7 Reasons a Whole-House Humidifier Is Worth the Cost

1. Improvements In Health

2. Improved Comfort

3. Reduced Static Electricity

4. Reduced Energy Usage

5. Prevention of Damage to Your Home

6. Whole-Home Humidifiers Are Easy to Maintain

7. There Are a Few Types to Choose From

According to Forbes, a whole-home humidifier can cost $120 to $1,850 and averages $575, but is it worth it? If your home is often dry, problems can occur on hot summer days and during the winter. While it requires an upfront investment, a whole-house humidifier can provide a more comfortable and healthier environment. It also has many other benefits. The following are reasons why the cost is worthwhile:

1. Improvements In Health

Dry air can affect your respiratory system and lead to nasal congestion, sinus issues, and sore throat. It can also worsen allergies and asthma. Adding moisture to the air can alleviate irritated nasal passages and reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory problems. Other health-related benefits include the following:

• Prevention of Viral Illnesses: Drier air enables viral droplets to break into smaller particles and stay airborne for longer. Therefore, increasing humidity levels can help prevent viruses from spreading.

• Relief from Dry Skin: The natural moisture in your skin is depleted faster in dry air. A whole-house humidifier can help hydrate your skin without using more moisturizers. 
• Better Sleep Quality: Lower humidity can dry out your soft palate, which triggers snoring and exacerbates issues such as sleep apnea. Acceptable indoor humidity levels range from 30% to 50% and can improve sleep quality.

2. Improved Comfort

Dry skin, chapped lips, irritated eyes, and a sore throat can reduce your comfort at home. It can also make you feel colder in the winter. Adding moisture to the air can help you feel warmer when the temperatures are colder. Indoor humidity levels also tend to drop in summer, so a whole-home humidifier can help at any time of the year. 

3. Reduced Static Electricity

Proper humidification can reduce static electricity, which prevents uncomfortable shocks, frizzy hair, and clingy clothing. Static electricity occurs due to an imbalance of charges. Shocks are caused when a transfer of charges occurs, such as when two objects are rubbed together or you touch something after rubbing your feet on the carpet. Moist air contains more charged particles than dry air, so static electricity is reduced.

4. Reduced Energy Usage

Installing a whole-house humidifier can help reduce your energy bills. Properly humidified air holds heat more effectively, so your heating system doesn’t work as hard. The humidifier can also work with your air conditioner since an AC removes moisture from the air and can sometimes make it too dry. Therefore, your entire HVAC system can run more efficiently.

A humidifier makes it easier to achieve a comfortable temperature, reducing the load on HVAC components. Whole-home humidifiers also don’t use more energy because they’re installed directly in your ductwork. They won’t raise humidity levels too high, easing the burden on your AC system so energy and repair costs are kept in check.

5. Prevention of Damage to Your Home

Wood is often used for furniture, building materials, and the structural elements of your home. It is sensitive to dry conditions. If there’s not enough moisture in the air, it can easily dry out, which causes wood furniture and flooring to warp and crack. Structural damage might also occur. This means a whole-house humidifier can increase the lifespan of furnishings and your home.

6. Whole-Home Humidifiers Are Easy to Maintain

By installing a whole-house system, you avoid the maintenance a portable humidifier requires. This includes frequently refilling the unit. Some room humidifiers must be cleaned every week. A whole-house model integrates with your HVAC system. It only requires regular filter changes and an occasional cleaning. Following the guidelines in the owner’s manual will keep the unit working effectively and efficiently.

7. There Are a Few Types to Choose From

Whole-house humidifiers are available in different types to meet the needs of your home. The three most common types include:

• Bypass Humidifiers: Your HVAC system’s main blower must be running for a bypass humidifier to work. As the blower pushes heated air, the unit sprays water onto a pad or filter, which adds moisture to the airflow.
• Fan-Powered Humidifiers: Working similarly to bypass models, a fan-powered humidifier pushes moisture into the air via its fan. It does not require the main HVAC blower to run.
• Steam Humidifiers: These generate steam by heating water. The steam is then pushed through your HVAC ductwork. However, steam humidifiers use more electricity than bypass or fan-powered systems.

Why Does a Whole-House Humidifier Cost So Much?

A humidifier can have many benefits, but its cost can impact your budget. One cost factor is the unit’s size. A 12-gallon humidifier suits a 1,000- to 2,000-square-foot home and can cost $250 to $730, while a 17-gallon system suits a 2,500- to 3,000-square-foot home and can cost up to $1,400, according to Forbes. However, an 18-gallon unit for a 3,000- to 5,000-square-foot home can be as much as $2,000.

Aside from the brand of humidifier and the size of your home, other factors that influence costs include:

• Brand: Most popular brands offer models at different price points. The more features and the higher the quality of the unit, the more it costs. Popular humidifier brands include Honeywell, American Standard, Carrier, Trane, and Goodman.
• Labor Costs: Labor can account for a third of the installation cost. It’s usually between $50 and $70 per hour and can add from $100 to $900 to the cost of the project. Licensed professionals can charge as much as $115 per hour.
• Additional Work: Other factors can influence labor costs. For example, if your humidifier requires wiring and plumbing work, installation is more expensive. Such is also the case if your furnace or ductwork is more difficult to access or the workspace is limited. The cost of living in your area affects costs.
• Add-Ons: A hygrometer, which measures humidity, can be added to a home humidifier system for a few dollars up to $200. Humidistats vary in price and come in manual, automatic, or smart models. Their prices can range from $30 to $150. This can be worth it if you like more precise monitoring and control.

When Is the Best Time to Install a Whole-Home Humidifier?

With any HVAC component, the season can influence installation costs. Therefore, you can save by scheduling service during the off-season. Most HVAC companies are busier in the summer and winter and the least busy in the spring, so prices are often lower. However, different contractors have different peak seasons for home humidifier installation, so it helps to ask local professionals when you can save.

Do I Need a Professional for Home Humidifier Installation?

Installing a basic humidifier doesn’t require expert knowledge. However, a whole-home humidifier requires precise measurements to install. The project may also entail cutting sheet metal and some electrical or plumbing work. Any mistakes can damage equipment, cause an injury, or reduce energy efficiency, so you can save by hiring a licensed contractor and paying for their services in the first place.

Let Kliemann Brothers Install Your Whole-House Humidifier

The ideal humidity level in your home can improve your comfort and health and the condition of wood elements throughout your property. Our trained and experienced professionals ensure your humidifier is correctly sized and installed. They also specialize in whole-home humidifier repair and maintenance. To schedule an in-home evaluation and learn more about our equipment options and service packages, call (253) 201-8498 today.