Moisture in a crawl space causes musty odors, mold, and wood rot. A crawl space dehumidifier fixes that—but how much does it cost to buy, install, and run one? This guide keeps it simple and gives you real‑world numbers you can use right now.
Quick Answer (At a Glance)
- Unit price: Most crawl‑space models on our store run about $360–$1,439 depending on capacity and features.
- Installation cost: $1,000–$3,000 installed is common for a crawl‑space dehumidifier (unit + basic labor). Complex jobs can be higher.
- Running cost: Around $0.08–$0.11 per hour for typical crawl‑space units. At 8 hours/day, that’s roughly $19–$27 per month at the recent U.S. average electricity price. (We show simple examples below.)
- Encapsulation (optional): If you encapsulate as part of moisture control, expect $5,000–$15,000 depending on size and condition.
What Affects the Price of a Crawl Space Dehumidifier?
- Capacity (PPD @ AHAM): Higher capacity (e.g., 90–120 PPD) costs more but handles larger or wetter spaces.
- Built‑in pump: Adds convenience for lifting condensate to a drain and usually adds cost.
- Controls & connectivity: Wi‑Fi/app control or remote controllers add value and price.
- Energy efficiency: ENERGY STAR® models can cost more upfront but save over time. (Example: Galaxy 60 is ENERGY STAR certified.)
- Ductable design & noise: Units that accept ducts or have extra sound dampening tend to cost more.
- Warranty & build: Metal chassis, longer warranties, and pro‑grade parts raise price but improve durability.
Unit Prices (Typical Ranges on Our Store)
Below are real prices you’ll see on our category page (sale prices vary). This gives you a quick sense of the hardware budget before labor:
-
Entry to mid capacity (about 70–120 PPD)
- Sentinel HS35 / HD35P class: ~$360–$595 (pump versions higher).
- Sentinel HD55 / HD55S class (incl. Wi‑Fi versions): ~$470–$620.
-
Galaxy 60 (ENERGY STAR; 60 PPD @ AHAM): ~$540–$750 depending on pump/Wi‑Fi.
-
Higher capacity (about 180–235 PPD saturation; ~90–120 PPD @ AHAM)
- HD90 / HDi90 family: ~$840–$1,090 (ductable, pump/Wi‑Fi variants).
- HDi100 / HDi120: ~$1,119–$1,439 (built‑in pump, largest coverage).
Installation Cost (What to Expect)
For most homeowners, basic setup is DIY: place the unit on a level base, run a gravity drain to a sump or floor drain, and set the humidity. In these cases, you may spend little to nothing beyond the unit price and a drain hose.
- DIY setup (you supply the unit): $0–$100 for incidentals (hose, clamps, riser blocks).
- Handyman/basic labor: If you prefer help with placement and a simple drain, expect ~$150–$600 in many areas.
- Electrical (if needed): Adding a nearby GFCI outlet or short dedicated run is typically $100–$300+ depending on distance and local code—ask a licensed electrician.
- Condensate pump & long drains (optional): $60–$150 for a pump kit + 1–2 hours labor if you don’t DIY.
- Ducting the unit (optional): If you need supply/return ducts to reach far corners, add $150–$500+ for materials/labor based on length/complexity.
- Whole-home tied into HVAC (different project): That’s closer to a whole-house dehumidifier job, often $1,300–$2,800 installed.
Encapsulation is optional and separate. A full crawl space encapsulation (liner, sealing, insulation, drainage work) can run $5,000–$15,000+ depending on size and repairs, but it’s not required for simply operating a crawl space dehumidifier. Many customers just purchase the machine and run it without encapsulation to control moisture at low cost.
Running Cost (Simple, Transparent Math)
Two things control your monthly electricity cost:
- how many hours per day the unit runs, and
- your electricity price (in ¢/kWh).
The national U.S. residential average was about 17.5¢/kWh in June 2025 (EIA). Your local rate may be lower or higher.
Easy formula
Cost per hour = (Watts ÷ 1000) × electricity price (per kWh)
To estimate Watts, use the model’s amps and voltage: Watts ≈ Amps × Volts (most units are 115V).
Real examples (using model amp ratings)
-
Sentinel HD55 — 4.0 A @ 115 V ≈ 460 W
Per hour: ~$0.08
Per month @ 8 h/day: ~$19
24/7 (worst case): ~$58/month. -
Galaxy 60 (ENERGY STAR) — 4.5 A @ 115 V ≈ 518 W
Per hour: ~$0.09
Per month @ 8 h/day: ~$22
24/7 (worst case): ~$65/month. -
Sentinel HD90 / HDi90 — ~5.56 A @ 115 V ≈ 639 W
Per hour: ~$0.11
Per month @ 8 h/day: ~$27
24/7 (worst case): ~$80/month.
Actual runtime varies by season, outdoor humidity, whether the crawl space is encapsulated, and your set point (e.g., 50% RH vs. 45%).
Ownership Costs Beyond Electricity
- Filters: Check monthly in dusty spaces; clean/replace per manual.
- Drain line: Inspect seasonally for kinks or algae; clean as needed.
- Pump (if used): Test occasionally; ensure discharge is secure and sloped to prevent backflow.
- Warranty: Many units include multi‑year limited warranties; register after purchase.
How to Save on Total Cost
- Seal the space: A vapor barrier/encapsulation reduces moisture load so the dehumidifier runs fewer hours.
- Pick the right size: Oversizing wastes money; undersizing runs 24/7. Use room size, leakage, and climate as guides.
- Prefer efficient models: ENERGY STAR models (e.g., Galaxy 60) reduce kWh over time.
- Optimize placement: Central, level, with clear airflow and a reliable drain.
- Use app/controls: Dial in a ~50% RH set point. Lower isn’t always better—it can cost more without adding value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth putting a dehumidifier in a crawl space?
Yes. It protects wood framing, reduces mold risk, and helps the whole house smell fresher. A dehumidifier also supports HVAC efficiency by keeping humidity in check. When paired with sealing/encapsulation, it’s a strong, long‑term fix. (Encapsulation typically runs $5,000–$15,000, but it can cut runtime.)
How much does it cost to encapsulate a crawl space with a dehumidifier?
For encapsulation itself, plan about $5,000–$15,000 depending on size and condition. Add the dehumidifier unit (roughly $360–$1,439 on our store) plus installation (often $1,000–$3,000 for dehumidifier labor/supplies). Your total varies with electrical work, ducting, or pump needs.
How much does it cost to get moisture out of a crawl space?
The minimum path is a crawl‑space dehumidifier (unit + install). Many homes land around $1,000–$3,000 installed, more if you add electrical or ducting. If you also encapsulate and handle drainage repairs, the full moisture solution can run $5,000–$15,000+.
How big of a dehumidifier do I need for a 2,000 sq ft house?
For whole‑home coverage around 2,000 sq ft, look at 70–100+ PPD (AHAM) “whole‑house” or high‑capacity crawl‑space models (e.g., ~90 PPD @ AHAM). The right size depends on climate, leakage, and target RH. When in doubt, ask a pro to size it. (National whole‑house dehumidifier installs often total $1,300–$2,800.)
Conclusion
- Unit cost depends on capacity and features.
- Installation is mostly about drain routing, power, and, if needed, ducting.
- Running cost is modest for most homes—often $19–$27/month at typical runtimes.
- Encapsulation raises the project budget but lowers humidity load and long‑term energy use.
