
How Much Does a Whole House HVAC Humidifier Cost?
- Average Cost for a Whole House Humidifier The average cost to have an HVAC company install a whole house humidifier into your existing system is $525. ...
- Overview of House Humidifiers ...
- Product Cost Factors ...
- Permits, Inspection, and Installation Costs ...
- DIY or Hire a Pro ...
How much does it cost to install a humidifier in a house?
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 HVAC system?
They usually are priced between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. They humidify your home by using a padded spinning wheel, which lifts and disperses water. They're available as bypass, which runs when your heating system does, or fan-powered, which operates by itself.
Is it worth getting a whole house humidifier?
That said, whole house humidifiers can be a great solution. Optimal humidity levels are not just more comfortable for you and your family, but also help maintain the furnishings inside your home. By adding a whole-house humidifier to your home, you'll be able to adjust humidity levels as you see fit.
Is adding a humidifier to your furnace worth it?
Having a furnace humidifier helps add moisture to the air, which makes your home more comfortable. The moist air can even help your house feel warmer while still burning the same amount of fuel.
What is the best type of whole-home humidifier?
Steam humidifiers are the fastest and most efficient way to increase and maintain a good level of humidity in your home. Steam whole-house humidifiers also provide the purest and most natural form of humidity that you can have within your home.
Is it hard to install a whole-house humidifier?
Whole home humidifiers are easy to install if you are familiar with home improvement projects and HVAC systems. You must have knowledge about the electrical wires, water lines, and air ducts in your home.
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 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.
Where should you place a whole house humidifier?
With a whole house humidifier, choose the most central room in your home, which is usually the living area. The idea is to get the unit where it can distribute the most humidity into the largest areas of the house. Placing the unit near a cold air return will help distribute the humidified air more thoroughly.
How long does it take for a whole house humidifier to work?
Most humidifiers take about 10-15 minutes to warm up and start pushing out moisture. Once that begins, it takes between three and 24 hours to refresh the air in the room and maintain a comfortable atmosphere.
What are the pros and cons of humidifiers?
While using a humidifier can help with dry sinuses, it can also cause harm. Dust mite and mold growth is promoted more in humid environments, so if people are allergic to dust and mold, or if they have asthma, using a humidifier could aggravate these conditions.
What should humidity be in house in winter?
between 30-40 percentWhat is a Good Level of Indoor Humidity in Winter? When asking about the best humidity levels for the air inside your home this winter, you'll want a relative humidity level between 30-40 percent.
Can you add a humidifier to your 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.
Do humidifiers increase electric bill?
According to the EPA, humidifiers account for approximately 0.11 percent of all electricity consumed in U.S. households. The type of humidifier you choose will determine how much energy it consumes. For instance, the EPA reports a cool-mist humidifier consumes 136 percent more energy than an ultrasonic model. Pro Tip!
Where should a whole house humidifier be installed?
They typically attach to the main stack of a forced-air furnace where the unit draws its water from a nearby hot or cold water pipe. Some humidifiers are installed in the return-air duct and add moisture to the air before it's heated.
How much does it cost to have an Aprilaire humidifier installed?
The normal range for the installation is between $350 and $700. The highest reported cost is $1,000. The type of Aprilaire humidifier will influence the total cost of the installation.
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.
Average humidifier installation cost
The following table shows the average cost for a whole-house humidifier with installation.
Furnace humidifier cost by type
Furnace humidifiers cost $100 to $1,300 for the unit alone or $200 to $2,200 installed, depending on the type and features.
Central HVAC humidifier cost by brand
The following table shows current pricing for the top whole-house humidifier brands. Most brands require professional installation and registration within 60 to 90 days of purchase for the warranty to be valid.
Whole-house humidifier installation cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of installing a whole-house humidifier:
Frequently asked questions
A whole-house humidifier lasts 10 to 15 years or more if properly installed and well-maintained.
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 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…