How Much Does a Humidifier Cost in 2024?

Whether you reside in Arizona, Montana, or any other dry US state, you can improve indoor air quality and comfort by investing from $380 to $1,150 in a whole-house humidifier. You can find some cheaper options that may run around $200 installed. A high-end humidifier for a furnace costs about $2,560. However, most homeowners choose a middle ground, forking out $760. Your outlay will hinge on the type, brand, and capacity of the unit, in addition to its features. 

The central humidifier cost

Whole-House Humidifier Cost Breakdown

Do you suffer from dry skin, irritated sinuses, or respiratory discomfort in the summer or during cold winters when the heating system reduces indoor humidity? A top-notch humidifier can become your godsend, helping maintain a healthy home environment. As the furnace humidifier installation cost varies based on multiple factors, we’ll scrutinize the main ones to help you make an informed decision. 

Whatever humidifier-related concerns you have, MyHomeQuote can help resolve them all. We cooperate with many HVAC specialists nationwide and can match you with reliable ones. Complete the form below to let us know what you need. 

Furnace Humidifier Cost by Type

Once you stop by a brick-and-mortar store or go online for a furnace humidifier, you can find dozens of models ranging from $100 to $1,280. Depending on the option you choose and the installation complexities involved, you may add $100 to $900 to the final bill. Each type has an array of peculiarities that can affect the price. 

Flow-Through Humidifier

You can pay $100 to $510 for the unit and $100 to $450 for installation. Flow-through humidifiers work well with most residential properties with the HVAC system in place. When the furnace heat cycle is activated, it triggers a valve that releases water to saturate an evaporator pad. Flow-through units are available in bypass or powered models. Both options effectively distribute humidity throughout the house, but their usage results in water wastage. 

Drum Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are priced between $90 and $300 for just the unit and $200 to $750 with installation included. These models operate using a rotating pad that soaks water from a built-in reservoir. They come in both bypass and powered variants and are relatively straightforward to install. Despite their affordability and simple installation, drum humidifiers require diligent upkeep to prevent mold growth and mineral buildup. Hence, you should be ready for monthly filter replacements, costing $10 to $20 each.

Whole-House Steam Humidifier

Whole-house humidifiers cost from $300 to $1,300 for the unit alone, with installation costs ranging from $200 to $950. These units can operate independently of your home’s heating system, potentially offering long-term savings. Renowned for their health benefits, steam humidifiers use electric probes to boil water, destroying most germs in the process. However, these units may cost you a bundle to operate, with annual running expenses between $150 and $500. 

Spray-Mist Humidifier

The price points of a spray-mist humidifier can range between $100 and $150. If you are an experienced DIYer, you can undertake the installation project with no sweat. The system utilizes an existing HVAC system instead of the evaporative pads, distributing the moisture throughout the home via the duct system. While pocket-friendly, spray-mist humidifiers struggle with high-mineral water sources, meaning if you only use well or hard water, you should install a filter and get a softener to prevent nozzle clogs and buildup. Such upgrades may set you back between $800 and $2,500 with installation.

The humidifier installation cost by type

Furnace Humidifier Costs by Home Size

When looking for the right humidifier, homeowners should be guided by their home’s square footage and the budget they can afford. If only specific spaces call for humidification, you don’t need to pay over the odds for a whole-house unit. Remember that although more powerful humidifiers manage moisture levels more efficiently, they consume more water daily, translating into higher operating costs.

Overall, expenses usually correlate with the size of the home. Imagine you own a 1,600-square-foot house. In this case, you will need a 12-gallon humidifier running between $258 and $750 installed. Please note that well-sealed homes may require fewer gallons of water daily to maintain adequate humidity.

The cost of a whole-house humidifier by home size

HVAC Humidifier Cost by Brand

From no-names to established brands, many companies now produce humidifiers, with prices ranging from $130 to $1,150. Hence, even homeowners running out of money can find models suited to their budgets, each varying in features and warranties. Please note that humidifiers manufactured under the umbrella of such sought-after brands as Carrier, Goodman, or Trane will likely be more available through HVAC specialists. It’s worth checking in with your contractor to see what products work with. Professional installation is often only a circumstance under which you can seize a warranty a manufacturer offers. Plus, you must register the product within 60 to 90 days after purchase. 

The home humidifier system cost by brand

**American Standard humidifier from $990, according to AirAce Heating & Cooling

**Honeywell home steam humidifier from $980, according to Walmart

**AprilAire whole-house fan-powered evaporative humidifier from $560, according to Amazon

**AirCare 3-speed whole-house humidifier from $175, according to Walmart 

Whole-House Humidifier Costs by Additional Factors

You hardly want your humidifier to run 24/7, no matter the humidity level at home. Hence, if you don’t go for a top-of-the-line unit loaded with advanced features like digital controls, timers, or humidistats, you need to invest in separate devices to keep your home environment under control. 

Humidistat 

You can get your hands on a manual humidistat, spending from $32 to $55, or fork out $95 to $220 on an automatic digital one for better humidity control. The humidifier will shut off once the humidity level has reached its preset value. Pairing your humidistat with a hygrometer is a smart move, as it allows for measuring humidity levels in different parts of space. Opting for an automatic whole-house humidifier can significantly mitigate risks of moisture damage, such as mold, wood deterioration, and unsightly stains, by adjusting humidity in response to the external temperature.

Humidity Gauge

A hygrometer, also known as a humidity gauge, can run from $10 to $70, with premium models priced between $75 and $210. These top-notch hygrometers offer advanced features like LED backlighting. Essential for monitoring both temperature and humidity levels in a room, a hygrometer helps ensure that you won’t suffer from dampness. Although incorporating a hygrometer into your humidifier setup incurs an additional cost, it is a prudent investment. 

Labor Cost to Install a Humidifier for a Furnace

Many HVAC technicians operate on a flat rate billing system, charging $65 to $20 per hour. Hence, the cost to install a humidifier on the furnace can land between $100 and $900 per project, based on your location and humidifier type. While this might feel like an overwhelming upfront expense, professional installation provides considerable long-term benefits. Experts ensure that the unit is integrated effectively into your existing system without causing damage to your air ducts. Plus, they can optimize the humidifier’s operation to achieve optimal humidity levels throughout your home, increasing comfort and preventing moisture-related issues.