Installing a whole-house humidifier can help improve wintertime issues in The Bay Area like flaky skin, a dry nose and peeling lips. As it runs with your heating system, you don’t need to lug a portable humidifier across your home, splashing water as you go.

As this system works with your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to schedule skilled whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like Contra Costa Heating & AC. Whole-house humidifier cost varies due to the kind of humidifier you choose and how long it takes us to install it.

To help you choose the best whole-house humidifier for your home, let’s review the different kinds and their estimated costs.

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most popular type because they’re the most affordable. They often run between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages from HomeAdvisor. They add moisture to your house by using a padded moving wheel, which lifts and evaporates water.

They’re available as bypass, which operates when your heating system is heating, or fan-powered, which operates by itself. However, the lower price tag also includes a greater need for upkeep to avoid mold.

A drum humidifier has an evaporative pad to distribute moisture across your house. Depending on how frequently you need the humidifier, you’ll need to change this 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 cost $200–$300, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

They consume more water as opposed to a drum humidifier, but the likelihood of mold is lower because the liquid flows away once the humidification cycle is finished. You can have your choice of bypass and fan models, but you’ll still have to replace the pad at least every year.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is known as the greatest efficiency and requires a minimal amount of service, as it doesn’t require a pool of water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the options you want, they can cost from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

As they can operate without your furnace being on, they might consume somewhat more utilities than drum and flow-through types. However, the trade-off is that they usually don’t involve mold troubles.

Make Winter More Enjoyable with a Whole-House Humidifier from Contra Costa Heating & AC

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

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from wearing out
  • Creating a better space for loved ones who have respiratory conditions, like asthma
  • Alleviating usual winter complaints, like scratchy skin or peeling lips
  • Decreasing static electricity

Ready to enjoy a more comfy heating season while at your residence? Our Contra Costa Heating & AC specialists can help you choose the best whole-house humidifier for your needs. Contact us at 510-343-9841 now to get started.