Best Whole House Humidifier for Apartments Within Hvac System

Published January 10, 2022

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Humidifier Toll

the average cost to install a humidifier is $550 or $200 to $1,100

The average homeowner spends $574 to install a humidifier with professional services. Depending on the model you choose, the labor rate and the service time, this cost could range from as low as $200 to as loftier as $1,000. The typical range is $398 and $753. Average units cost about $100 to $300, while higher-end options cost $500 to $ane,100. Labor past HVAC technicians is expected to add $100 to $400 for iii to 5 hours of work at $50 to $70 per hr.

You don't want your dwelling house to have also much wet but, if it'south too dry, that can be just every bit problematic. It can cause dry out, itchy skin, nasal irritation and static electricity. A humidifier could exist the reply, but it'south a challenge to calculate the toll of installing one versus the value of having one. Your outset pace should be to talk to a reputable professional. They can explain how it might do good y'all and give you a amend idea of the price you can expect. There are a few factors that might affect your purchase and installation toll.

Humidifier Cost Estimator

Let'southward calculate cost data for you. Where are you lot located?

Where are you located?

National Average	$574
Typical Range	$398 - $753
Low End - High Finish	$198 - $i,200

Price data is based on actual projection costs every bit reported by 838 HomeAdvisor members.

Whole House Humidifier Costs by Blazon

Whole house humidifiers are priced between $100 and $300, though some can be over $1,000. There are three types available: drum, menstruation-through and steam. Drum models tend to the be the about affordable, with flow-through systems in the mid-range and steam being on the higher stop.

The type y'all choose will affect the toll of professional service. A not-steam fundamental humidifier, such as a pulsate or flow-through type, will be more than affordable. Loftier-end models heighten the installation cost. Some have an adjustable humidistat or settings that will kick information technology off in the summer, a convenience many find is worth the higher price tag.

In that location are tabletop versions that yous just need to plug in. This volition piece of work well for ane room, much similar a space heater works for only a pocket-size space. Central humidifiers, withal, connect to your heating and air conditioning unit and to your plumbing. The toll to attach this equipment to these big components will be more expensive.

Drum

Drum humidifiers range between $150 and $250. These are the most affordable blazon. The organisation involves a belt, motor and reservoir of h2o. The motor spins a padded wheel so that the h2o lifts and evaporates. These units don't accept much to put in place. They volition, however, pose an elevated risk for mold growth and demand a lot of maintenance. They tin be either bypass or powered.

Flow-Through

Flow-through units typically cost between $200 and $200. These use a menstruation of water through an evaporator pad to create humidity. Water releases when a valve opens and flows through a pad, so drains. Considering of this, these units waste more water. The furnace oestrus cycle triggers the valve. These can besides be either bypass or powered.

Steam Humidifier Cost

Steam humiodifierd ranges from as little equally $300 to equally much equally $1,100. These use electrical probes to oestrus water and create steam. That steam disburses through your home through the ductwork. These styles run independently of your HVAC system's heating bicycle and are the most efficient, every bit well equally the most expensive, type available. The cost of a unit continued to ductwork will exist more expensive to install and run considering information technology uses electric heat. This means that it will touch your energy bills. They also pose the lowest risk for mold.

Spray-Mist Humidifier

These units are priced at $100 to $150. This blazon of steam system does non need evaporative pads and must rely on an existing heating and cooling organisation, different other steam humidifiers. The HVAC system triggers a wet "spray" and the forced air carries that moisture throughout the duct system. They are an inexpensive pick but non normally used. They are platonic for homes with low need for humidity or in offices. They will not perform if the water used has a high amount of minerals.

Featherbed vs. Fan-Powered Systems

Drum and catamenia-through models can either exist featherbed or fan-powered. Bypass types rely on the HVAC system heat to work, while fan-powered types exercise not.

Bypass

These systems are often the least expensive and are easy to install. They demand a duct attachment so that the air from the furnace can rut and evaporate water. They as well demand a lot of maintenance.

Fan-Powered

These systems piece of work in the same way every bit bypass, but they have an internal blower, so they don't accept to rely on the heat cycle and a bypass duct to work.

Evaporative Pads

Both drum and catamenia-through models use evaporative pads. They collect water which heats, evaporates and flows through the ducts to serve the domicile. Spray-mist models do not utilize these pads.

Consult with a Professional When Choosing a Humidifier

Adding a Humidifier to Your HVAC Organization

HVAC technicians usually charge a flat rate, which is comprised of a service fee, an hourly labor rate and the price of materials and equipment. The total tends to split into $100 to $200 per hour, with labor measuring out at $50 to $70 per hour. The price of professional installation will be well worth the value you lot get, equally the technicians volition know how to brand your humidifier most effective and they won't damage your air ducts in the process.

