
Full Answer
How much does a whole house humidifier cost to install?
When installed by a local humidifier specialist, you should expect to pay between $395 and $734 for installation on average. In certain instances, it could cost as much as $1,000. The average cost of a whole house humidifier is between $100 and $300, although high-end models could exceed $1,000.
How much does a whole-house humidifier cost?
How much a whole house humidifier should cost. Average costs and comments from CostHelper's team of professional journalists and community of users. A standard (non-steam) central humidifier unit costs about $100-$250 , depending on capacity; although some higher-end models can run $300-$500.
How much does it cost to install HVAC unit?
This will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your home, the type of unit being installed and the specific HVAC professional you work with. On average, HVAC installation can cost between $1,800 and $10,500. The more work required to install the unit, the higher the cost.
How much does a furnace humidifier cost?
These are typically pad, steam, or spray types. Whole-house units usually work with adjacent the furnace, and can typically cost you anywhere from $300 to $1500 or more. These are the biggest humidifiers and cost more than any other type as well.

How much does it cost to install a humidifier in your HVAC system?
When installed by a local humidifier specialist, you should expect to pay between $395 and $734 for installation on average. In certain instances, it could cost as much as $1,000. The average cost of a whole house humidifier is between $100 and $300, although high-end models could exceed $1,000.
How much does it cost to add a humidifier to your furnace?
Whole-house humidifier cost A whole-house humidifier costs $400 to $1,200 installed, depending on size, type, and the home's HVAC system. A furnace humidifier alone costs $100 to $500 for drum and flow-through units alone or $300 to $1,300 for steam. The labor cost to install a humidifier adds $100 to $900.
Can you add humidifier to HVAC?
Adding a humidifier directly to your HVAC system can improve your home comfort, reduce damage to your home, and even save you money. Health Improvement – If you or a loved one are experiencing dry, cracked skin or lips, breathing problems, or frequent bloody noses the relative humidity in the home could be low.
Is an HVAC humidifier worth it?
If you live in a four-season climate with extreme temperatures, it's especially important to keep the recommended humidity levels, and a whole home humidification system or a whole home ventilation system will help increase your home comfort and decrease your risk of humidity related health issues.
Do whole house humidifiers cause mold?
If not used properly, here are some issues a whole house humidifier can cause: Excessive moisture can causes mold growth. Moisture can accumulate within your ducts, causing mold to form and then be distributed throughout the air in your home.
How long does it take to install a humidifier on a furnace?
about two hoursInstalling either system involves cutting a hole in the venting using templates provided by the manufacturer. You'll need about two hours to mark the template, cut holes, and install the humidifier. Before you begin, make sure to shut off the furnace.
Do humidifiers damage your furnace?
If you have a portable personal humidifier in your home, it could be affecting your heater. “We've had a lot of calls of the same problem,” explained Tim Hatfield, Owner of Tim's Heating & Cooling. “Of getting their bumping limit, which is the furnace getting too hot and shutting itself off.”
Should you humidify your house in winter?
In short, it should be OK to use a humidifier to raise the indoor humidity in a leaky house in a cold climate to 30 or 35 percent. Once you start getting up to 40 percent, though, your solution may be the cause of new, potentially bigger problems.
What are the cons of a humidifier?
Humidifier risks and precautions Too much humidity in a room can be dangerous. Unclean humidifiers can emit harmful elements that can lead to respiratory problems. Warm mist humidifiers may burn children if touched. Cool mist humidifiers may disperse hazardous minerals and other particles that irritate the lungs.
Who can install a whole house humidifier?
If you decide to install one, ensure that it's used properly and maintained often. While you can attempt the installation yourself, unless you're very experienced at home improvement projects, the job is best left to an HVAC technician, who can also help you determine the best type of humidifier for your home.
How long do whole house humidifiers last?
Depending on the frequency of maintenance and quality of water, a humidifier will have a life expectancy of 10-15 years.
How do I add a humidifier to my forced air system?
0:067:09How to Install a Whole-House Humidifier | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this is the heating system up here all right let's see what you got. So you have an air handlerMoreSo this is the heating system up here all right let's see what you got. So you have an air handler and that has a blower fan inside of it that's going to push the air up into this duct.
How can I humidify my house without a humidifier?
7 Simple Ways to Humidify a Room Without a HumidifierPut Your Tub or Shower Water to Work. ... Get More Plants. ... Turn Vents or Radiators into Humidifiers. ... Decorate With Vases or Fountains. ... Air-Dry Your Laundry. ... Boil Water on the Stove. ... Use the Dishwasher.
How much does a humidifier cost?
The average installed cost of a whole house humidifier is $525, with the unit tied into your central HVAC duct system. Most homeowners spend between $235 and $715 for evaporative humidifiers. Steam humidifiers cost $675 to $1,500 installed.
How long does it take to install a humidifier?
2-3 Hours | Installation time for the average bypass or fan-powered humidifier.
How much electricity does a steam humidifier use?
Steam humidifiers use 240 volts and a heating element to create steam that is then carried along in the air circulating in the ducts. Steam whole house humidifiers produce the most humidity, but use a lot of water and heating energy to do it. They also cost more.
