How Much Does a Whole-House Humidifier Cost in 2025?
This project can cost anywhere from $175 to $1,350, so take a look at what could affect this price and get a quote from a pro.
A whole-house humidifier connects to a home's air ducts.
The three main types are flow-through, drum, and steam humidifiers.
Drum models are the most affordable, while steam is the most expensive.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing a whole-house humidifier costs an average of $579, with prices ranging from $392 and $765. The total cost depends on factors like your home's size, the type of humidifier you choose, labor rates, and installation time. By budgeting properly and hiring an HVAC professional near you, you can ensure your humidifier is installed efficiently and keeps your home's humidity at the right level.
Whole House Humidifier Costs by Type
Whole-house humidifiers cost between $150 and $1,100 for the unit alone, and installation costs vary based on the type you choose. The three main types are flow-through, drum, and steam humidifiers. Drum models are the most affordable, flow-through systems are mid-range, and steam humidifiers are on the higher end. Spray-mist models are a less common but affordable option.
Steam humidifiers connect to your heating and air conditioning unit and plumbing. Attaching this equipment to these large components will be more expensive than choosing a non-steam central humidifier, such as a drum or flow-through type. High-end models raise the installation cost. Some have an adjustable humidistat or settings that will kick it off in the summer—a convenience that may be worth the higher price tag.
Tabletop humidifiers simply plug into the wall and don’t require a professional installation service. These will work well for one room, much like space heaters work for only small spaces, but they are not considered whole-house humidifiers.
| Humidifier Type | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Drum (Bypass) | $150 – $250 |
| Flow-Through | $200 – $300 |
| Steam-Powered | $300 – $1,100 |
| Spray-Mist | $100 – $150 |
Flow-Through
Flow-through units typically cost between $100 and $500 for the unit and $100 to $450 for the installation. These units use water to flow through an evaporator pad and create humidity. Water releases when a valve opens and flows through a pad, and then drains. Because of this, these units waste more water. The furnace heat cycle triggers the valve. These can also be either bypass or powered (more on what this means later).
Drum
The most affordable type, drum humidifiers cost between $100 and $300. The system involves a belt, motor, and reservoir of water. The motor spins a padded wheel so that the water lifts and evaporates. They can be either bypass or powered. These units don't take much to put in place. They do, however, pose an elevated risk for mold growth and demand a lot of maintenance.
Humidifier maintenance can rack up the total central humidifier cost. For instance, you can invest in a whole-home air cleaner for around $2,200 to help keep your humidifier clean and free from mold.
Steam Humidifier Cost
Steam humidifiers cost between $300 and $1,100, with installation ranging from $200 to $900. They heat water to create steam that disperses through your home's ductwork. While they have higher upfront and operating costs ($150 to $500 per year), steam humidifiers provide consistent humidity levels. Some models operate independently of your HVAC system's heating cycle, offering flexibility but may increase the risk of rust and mold.
Spray-Mist Humidifier
These units are priced at $100 to $150 and generally don’t need a professional, so you can get away with DIYing your humidifier installation. This steam system forgoes evaporative pads and relies on an existing heating and cooling system, unlike other steam humidifiers. The HVAC system triggers a moisture "spray," and the forced air carries that moisture throughout the duct system.
Bypass vs. Fan-Powered Systems
Drum and flow-through models can either be bypass or fan-powered. Bypass types rely on the HVAC system heat to work. Since they don’t require an independent motor to run, you can save between $100 to $300 by choosing a bypass system. Keep in mind that they’re suitable for smaller spaces since they don’t have extra power.
Fan-powered humidifiers work with flow-through and steam models and are suitable for larger spaces. They can also work when your HVAC system is not in use, making them more efficient.
Bypass
These systems are often the least expensive and easy to install. They need a duct attachment so that the air from the furnace can heat and evaporate water. Their downsides are that they can demand a lot of maintenance, requiring repair expenses, and they might struggle to change the humidity levels in larger homes effectively.
Fan-Powered
Fan-powered systems work similarly to bypass systems, only they have an internal blower, so they don't have to rely on the heat cycle and a bypass duct to work. This means they can generate more power, making them suitable for homes with more square footage. For this reason, you’ll pay more, depending on the size of the motor.
Additional Humidifier Price Factors
When budgeting for your humidifier, consider these additional factors that can affect the total cost.
