Getting a whole-house humidifier can help decrease winter ailments in The Bay Area like itchy skin, a dry nose and peeling lips. As it works with your heating system, you don’t have to lug a portable humidifier around your home, spilling water as you go.

Since this system links to 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 is linked to the model of humidifier you want and how long we need to install it.

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

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most popular type because they’re the most reasonably priced. They typically run between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor. They humidify your home through a padded spinning wheel, which lifts and dissolves water.

You can select from bypass, which works when your heating system does, or fan-powered, which works independently. However, the lower price tag also includes a greater need for maintenance to avoid mold.

A drum humidifier relies on an evaporative pad to send moisture around your residence. 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 send water through an evaporator pad to make 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 chance of mold is reduced since the moisture empties once the humidification cycle is complete. You can choose between bypass and fan models, but you’ll still need to replace the pad at least every year.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is regarded as the greatest efficiency and needs the smallest amount of service, since it doesn’t require a pool of water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the extras you want, they can be priced at from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor.

Because they can work independently of your furnace, they could require somewhat more utilities than drum and flow-through models. However, the compromise is that they usually don’t involve mold growth.

Make Cold Weather More Pleasant with a Whole-House Humidifier from Contra Costa Heating & AC

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

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from cracking
  • Creating a healthier climate for household members with respiratory conditions, like asthma
  • Alleviating frequent cold-weather complaints, including rough skin or chapped lips
  • Decreasing static electricity

Ready to enjoy a more comfortable heating season while indoors? Our Contra Costa Heating & AC pros can help you find the ideal whole-house humidifier for your needs. Give us a call at 510-343-9841 now to start the process.