Adding a whole-house humidifier can help decrease winter ailments in The Bay Area including itchy skin, a dry nose and peeling lips. Since it runs with your heating system, there’s no need to carry a portable humidifier from room to room, spilling water as you go.

As this system works with your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to schedule pro whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like Contra Costa Heating & AC. Whole-house humidifier cost is linked to the model of humidifier you choose and how long we need to install it.

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

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most popular kind because they’re the most reasonably priced. They typically run between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages from HomeAdvisor. They add humidity to your home through a padded moving wheel, which moves up and dissolves water.

You can choose from bypass, which works when your heating system does, or fan-powered, which operates on its own. However, the decreased price tag also includes a higher need for upkeep to prevent mold.

A drum humidifier relies on an evaporative pad to distribute moisture throughout your home. Depending on how regularly you use the humidifier, you’ll have 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 make humidity. They are around $200–$300, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

They consume more water than a drum model, but the potential for mold is lower as the liquid empties once the humidification cycle is finished. You can select between bypass and fan models, but you’ll still need to put in a new pad at least once a year.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is known as the best efficiency and needs a minimal amount of extra work, because it doesn’t have to have a pool of water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the options you want, they can be priced at from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

As they can operate independently of your furnace, they might require somewhat more electricity than drum and flow-through models. However, the trade-off is that they typically don’t involve mold issues.

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

Although a whole-house humidifier is more expensive than a portable model, it gives many perks a single-room model can’t. A couple of those pluses entail:

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from drying out
  • Making a better environment for family members who suffer from respiratory ailments, such as asthma
  • Alleviating frequent wintertime complaints, like scratchy skin or cracked lips
  • Lowering static electricity

Want to enjoy a more comfy heating season while indoors? Our Contra Costa Heating & AC pros can help you find the ideal whole-house humidifier for your needs. Contact us at 510-343-9841 now to get started.