

Whole house dehumidifiers can widely range in price from about $1,000 – $3,000, which does not include the cost of installation. The cost of installing a whole house dehumidifier is typically as expensive as the unit itself, due to the fact that technicians must integrate into the return ductwork of HVAC system. Installation typically costs the same if not more, than the unit itself, with an average price tag of $2,000.¹ The total cost of a whole house dehumidifier can range in cost from a low of $3,000 to over $5,000.

2. INSTALLATION

The installation process of a whole house dehumidifier can be very technical. For this reason, it is required that a licensed HVAC contractor completes the work, to ensure proper function. In many cases the warranty is voided if installation is not completed by a professional.

3. EFFICIENCY

Dehumidifiers are often categorized by their water removal per day, also known as the Water Removal Capacity, measured in pints. The unit’s capacity is affected by two things: the size of the space and the amount of moisture in the air (saturation). Spaces less than <2,000 sq. ft. typically need a unit with a capacity from 20-30 pints per day. The same size space, fully saturated, with relative indoor humidity ranging from 90-100% humidity may need up to 30-50 pints removed per day.² On average a whole house dehumidifier can remove up to 98 pints of water per day. That’s a lot of water, and it may sound great but is it necessary? A family of four only adds 25 pints of moisture to the air a day. An oversized dehumidification system is an inefficient and costly way to remove excess moisture.

The unit’s capacity is affected by two things: the size of the space and the amount of moisture in the air (saturation).

4. HVAC INDEPENDENT

Whole house dehumidifiers work in conjunction with HVAC systems, drawing air through the return ductwork, to remove moisture. Unfortunately, whole house dehumidifiers are not independent of HVAC systems and only dehumidify while HVAC system is operating. Can a unit remove excess moisture if it isn’t running… no. Whole house dehumidifiers depend on the HVAC running to remove moisture. Dehumidifiers should complement cooling and heating systems; they should not be dependent. An independent dehumidifier that automatically removes moisture, to maintain relative humidity below 60%, is essential for apartments and smaller spaces. The key to hands-free moisture removal and mold prevention is with an independent system not reliant on tenant’s temperature preferences or HVAC operation.

5. TYPE OF PROPERTY

Whole house dehumidifiers are designed to dehumidify large spaces and single-family homes. Generally, they are capable of removing moisture in spaces about 3,000 sq. ft. Yet apartments tend to be much smaller, on average, apartments are 1,015 sq. ft.³, almost 1/3^rd of the recommended size. Whole house dehumidifiers are oversized and inefficient for apartments.

6. NOISE

The noise that an appliance makes is often an afterthought but can be a huge nuisance. Whole house systems, on average, have a noise level of 55 Decibels (dBA), due to their size, installation, and fan speed. An example of an appliance that makes 50 dBA would be a refrigerator, an example of 60 dBA would be an air conditioner⁴; a whole house dehumidifier would create a noise somewhere between the two appliances

Results that Matter

Supplemental dehumidification is an easy solution for mold prevention

Understanding how the size of space, type of property, and operation can determine the best dehumidification system for your property. Whole house dehumidifiers can control moisture related issues in larger spaces, in conjunction with HVAC systems. For smaller spaces such as apartments, it is important to have a reliable and independent source to maintain consistent indoor relative humidity.

Independent Dehumidification System

The benefits and value an independent dehumidification system not only add to your property it is also a must to prevent mold.

The tankless IW25-4 IN Wall/ ON Wall dehumidifier removes up to 29 pints of moisture per day in spaces up to 1,500 square feet. The tamper-proof dehumidifier controls are hidden behind the front cover for a hands-free system, completely independent of the HVAC system. Set the desired relative humidity and attach the front cover, making adjustments by occupants unreachable. The ENERGY STAR® Certified IW25-4 is an independent dehumidifier system specifically designed for multifamily housing to help prevent mold before it starts to grow.