Adding a whole-house humidifier can help decrease winter problems in Greater Richmond including flaky skin, a dry nose and peeling lips. Since it works with your heating system, there’s no need to carry a portable humidifier around your home, spilling water as you go.

As this system connects to your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to request pro whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Whole-house humidifier cost depends based on the kind of humidifier you select and how long it takes us to install it.

To help you find the best whole-house humidifier for your home, let’s review the different models and their estimated costs.

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most often installed kind since they’re the most reasonably priced. They typically cost between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. They add moisture to your residence with a padded rotated wheel, which lifts and evaporates water.

You can choose from bypass, which runs when your heating system does, or fan-powered, which operates on its own. However, the smaller price tag also comes with a greater need for maintenance to avoid mold.

A drum humidifier uses an evaporative pad to distribute moisture throughout your home. Depending on how often you turn on the humidifier, you’ll have to change this pad at least yearly.

Flow-Through Whole-House Humidifier

As the name implies, flow-through humidifiers flow water through an evaporator pad to produce humidity. They run between $200–$300, plus installation, according to national averages put together by HomeAdvisor.

They need more water than a drum style, but the potential for mold is reduced since the water flows away once the humidification cycle is finished. You can have your choice of bypass and fan models, but you’ll still need to replace the pad at least once a year.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is considered the best efficiency and requires the smallest amount of extra work, as it doesn’t have to have a reservoir of water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the features you want, they can cost from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor.

Since they can work independently of your furnace, they may consume somewhat more energy than drum and flow-through types. However, the benefit is that they usually don’t have mold issues.

Make Wintertime Better with a Whole-House Humidifier from Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Although a whole-house humidifier costs more than a portable model, it gives many pluses a single-room model can’t. A couple of those advantages include:

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from wearing out
  • Developing an improved space for family members who suffer from respiratory problems, like asthma
  • Alleviating usual wintertime complaints, such as rough skin or peeling lips
  • Reducing static electricity

Looking to enjoy a more comfy heating season while at your residence? Our Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling specialists can help you choose the right whole-house humidifier for your needs. Contact us at 804-302-6657 today to get started.