Winter dryness is something that we all have to deal with in one form or another. In winters, the moisture in the air is significantly less, which is the root of the trouble. What if we were to tell you there’s an effective way to deal with it? Wouldn’t it be nice to be rid of chapped lips, dry skin, nose bleeds, and such? The solution is installing a whole-house humidifier. No matter which room occupies, everywhere the ambient humidity will now be in a healthy and acceptable range.
Whole-house humidifiers work in combination with the residential heating and cooling system. Therefore, it needs professional installation. The job needs proper know-how and careful handling, all of which only a competent professional can fulfill.
Cost Of A Whole-Home Humidifier
The critical question that must be popping in your head would be the financial implication of installing such a humidifier and whether you really need one. Let’s begin with answering the first part and tackle the second one later.
Typically, there are four types of whole-home humidifiers, and based on the type, the cost varies.
1. Drum Whole-House Humidifier – Drum humidifier is often referred to as a reservoir humidifier. The unit alone costs around $100 to $300. The total cost with installation can range between $200 to $750. These humidifiers have a rotating pad that absorbs water from a tank. Its installation is not very complicated. The only drawback they have is that they are prone to mildew and mineral buildup due to stagnant water.
2. Flow-Through Whole-House Humidifier – A flow-through humidifier costs between $100 to $500. Installed, the price falls in the $200 to $950 range. These systems are better than drum humidifiers as they are cleaner due to the absence of standing water. The flow-through model consists of a moistened panel through which the heating and cooling system passes air. This moistened air is then dispersed throughout the house.
3. Steam Whole-House Humidifier – A whole-house steam humidifier costs $300 to $1,300. Installed, it will cost between $500 to $2,200. Steam humidifiers are a bit different. They do not work with the residential HVAC system. Instead, they work independently from it. Usually, they are wall-mounted and considered one of the healthiest and cleanest choices. It is because steam is created by hot water, which kills germs as well, in addition to providing humidification.
4. Spray Mist Whole-House Humidifier – On average, the cost of a spray mist humidifier falls between $100 to $150. The good news is that the homeowners themselves can install these. Their work is very easy. They provide humidification by spreading mist via a fine nozzle into the ductwork. The only problem with these units is that homes that use well water or hard water will have to install a water softener. The softener will stop mineral buildups and clogging of the spray nozzle. The average cost of installing a water softener will fall between $800 to $2,500.
Factors That Affect The Humidifier Cost
Some key factors that affect the cost of the whole-home humidifier are:
1. Type Of Humidifier – Above, we discussed the type of humidifiers and also mentioned their price range. Depending on which type you buy for your home, the price will vary.
2. Brand – A humidifier from a known brand is made of good quality materials and carries a manufacturer’s warranty as well. For these reasons, a good brand will be costlier as compared to a cheap knock-off.
3. Capacity – The greater or higher the square footage of the humidifier, the costlier it would be. The square footage of your humidifier should always depend on the area of your home, so it is necessary to choose wisely.
Can I Save Installation Cost By Installing The Humidifier Myself?
The temptation to save the installation cost is always pretty high. Given a chance, every homeowner would love to avoid it. Nevertheless, installing the humidifier yourself is not always a good idea. The main reason behind this suggestion is that installing a humidifier requires technical know-how and some knowledge about plumbing, electricals, and the HVAC system. Only a professional would be adept in all aspects. If you want a flawless humidifier installation and wish to ensure no damage happens to it during the process, always engage the services of a pro-installer.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Humidifier?
It can take anywhere between 2 to 6 hours to install a whole-home humidifier. If the installation is straightforward, your humidifier will be up and running in 2 to 3 hours. A more complicated installation will take longer. Nonetheless, a pro-installer will work quickly and efficiently and try to get your unit up and running with minimal disruption in your comfort.
Do I Really Need A Whole-Home Humidifier?
Now, we come to the next important question – Does one really need a whole-home humidifier? The best we can say is that if you reside in an area with long and extreme winters, it would be good to own a whole-home humidifier. Others who would benefit from a similar setup are those families in which members suffer from extreme discomfort due to low humidity. Others can simply buy a portable humidifier to keep discomfort at bay. Hence, it’s more a question of which category you fall in and whether you have the necessary budget to acquire and install a whole-home humidifier.
Takeaway
A whole-home humidifier is a blessing for those who live in arid areas and suffer from extreme discomfort due to low moisture in the air. Thankfully, there is a viable option for every type of budget, so you will not feel cheated. Before purchasing a humidifier, you should ask an HVAC contractor to help you gauge the size that will fulfill the humidification needs of your abode. Once you have installed a humidification system, it becomes essential to keep a sharp eye on indoor humidity levels as excessive humidity comes with its own set of problems which includes damage to woodwork, mold, and even surface staining.
