How Much Do Humidifier Repairs Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average whole-house humidifier repair costs $250, with most homeowners spending between $129 and $405. Factors affecting cost include unit type, required parts, nature of the problem, and labor rates. If your humidifier isn't working properly, the good news is that many issues are fixable with the help of a skilled HVAC technician. Getting it repaired ensures your system runs efficiently and lasts longer.

Humidifier Repair Costs by Type

The cost to repair a humidifier depends heavily on its type. Smaller portable humidifiers are cheaper to repair than whole house units.

Whole House and Home Furnace Humidifiers

Whole-house and furnace humidifiers work alongside your HVAC system to maintain comfortable humidity levels throughout your home. These units typically attach directly to your furnace or ducts, while steam-powered models can operate independently. Repair costs for these humidifiers vary based on the system's complexity and the nature of the issue. Steam types will be more complex to fix than the most common models.

Tabletop and Console Humidifiers

Tabletop and console humidifiers use a humidistat to turn the unit on and off when humidity levels change. If your humidifier isn't maintaining proper moisture levels, check the humidistat settings. While these units can operate automatically, you'll need to adjust the settings as temperatures fluctuate to keep indoor humidity consistent.

Remember, higher moisture levels in cool air can make your home feel colder. If your house feels chilly in winter despite the heat working properly, your humidistat might be set incorrectly or malfunctioning.

Tabletop models are less expensive to fix because you can physically take them to the shop; you don't need to pay for someone to visit your home. Also, check with your professional as it may be cheaper to replace a tabletop unit than it is to fix it.

Ultrasonic Portable Humidifiers

Ultrasonic humidifiers are cool-mist models that use ultrasonic vibrations to generate mist from a water reservoir. The membrane is the main component and a common cause of failure due to buildup. If the membrane has significant buildup, it can't create the pressure needed to produce mist. You can usually fix this by cleaning the membrane and other parts.

Other reasons for device failure include:

• Low water levels

• Power source issues

• Blockages in the water tank

• Faulty parts, like a bad transistor

You can replace malfunctioning parts easily. To prevent future problems, clean your humidifier regularly. Always unplug the unit before cleaning and be cautious around electrical components.

Dehumidifier Repair Costs

Dehumidifier repairs cost between $50 and $200. While you can troubleshoot some issues yourself, it's best to call an HVAC technician for complex problems. Common issues include freeze-ups, clogged drain lines, dirty coils, and component failures. Many humidifier professionals also service dehumidifiers, so consult with a pro for a quote before hiring.

Labor Costs for Humidifier Repairs

Most HVAC technicians charge a flat rate that includes an initial service fee, labor, and parts. On average, you can expect to pay $50 to $70 per hour, with some technicians charging a minimum fee of $100 to $200. Highly rated providers may charge $100 per hour or more. Costs vary depending on the service provider and your location.

Humidifier Repair and Replacement Parts Cost

Humidifier repairs cost an average of $250, but if a technician only needs to clean and lubricate your unit, you won't pay as much as if they have to replace a part. Also consider that parts for decades-old units will be even more expensive and, if you have such a model, it will be more cost-effective to install a new one.

Common humidifier parts that often need replacement during repairs include solenoid valves, float assemblies, humidifier tanks, and fans, among others.

Solenoid Valve

Solenoid valves cost $20 to $80. This part tends to get stuck in a closed position and fail. You will have to replace it. Otherwise, the system will not work at all.

Your HVAC technician will turn off the water at the saddle valve, which connects the humidifier's supply line to the main supply line. Next, they will disconnect all electrical and water connections from the solenoid and remove it. Then they will replace it with a new one and connect the new part to the water and electric. As a final step, they will perform a test-run.

Float Valve

Valve and float assemblies for these units run $15 to $30. You will need to replace the float valve if it still won't perform after a cleaning, if its connector is defective or if the seal is no longer tight enough.