What is the most affordable humidifier?
Humidifier Type – Bypass humidifiers are the most affordable, followed by fan-powered evaporative humidifiers. Steam humidifiers cost about three times as much. When a dedicated circuit and wiring must be added, cost can be five times higher.
Why is it so hard to install a steam humidifier?
Steam humidifier installation is quite difficult because of the 240V circuit, wiring and plumbing aspects.
What is the warranty on a Honeywell humidifier?
Brand and Quality – Aprilaire, Emerson, Skuttle, White Rodgers and Honeywell are among the top brands and are backed by warranties of 5 or 10 years. They cost more than cheap knock-off brands with a warranty of 1-3 years. Most major HVAC brands – Carrier, Trane, Goodman, etc., also manufacture whole house humidifiers, and warranties are mostly 10 year. Most of these units are sold only through HVAC contractors with installation included, so cost can be higher.
How many square feet are humidifiers?
Capacity – Humidifiers are rated for square footage, usually from about 2,500 to 4,500 square feet. Steam humidifiers are often rated for 6,000 sq. ft. or more.
How much does it cost to install a humidifier?
When installed by a local humidifier specialist, you should expect to pay between $395 and $734 for installation on average. In certain instances, it could cost as much as $1,000.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Whole House Humidifier Yourself?
Since HVAC professionals charge a flat rate of up to $70 an hour (along with a service fee) and installing a whole house humidifier can take up to five hours to complete, you might save as much as $400 by installing it yourself.
What Whole House Humidifier Can I Get on My Budget?
Below are some pricing tier guidelines you can use to find the right whole house humidifier for your budget.
What are the different types of humidifiers?
Types of Humidifiers. Humidifiers come in different sizes, from tabletop humidifiers to whole house humidifiers. Tabletop humidifiers cater to one room. Whole house humidifiers come in different sizes for different houses. A humidifier price will depend on the make and model along with the size of the HVAC system, which varies from house to house.
How much does a whole house humidifier cost?
Whole house humidifier costs start at just $100, but could easily be more if you select a higher-end model that attaches to your furnace, or if you have a large home. This cost guide breaks it all down for you.
Why use a humidifier gauge?
A humidifier gauge is used to measure the level of humidity in the house , keeping the humidity at the set level. Too much humidity is harmful to the home occupant’s health. It triggers the growth in mold spores in the house.
Why do you need a whole house humidifier?
Installing a whole house humidifier in your home is a great investment for your family's health, especially if you or a loved one suffers from any sort of respiratory issues. Moisture in the air helps line the nasal passages with moisture and reduces airborne bacteria and viruses.
How much does it cost to add a humidifier to an HVAC system?
The total tends to divide into $100 to $200 per hour, with labor measuring out at $50 to $70 per hour.
How much does it cost to install a humidifier?
The average homeowner spends $561 to install a humidifier with professional services. Depending on the model you choose, the labor rate and the service time, this cost could range from as low as $200 to as high as $1,000. The typical range is $395 and $734. Average units cost about $100 to $300, while higher-end options cost $500 to $1,100. Labor by HVAC technicians is expected to add $100 to $400 for three to five hours of work at $50 to $70 per hour.
How to install humidifier on furnace?
Install the humidistat (if applicable) on the cold-air plenum. Connect the humidistat to the furnace, then to the humidifier via the solenoid. Connect the water supply (may need a plumber) and install a filter. Test the system.
Why is a humidifier more advanced than a hygrometer?
It is more advanced than the hygrometer because it doesn't just display the humidity reading, it adjusts levels for you . If this is important to you, shop for a humidifier that comes with one of these devices. If you have a humidifier without a humidistat, you can buy one.
How does location affect humidifier?
The location of your HVAC system will have an impact on your choice of humidifier and the complexity of installation. In a basement, you have plenty of space to put in any size unit and your installer will have less trouble accessing the ducts. In a closet, your options are more limited. In an attic, your installer will need more time and your space constraints will be tighter. The best way to get an idea of how location will affect your cost and choice of unit is to get in touch with an HVAC professional.
How long is Honeywell humidifier warranty?
Honeywell has a number of humidifier products available with either 1-year or 5-year warranties. They carry a low-cost drum model and several bypass models, including a water-saving option. Their steam unit can serve up to 3,000 square feet and evaporate 12 GPD. Their Electrode model can evaporate 11 or 22 GPD.
How much does a drum humidifier cost?
Drum humidifiers range between $150 and $250. These are the most affordable type. The system involves a belt, motor and reservoir of water. The motor spins a padded wheel so that the water lifts and evaporates. These units don't take much to put in place. They will, however, pose an elevated risk for mold growth and demand a lot of maintenance. They can be either bypass or powered.
Humidifier FAQ
Find the answers to the most common humidifier FAQs below! Our experts answer humidifier FAQs about system types, maintenance, and more.
How Much Do House Humidifiers Cost?
How much house humidifiers cost varies based on the type of humidifier you want to purchase as well as the brand and model.
