Getting a whole-house humidifier can help lessen wintertime issues in Auburn like scratchy skin, a dry nose and cracked lips. Since it runs with your heating system, you don’t need to drag a portable humidifier around your home, splashing water as you go.

As this system works with your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to request skilled whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like Forster Heating. Whole-house humidifier cost depends based on the kind of humidifier you want and how long it takes us to install it.

To help you find the best whole-house humidifier for your needs, let’s discuss the different types and their estimated price.

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most popular model as they’re the most economical. They often are priced between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. They add moisture to your home through a padded spinning wheel, which moves up and dissolves water.

They’re available as bypass, which runs when your heating system does, or fan-powered, which operates on its own. However, the decreased price tag also is accompanied by a higher need for maintenance to prevent mold.

A drum humidifier relies on an evaporative pad to distribute moisture around your home. Depending on how frequently you need the humidifier, you’ll need to put in a new pad at least yearly.

Flow-Through Whole-House Humidifier

As the name implies, flow-through humidifiers flow water through an evaporator pad to create humidity. They are around $200–$300, plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor.

They use more water than a drum style, but the potential for mold is lower as the water drains once the humidification cycle is done. You can select between bypass and fan models, but you’ll still have to install a new pad at least once a year.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is considered the most efficient and needs the smallest amount of maintenance, because it doesn’t require standing water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the options you are looking for, they can be priced at from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

Since they can run independently of your furnace, they might need slightly more utilities than drum and flow-through types. However, the trade-off is that they typically don’t have mold growth.

Make Winter More Pleasant with a Whole-House Humidifier from Forster Heating

Although a whole-house humidifier costs more than a portable model, it offers many advantages a single-room model can’t. Some of those advantages include:

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from drying out
  • Making a better climate for loved ones with respiratory problems, like asthma
  • Reducing frequent cold-weather complaints, including scratchy skin or chapped lips
  • Decreasing static electricity

Looking to enjoy a more comfy heating season while indoors? Our Forster Heating professionals can help you find the right whole-house humidifier for your home. Contact us at 530-885-8081 now to get started.