How Much Does a Whole-House Humidifier Cost?

December 23, 2020

Installing a whole-house humidifier can help alleviate winter problems in Wisconsin Rapids like flaky skin, a dry nose and flaking lips. As it operates with your heating system, so you don’t have to drag a portable humidifier around your home, sloshing water as you go.

As this system connects to your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to request pro whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc. Whole-house humidifier cost varies due to the model of humidifier you select and how long we need to install it.

To help you choose the best whole-house humidifier for your needs, let’s go over the different types and their estimated costs.

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most requested model since they’re the most economical. They usually cost between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages from HomeAdvisor. They add moisture to your house by using a padded rotated wheel, which lifts and dissolves water.

They’re available as bypass, which works when your heating system does, or fan-powered, which works independently. However, the smaller price tag also includes a greater need for maintenance to stop mold.

A drum humidifier has an evaporative pad to move moisture across your home. Depending on how regularly you need the humidifier, you’ll have to put in a new pad at least every year.

Flow-Through Whole-House Humidifier

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

They consume more water when compared to a drum style, but the likelihood of mold is reduced since the water empties once the humidification cycle is complete. You can have your choice of bypass and fan models, but you’ll still need to put in a new pad at least every year.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is considered the most efficient and requires the smallest amount of extra work, because it doesn’t require standing water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the features you need, they can cost from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

Because they can work without your furnace being on, they could need a bit more utilities than drum and flow-through models. However, the compromise is that they usually don’t have mold troubles.

Make Wintertime More Pleasant with a Whole-House Humidifier from Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc

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

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from drying out
  • Creating a healthier space for loved ones with respiratory problems, like asthma
  • Decreasing common cold-weather complaints, including dry skin or peeling lips
  • Reducing static electricity

Ready to enjoy a more comfy heating season while indoors? Our Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc pros can help you choose the right whole-house humidifier for your needs. Contact us at 715-301-0256 today to begin the process.