How Much Does a Whole-House Humidifier Cost? [2025 Data]
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.
The average whole-house humidifier costs $578 on average, but you can expect to pay between $392 and $765 depending on its size and labor costs. Whole-house humidifier costs range from $175 for smaller, budget models to $1,350 if you select a high-end model that attaches to your furnace. Let’s review the cost breakdown of purchasing and installing a whole-house humidifier.
Whole-House Humidifier Cost Factors
The cost to install a whole-house humidifier will ultimately depend on factors such as labor, type of humidifier, unit size, service fees, and more.
Type
There are three main models of whole-house humidifiers you can choose from.
| Type of Humidifier | Average Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Drum (bypass) | $150-$250 | Rotating drum attached to absorbent pad; filter replacement needed once a month |
| Flow-through | $200-$300 | Uses hot air from furnace to make air moist; low-maintenance device |
| Steam-powered | $300-$1,100 | Water heated in reservoir and released in furnace; expensive but low-maintenance |
Size of Unit
Larger homes may need a bigger or more powerful unit to successfully (and efficiently) keep your home's moisture levels down. A well-sealed, 1,500-square-foot home requires about 3.2 gallons of water per day. Larger homes may need as much as twice this amount.
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.
| Budget | Humidifier Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| <$200 | Drum | Require significant maintenance |
| $200–$400 | Flow-through | Less maintenance; DIY installation |
| $400–$1,000 | Steam-powered | Attach to HVAC system and disperse steam |
| $1,000+ | High-end steam | Attach to ductwork; eliminate mold growth |
Labor
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, installation location, and the time of year. Contact a local whole-house humidifier installer to get a customized estimate for your home project.
Service Fee
Some HVAC professionals charge a service fee on top of installation costs, and the average cost of an HVAC service fee is between $100 and $200. This could actually be well worth it if a consultation is included. This way, a professional can tell you which model and size you should install in your home to save money on energy costs.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Since 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, you might save as much as $400 by installing it yourself.
However, 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. To ensure a safe and efficient installation, contact a local humidifier installation professional for price quotes and get started.
How to Save on Whole-House Humidifier Costs
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.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unless you're very savvy with electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work, hiring a pro to do this job 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.
Systems that aren't installed properly could force your humidifier and furnace to work harder, which will drive up your energy bill, too.
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.
The national average to repair a whole-house 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 you own will all play a role in the final price.
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.
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