A whole-house humidifier usually costs between $392 and $766, with an average of $579. Prices depend on the type and size of the unit, as well as labor.
Whole-house humidifier costs range from $175 to $1,350 if you select a high-end model that attaches to your furnace or you have a large home. The average whole-house humidifier costs $579. Let’s review the cost breakdown of purchasing and installing a whole-house humidifier.
Here's where you'll spend (or save) your money when shopping for a whole-house humidifier.
The whole-house humidifier you choose could cost between $150 and $1,100. It mainly depends on if you're choosing a drum, flow-through, or steam-powered 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.
Spending $50 to $70 an hour for installation from a local whole-house humidifier installer may end up adding a couple hundred dollars to your project. But this cost is worth it to ensure everything is in proper working order and doesn’t end up damaging your home or your existing HVAC systems.
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.
There are three main models of whole-house humidifiers you can choose from.
Drum models range between $150 and $250. with a rotating drum attached to an absorbent pad. The pad passes through and soaks up water, then evaporates into the air through the bypass tube.
This model has an inherent risk of bacteria and mold growth if not properly maintained. Filter replacements are needed about once per month, costing between $10 and $20.
Flow-through humidifiers cost between $200 and $300. This type of humidifier sends moisture into the air directly from the hot air your furnace creates, making it a low-maintenance device. Filters need to be changed periodically, but a good model doesn't need as much servicing as a drum humidifier.
Steam-powered whole-house humidifiers range between $300 and $1,100. Higher-end models monitor your home's moisture levels and add moisture to the air when necessary (as opposed to running constantly). The water is heated in a reservoir and then released in your furnace.
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 |
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.
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. For many, asking a local HVAC company for price quotes is the best idea.
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.
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.