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If you have a substantial space you need to humidify, a larger unit is going to be your natural choice, and as the covered area increases, usually, the price goes up as well. That is why most of the smaller humidifiers don’t cost as much as the larger humidifiers. Some factors can bring about discrepancies in this equation.
Using a whole-house humidifier may reduce overall energy consumption in the winter due to improved comfort at lower temperatures. Dual fuel – Humidifiers are often unnecessary when using a dual fuel heating system. Dual fuel systems primarily use a heat pump and only use the furnace's dry heat when temperatures drop very low.
Where to install a whole-house humidifier?
However, they tend to use less water than other types, and because they’re powered by steam, they help create a purified and hygienic breathing environment. Humidifiers don’t require a ton of maintenance, but it’s still an additional cost homeowners should keep in mind. All humidifiers should receive a maintenance check from a professional on an annual basis. This not only extends the life of the humidifier but can help spot serious issues like mold growth in the unit or ducts. Aprilaire humidifier prices are $130 to $1,000, depending on the type.
Furnaces with a connected humidifier can control the moisture level throughout your home. Doing so can make the air feel warmer, which allows your system to operate at a lower temperature and can help save on energy costs. This type of whole-home humidification cannot be reliably achieved using a portable room humidifier. An improperly connected unit can also fool you by appearing to work perfectly, all while working at low efficiency. Mistakes mean higher operational costs, followed by the potentially hefty labor price to correct the work.
Furnace humidifier cost by type
Homeowners can save on labor by having a humidifier installed during a slower time of the year. All in all, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $900 in labor to add a humidifier to an HVAC system or furnace. Not every type of humidifier is compatible with every type of heating system. So depending on the type of HVAC system in a home, the best humidifier for it can influence the final whole-house humidifier installation cost.
While it certainly takes experience in HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical to install a humidifier, it may also come down to legality. In certain scenarios, a homeowner can’t install a central humidifier on their own unless they’re a certified HVAC professional. Adding a humidistat to a humidifier system can help a homeowner get the most out of their humidifier. On average, a humidistat costs between $30 and $150, with manual models at lower prices and automatic digital models at the higher end of the range.
Humidifier annual maintenance cost
These are a few of the factors that control the cost of any humidifier. It is a rare instance, but usually, as the daily capacity of the humidifier for imparting moisture increases, the cost increases as well. Seek out at least three quotes from different professionals to ensure the homeowner is receiving a fair price. Look for a NATE-certified technician with experience installing whole-house humidifiers. Installing a whole-house humidifier takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on the type and if modifications are needed to make space for the unit.
The Aircare Mini-Console Whole-House Evaporative Humidifier is a great budget-friendly choice that also works in similar-sized areas and is easy to use. A large-capacity whole-house humidifier can set you back significantly. One way to maximize your money is to purchase a model with a manual controller. The Aprilaire 700 unit with a manual controller costs less than its same-size digital counterpart without sacrificing performance. Like the digital option, it has a built-in fan and works in homes up to 5,300 square feet.
Do I need a whole-home humidifier?
They lack some of the parts of the other system types since they’re relying on the furnace or air handler for airflow. The larger Aprilaire 700 system has a built-in fan that pulls air directly from the adjoining furnace and moves it up to 5,300 square feet in your home. Its two sensors monitor the humidity, and automatically adjusts it to get the best results without constant adjustment on your part.
He shared ways that whole house humidifiers can improve overall air quality, steps to take to keep them clean, and when to call in a professional. This unit’s digital control displays the current humidity level, and a manual dial lets you adjust among seven fan speeds. The steam canister also is included in this expensive kit, as are all the tubing and wiring. One of the foremost factors in deciding the cost of a particular humidifier is the coverage it provides.
Steam models are typically wall-mounted and work separately from the home's heating system. A steam humidifier is the cleanest, healthiest choice because the hot water used to create steam kills most germs. Because cooler air doesn’t hold as much moisture as warm air, it’s also important to have the right humidity level.
A top-fill cool-mist humidifier with a humidity sensor from a favorite humidifier brand. You can find home humidifiers at a range of price points to suit budgets large and small. If you use your humidifier only occasionally, this is a particular concern, as a tankful of standing water will breed and multiply germs over time. There are several factors to consider when choosing a home humidifier.
A humidity gauge costs between $10 to $70, though some high-end models can go up to $200. You want to ensure that you're not pumping too much moisture into your home. One way to protect against this is to invest in a humidity gauge that can tell you the percentage of moisture in your air. This will slightly increase the cost of installing a humidifier but will prevent you from having to fix any moisture-related damage in the future. Drum and flow-through models can either be bypass or fan-powered. Since they don’t require an independent motor to run, you can save between $100 to $300 by choosing a bypass system.
They do, however, pose an elevated risk for mold growth and demand a lot of maintenance. Even though this humidifier is a mini-unit and only holds 2.5 gallons, it still works for spaces up to 2,600 square feet. It is also one of the most affordable recommendations on our list, costing less than half of some larger units. It has a digital display that you can use to adjust the humidity level, and it also indicates when it is time to refill the reservoir or check the filter.
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