Humidifier Tank

A replacement tank will be $20 to $300. The tank will be much less expensive for smaller units than for larger ones. For example, a $20 tank would be compatible with a portable style while a $300 one works with high-capacity steam options.

Fan Motor

When the fan doesn't move, the responsible part will likely be the motor, which costs $50 to $60. It is also possible that the fan may not be receiving power. This could be because of a tripped breaker or bad wiring. You can troubleshoot a tripped breaker without the help of a professional, but you shouldn't try to rewire the system yourself if you don't have extensive electrical knowledge.

Evaporative Pad

Evaporative pads range from $6 to $25, depending on the model you have. In evaporative styles, the pad–also called the water panel or filter–is one of the most important parts. You need to change it at least on a yearly basis because it collects minerals and build-up. For the first year of operation, check the pad halfway through the season to see if yours gathers more buildup than average. A blocked pad will make your system less efficient, and it may stop producing humidity altogether.

You can replace these on your own. Simply turn off the power source and open the cover of the unit. You can easily access the pad or filter from there and change it out.

Filters

Apart from the evaporative filter, your equipment will have a filter in the solenoid valve that catches large particles before they make it to the pad. Also known as an in-line strainer screen, this filter costs $4. If water isn't passing from your solenoid valve into the humidifier, this is probably clogged up with debris.

Humidistat

Humidistats cost $30 to $100. If your humidistat isn't functioning properly, you may not need to replace it. It could be having issues getting power from its power source or it may be on too low of a setting. If your humidistat is the problem, your best option is to contact a professional with electrical experience for a specific quote and services.

Common Humidifier Problems

You can diagnose many common humidifier problems yourself, such as replacing or cleaning small parts. For evaporative humidifiers, which are easier to work on, fixes may cost as little as $65. Steam versions have more expensive parts and require more expertise, costing $500 or more. If repair costs approach the price of a new, more efficient model, you might consider replacing the entire system.

Not Working or Won't Turn On

If your humidifier won't turn on or isn't working properly, the humidistat is often the main culprit. The humidistat senses humidity levels and tells the unit when to activate. If it's malfunctioning or lacks power, your entire system won't turn on. Other possible issues include a faulty solenoid valve, a broken drum motor, or a tripped breaker.

Leaking

Leaks are a common problem since the water supply is essential for humidifying your home. In units with a reservoir, water fills the tank until a mechanical float rises and shuts off the supply. If the float sticks or is defective, the water won't shut off, causing the tank to overfill and spill onto your floor. In this case, you may need to replace the float mechanism.

If your humidifier flows continuously when the furnace blower is running, let your professional know. They can check hose and tubing connections for tightness and ensure the drain line is clear. Your leak might be due to loose connections, clogged or kinked drain lines, or a degraded hose.

No Steam or Mist

Your unit may sound and look like it's working without producing humidity or steam. This likely has to do with the water source. There could be a clog anywhere along the intake or drain lines, from the valves to the filters. If it's not as simple as clearing build-up or fixing a kink, you may have a problem with your solenoid or your humidistat.

Not Turning Off

When the water won't stop running to your unit and the system won't turn off, it's usually similar to what happens when toilets run–the valve is stuck open. Your solenoid valve may be malfunctioning due to wiring problems or, more likely, it is stuck due to build-up. This valve is sensitive, and the smallest bits of build-up can prop it up.

Not Raising Humidity

If your system is receiving water but it isn't producing enough humidity, it's likely that you need to change your evaporator pad or panel. You need a new one before the start of each heating season. In dry climates where these systems run for longer periods of time, you will need to replace these components more frequently. In areas with hard water, your panel or pad will collect more sediment and you will need to replace it more frequently as well.

Making Noise

You can expect your system to make various small noises, but unusually loud ones or consistent buzzing are signs that you need to either clean or replace the unit. Often, a clog or unlubricated motor are the cause of the noise. Maintenance and cleaning should take care of these. Otherwise, check for loose connections and vibrating parts. In dehumidifiers, loose screws and parts are common and easily fixed.