Humidity Gauge (Hygrometer)
A humidity gauge costs between $10 to $70, though some high-end models can go up to $200. You want to ensure that you're not pumping too much moisture into your home. One way to protect against this is to invest in a humidity gauge that can tell you the percentage of moisture in your air. This will slightly increase the cost of installing a humidifier but will prevent you from having to fix any moisture-related damage in the future.
Humidistat (Hygrostat)
A humidistat costs between $30 to $150, with manual humidistats on the lower end of the price range and automatic or smart humidistat versions on the higher end. This device automatically checks the humidity levels in your home. Unlike hygrometers, humidistats adjust the humidity levels for you.
For humidifiers without a humidistat, it’s a good idea to add one to your humidifier system. It’s still wise to get a hygrometer to pair with your humidistat, as it can measure humidity levels at varying distances from the humidifier itself and tends to be more accurate than humidistats.
Location
Where your HVAC system is located can affect your choice of humidifier and the complexity of installation. If it's in a basement, there's usually plenty of space and easy access. In a closet or attic, space is limited, and installation may take longer. To understand how your system's location impacts cost and options, consult a local HVAC professional.
Humidifier Annual Maintenance Cost
The national average to repair a whole-house humidifier is around $230. Some units, especially those that run through your ductwork and add moisture to your whole home, could cost as much as $500 to repair.
If your HVAC technician finds mold, they will recommend that you test it and have it removed. Such mold testing costs around $600. To prevent mold growth in the first place, have your ducts cleaned regularly. The price of duct cleaning is around $400.
Evaporative Pads
Drum and flow-through humidifiers use evaporative pads that collect water, which then heats and evaporates to humidify your home. Replacing these pads costs between $70 and $100, including installation. Spray-mist models don't use evaporative pads.
Cost to Install Whole-House Humidifier by Brand
The brand you choose will influence your whole-house humidifier price, with some brands costing more than others.
| Brand | Unit Price | Total Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aprilaire | $130 – $1,000 | $200 – $1,900 |
| Carrier | $200 – $800 | $300 – $1,700 |
| Trane | $200 – $900 | $300 – $1,800 |
| American Standard | $300 – $1,100 | $400 – $2,000 |
| Honeywell | $150 – $400 | $250 – $1,300 |
| Bryant | $250 – $650 | $350 – $1,500 |
| Goodman | $170 – $700 | $300 – $1,600 |
| Hamilton | $150 – $200 | $250 – $1,100 |
DIY vs. Hire a Pro
Installing a whole-house humidifier yourself can save you up to $400, but it's a complex project requiring HVAC, plumbing, and electrical skills. Mistakes can lead to higher energy bills, inefficiency, or even damage your HVAC system, resulting in costly repairs. Hiring an HVAC professional ensures the job is done right and your humidifier works efficiently.
An experienced HVAC professional will also help you select the best unit for your home size, humidity levels, and budget, ensuring efficient operation and preventing future issues.
Ready to install a whole-house humidifier? Find a local HVAC professional to ensure proper installation.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unless you're very skilled with HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, it's best to hire a professional. Improper installation can damage your HVAC system, increase energy bills, and reduce equipment lifespan. A pro will ensure everything is installed correctly and safely.
It depends on your maintenance preferences and budget. Drum humidifiers cost less upfront but require more frequent maintenance to prevent mold growth. Flow-through humidifiers are a bit more expensive but need less upkeep because they have fewer parts that can harbor mold. Consider how much maintenance you're willing to do when choosing between the two.
Repairing a whole-house humidifier costs an average of $230, with prices ranging up to $500 depending on the type of unit, extent of the repair, and labor fees in your area. Units integrated into your ductwork or servicing larger homes may incur higher repair costs. Regular maintenance can help prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your humidifier, saving you money in the long run.
If your home's humidity level drops below 30%, a whole-house humidifier can help. Dry air can lead to discomfort and health issues. Energy Star recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30% and 50%. In colder regions, aim for 30% to 40% in winter to prevent window condensation. If your home has too much humidity, you may need a whole-house dehumidifier.
Whole-house humidifiers typically last 10 to 15 years. If your unit is nearing this age or isn't working well, it might be time to replace it. Upgrading can improve efficiency and save on energy costs. Consult a professional to assess your unit.
A whole-house humidifier is installed directly into your HVAC system, usually near the furnace or air handler. It connects to your ductwork and plumbing. Because installation involves integrating with existing systems, it's best to hire a professional to ensure everything works safely and efficiently.
If you're experiencing issues with your humidifier, check out our Humidifier Repair Cost Guide for more details.
