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Whole-House Humidifier Pros and Cons: Are Humidifiers Worth It?
Breathe more comfortably during the dry season
Photo: Catherine Delahaye / Stone / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Catherine Delahaye / Stone / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
Whole house humidifiers can improve humidity levels throughout your entire home.
Improper maintenance of whole-house humidifiers can lead to mold and mildew issues in the home or HVAC system.
Professional installation can help avoid issues like mold or major repairs.
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If you’re considering installing a whole-house humidifier, you’re likely wondering about its pros and cons. These humidifying systems cover your entire home, while portable ones are for single rooms. Let’s review the benefits and drawbacks of whole-house humidifiers, and when to hire a professional to install or repair one.
“Low humidity levels, below 30% to 35% relative humidity, can be detrimental in the long run. Very dry air can make throats feel scratchy and amplify allergies, besides the discomfort of dry eyes, skin, and lips. Static electricity significantly increases in areas of very low humidity. Sustained low humidity levels can also cause issues with indoor furnishings, including hardwood floors, wood furniture, books, musical instruments, and fine art."
– Terry, Licensed HVAC Technician and Owner of Terry's A/C & Heating, Richmond, TX
What Is a Whole-House Humidifier?
A whole-house humidifier is designed to add moisture to your entire home and efficiently manage its moisture levels. The complex system is incorporated into your existing heating and cooling unit, which allows it to push the moisture through the ductwork.
Photo: Marvin Samuel Tolentino Pineda / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhanced air quality | High upfront costs |
| Can boost home value | Risk of mold and mildew |
| Better humidity control | Professional installation costs |
Pros of a Whole-House Humidifier
There are several benefits to installing a whole-house humidifier, which can help you decide if it’s the right move for your needs.
1. Improved Air Quality
When moisture is added into the air in your home, it helps reduce harmful dust and allergens that are present in dry conditions. Improving your home’s indoor air quality is beneficial to anyone who is prone to allergies or has upper respiratory issues.
2. Added Energy Efficiency
Higher humidity levels can make your home feel warmer, which could lead to less output from your heating unit and lower overall heating costs.
3. Low Maintenance
Since a whole-house humidifier is integrated into your heating and cooling system, there’s less need to maintain it outside of a HVAC inspection. Plus, you don’t have to continually clean or add water to it like you would a portable humidifier or air purifier.
Cons of a Whole-House Humidifier
Just as there are benefits to a whole-house humidifier, there are some downsides to keep in mind when evaluating the purchase.
1. High Upfront Cost
The cost for a whole-house humidifier ranges from $400 to $760, including installation services. Your total bill will range depending on the type and size humidifier you need to service your entire home.
2. Potential Over-Humidification
While extra moisture in dry air can be beneficial, too much moisture can lead to more significant problems, such as the risk of mold growth and damage to your home’s structure or furnishings.
3. Water Quality Problems
For the water added into your air to be helpful instead of harmful, you will need access to high-quality water. If your water source is contaminated or contains impurities that can add harmful elements into your air, you may want to consider a different route for a humidifier.
Types of Whole-House Humidifiers
There are three main types of whole-house humidifiers: bypass, fan-powered, and steam humidifiers.
Bypass humidifiers use a furnace to produce warm air from your home’s heating ducts. The warm air then passes through a water tray, gathering moisture and passing it back into your home’s air. A local HVAC company can install them into your central air system. If you don’t have a floor drain, you can choose a drainless version. One perk of a drainless bypass humidifier is that it reuses its water supply, which means less water use overall.
A fan-powered humidifier is similar to a bypass humidifier. The main difference is that it uses a fan to push the warm air through the water tray and produces about a gallon more daily humidity. Fan-powered humidifiers are also more energy-efficient.
Steam humidifiers use electricity to boil water and produce steam, which travels through your vents and into your home’s air. Steam humidifiers are highly efficient at producing humidity.
Alternatives to Whole-House Humidifiers
Not sure a whole-house humidifier is right for your home? Consider these alternative options:
Portable humidifier: If you only need to add moisture to a single room or area, consider purchasing a portable variety, which is much less expensive and easy to set up.
Vaporizer: A vaporizer is a small appliance that uses heated water to create a fine mist to add moisture to the air.
Is a Whole-House Humidifier Right for You?
Whole-house humidifiers are a worthwhile investment for homeowners who are prone to allergies or other respiratory issues. If you live in a dry climate, a whole-house humidifier can circulate some much-needed moisture throughout the home.
If you live in a wet, rain-heavy climate or your home is prone to moisture-related issues, such as mold or mildew growth, installing a whole-house humidifier may not be a wise decision. Consult a local whole-house humidifier installer who can inspect your home and help you determine whether that type of installation is right for you.
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