Humidifiers are installed on or into your ductwork and furnace to improve the levels of wet in your dwelling house. Installers will place your product either on the furnace with a mounting plate or within the render-air duct. Bypass types will need an fastened duct to forcefulness the furnace air through.

Steam models are the best option considering they are the most efficient and exercise not depend on HVAC air. Many of them can likewise accommodate various usage demands, from 12 to 35 gallons per day (GPD). Notwithstanding, their price can be prohibitive.

Its benefits include:

Preservation of materials in the dwelling which reply poorly to dry out conditions (wood floors, fine art).
Better climate for respiratory and asthma bug.
Better climate for dry skin and cracked lips.
Enhanced temperature and climate control.
Reduced static electricity.

Gas, Oil & Propane Forced Air Furnace

Most evaporative humidifiers work well with regular furnaces. Menstruum-through types are the nigh popular because they fit into mid-range budgets. However, if you have room in your upkeep to invest in a steam unit, steam is always the most efficient and to the lowest degree prone to mold.

Electric Furnaces

This way can arrange whatsoever type of humidifier. In fact, pairing the ii could raise the furnace's efficiency. An electric unit uses a lot of energy to maintain domicile temperatures in colder months and humidifiers assist to sustain warmth by style of moisture.

Heat Pumps

Homes with heat pumps don't usually have humidity problems. If you lot have a pump and your wet level isn't acceptable, consider "tightening" your dwelling to maintain the moisture levels inside. This involves sealing around doors and windows to reduce drafts. If you notwithstanding take low humidity, the best systems to apply are steam and powered models. These are more effective during those months when the pumps tin can't produce warm enough air.

Dual Fuel Heating Systems

Turning your furnace into a dual fuel heating arrangement is an culling to getting a humidifier. These energy-efficient hybrid systems consist of both a heat pump and a furnace. The estrus pump will pull in air from the outside until information technology reaches such a temperature that the furnace needs to take over. This outside air is much healthier for you and your home than that produced past the furnace. Having that healthier air for a meaning portion of the year tin have a positive impact on your indoor air quality. If you lot do need a humidifier during the colder months, install it on your furnace. Our Indoor Air Quality Testing Cost Guide goes more in-depth on the cost and benefits of testing your home.

Installing Aprilaire, Carrier and other Brands

Lower-chapters models, such equally the 12 GPD Aprilaire 500, price $100 to $300 in labor and parts and will take ii to 3 hours of work. A steam model like the Goodman HS Serial, however, is more complex and will exist closer to $500 and 4 to 6 hours of piece of work.

Aprilaire

Products come with a five-yr warranty, are quiet, demand low-hassle maintenance and come with automatic controls.

**Aprilaire Whole House Humidifier Models & Their Costs Per Square Pes**
Model # & Type	Price*	Max Coverage Area	Gallons Per Day
500 Bypass	$125 - $175	3,000	12
600 Bypass	$130 - $200	four,000	16.8
400 Large Capacity	$250 - $350	4,200	18
800 Steam	$700 - $one,000	6,200	eleven.5-34.6

* Some prices must be sourced through an authorized dealer.

Carrier

Carrier products come with a x-year warranty. They make very little racket and are congenital to be visually highly-seasoned. They take bypass and fan-powered products available in mid (12GPD) and big-sized (17GPD) capacities, too as a h2o-saving bypass model that evaporates 17 GPD. Their steam product has a capacity of 34 GPD and works with many hardwater levels.

Trane

Trane products with come with either a 5-year or a ten-year warranty. Their bypass models are available in mid and large-sized capacities, and their fan-powered model performs for upward to 4,200 square feet. With their steam unit of measurement, you can choose between 6 capacities ranging from eleven.five GPD to 34.vi GPD. It can evaporate for upwards to 5,000 square feet.

American Standard

American Standard's humidifiers will behave a 10-twelvemonth warranty. Their featherbed models are available in both mid and big-sized capacities and their fan-powered unit serves up to four,200 square feet. Their steam unit has like features to Trane's.

Honeywell

Honeywell has a number of humidifier products available with either 1-twelvemonth or 5-year warranties. They behave a low-cost drum model and several bypass models, including a water-saving option. Their steam unit can serve upwardly to 3,000 foursquare feet and evaporate 12 GPD. Their Electrode model can evaporate 11 or 22 GPD.

Bryant

Bryant products have 10-year warranties. They carry mid and large-capacity bypass models, as well as a water-saver option. They have both mid and large-capacity fan-powered units and a steam humidifier that operates at up to 34 GPD.

Goodman

Goodman'south humidity control products are known under the name "Clean Comfort Indoor Air Essentials." Their steam series will come with 5-year warranties and their evaporative products will take 10-year warranties. They have multiple featherbed models available, from mid to large-sized capacity, and they are available in either manual or automatic. Their steam units are available in a range from ten.nine GPD to 28.7 GPD.

