How much does it cost to install a central humidifier?

A central humidifier is used to add humidity to the air in your home. It’s usually needed most in the winter, especially if you regularly run heating. Central humidifiers are installed directly into your home’s HVAC system so that the humidity can be controlled along with the temperature. In this guide, we assess the cost of installing a central humidifier.

Recommended humidity levels

Keeping your home’s air comfortable for you and safe for the house’s structure depends on maintaining a stable humidity level. The EPA suggests that your home maintain less than 50% relative humidity. In the winter, this goes down to 30% - 40%. Improper humidity levels can cause issues with your house and your health.

Problems associated with low humidity include:

• Risk of illness: many viruses thrive in low humidity
• Worsening of conditions like asthma and allergies
• Static electricity
• Damaged wood floors, windows, plaster ¹, paint, etc.
• Needing higher temperatures to feel warm

Problems associated with high humidity include:

• Mold and mildew growth
• Bacteria growth
• Dust mite ² infestation
• Musty odors
• Warped wood floors, window frames, etc.
• Water stains
• Condensation
• Peeling paint
• “Muggy” or “sticky” sensation
• Labored breathing

Humidifier types

• Drum humidifiers use their drums (rotating evaporator pads) to lift water from the resevoir into the air stream, where it’s evaporated.
• Flow-through humidifiers send water flowing through a porous evaporator pad, where it collects and is evaporated.
• Steam humidifiers use their own heat source to warm water into steam, which is then released into the air stream.

Powered or bypass

Humidifiers are either powered or bypass types. Powered humidifiers simply run on electricity and they will always fall at the higher end of the price ranges per type.

Bypass humidifiers have a duct that reaches out from the humidifier and attaches to the forced air furnace on the other side. They rely on the warm air coming from the furnace to evaporate water.

Drum and flow-through humidifiers can be bypass or powered types, while steam humidifiers are always powered. Skuttle, Hamilton, and Aprilaire are common brands that make all types of humidifiers. Honeywell and Aircare are popular flow-through and bypass humidifier producers.

Capacity options

The capacity you should choose depends on your home’s size. The table below provides guidelines for suitable capacities:

Labor

HVAC technicians generally charge $50-$70 per hour. Central humidifier installation usually takes between 3.75 and 4.75 hours ($187.50-$332.50). Time required depends on humidifier size: 10-gallons falls at the lower end of the spectrum, 20-gallons falls at the higher end.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Humidity gauge

A humidity gauge (or “hygrometer”) can help you keep track of the humidity levels in your home. The cost of a humidity gage ranges from $10 for low-end models, to $60+ for high-end models.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Plaster: A paste composed of sand, water, and either lime, gypsum, or cement, which forms a smooth hard surface on walls, ceilings, and other structures upon drying

² Mite: Small, often microscopic invertebrates that mostly live in the soil or water. Some mites are parasitic and live on plants and animals.

⁴ Thermostat: A device that senses and regulates temperature by turning heating and cooling devices on and off