How Much Does a Whole-House Humidifier Cost? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $392 - $766

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.

How we get this data
A modern, stylish and bright living room
Photo: Oscar Wong / Moment / Getty Images
A modern, stylish and bright living room
Photo: Oscar Wong / Moment / Getty Images

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.

Whole-House Humidifier Cost
National
Normal range for the
 U.S.
$392 - $766
How we get this data
AVERAGE
$579
LOW END
$175
HIGH END
$1,350
LOWHIGH
$579 AVG

Whole-House Humidifier Cost Breakdown

Here's where you'll spend (or save) your money when shopping for a whole-house humidifier.

Type of 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.

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.

Installation Costs

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.

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.

Whole-House Humidifier Cost by Type

There are three main models of whole-house humidifiers you can choose from.

Drum versus flow-through versus steam humidifier comparison, with steam being most expensive but has the least maintenance

Drum (Bypass) Humidifier 

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 Humidifier

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 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.

What Whole-House Humidifier Can I Get on My Budget?

House humidifier on a return duct
Photo: oasisamuel / Adobe Stock

Below are some pricing tier guidelines you can use to find the right whole-house humidifier for your budget.

BudgetHumidifier TypeDescription
<$200DrumRequire significant maintenance
$200 – $400Flow-throughLess maintenance; DIY installation
$400 – $1,000Steam-poweredAttach to HVAC system and disperse steam
$1,000+High-end steamAttach to ductwork; eliminate mold growth

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.

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.

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.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to heating and air conditioning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Mother and son sitting on the couch and reading a story
Sep 3, 2024
Sep 3, 2024
Inspections are an essential part of furnace maintenance. Prevent inconvenient breakdowns by budgeting for furnace inspection costs and repairs.
new furnace blower motor closeup
Jan 3, 2025
Jan 3, 2025
When your HVAC system is acting up, it could be the blower motor to blame. See how much blower motor replacement costs and what impacts the price here.
Woman relaxing at home in chair
Aug 14, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
If the motorized damper in your AC unit goes kaput, you need to replace it. Here is how much you can expect to pay to get this job done.
The interior of a living room with views to the backyard
Jul 24, 2024
Jul 24, 2024
If your energy bills have increased or your home isn’t as comfortable as it used to be, use this duct sealing cost guide to see how much a solution will total.
Air compressor on a wall on a sunny day
Feb 27, 2024
Feb 27, 2024
Is your AC freezing up? This is a common problem for AC units. Learn how to tell if your AC is frozen, plus how to fix a frozen AC unit.
A person opening a garage door
Sep 13, 2024
Sep 13, 2024
Keep your garage well-ventilated when using a garage heater. Put your DIY skills to the test with this helpful guide to venting a garage heater.
Share project details to get started.