Hamilton

Hamilton has a flow-through water-saver model that evaporates up to thirteen GPD, serves 3,000 square feet and comes with a 1-year warranty.

Consult with a Pro When Purchasing a Humidifier

Boosted Price Factors

Humidity Approximate (hygrometer)

A humidity gauge is priced at $10 to $60. You desire to ensure that you're not pumping likewise much moisture into your home. One mode to protect against this is to invest in a humidity gauge which tin can tell you lot the pct of moisture in your air. This volition increase the cost to install a humidifier but will prevent you lot from having to fix whatever wet-related damage in the future.

Humidistat (hygrostat)

A humidistat costs $xxx to $100 with manual versions on the lower end of the price spectrum and automatic versions on the higher end. This device automatically checks humidity in your home. It is more than avant-garde than the hygrometer because it doesn't just display the humidity reading, information technology adjusts levels for you. If this is important to you, shop for a humidifier that comes with one of these devices. If you lot have a humidifier without a humidistat, you lot can buy one. It is all the same wise to get a hygrometer to pair with your humidistat, as it can measure out humidity levels at varying distances from the humidifier itself.

Location

The location of your HVAC system will have an touch on on your selection of humidifier and the complexity of installation. In a basement, yous have plenty of space to put in any size unit and your installer will take less trouble accessing the ducts. In a closet, your options are more than limited. In an attic, your installer volition need more time and your space constraints will be tighter. The best way to get an idea of how location will affect your price and option of unit is to become in touch on with an HVAC professional.

Humidifier Annual Maintenance Cost

A professional should perform maintenance on your unit on an annual basis for a price betwixt $lxx and $100. This manner, yous can extend the life of your equipment and take hold of potential bug similar mold. As well much moisture can cause mildew and mold to grow in your ducts. If your HVAC technician finds mold, they will recommend that you test it and have it removed. Such mold testing costs around $700. To forbid mold growth in the first place, you tin have your ducts cleaned on a regular schedule. The price of duct cleaning is usually around $350. Barring mold and repairs, regular maintenance on your humidifier should merely be $lxx to $100.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

This is not a project for the DIY hopeful. To properly install a humidifier, you need experience with HVAC, plumbing and electrical. Your HVAC system is a primal part of your abode and, if it is damaged, it will cost you coin and crusade major inconveniences. An improperly connected unit can besides fool you by appearing to work perfectly, all while working at low efficiency. The arrangement won't be putting in its coin's worth. Mistakes hateful higher operational costs, then the toll of labor to have the work corrected. Hire a pro the first time to guarantee efficient work. An HVAC professional will know the all-time unit for your domicile size, humidity levels and projection upkeep.

FAQs

Practise I demand a whole home humidifier?

You lot will benefit from 1 of these systems if your dwelling house has a humidity level below xxx% at any point during the year. Furnaces drive moisture out of the air, particularly in colder months, and dry air is unhealthy in the home. Experts recommend a humidity level of 30% to 50%.

How long does a whole firm humidifier last and when do y'all have to supplant it?

They final an boilerplate of 10 years. You should supplant a unit that is near the end of this lifespan and isn't performing well. Upgrading to a newer ane volition increase efficiency and salve energy costs. A professional will exist able to properly assess the viability of your unit.

Where do you install a humidifier?

Y'all install them either inside the HVAC organization of your home and or attached them by way of a hole and a mountain. They connect to the plumbing and oftentimes the electricity.

How much is information technology to run a humidifier?

The total annual price to run humidifiers is $twenty on average, but information technology varies past type. Featherbed types simply use $1 to $2 in energy annually, while fan powered types apply an average of $10 per year and steam powered types use effectually $170.

Who puts in or services humidifiers?

HVAC technicians perform this work, though you will need to hire a plumber and electrician for some of the connections. HVAC technicians practise installation, annual maintenance and repairs.

Meet our Humidifier Repair Cost Guide for more data.

Is it piece of cake to install a humidifier to your furnace yourself?

No. Unless you are skilled in HVAC, electrical and plumbing, installing a humidifier to your furnace is besides complicated and risky. You could compromise your central air or furnace system if you effort this project without the proper skills and knowledge.

How to install a whole business firm or HVAC humidifier?

Information technology is important to plow off your HVAC system earlier you begin the task. Your owner's manual volition be vital to proper installation, if you decide to exercise this yourself. Otherwise, you can expect your installer to do the following:

Cutting a pigsty in your warm air duct, then mount the unit to it.
Cutting a pigsty in the hot-air plenum (for featherbed vents) to connect the vent pipe.
Install the humidistat (if applicable) on the common cold-air plenum.
Connect the humidistat to the furnace, then to the humidifier via the solenoid.
Connect the h2o supply (may need a plumber) and install a filter.
Test the organization.

Hire a Humidifier Installation Pro

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Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/heating-and-cooling/install-a-humidifier/