Bad Smells

Smells are more than a minor nuisance. In drum models, a bad smell is a sign of mold and bacteria. Drum styles are most prone to this problem because they involve standing water. You must properly maintain and clean their reservoirs to prevent mold growth, otherwise your unit will release particles of bacteria into your ducts and your home. If your unit is a dehumidifier, your coils may be dirty or there could be water caught and stagnant in the hose.

Freezing Up

This is unique to dehumidifiers. Most aren't designed to work under 60 degrees, due to their method of operation (refrigerant). If your unit freezes up in a warm climate, you may have a blockage, your refrigerant may be low or you could have a compressor problem.

Humidifier Cleaning and Maintenance

Build-up on parts often leads to product failure. If you can keep up with cleaning and maintenance, you can extend the life of your humidifier and avoid some pesky repairs. Here are a few tips to keep your system running smoothly:

• Let your manual be your guide: All whole home models come with owner's manuals. They will have information unique to your humidifier model and guidance for disassembling, cleaning and maintaining it.

• Don't work with the power on: Always turn off the power to your equipment before cleaning.

• Beware standing water: Drum models have reservoirs which can breed bacteria quicker than any other model. Keep this reservoir clean and disinfected.

• Change your pad at least annually: You need to clean or change the evaporative pad at least once a year. This will ensure the highest level of efficiency and air quality. In dryer climates or in places with hard water, you may need to clean and change it more frequently.

• Clean basic components: Clean away mineral deposits to maintain components like drain lines and fan blades. For steam models, your manual will instruct you to clean the overflow pan and tank, as well as the drain and supply tubes. For dehumidifiers, keep the coils free of dust and debris.

• Check for leaks: Throughout the year, keep an eye on the water lines connected to your system. The sooner you catch a leak the better.

• Monitor the reservoir: In dehumidifiers, the reservoir can fill up and shut down your unit. Watch for drainage problems and blockage. You should also regularly clean the reservoir, to prevent bacteria and mold growth.

If you find that you can't keep up with the cleaning and the build-up is significant, you may need to install an air cleaner in your ducts. These purify the air, lowering high pollutant levels in the home. The average cost of whole home air cleaner is $2,600.

Humidifier Repair Troubleshooting Tips

Before troubleshooting your humidifier, check your warranty. You might void a valid warranty by working on it yourself. Some installers allow limited DIY testing, so if you're unsure of your warranty's limitations, contact the manufacturer.

If you decide to inspect the unit, make sure to turn off the power and water supplies first.

Check for Debris and Scaling

Pay special attention to the evaporator pad which catches a lot of build-up over time. Open the cover of the humidifier and take a look. Also check other components for scaling. If these things are dirty, try cleaning them and replacing the evaporator pad.

Cleaning can solve many problems, from clogs in water lines, to buzzing noises, to lack of evaporation and even smells. For dehumidifiers, clean or de-ice the coils for proper operation. Dirty coils could be what's keeping your unit from working.

Look for Water Leaks

Inspect for leaks in the water lines and the reservoir. Check them closely to zero in on the source. You may only need to tighten a few fittings, or you may find a corroded line.

Test Your Humidistat

If there's a lack of humidity or your unit won't turn on, the humidistat may be set too low or too high. Before calling a professional, try turning the humidistat to a setting calling for greater humidity, then turn your furnace up 5 degrees higher than the current room temperature. When the furnace blower turns on, the system should function. If it doesn't, you may have lost power to the unit, or one of the electrical components may have failed.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can troubleshoot minor problems yourself, especially with dehumidifiers when referring to the operator's manual. However, for electrical and plumbing issues, it's best to call an HVAC professional near you. Attempting these tasks without proper skills can risk your safety and put your home in danger of further damage. Considering the reasonable cost to hire a technician, it's wise to protect your heating and cooling system by seeking professional help.

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.