Home / Cost Guides / Air Treatment
How Much Does an Air Dryer Cost?
Used air dryers and treatment equipment are usually quote-based, with most units landing between $800 and $6,000 depending on type and flow capacity.
Clean, dry air protects your tools, lines, and finished work, which is why most shops pair a compressor with a dryer, filters, and a receiver. Air treatment pricing varies widely by technology and flow rating, so these items are commonly quoted per unit. The broad ranges below reflect inspected used equipment and should be confirmed by quote.
Price by type
| Type | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated air dryer (small flow) | $800–$2,500 | The common choice for general shop air; priced by rated cfm. Quote-based. |
| Refrigerated air dryer (high flow) | $2,500–$5,000 | Larger cfm ratings for busy plants. Quote-based. |
| Desiccant air dryer | $2,000–$6,000 | For very low dew points where moisture must be near-zero. Quote-based. |
| Filters and receiver tanks | Quote | Coalescing filters, particulate filters, and air receivers priced individually. |
What affects the price
Dryer technology
Refrigerated dryers cost less and suit most shops; desiccant dryers cost more but reach far lower dew points.
Flow capacity (cfm)
The dryer must match or exceed your compressor's output, and price climbs with rated flow.
Required dew point
Applications like painting or instrumentation need drier air, which pushes buyers toward pricier desiccant systems.
Added filtration and tanks
A complete treatment train — filters, dryer, and receiver — costs more than a dryer alone but protects the whole system.
Condition and controls
Verified refrigerant circuits, clean coils, and working controls support value on used units.
Bottom line
Because air treatment depends so heavily on your flow and dew-point target, these items are best quoted per unit rather than listed at a flat price. Tell us your compressor's cfm and what the air feeds, and we will match a dryer and filtration set. Most shop-size refrigerated dryers land under $2,500.
Shop air treatmentCost FAQs
Do I really need an air dryer?
In most climates, yes. Moisture in compressed air causes rust, tool wear, and ruined finishes. A dryer pays for itself by protecting your equipment and work quality.
Refrigerated or desiccant dryer?
A refrigerated dryer handles general shop and tool air at the lowest cost. Choose a desiccant dryer only when you need very low dew points, such as for painting, blasting, or instrument air.
Why is air treatment quote-based?
Dryers, filters, and receivers must be matched to your exact flow and dew-point needs, so a per-unit quote gives you the right size and an accurate price rather than a misleading flat figure.
Prices shown are item prices from PowerHouse Equipment; freight delivery is quoted to your ZIP at checkout.