The Short Version: Used Howden Equipment Can Save You 30-50%, But Only If You Avoid These 3 Mistakes
If you're looking at used Howden refrigeration equipment, here's what I can tell you after tracking every dollar we've spent on compressors, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems over the past 6 years. Buying used Howden compressors saved us about 42% compared to new—but only after I learned where the hidden costs live. The first time we tried it, we saved maybe 20%, and the second time we actually lost money. It's not as simple as just buying the cheapest used unit you find.
Honestly, it's tempting to think you can just compare the sticker price and call it a day. But identical compressor specs from different used equipment dealers can result in wildly different outcomes. That "great deal" on a compressor might cost you double in installation and repairs. Let me explain what I mean.
My Background With This
A quick bit of context. I'm a procurement manager at a mid-sized cold storage facility in the Midwest. I've managed our equipment budget (about $180,000 annually) for 6 years now, negotiated with maybe 15+ vendors for compressors, dehumidifiers, and related gear, and documented every single order in our cost tracking spreadsheet. In Q2 2024, when we switched our main compressor vendor, I had to go back through all that data to figure out what actually worked and what didn't. So this isn't theory—it's based on real invoices.
The First Mistake: Ignoring the "Used" Condition of Howden Compressors
Here's a mistake I made in 2023. We found a used Howden compressor at what looked like a killer price—about 55% below new. I was pretty pleased with myself until we got it installed. The thing had been sitting in a warehouse for 18 months. (Should mention: the seller didn't disclose the storage conditions. I didn't ask.) We had to replace seals, do a full oil change, and recondition the valves. By the time we were running, the total cost was maybe 35% below new—not 55%.
The lesson? Always ask for service history and storage details on any used Howden compressor. If the seller can't tell you how it was stored and what maintenance was done, factor in 10-15% potential remediation cost. That's been my experience, at least. Some dealers are great about this; others just want to move inventory.
What I Check Now Before Buying Used Howden Compressors
- Hours of operation (if available)—ask for the log, not just a spoken estimate
- Storage conditions (indoor climate-controlled vs. shed or outdoors)
- Last service date and what was done (oil, filters, valve inspection)
- Original purchase date and application (was it used for refrigeration, air con, or something else?)
Around half the sellers I've dealt with don't have this info readily available. That's a yellow flag, not a red one—but it means you need to budget for potential work. Maybe 10-15% of the purchase price as a buffer.
The Second Mistake: Thinking a Dehumidifier Is "Just a Dehumidifier"
This one still bugs me, honestly. We needed a dehumidifier for a new cold storage area. I sent out specs to 4 vendors. The quotes ranged from $800 to $2,400. I went with the $800 option—seemed like a no-brainer. It lasted 14 months before the fan motor failed. The replacement motor wasn't covered under warranty, and the labor to swap it was almost half the cost of a new unit. That "cheap" option ended up costing us about $1,200 over 2 years, while the $2,400 unit (which we eventually bought) is still running in its 4th year with only routine filter changes.
For dehumidifiers, pay attention to the specs that matter for your environment: capacity (pints per day), operating temperature range, and duty cycle. A unit rated for residential basements at 65°F won't survive a commercial cold room at 35°F. It's basically a mismatch waiting to happen.
I've never fully understood why some dehumidifier manufacturers don't clearly state the max operating temp range for continuous use. The brochure will say "operates down to 40°F" but the fine print says "intermittent use only below 45°F." That distinction matters a lot for a unit that runs 24/7 in a cold facility. My best guess is they're optimizing for the residential market and the commercial spec is an afterthought.
The Third Mistake: Assuming a Honeywell Thermostat Is Plug-and-Play
I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say "anyone can install a Honeywell thermostat." For basic models? Sure, maybe. But for commercial-grade units—especially if you're integrating with a dehumidifier or HVAC system—it's not always that simple.
In 2024, we bought a Honeywell thermostat that was supposedly compatible with our existing system. The box said "Works with most systems." It did not work with ours. I spent 2 hours on the phone with tech support, swapped wiring configurations twice, and eventually had to buy an adapter module for $85. The total cost of the "simple" thermostat install: list price ($190) + adapter ($85) + my 2 hours (which I value at something).
Oh, and the instruction manual? It assumes you know exactly what type of system you have. If you don't know whether your system is single-stage or multi-stage, heat pump or conventional, the manual won't help you much. Before buying a Honeywell thermostat, confirm your system type and check the compatibility tool on their website. I should add that their customer support was actually helpful—once I got through—but the process was frustrating.
What I Do Now When Buying a Honeywell Thermostat
- Snap a photo of the existing wiring before removing the old thermostat
- Use Honeywell's online compatibility checker (it's actually pretty good)
- Verify the C-wire situation—many thermostats need one, and not all systems have it
- Check if the model supports the specific features I need (e.g., dehumidifier integration)
The "Mr. Heater" Consideration
Mr. Heater units are a different beast. We use them in our maintenance shop and warehouse areas. They're generally reliable, but I've seen people expect them to perform like a permanent HVAC installation. They're portable heaters—great for spot heating or temporary use, but not a replacement for a proper heating system. That's a boundary worth noting. If you need consistent whole-building heat, a Mr. Heater is not the right solution, and expecting it to be one will lead to disappointment.
Bottom Line: Buy Used Howden Compressors—But With a System
Based on our 6 years of data, buying used Howden refrigeration equipment is a smart play if you do your homework. The 42% savings we realized on our best deal came from a carefully sourced unit with full service history, from a dealer who stood behind the equipment. The 20% saving on our first attempt came from rushing and trusting a low price without asking the right questions.
Here's my simple checklist before buying any used Howden compressor or refrigeration equipment:
- Get service history in writing (or accept the cost of potential remediation)
- Factor in installation, potential repairs, and any needed accessories
- Compare total cost of ownership (TCO) against new, not just purchase price
- If possible, buy from a dealer who offers a basic warranty (30-90 days)
Prices as of January 2025; verify current rates with vendors. Used equipment pricing varies significantly based on condition, age, and market demand. And if you're setting up a dehumidifier or thermostat, take the extra 30 minutes to confirm compatibility and specs—it'll save you the headache and the hidden costs.
At least, that's been my experience. Your mileage may vary, especially if you're dealing with a different scale of operation or specialized equipment. But the fundamentals—ask questions, calculate TCO, don't assume simple is easy—probably apply regardless.
