Installing a whole-house humidifier can help improve wintertime ailments in Frederick like itchy skin, a dry nose and cracked lips. Since it runs with your heating system, you don’t have 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 May's Heating & Air. Whole-house humidifier cost depends based on the model of humidifier you want and how long it takes us to install it.

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

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most often installed kind because they’re the most reasonably priced. They usually are priced between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages from HomeAdvisor. They add humidity to your house by using a padded moving wheel, which lifts and disperses water.

You can choose from bypass, which works when your heating system does, or fan-powered, which runs by itself. However, the lower price tag also comes with an increased need for maintenance to prevent mold.

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

Flow-Through Whole-House Humidifier

As the name suggests, flow-through humidifiers move water through an evaporator pad to create humidity. They cost $200–$300, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

They need more water than a drum humidifier, but the chance of mold is lower because the liquid drains once the humidification cycle is done. You can choose between bypass and fan models, but you’ll still have to put in a new pad at least annually.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is considered the best efficiency and needs a minimal amount of service, since it doesn’t have to have a pool of water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the extras you need, they can range from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

Because they can operate without your furnace being on, they may need somewhat more electricity than drum and flow-through models. However, the benefit is that they usually don’t experience mold growth.

Make Cold Weather Better with a Whole-House Humidifier from May's Heating & Air

Although a whole-house humidifier is pricier than a portable model, it offers many advantages a single-room model can’t. Some of those benefits entail:

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from wearing out
  • Creating a healthier space for household members who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma
  • Reducing frequent cold-weather complaints, such as dry skin or chapped lips
  • Lowering static electricity

Ready to enjoy a more comfortable heating season while indoors? Our May's Heating & Air pros can help you select the ideal whole-house humidifier for your home. Contact us at 301-690-0397 today to begin the process.