A whole home dehumidifier is the right tool when the whole house feels damp: sticky bedrooms upstairs, a musty basement, and air conditioning that cools without ever drying the air. ENERGY STAR suggests a whole-home unit for homes "that see humidity readings above 55% consistently throughout the house."
A whole house dehumidifier system (also called a central dehumidifier, ducted dehumidifier or home dehumidifier system) is the best whole home dehumidifier option for homes where every room feels damp. These systems sit beside your furnace or air handler and work through your existing ductwork. They cost more up front than a portable, and they need a contractor, but there is nothing to move, empty or trip over.
Whole house dehumidifiers compared
| Pick | Capacity | Coverage | Pump | Noise | ENERGY STAR | Price tier | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall Aprilaire E100 | 100 pints/day (AHAM 80F) | Up to 5,200 sq ft (maker FAQ); Amazon listing says up to 5,500 sq ft | No | Not published | Yes | $$$$$ | Check price |
| Best for smaller homes Aprilaire E080 | 80 pints/day (AHAM 80F) | Up to 3,800 sq ft (maker FAQ); Amazon listing says up to 4,400 sq ft | No | Not published | Yes | $$$$$ | Check price |
| Best for large homes Aprilaire E130 | 130 pints/day (AHAM 80F) | Up to 7,200 sq ft (maker FAQ); Amazon listing says up to 7,200 sq ft | No | Not published | Yes | $$$$$ | Check price |
| Best ventilating system Santa Fe Ultra70 | 70 pints/day (AHAM 80F) | Not stated | No | Not published | Not stated | $$$$$ | Check price |
| Best without ducts AlorAir HDi90 | 90 pints/day (AHAM 80F) | Up to 2,600 sq ft (maker claim) | Yes | Max 58 dB (Sylvane listing) | Not stated | $$$$$ | Check price |
| Budget alternative Midea Cube 50 (pump) | 50 pints/day (DOE) | Up to 4,500 sq ft (maker claim) | Yes | Maker: as low as 42 dB(A). RTINGS measured 54.3 dBA (low fan) to 56.2 dBA (high fan) | Yes | $$$ | Check price |
Aprilaire whole house dehumidifier
Aprilaire E100 Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Best for: typical 2,500 to 5,000 sq ft homes in humid climates.
The Aprilaire E100 is the Aprilaire whole house dehumidifier most homes end up with. Aprilaire rates it at 100 pints a day and its FAQ lists homes up to 5,200 sq ft. On ENERGY STAR's whole-home test it removes 85 pints a day at an IEF of 2.35 L/kWh and meets ENERGY STAR's Most Efficient criteria. The estimated 821 kWh a year works out to about $149 at the 2026 U.S. average electricity price.
Heads up: Sold on Amazon as well as through HVAC contractors. Ducted installs should be done by a pro.
| Model number | E100 |
|---|---|
| Type | Whole-house (ducted or ventilating) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 100 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 5,200 sq ft (maker FAQ); Amazon listing says up to 5,500 sq ft |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Airflow | 280 CFM (Amazon listing) |
| Weight | 64 lb |
| Sizing note | Aprilaire sizes by climate region and how airtight the home is; ask the installer to run its Dehumidifier Selection Assistant |
| Capacity at 73F, 60% RH | 85 pints/day (Aprilaire spec sheet) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 85.0 pints/day, IEF 2.35 L/kWh, about 821 kWh/yr; meets ENERGY STAR Most Efficient (record for E100) |
| Price tier | Pro (about $900 and up) |
Pros
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient
- Sized for most homes
- Works through existing ducts
Cons
- Contractor install
- Pro price tier
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-12): Aprilaire dehumidifier FAQ (ppd and sq ft); Aprilaire E-series guide, Nov 2025 (ppd, weights); ENERGY STAR certified product record (E100); Amazon listing B094PZ8YSK (AprilAire E100 Pro); Aprilaire E100 specification sheet (CFM by static pressure).
Best whole house dehumidifier for smaller homes
Aprilaire E080 Whole-Home Dehumidifier
The E080 is rated at 80 pints a day and listed for up to 3,800 sq ft. ENERGY STAR measured 65 pints on its whole-home test at the same 2.35 L/kWh, about $115 a year to run at average rates.
