How Much Does a Whole-House Humidifier Cost?

December 23, 2020

Adding a whole-house humidifier can help improve wintertime issues in Marshalltown such as flaky skin, a dry nose and flaking lips. Since it runs with your heating system, so you don’t need to lug a portable humidifier from room to room, sloshing water as you go.

Since this system connects to your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to book pro whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like B & G HVAC. Whole-house humidifier cost depends based on the kind of humidifier you select and how long we need to install it.

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

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most popular model as they’re the most economical. They typically run between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor. They add humidity to your house through a padded spinning wheel, which raises and dissolves water.

You can choose from bypass, which works when your heating system is on, or fan-powered, which runs independently. However, the lower price tag also comes with a greater need for maintenance to stop mold.

A drum humidifier has an evaporative pad to move moisture throughout your house. Depending on how regularly you need the humidifier, you’ll need to change this pad at least annually.

Flow-Through Whole-House Humidifier

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

They need more water when compared to a drum humidifier, but the chance of mold is decreased as the liquid drains once the humidification cycle is finished. You can have your choice of bypass and fan models, but you’ll still have to put in a new pad at least annually.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is considered the best efficiency and requires the least amount of maintenance, since it doesn’t have to have a pool of water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the options you need, they can range from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages from HomeAdvisor.

Because they can run independently of your furnace, they could consume somewhat more electricity than drum and flow-through models. However, the benefit is that they usually don’t have mold troubles.

Make Cold Weather More Enjoyable with a Whole-House Humidifier from B & G HVAC

Although a whole-house humidifier is more expensive than a portable model, it gives many advantages a single-room model can’t. A few of those perks include:

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from wearing out
  • Developing an improved space for loved ones with respiratory conditions, like asthma
  • Decreasing usual cold-weather complaints, like scratchy skin or flaking lips
  • Decreasing static electricity

Looking to enjoy a more comfy heating season while indoors? Our B & G HVAC pros can help you select the right whole-house humidifier for your budget. Reach us at 641-316-3360 now to start the process.