The main places to buy a dehumidifier
You can buy a dehumidifier from big-box retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart; online marketplaces like Amazon; specialty HVAC suppliers; and secondhand from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local estate sales. Each option has different inventory, pricing, and return policies, so the best choice depends on whether you need the unit right away, want to compare many models side by side, or are willing to wait for shipping.
Most people find what they need at one of the major retailers because they stock common sizes (30-pint and 50-pint units for typical basements) and you can see the unit in person before buying. Online shopping gives you access to more specialized models and often lower prices, but you pay for shipping on a heavy item and have to handle returns yourself if it arrives damaged.
Key Takeaways
- Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart carry dehumidifiers year-round, with the largest selection in spring and summer when humidity problems peak.
- Amazon and other online retailers often have lower prices and more model choices, but shipping costs are high because dehumidifiers are heavy.
- HVAC supply shops and plumbing wholesalers can order commercial-grade units if you need something larger or more durable than retail stock.
- Secondhand dehumidifiers from Facebook Marketplace or estate sales cost less but come with no warranty and no way to test them before pickup.
- Return policies vary widely—some retailers accept returns within 30 days, while others have shorter windows or charge restocking fees for opened units.
Big-box retailers: Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart
Home Depot and Lowe's stock 20 to 40 dehumidifier models at any given time, with the widest selection from March through August. Both stores carry portable units in the 30-pint and 50-pint sizes that work for most basements and crawl spaces. You can walk in, look at the actual unit, read the specifications on the box, and ask staff questions about noise level, energy use, and warranty coverage.
Walmart carries fewer models—usually 8 to 15—but prices are often lower than Home Depot or Lowe's for the same unit. Walmart's selection skews toward budget models under $300. All three retailers offer in-store pickup if you order online, which saves you from paying shipping on a 50-pound box. Return windows are typically 30 days with a receipt, though Walmart's policy is more flexible for members of their paid subscription service.
Online retailers: Amazon, Wayfair, and specialty sites
Amazon stocks hundreds of dehumidifier models, including brands and sizes you will not find in stores. Prices are often 10 to 20 percent lower than retail, and you can read customer reviews that mention specific problems—like whether the bucket is straightforward to empty or if the unit shuts off automatically when full. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on many models, which is worth factoring in since standard shipping on a 50-pound dehumidifier can cost $30 to $50.
Wayfair, Overstock, and Best Buy also carry dehumidifiers online. Wayfair has a wide range of sizes and brands, Overstock sometimes runs sales on overstocked models, and Best Buy focuses on higher-end units with smart features. All three charge shipping, though Best Buy offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Check the return policy before buying—some online retailers charge a restocking fee if you open the box, even if you return it unused.
HVAC suppliers and plumbing wholesalers
If you need a commercial-grade dehumidifier, a whole-house unit, or something larger than 70 pints, contact a local HVAC supply house or plumbing wholesaler. These businesses sell to contractors but often serve homeowners too. They carry brands like Aprilaire, Therma-Stor, and Santa Fe that are built for continuous operation and cost more upfront but last longer than portable retail units.
Call ahead and ask whether they sell to the public and what their return policy is. Some require a contractor license or a minimum order; others will sell a single unit but may not accept returns. Prices are usually higher than retail because these suppliers do not compete on volume, but the units themselves are more durable and come with better warranties.
Secondhand dehumidifiers: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and estate sales
Used dehumidifiers are often listed on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for 40 to 60 percent less than new. Estate sales and garage sales sometimes have older units that work perfectly but the owner no longer needs. The main advantage is price; the main risk is that you cannot test the unit before you buy it, and you have no recourse if it stops working a week later.
If you buy secondhand, ask the seller how long they owned it, why they are selling, and whether it still removes water effectively. Ask to see it run before you hand over money. Check that the bucket or drain line works and that the coils are not visibly moldy or clogged. Do not buy a unit that smells like mold or has rust on the casing, because those problems usually mean the compressor or motor is failing.
Timing: When to buy and when stock runs out
Dehumidifier stock is highest from February through June, when homeowners start noticing basement moisture and spring humidity arrives. By July and August, many retailers run low on popular sizes because demand peaks. If you wait until September or October, you will find plenty of stock again, but the selection shrinks in winter months.
If you need a dehumidifier in July or August, order online for delivery or check multiple stores in your area rather than assuming one retailer is out. If you are not in a hurry, waiting until fall gives you more time to compare models and prices without pressure. Online retailers like Amazon maintain inventory year-round, so you can order in December if you prefer, though shipping may take longer during the holidays.
Comparing prices and return policies before you buy
Before you buy, write down the model number and brand of the dehumidifier you want, then search that exact model on three sites—Home Depot, Amazon, and Walmart. Prices vary by $30 to $100 for the same unit. Factor in shipping costs if you are buying online; a $20 price difference disappears if shipping costs $40 more.
Check the return policy on the retailer's website or ask in the store. Home Depot and Lowe's accept returns within 30 days with a receipt. Amazon's return window is 30 days for most items. Walmart's policy is 90 days for most merchandise. Some retailers charge a restocking fee if you open the box, so ask before you buy if you think you might return it. If you are buying secondhand, there is no return policy—the sale is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a dehumidifier if I open the box?
Most big-box retailers allow returns within 30 days even if you opened the box, as long as you have a receipt and the unit is not damaged. Online retailers vary—Amazon accepts opened returns, but some smaller sites charge a restocking fee. Always check the specific retailer's policy before buying.
Is it cheaper to buy online or in a store?
Online prices are often 10 to 20 percent lower, but shipping on a 50-pound dehumidifier can cost $30 to $50, which narrows the savings. In-store pickup from an online order combines the lower price with free shipping, so check whether your local store has the model in stock for pickup.
What should I look for when buying a used dehumidifier?
Ask how long the seller owned it and why they are selling. Run it before you buy and listen for unusual noises. Check that the bucket drains and the coils are clean. Avoid units that smell like mold, have rust on the casing, or make grinding sounds—those are signs of compressor failure.
When is the best time to buy a dehumidifier?
Stock is highest from February through June. If you need one urgently, buy now. If you can wait, fall and winter have good selection and less competition, so you may find better deals. Avoid waiting until July or August unless you are ordering online, because retail stock runs low.
Do I need to buy from an HVAC supplier or is a retail dehumidifier good enough?
A retail dehumidifier from Home Depot or Walmart works fine for most basements and crawl spaces. Buy from an HVAC supplier only if you need a whole-house unit, something larger than 70 pints, or a commercial-grade model designed to run continuously.