Heads up: Sold on Amazon as well as through HVAC contractors. Ducted installs should be done by a pro.
| Model number | E080 |
|---|---|
| Type | Whole-house (ducted or ventilating) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 80 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 3,800 sq ft (maker FAQ); Amazon listing says up to 4,400 sq ft |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Airflow | 185 CFM (Amazon listing) |
| Weight | 63 lb |
| Sizing note | Aprilaire sizes by climate region and how airtight the home is; ask the installer to run its Dehumidifier Selection Assistant |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 65.0 pints/day, IEF 2.35 L/kWh, about 632 kWh/yr; meets ENERGY STAR Most Efficient (record for E080) |
| Price tier | Pro (about $900 and up) |
Pros
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient
- Lower running cost than the E100
Cons
- Contractor install
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-12): Aprilaire dehumidifier FAQ (ppd and sq ft); Aprilaire E-series guide, Nov 2025 (ppd, weights); ENERGY STAR certified product record (E080); Amazon listing B094PWS7K2 (AprilAire E080 Pro).
Best whole house dehumidifier for large homes
Aprilaire E130 Whole-Home Dehumidifier
For large or very humid homes, the E130 is rated at 130 pints a day and listed for up to 7,200 sq ft (105 pints on ENERGY STAR's test, 2.35 L/kWh, Most Efficient).
Heads up: Sold on Amazon as well as through HVAC contractors. Ducted installs should be done by a pro.
| Model number | E130 |
|---|---|
| Type | Whole-house (ducted or ventilating) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 130 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 7,200 sq ft (maker FAQ); Amazon listing says up to 7,200 sq ft |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Not published |
| Airflow | 310 CFM (Amazon listing) |
| Weight | 98 lb |
| Sizing note | Aprilaire sizes by climate region and how airtight the home is; ask the installer to run its Dehumidifier Selection Assistant |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 105.0 pints/day, IEF 2.35 L/kWh, about 926 kWh/yr; meets ENERGY STAR Most Efficient (record for E130) |
| Price tier | Pro (about $900 and up) |
Pros
- Highest capacity Aprilaire
- ENERGY STAR Most Efficient
Cons
- 98 lb unit
- Contractor install
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-12): Aprilaire dehumidifier FAQ (ppd and sq ft); Aprilaire E-series guide, Nov 2025 (ppd, weights); ENERGY STAR certified product record (E130); Amazon listing B094Q72F4B (AprilAire E130 Pro).
Santa Fe whole house dehumidifier
Santa Fe Ultra70 Whole House Ventilating Dehumidifier
The Santa Fe whole house dehumidifier line is built around ventilating models like the Ultra70: it can be ducted, it can bring in filtered fresh air, and Santa Fe rates it at 70 pints a day (52.45 at 73F) with an efficiency of 5.5 pints per kWh at 80F. It is a good fit for tight, energy-efficient homes that also need fresh-air ventilation.
| Model number | Ultra70 |
|---|---|
| Type | Whole-house (ducted or ventilating) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 70 pints/day |
| Coverage | Not stated by maker |
| Built-in pump | No |
| Wi-Fi / app | No |
| ENERGY STAR | Not stated |
| Noise | Not published |
| Efficiency (80F, 60% RH) | 5.5 pints/kWh |
| Capacity at 73F, 60% RH | 52.45 pints/day |
| Design | Can be ducted and can bring in filtered fresh air (ventilating) |
| Price tier | Pro (about $900 and up) |
Pros
- Dehumidifies and ventilates
- High rated efficiency
Cons
- Contractor install
- Efficiency figure is at 80F, not comparable with ENERGY STAR IEF
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Santa Fe catalog; Santa-Fe Ultra70 product object (Aprilaire).
Best whole house dehumidifier without ducts
AlorAir Sentinel HDi90 Basement and Crawl Space Dehumidifier with Pump
No ductwork? A large basement unit with a pump can handle a whole basement and help the floor above. The AlorAir HDi90 is rated at 90 pints a day (AHAM), lists 2,600 sq ft of coverage and has a built-in pump. It is also the best "whole basement dehumidifier" choice if you do not want to involve an HVAC contractor.
| Model number | HDi90 |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (crawl space / basement, low temp) |
| Capacity (AHAM test, 80F, 60% RH) | 90 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 2,600 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | Not stated |
| ENERGY STAR | Not stated |
| Noise | Max 58 dB (Sylvane listing) |
| Low-temperature operation | Down to 33.8F (retailer listing) |
| Capacity at saturation (90F, 90% RH) | 198 pints/day |
| Airflow | 210 CFM |
| Warranty | 6-year limited (Amazon listing) |
| Price tier | Pro (about $900 and up) |
Pros
- No install needed
- Pump
- High capacity
Cons
- Treats one level, not the whole house
- Max 58 dB
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Sylvane listing HDi90; AlorAir product spec PDF.