Humidifier Benefits
When you install a house humidifier to add moisture in your home, the humidifier benefits you receive are numerous. The top humidifier benefits homeowners gain include:
Humidifier Brands
When it comes to whole house humidifiers, there are a number of great equipment brands to choose from. Check out the HVAC brands below to find humidification and indoor air quality solutions for your home.
How much does it cost to replace an HVAC unit?
According to HomeAdvisor, full HVAC unit replacement costs range from $5,000 to $10,000, with the national average at $7,000. This comes out to about $25 to $60 per square foot. Prices depend on the size and brand of the HVAC system, the size of the house, ductwork length, and the new unit’s efficiency rating. For new installations, expect to pay from $1,500 to $12,500. HVAC installation prices typically include labor costs of between $500 and $2,500. The total cost relies on the type and condition of the current system. It typically costs more to retrofit forced or central-air heating than to replace an existing unit.
How much does an HVAC system cost?
New HVAC systems cost between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the brand and size of the unit. A new furnace typically costs between $1,000 and $4,000, and an air conditioner runs from $1,500 to $8,000. Consider that a newer, more energy-efficient model may save you money on energy bills in the long run.
What are the factors to consider when budgeting for HVAC replacement?
These include ductwork; adding zones, insulation, or a thermostat; additional add-ons and upgrades; furnace and air conditioner replacement; asbestos removal; and the savings from rebates.
Why is my HVAC unit not keeping my house warm?
An aging HVAC unit will struggle to keep a consistent temperature in a home. If you notice that your home never seems warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer, the HVAC system may be to blame. Some issues that may cause inconsistent temperatures are motor damage, cracked ducts, clogged filters, a damaged or inaccurate thermostat, or low fluid levels. If the ductwork is damaged or the HVAC system is struggling to keep up with heating and cooling demands, investing in a new system will save money on utility bills.
How much does it cost to add zones to an HVAC system?
Adding zones to your existing HVAC system can raise the price by $2,000 to $3,000. If you install a new system, the costs can range from $7,500 to $12,500. A zoned system uses a specific thermostat for each zone of your house. Dampers in the ductwork open and close according to the needs of each particular zone based on how much heating and cooling is needed in that area.
How long does it take to install an HVAC system?
Depending on the size and complexity of the installation, the job can take between 6 and 10 hours if the old HVAC system is being replaced with a new one. If new ductwork is needed, the installation could be extended by 1 to 3 days.
Why is it important to insulate HVAC ducts?
Insulating HVAC ductwork can help the system run more efficiently and save money on utility bills. Insulated ductwork can help eliminate condensation and in turn, mold and mildew.
How much does it cost to add a humidifier to your furnace?
It may cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 to add a humidifier to your furnace. However, the actual cost varies with the type of humidifier you choose, and the time it takes the technician to complete the job.
How do Furnace Humidifiers Work?
Just like other types of humidifiers, furnace humidifiers operate by converting water into invisible mist. The mist is then evenly distributed to the air in the room where they are installed. The release of the mist into the atmosphere increases the humidity levels.
How much does a dehumidifier cost?
Average cost of a whole house dehumidifier is around $2,485 for an installed unit, that’s connected to the home’s ductwork. The cost range for an installed house dehumidifier is $1,850 to $3,700 for most homes based on the cost factors listed below.
How long does it take to install a whole house dehumidifier?
3-5 Hours | Time needed for a 2-person crew installing a whole house ducted dehumidifier.
How much moisture can a dehumidifier remove?
Capacity starts at about 60 pints for small units. The largest whole house dehumidifiers remove more than 150 pints per day. Cost goes up with capacity.
How many square feet does a dehumidifier need?
Older homes with no house wrap and drafty doors and windows allow humid air to penetrate, so you’ll need a larger dehumidifier. Choose a model rated for 3,000 square feet.
What is a costimate dehumidifier?
This Costimate is about whole house dehumidifiers that are connected to the home’s central HVAC ducts . A ducted house dehumidifier is an excellent solution to high humidity. They’re common in two settings: Homes that do not have central air conditioning.

Average Cost For A Whole House Humidifier
Overview of House Humidifiers
- A whole house humidifier installed in your forced air system ductwork is a great way to beat dry air during the heating season. You’ll be more comfortable, and the humidity is essential for the health of wood flooring and furniture. Opposite of a dehumidifier, these ducted humidifiers add moisture, versus removing it from the air in your home. There are three types of whole house du…
Product Cost Factors
- Humidifier Price Factors There are just a few key factors in the cost of a whole house humidifier. 1. Humidifier Type – Bypass humidifiers are the most affordable, followed by fan-powered evaporative humidifiers. Steam humidifiers cost about three times as much. When a dedicated circuit and wiring must be added, cost can be five times higher. 2. Brand and Quality – Aprilaire, …
Permits, Inspection, and Installation Costs
- $0 – $125 | A permit is not required unless a circuit and wiring is being installed (steam humidifiers only)
Diy Or Hire A Pro
- Some homeowners successfully install their evaporative humidifier, the type accounting for 90% of whole house humidifiers. The keys when cutting into ductwork are taking precise measurements for a tight fit and being careful, since cut sheet metal is extremely sharp. Steam humidifier installation is quite difficult because of the 240V circuit, wiring and plumbing aspects…