Installing a whole-house humidifier can help lessen cold-weather issues in Portland such as scratchy skin, a dry nose and cracked lips. Because it operates with your heating system, there’s no need to carry a portable humidifier across your home, sloshing water as you go.
Because this system connects to your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to book professional whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like Three Rivers Heating & Cooling. Whole-house humidifier cost depends based on the type of humidifier you want and how long we require to install it.
To help you select the best whole-house humidifier for your needs, let’s go over the different models and their estimated price.
Drum Whole-House Humidifier
Drum humidifiers are the most often installed kind because they’re the most economical. They often run between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor. They add moisture to your residence by using a padded moving wheel, which moves up and disperses water.
You can select from bypass, which works when your heating system is heating, or fan-powered, which works independently. However, the smaller price tag also is accompanied by an increased need for maintenance to avoid mold.
A drum humidifier uses an evaporative pad to send moisture throughout your home. Depending on how often you need the humidifier, you’ll want to replace the pad at least yearly.
Flow-Through Whole-House Humidifier
As the name implies, flow-through humidifiers move water through an evaporator pad to produce humidity. They are around $200–$300, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.
They use more water than a drum model, but the potential for mold is reduced as the water drains once the humidification cycle is finished. You can have your choice of bypass and fan models, but you’ll still need to change the pad at least every year.
Steam Whole-House Humidifier
A steam humidifier is known as the most efficient and requires the smallest amount of extra work, as it doesn’t require standing water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the options you are looking for, they can cost from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor.
As they can work independently of your furnace, they may need slightly more energy than drum and flow-through kinds. However, the compromise is that they usually don’t involve mold growth.
Make Winter Better with a Whole-House Humidifier from Three Rivers Heating & Cooling
Although a whole-house humidifier costs more than a portable model, it offers many benefits a single-room model can’t. A few of those advantages involve:
- Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from cracking
- Developing a better climate for family members who have respiratory ailments, including asthma
- Reducing frequent winter complaints, like scratchy skin or chapped lips
- Reducing static electricity
Ready to enjoy a more pleasant heating season while at your home? Our Three Rivers Heating & Cooling pros can help you find the right whole-house humidifier for your home. Reach us at 503-213-4433 right away to get started.