Budget alternative
Midea Cube 50 Pint Smart Dehumidifier with Pump
For one problem floor rather than a whole house, a 50 pint portable with a pump does a lot for far less. Its ENERGY STAR estimate is 515 kWh a year, about $94 at average rates.
Heads up: Midea sells several SKUs (MAD50PS1QWT, gray MAD50PS1QGR, MAD50S1QWT without pump). Check the exact model number.
| Model number | MAD50PS1QWT |
|---|---|
| Type | Compressor (portable) |
| Capacity (current DOE test, 65F) | 50 pints/day |
| Coverage | Up to 4,500 sq ft (maker claim) |
| Built-in pump | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app | Yes |
| ENERGY STAR | Yes |
| Noise | Maker: as low as 42 dB(A). RTINGS measured 54.3 dBA (low fan) to 56.2 dBA (high fan) |
| Bucket / capacity | Expandable bucket; listed as 3x more water capacity than a standard bucket |
| Humidity setting range | 35% to 85% |
| Rated power input | 480 W (Canadian MAD50PS1QGRC spec sheet) |
| Drain options | Bucket, gravity hose, or built-in pump that lifts water to a sink or window |
| Pump lift | Up to 16.4 ft vertical per Midea's spec sheet (a Midea support answer on Home Depot says 14 ft) |
| ENERGY STAR test data | 49.67 pints/day, IEF 2.01 L/kWh, about 515 kWh/yr (record for MAD50PS1QWT-A) |
| Price tier | Mid (about $200 to $400) |
Pros
- Low cost
- No contractor
Cons
- One area at a time
- Noise
Spec sources (checked 2026-11-11): Midea US product page (MAD50PS1QGR, 4,500 sq ft, pump); Midea Canada spec sheet MAD50PS1QGRC; Home Depot listing (42 dB(A), ENERGY STAR, 3X water capacity); RTINGS review MAD50PS1QWT (measured noise, efficiency); ENERGY STAR certified product record (MAD50PS1QWT-A).
Whole home vs portable dehumidifier
| Ducted whole house | Large portable | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Every room on the duct system | One open area or floor |
| Install | HVAC contractor | Plug in |
| Noise in living space | Low (unit is in a mechanical room) | Moderate |
| Draining | Plumbed to a drain | Bucket, hose or pump |
| Up-front cost | Unit plus install (see below) | Hundreds of dollars |
| Best for | Homes humid throughout | Basements and single problem areas |
Whole house dehumidifier install cost
| Cost item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average installed cost | About $1,500 (typical $1,300 to $2,800+) | Angi, 2025 data |
| Unit only | About $1,100 to $2,500 | Angi |
| Internal condensate pump | Adds about $150 to $500 | Angi |
| Installed by an HVAC company, labor included | About $2,000 to $3,500 | Angi |
| National installed average estimate | About $2,774 to $3,285 per unit | HomeWyse, May 2026 |
Costs rise when new ductwork, a dedicated return or electrical work is needed. Get two or three written quotes, and ask each contractor which capacity they recommend and why.
Whole house dehumidifier without ducts
A whole house dehumidifier without ducts is really a large portable or a basement unit placed centrally, with interior doors left open. It works best in open-plan homes and single-level spaces. In a multi-story home, each floor usually needs its own unit or a ducted system.
Buying-guide decision table
| Your home | Buy |
|---|---|
| Humid throughout, has central air | Aprilaire E100 (or E080/E130 by size) |
| Tight new build that also needs fresh air | Santa Fe Ultra70 |
| No ducts, damp basement | AlorAir HDi90 |
| One damp floor, tight budget | Midea Cube 50 |
Frequently asked questions
Is a whole house dehumidifier worth it?
Can a whole house dehumidifier work without ducts?
How long does a whole home dehumidifier last?
Sources
- ENERGY STAR: Dehumidifiers buying guidance and sizing chart
- ENERGY STAR Certified Dehumidifiers dataset (data.energystar.gov)
- Aprilaire: dehumidifier FAQ
- Angi: whole-house dehumidifier cost (2025 data)
- HomeWyse: cost to install a whole house dehumidifier
- U.S. EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook: residential electricity prices