The main places to buy a dehumidifier

You can buy a dehumidifier at big-box hardware stores, online retailers, appliance shops, and secondhand marketplaces. The choice depends on whether you want to see the unit in person, need it quickly, or are looking for a lower price. Most dehumidifiers cost between $150 and $500 new, though smaller or older models may cost less.

Each type of retailer has a different advantage: hardware stores let you compare models side by side and take one home the same day; online retailers often have wider selection and lower prices; appliance shops have staff who know the details; secondhand options cost less but come with no warranty.

Key Takeaways

  • Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards stock dehumidifiers in-store and online, with same-day pickup available at most locations.
  • Amazon, Walmart.com, and manufacturer websites often have lower prices and faster shipping than physical stores, though you cannot inspect the unit before buying.
  • Specialty appliance retailers and HVAC supply shops carry commercial-grade and high-capacity models not found in big-box stores.
  • Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local classified sites have used dehumidifiers at 30 to 50 percent off retail, but inspect them in person and ask about runtime before purchase.
  • Costco and Sam's Club carry a limited selection year-round and rotate models seasonally, so availability depends on the time of year.

Hardware stores and home improvement chains

Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards are the fastest option if you need a dehumidifier today. All three stock 5 to 15 models in-store during spring and summer, with smaller selections in fall and winter. You can walk in, compare the size, noise level, and features in person, and take one home the same day.

All three also let you order online and pick up in-store within a few hours, or have it delivered to your home. Their websites show which models are in stock at your nearest location. Prices are usually mid-range—not the lowest online, but not premium either. Return policies are typically 30 to 90 days, which matters if the unit does not work in your space.

Online retailers and manufacturer websites

Amazon, Walmart.com, and Best Buy often have the lowest prices and the widest selection of brands and sizes. You can read customer reviews from people who have actually used the model in their homes, which is more useful than a spec sheet. Shipping usually takes 2 to 7 days depending on your location and whether you pay for expedited delivery.

Buying directly from the manufacturer—such as Frigidaire, LG, or Ivation—sometimes saves money on their current models and guarantees you get a new unit with a full warranty. Manufacturer websites also have detailed product manuals and customer support phone numbers, which can help if you have questions before buying.

The downside of online buying is that you cannot see or hear the unit before it arrives. Read the noise level in decibels (dB) if it is listed—most dehumidifiers run between 50 and 70 dB, and anything above 65 dB will be noticeable in a quiet room.

Appliance stores and HVAC suppliers

Local appliance retailers and HVAC supply shops carry models that big-box stores do not stock, including commercial-grade units and high-capacity dehumidifiers for basements or crawl spaces. Staff at these shops usually have more technical knowledge and can recommend a size based on your room's square footage and humidity level.

These retailers often cost more than online options, but they may offer delivery and installation, which is useful if you need the unit set up in a hard-to-reach space. Some also service what they sell, which means if something breaks, you have a local place to call rather than shipping it back to a warehouse.

Secondhand and used dehumidifiers

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local classified sites often have used dehumidifiers for $75 to $300, depending on age and condition. Buying secondhand can save 30 to 50 percent off the retail price, but you take on risk: no warranty, no return option, and no way to know how many hours the compressor has run.

Before you buy a used unit, ask the seller how long they owned it, why they are selling it, and whether it still runs. If possible, ask them to plug it in and run it for a few minutes so you can hear it and see water collecting in the tank or draining through a hose. Check that the plastic housing is not cracked and that all the controls work.

Avoid units that are more than 10 years old unless they are very cheap—older compressors are less efficient and more likely to fail. If you do buy used, keep the receipt or take a photo of the seller's ID in case you need proof of purchase for a warranty claim on a different appliance later.

Warehouse clubs and seasonal retailers

Costco and Sam's Club carry dehumidifiers year-round, but their selection is small and changes with the season. In spring and early summer, they stock 2 to 4 models; by fall, the selection shrinks. Prices are competitive, and both clubs offer return policies that are generous—Costco lets you return almost anything within a year.

You need a membership to shop at either warehouse, but if you already have one, it is worth checking their websites or visiting in person during humid months. Seasonal retailers like Ace Hardware and True Value also stock dehumidifiers, though availability varies by location.

What to compare before you buy

Capacity, measured in pints per day, tells you how much water the unit removes from the air in 24 hours. A 30-pint dehumidifier is typical for a bedroom or small basement; a 50-pint or larger unit is needed for a large basement or very humid space. The higher the pint rating, the larger and more expensive the unit.

Noise level matters if the dehumidifier will run in a bedroom or living space. Most units run between 50 and 70 dB; anything above 65 dB is noticeably loud. Check the manual or product page for the decibel rating, not just the brand's marketing language.

Energy use varies widely. Look for the annual energy cost listed on the yellow EnergyGuide label if you are buying in a store, or search for it on the manufacturer's website. Running a dehumidifier 24 hours a day costs $20 to $60 per month depending on the model and your local electricity rate.

Warranty length is important, especially if you are buying online or secondhand. Most new dehumidifiers come with a 1 to 5 year warranty on parts and labor. Secondhand units usually have no warranty, so factor that into your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return a dehumidifier if it does not work in my space?

Yes, but the return window varies by retailer. Home Depot and Lowe's allow returns within 30 to 90 days; Costco allows returns within one year; Amazon's return policy depends on the seller, but typically allows 30 days. Always check the return policy before you buy, especially if you are ordering online.

Is it cheaper to buy online or in a store?

Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com usually have lower prices than physical stores, sometimes by $20 to $50 per unit. However, shipping costs and delivery time vary. If you need the unit today, a hardware store is faster and may be worth the extra cost.

Should I buy a used dehumidifier to save money?

Used dehumidifiers can save you money, but inspect the unit in person and ask how long it has been in use. Avoid units older than 10 years, and do not buy if the compressor sounds rough or the plastic is cracked. A warranty-free used unit that fails after a month costs more in frustration than a new one with a warranty.

What size dehumidifier do I need?

Capacity depends on your room size and humidity level. A 30-pint unit works for rooms up to 500 square feet; a 50-pint unit for 500 to 1,000 square feet; a 70-pint or larger for basements over 1,000 square feet. Check the product manual for the manufacturer's recommended room size.

Do I need to buy a hose or drainage kit separately?

Most dehumidifiers come with a collection bucket, but many also have a drain port where you can attach a hose to run water directly to a floor drain or outside. Hoses are not always included, so check the product description before you buy. A standard dehumidifier hose costs $10 to $25 and fits most units.