A whole-house humidifier usually costs between $392 and $765, with an average of $578. Prices depend on the type and size of the unit, as well as labor rates.
The average cost of a whole-house humidifier varies depending on the size and type of unit.
You’ll also pay for labor, and some HVAC professionals charge a service fee.
Installing a whole-house humidifier yourself can save money, but it’s not recommended for those without extensive plumbing, HVAC, and electrical knowledge.
A whole-house humidifier helps manage your home's humidity level.
These units can alleviate health concerns (like allergies, asthma, and congestion) while protecting your belongings.
A whole-house humidifier costs $578 on average, but you can expect to pay between $392 and $765 depending on the size and type of unit, as well as labor rates. That said, smaller budget models might be as low as $175, while high-end models that attach to your furnace could reach $1,350. Let’s review the cost breakdown of purchasing and installing a whole-house humidifier.
The cost of a whole-home humidifier will ultimately depend on factors such as type of humidifier, unit size, and more.
There are three main models of whole-house humidifiers: drum (bypass), flow-through, and steam-powered.
Drum humidifiers are the most affordable option, ranging between $100 and $300, but they need a lot of maintenance to ward off mold. These work by drawing water from a reservoir onto a rotating wheel (or drum). As the wheel turns, the water evaporates and is circulated as warm, moist air.
Drum humidifiers can be bypass (relying on your furnace blower) or fan-powered (relying on an internal blower). Bypass models cost less because they don’t need an independent motor, though they require more maintenance, and they’re best for smaller spaces.
Flow-through humidifiers are moderately priced options, often ranging between $200 and $600, plus the cost of installation. These humidifiers work with a pad that’s saturated with water. When air from the furnace blows over the pad, the water is evaporated and circulated through the house. Flow-through humidifiers can also be bypass or fan-powered.
As the most expensive option, steam humidifiers range from $300 to $1,100. Installation raises the price further. Steam humidifiers work by heating water in a reservoir, which is then released in the ductwork as steam. These humidifiers are effective and low-maintenance, and they have a decreased risk of mold.
Type of Humidifier | Average Cost Range | Description |
---|---|---|
Drum (bypass) | $100–$300 | Rotating drum attached to absorbent pad; filter replacement needed once a month |
Flow-through | $200–$600 | Uses hot air from furnace to increase humidity; low-maintenance device |
Steam-powered | $300–$1,100 | Water heated in reservoir and released in furnace; expensive but low-maintenance |
Larger homes have a greater air volume, so they’ll need a humidifier with higher capacity (measured in gallons per day) to raise moisture levels. A well-sealed 1,500-square-foot home requires about 3.2 gallons of water per day, while larger homes may need twice this amount. As expected, humidifiers with larger capacities are more powerful, so they cost more.
You should also consider potential add-ons for your furnace humidifier cost.
Hygrometer: This humidity gauge ensures the unit is pumping the right amount of moisture into your home, and it costs $10 to $70 on average.
Humidistats: These devices check humidity levels, and they also adjust them automatically. Expect to pay $30 to $150 for a humidistat if your humidifier doesn’t already have one.
Evaporative pads: These are used with drum and flow-through humidifiers. You should replace them at least once per year, which will often cost between $10 and $50.
If you hire an HVAC professional to install your whole-house humidifier, you’ll need to pay for labor. Some professionals also charge a service fee.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000 in labor to install your whole-house humidifier. Some HVAC professionals charge an hourly fee, which ranges from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the complexity of the job.
Labor costs will vary depending on several factors, including the type of pro, the type and size of humidifier, and the time of year. Installation location also matters, since difficult-to-reach spaces (like closets or attics) might add to your labor cost.
Contact a local humidifier installer to get a customized estimate for your home project.
Some HVAC professionals charge a service fee on top of installation costs, and the average HVAC service fee is between $100 and $200. This price might be well worth it if a consultation is included. This way, a professional can tell you which model and size will save you money on energy costs.
When calculating the costs of a whole-house humidifier, you should also consider long-term expenses like maintenance and repairs.
Whole-house humidifier maintenance can keep your system running properly. If you get an annual maintenance check, expect to pay around $75 to $200.
Mold remediations costs are also possible—usually around $200–$600 for testing and $400+ for duct cleaning. Keep in mind that regular humidifier maintenance decreases the risk of mold growth in the first place.
The national average cost to repair a humidifier is around $230. Some units, especially those that run through your ductwork and add moisture to your whole home, could cost as much as $500 to repair. Labor fees in your region, the extent of repairs, and the type of unit will play a role in the final price.
The cost of running a whole-house humidifier varies based on type.
Humidifier Type | Average Yearly Energy Cost |
---|---|
Drum | $1–$3 |
Flow-through | $9–$28 |
Steam-powered | $150–$500 |
HVAC professionals charge $50 to $150 per hour (along with a service fee), and installing a whole-house humidifier can take up to five hours to complete, so you might save as much as $400 with a DIY job.
That said, installing a whole-house humidifier isn't a project to be taken lightly. Experience with plumbing, HVAC, and electrical are all necessary. Because your humidifier attaches to your home's HVAC system, an error could lead to costly repairs or injuries. Systems that aren't installed properly could force your humidifier and furnace to work harder, which will drive up your energy bill, too.
To ensure a safe and efficient installation, contact a humidifier installation professional near you to get started.
While adding a whole-house humidifier brings a host of benefits, installation and maintenance costs can quickly add up. Consider some budget-friendly ways to cut down on whole-house humidifier costs.
Schedule your installation during the off-season when labor prices are lower and appointments are available.
Opt for a smaller-sized unit, as larger humidifiers tend to cost more.
Choose an economical yet quality brand of humidifier.
Obtain at least three quotes before hiring an HVAC professional to ensure the best value for your budget.
Keep up with regular humidifier maintenance to decrease the chances of costly repairs.
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Unless you're very savvy with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work, hiring a local humidifier installation pro is worth the extra investment. Improper installation could damage your home's furnace or HVAC system, which will cost you a lot (potentially thousands of dollars) to get fixed.
It depends on what your tolerance for maintenance is. Flow-through humidifiers rely on your furnace and only need to be serviced every couple of months. You'll save money by opting for a drum humidifier but will have to replace filters and service it more regularly. Either option is viable for increasing your humidity, but drum humidifiers are also slightly less expensive.
Adding a whole-house humidifier can do wonders for your sinuses. The extra moisture in the air will lubricate your nasal passages, therefore improving your overall breathing. Plus, viruses thrive in low-moisture environments, so having a home with a humidifier will make you slightly less susceptible to viruses that cause respiratory illnesses.
The average whole-house humidifier might last 10-15 years. Regular maintenance can help the unit last longer. Keep in mind that houses in dry climates use humidifiers more frequently, which may exacerbate wear and tear. A professional can help you determine if it’s time for a replacement.