How Much Does a Whole-House Humidifier Cost?

December 23, 2020

Getting a whole-house humidifier can help alleviate wintertime ailments in Pacheco such as itchy skin, a dry nose and peeling lips. Because it operates with your heating system, so you don’t need to drag a portable humidifier across your home, spilling water as you go.

Because this system works with your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to schedule skilled whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like Clean Air HVAC. Whole-house humidifier cost is linked to the type of humidifier you select and how long we need to install it.

To help you choose the best whole-house humidifier for your home, let’s discuss the different models and their estimated price.

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most often installed model since they’re the most economical. They often cost between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. They humidify your home by using a padded spinning wheel, which raises and dissolves water.

They’re available as bypass, which works when your heating system is on, or fan-powered, which runs by itself. However, the smaller price tag also includes a higher need for upkeep to stop mold.

A drum humidifier relies on an evaporative pad to move moisture around your house. Depending on how regularly you turn on the humidifier, you’ll need to change this pad at least once a year.

Flow-Through Whole-House Humidifier

As the name says, flow-through humidifiers flow water through an evaporator pad to make humidity. They cost $200–$300, plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor.

They need more water than a drum humidifier, but the chance of mold is lower because the moisture drains once the humidification cycle is complete. You can select between bypass and fan models, but you’ll still be required to put in a new pad at least annually.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is known as the most efficient and calls for a minimal amount of extra work, since it doesn’t have to have standing water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the options you want, they can range from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor.

As they can run without your furnace being on, they could need somewhat more electricity than drum and flow-through models. However, the compromise is that they typically don’t experience mold issues.

Make Wintertime More Pleasant with a Whole-House Humidifier from Clean Air HVAC

Although a whole-house humidifier is pricier than a portable model, it provides many pluses a single-room model can’t. A few of those perks include:

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from drying out
  • Developing a better space for loved ones with respiratory ailments, including asthma
  • Alleviating usual wintertime complaints, like scratchy skin or peeling lips
  • Reducing static electricity

Looking to enjoy a more pleasant heating season while at your home? Our Clean Air HVAC professionals can help you find the ideal whole-house humidifier for your needs. Reach us at 925-233-6238 today to get started.