Installing a whole-house humidifier can help lessen winter ailments in Des Moines such as itchy skin, a dry nose and cracked lips. Since it runs with your heating system, there’s no need to carry a portable humidifier across your home, sloshing water as you go.

As this system links to your HVAC system, ductwork and plumbing, you’ll want to request skilled whole-house humidifier installation from an HVAC company like Heartland Heating & Cooling. Whole-house humidifier cost depends based on the type of humidifier you choose and how long it takes us to install it.

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

Drum Whole-House Humidifier

Drum humidifiers are the most requested model because they’re the most economical. They usually run between $150–$250 plus installation, according to national averages compiled by HomeAdvisor. They humidify your residence with a padded moving wheel, which lifts and evaporates water.

They’re available as bypass, which operates when your heating system is on, or fan-powered, which works independently. However, the smaller price tag also comes with a greater need for maintenance to avoid mold.

A drum humidifier relies on an evaporative pad to distribute moisture across your house. Depending on how frequently you use the humidifier, you’ll need to put in a new 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 run between $200–$300, plus installation, according to national averages from HomeAdvisor.

They consume more water when compared to a drum model, but the potential for mold is lower because the water empties once the humidification cycle is complete. You can select between bypass and fan models, but you’ll still need to replace the pad at least every year.

Steam Whole-House Humidifier

A steam humidifier is known as the most efficient and requires the least amount of service, as it doesn’t have to have a reservoir of water or an evaporative pad. Depending on the options you want, they can cost from $300 to more than $1,000, plus installation, according to national averages from HomeAdvisor.

Since they can operate without your furnace being on, they may require slightly more utilities than drum and flow-through kinds. However, the trade-off is that they typically don’t involve mold growth.

Make Wintertime Better with a Whole-House Humidifier from Heartland Heating & Cooling

Although a whole-house humidifier is pricier than a portable model, it gives many pluses a single-room model can’t. A few of those benefits involve:

  • Keeping wood flooring, cabinets and furniture from wearing out
  • Creating a better space for family members who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma
  • Reducing usual winter complaints, such as dry skin or chapped lips
  • Decreasing static electricity

Looking to enjoy a more comfortable heating season while at your residence? Our Heartland Heating & Cooling pros can help you find the best whole-house humidifier for your budget. Reach us at 515-344-3579 today to begin the process.